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Why Study Social Work?

Welcome to the UAB Department of Social Work! Below are a few reasons why you should choose to get your degree in social work at UAB:

Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation and is expected to grow by 12 percent by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Social workers are the largest providers of mental health services, and social work is recognized by federal law and the National Institute of Health as one of five core mental health professions in the U.S. (National Association of Social Workers).
Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs prepare students for practice in health and behavioral health care settings.
Our MSW program is one of a few in the nation that has a sole focus on clinical/medical social work.
Our faculty are passionate leaders in the areas of HIV/AIDS, HCV epidemiology, mental health, health risk behaviors, social work education, social determinants of health, health equity, international social work, diversity, social justice, and anti-oppression.
Our curriculum utilizes cutting-edge instruction and inter-professional simulations alongside numerous health professions across campus.

Social work at UAB ranks top 20 percent nationally
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Department of Social Work is once again ranked among the top 20 percent of programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). According to U.S. News and World Report, UAB has the No. 2 ranked social work program in the state of Alabama. Among all public universities nationwide, UAB’s Department of Social Work ranks No. 44.
Seven students receive 2024 Dean’s Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Throughout the Spring 2024 semester, departments across the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s College of Arts and Sciences submitted nominations for the Dean’s Awards for Outstanding Undergraduate Students and Outstanding Graduate Students. The awards are given to exceptional undergraduate and graduate students in CAS who have made significant contributions to the UAB community.
“Where there is a need, there is a social worker:” Social worker reflects on the value of the profession and the new UAB Social Work Partnership
The Social Work Partnership will bring together academicians, students, and social workers currently working in the field to inform best educational practices aligned with the field requirements.