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.

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

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
Asset reference
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.

Upcoming events

School of Social Work Graduation Reception School of Social Work Graduation Reception

Graduating students in the BS in Youth Studies, MSW, MEd in Youth Development Leadership, and PhD in Social Work programs, along with their families, are invited to attend a graduation reception at Peters Hall.

CEHD Graduate Commencement 2025

Dissertation Presentation: Stories of Somali Motherhood Dissertation Presentation: Stories of Somali Motherhood

PhD candidate Johara Suleiman will present her dissertation "Stories of Somali Motherhood: Uncovering the Impacts of U.S. Child Protection Service Intervention on Somali Mothers’ Self-Understandings."

Johara Suileman, PhD candidate, wears a brown hijab and a green dress and smiles in this professional portrait.

News

Stability for Children in Foster Care Rises 30% After Adoption Reform Stability for Children in Foster Care Rises 30% After Adoption Reform

Recent research study the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) Project at the School of Social Work in the University of Minnesota took a close look at adoption, financial Incentives, and child achievement.

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
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