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General Information

The University of Hawai'i School of Social Work (SW) is recognized nationally and internationally for its outstanding faculty; range of research and publications, including the development of the Social Welfare Evaluation and Research Unit (SWERU); focus on Asian and Pacific Islander groups in Hawai'i; and diverse fields of practice in health, mental health, child and family, and gerontology.

The School of Social Work offers baccalaureate and graduate programs, which award the bachelor of social work (BSW), master of social work (MSW), and a PhD in social welfare. In addition, the school provides continuing education about current knowledge in the field to human-service professionals and paraprofessionals.

Social work is a profession concerned with the prevention and resolution of problems for individuals, families, groups, and communities. Social work students are provided with the knowledge, skills, and values that facilitate the prevention and resolution of such problems. Students who believe in social changes and improving the quality of life and who are committed to working with people, conducting research, and developing resources would find the school's curriculum stimulating.

Mission

The mission of the School of Social Work is to contribute to the advancement of social work practice in its many forms for the purpose of preventing or resolving the most critical social problems. Within this general purpose, the school reaffirms social work's historic commitment to increase social justice and availability of opportunity for underrepresented and oppressed groups. The principal responsibility of the school is the generation, transmission, and application of knowledge that will benefit Hawai'i. In addition, it is the school's responsibility to contribute to knowledge for use by the profession as a whole. In particular, it is the goal of this school to increase comprehension of the ways in which social policy, social work practice, and research can be improved through understanding of the Asian and Pacific cultures of our state and region.

Accreditation

The school's BSW and MSW programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.

Degrees

Bachelor's Degree: BSW
Master's Degree: MSW
Doctoral Degree: PhD in social welfare

Advising

Henke 205
1800 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-3831 (BSW)
(808) 956-7182 (MSW)
(808) 956-3830 (PhD)

Freshman and sophomores who are interested in a career in social work or intend to apply to the school should consult the BSW adviser. The adviser will assist students in academic planning and provide information on career opportunities. 

The Bulletin of the School of Social Work contains information on admissions and degree requirements for the MSW and PhD programs. For a copy of the Bulletin or additional information, write to the School of Social Work at the above address. 

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