Mission
As members of the University of Washington School of Social Work, we commit ourselves to promoting social and economic justice for poor and oppressed populations and enhancing the quality of life for all.
We strive to maximize human welfare through:
- education of effective social work leaders, practitioners and educators who will challenge injustice and promote a more humane society, and whose actions will be guided by vision, compassion, knowledge and disciplined discovery, and deep respect for cultural diversity and human strengths;
- research that engenders understanding of complex social problems, illuminates human capacities for problem-solving, and promotes effective and timely social intervention; and
- public service that enhances the health, well-being and empowerment of disadvantaged communities and populations at local, national and international levels.
We embrace our position of leadership in the field of social work and join in partnership with others in society committed to solving human problems in the twenty-first century.
Additionally, the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice shares the mission of the University of Washington Tacoma.
The University of Washington Tacoma educates diverse learners and transforms communities by expanding the boundaries of knowledge and discovery.
Finally, the Social Work programs commit themselves to providing access to social work education to residents of the south Puget Sound region. (Program goals emanating from UW Tacoma's defining characteristics and guiding principles.)
Land Acknowledgement
We recognize that all of us at UW Tacoma learn, live, and work on or near the ancestral homeland of the Coast Salish people. In particular, our campus is situated on the traditional territory of the Puyallup. And, since we’re gathered virtually, we also want to acknowledge the lands of the Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Suquamish, Duwamish, and all other traditional lands we may be on. As people on these occupied territories, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the land, the ancestors who have cared for this land since time immemorial, and all our Indigenous connections today. We also have the responsibility to acknowledge the histories of dispossession and forced removal that have allowed for the growth and survival of this nation and institution. In light of this history, let us take active efforts to partner with our Indigenous community members and neighbors to seek justice as we continue our work together as a community of learners, leaders, and educators.
Accreditation
The Bachelor in Social Welfare and Master of Social Work programs at the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice at UW Tacoma are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education as a program option under the auspices of the University of Washington School of Social Work in Seattle.
Community Commitment
The School of Social Work and Criminal Justice has strong ties to the South Puget Sound community: our graduate and undergraduate students complete local internships and practicum placements; our faculty conducts collaborative research with partners in our community; and our alumni are actively involved in service and helping professions largely in the South Puget Sound region.
Academic Program Review
Thanks to all who participated in our University of Washington Academic Program Review and took the time to meet with the External Review Committee in late January of 2016. The Review Committee’s final report, with recommendations, is available at the link below. The Review Committee was very positive about our faculty, staff, program, and, above all, students. Congratulations!
