We are pleased that you are visiting the Columbia University School of Social Work website. Part of a world-class university in an international city where the world comes together, the School has a rich history as the oldest and most renowned institution in the United States. It is the only Ivy League school in New York and one of only two Ivy League schools in the nation.

A Leader

For more than a century, seminal work by the faculty of the School of Social Work has shaped the social work profession. Intellectual creativity, publication productivity, and leadership in research and education have distinguished our faculty and the School. Our faculty are engaged in work around the globe, including Azerbaijan, China, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Japan, South Africa, and beyond, and have provided expert consultation to the World Bank, the Open Society, and other leading-edge organizations. We are proud to be first in publication productivity and to also be ranked consistently among the top schools in the nation. We are equally proud of the accomplishments of our alumni, so many of whom are leaders in academia, government, and the private sector here and around the world.

A Wealth of Opportunities

The School offers one of the most comprehensive programs of professional social work education. There are 450 field agencies from which to choose! The unimaginable wealth of interdisciplinary, career development, and sociocultural opportunities available to students is simply part of everyday life at Columbia.

Architects of the Future

The vibrancy of cosmopolitan New York City nurtures the futures-oriented global perspective that makes our School of Social Work so distinctive. Social issues that challenge urban cities worldwide are at the heart of research undertaken by faculty, whose expertise is sought by federal, state, and local governments; foundations; international, national, and local organizations; and the corporate sector. These social issues are the foci of discourse that our diverse students find so invigorating and critical to their development as future leaders.

Our Invitation to You

If you are talented, bright, embrace the social work profession’s values, and are committed to using evidence from research in policy and program development and outcomes-oriented practice, come join us at the Columbia University School of Social Work. There is a wealth of opportunity awaiting you.

Nothing gives us more satisfaction than preparing tomorrow’s professionals to ensure a better future for the community of humankind.

Dean, Columbia University
School of Social Work