The School of Social Work and Criminal Justice is operating remotely, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Staff can be contacted by email.
For resources for students affected by COVID-19, please see this document or visit the website for the Office of the Chancellor.
Fostering Safety and Healing at the Intersections of Social Work and Criminal Justice
MSW
Master of Social Work
UW Tacoma's part-time, evening Master of Social Work (MSW) programs seek to enroll well-qualified students with diverse backgrounds. We especially seek applicants who are committed to work with diverse populations.
BASW
Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare
The Social Welfare major is dedicated to preparing competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive social workers with specialized knowledge and skills who are committed to evidence-based practice and to planned social change.
CJ
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice degree offers a multidisciplinary understanding of crime and justice within the framework of broader social processes within our society. It looks at all major aspects of the justice system from an ecological systems approach rather than a specialization in one narrow content area. The curriculum provides a theoretical understanding of the discipline, combined with an understanding of the scientific method as it applies to criminal justice.
Welcome
Welcome to the University of Washington Tacoma's School of Social Work and Criminal Justice, where student success is our top priority! Whether pursuing an undergraduate degree in social welfare or criminal justice, or a graduate degree in social work, you will find excellent opportunities for academic and professional growth. Our accomplished faculty and staff are committed to your success.
We are all well-aware of the additional challenges facing us in the current moment. The pandemic has resulted in unspeakable suffering and loss of life, economic challenges, and struggles related to remote teaching and learning. The ongoing fight for racial justice has invigorated grassroots movements across the U.S. and globally. We strongly believe that our School, with its integration of social work and criminal justice, is poised to make meaningful and lasting impact in our communities through our students, staff, and faculty. We affirm our commitment to racial and social justice and to supporting one another with understanding and kindness.
As acting deans, we are invested in you as students and in the continued development of the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice at UW Tacoma. We are excited about our recent transition from a Program to School and look forward to working with students, faculty, staff, and administration to hire an inaugural Dean who will lead us into an exciting shared future full of opportunities.
With a shared commitment to student success and an affirmation of the social justice values that sit at the core of the School's mission, we hope to continue the development of creative cross-disciplinary initiatives for students, faculty, and staff that align with the strengths and needs of South Puget Sound community. Stay safe and stay well.
Acting Dean Marcie Lazzari, Ph.D., ACSW, MSW
Acting Associate Dean of Finance and Operations Jeffrey Cohen, Ph.D.
Affirming Social Justice
The social work and criminal justice faculty and staff are committed to social justice as the foundation for engaging with our students, one another, and the communities we serve.
This commitment is reflected in our core values, which include:
- Empowering individuals as change agents;
- Reducing systemic and societal barriers that impede individuals from achieving their full potential;
- Fostering a community that promotes critical self-reflection, discovery, and action;
- Engaging micro and macro practice to advocate and achieve a more compassionate and equitable society.
Committed to Our Community
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.
Learn more about community engagement and endowment opportunities.
Giving Opportunities
Visit the University of Washington Foundation to learn more about needs, find opportunities, and make a gift.
