College of Education and Human Development

School of Social Work

Prepare to Build a Better World

At the School of Social Work, we practice what we teach: leadership, scholarship, social justice, and community engagement.

Part of a world-class research university, our academic programs prepare all students to be research-minded professionals and scholars.

See our degree programs

Academic programs: graduate and undergraduate

Our Social Work PhD and Master of Social Work programs promote the knowledge, skills and values of the social work profession. Our Youth Development Leadership M.Ed. program supports an expanded understanding of young people, in the United States and internationally. Our undergraduate programs — youth studies, family violence prevention, and social justice — support and promote ways of valuing, living, and working in the world that further social change and the common good.

PhD in Social Work

Leverage your curiosity to address complex social challenges through community-based research.  

See program details

Master of Social Work

Advance your career as a social worker, and prepare to take a leadership role in the profession. Dual degree programs available.

Read about our MSW

MEd in Youth Development

This masters degree combines practice, experiential learning, and leading edge scholarship about youth work and youth development.

Learn about our MEd

Undergraduate Major in Youth Studies

Youth Studies is an interdisciplinary program that prepares graduates to work in a wide range of professional spaces.

Get more information

$1.2 Million in scholarships and fellowships awarded to students across various programs
School of Social Work 2023 Graduation Ceremony at Ted Mann Concert Hall

Our Faculty

Small class sizes. 

Renowned faculty. 

A commitment to social equity & justice. 

Make your mark as an advanced scholar & practitioner at the School of Social Work. 

The future starts now.

Meet our faculty

Upcoming events

Stretch for Youth Online Yogathon Stretch for Youth Online Yogathon

Join Associate Director Joseph Merighi in Peters Hall 5 or on Zoom to do 108 sun salutations to raise money for Sky Schools, a proprietary wellness-focused curriculum that offers evidence-based SEL programs for K-12 students.

Sanskrit character for the word "Ohm," the sound of two objects not touching.

4th Annual MSW Job Fair 4th Annual MSW Job Fair

The University of Minnesota School of Social Work is hosting the 4th Annual MSW Job Fair on Monday, January 26, 2026, 1 pm -4 pm.

A hiring manager talks to a student looking for work at a university career fair.
See all SSW events

News

For Happier Holidays, Help People in Recovery Manage Expectations For Happier Holidays, Help People in Recovery Manage Expectations

While it can often be a joyful time, those in recovery find that the season can also bring challenges, even threats to one’s sobriety, making the holidays especially tricky. SSW Associate Professor Amy Krentzman offers research-backed insights.

SSW Faculty and PhD Candidates Present at CSWE Conference SSW Faculty and PhD Candidates Present at CSWE Conference

More than 10 UMN School of Social Work researchers, both faculty and PhD candidates, presented at the 2025 Council on Social Work Education conference in Denver.

CEHD Research and Innovation day

DIRT Youth Program Teaches Kids Gardening, Healthy Eating DIRT Youth Program Teaches Kids Gardening, Healthy Eating

In partnership with Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative Student Housing, SSW PhD Candidate Kenny Turck and Youth Studies intern Beth Avitia to offer a nature-based youth program this summer.

Youth participants tend the community garden in the DIRT educational program run by UMN SSW and CTC.
Please configure this component to see content.
See all SSW news