University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

History

The School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh was founded in 1918 as a division of the School of Economics' Department of Sociology. In the early stages, coursework was offered to a cohort of students for one year before the program was officially accredited in 1919 by the American Association of Schools of Professional Social Work (AASPSW), a predecessor to the Council on Social Work Education. Early curricular emphases were child welfare, mental health, and community building. Seventeen faculty offered 19 courses. In 1922, the university withdrew from the AASPSW, and the formal social work program was disbanded, though courses continued.

In 1928, course listings in social work reappeared. In 1931, the Division of Social Work was created as a separate unit within the Department of Sociology. Students in that era earned a Master of Arts in Social Work. Also in 1931, the Division of Social Work established an Agency Advisory Committee, an Agency Advisory Committee for Group Work, an Agency Advisory Committee for Medical Social Work, and an Agency Advisory Committee for Policy Studies. In 1932, the university began the process of having its accreditation reinstated by the AASPSW, a request made formally in January 1933. In July 1933, Marion Hathway was recruited by Elmer from the University of Chicago as an assistant professor. Hathway's responsibilities were to direct the social work program, obtain accreditation for the program and to build toward the establishment of a School of Social Work separate from the Department of Sociology.

The AASPSW granted full accreditation to the program in 1934, which had an enrollment of 252 students. In 1938, the University of Pittsburgh created the School of Applied Social Sciences as the university's 18th separate school. Wilbur I. Newstetter became the new school's first dean in 1938 and served until 1962. Historically, the social work program has had several designations: Division of Social Work (1918–1922); Division of Social Work in the Department of Sociology (1931–1938); School of Applied Social Sciences (1938–1947); School of Social Work (1947–1957); Graduate School of Social Work (1957–1971); and the School of Social Work (1971 to the present). For the remainder of this article, the social work program will be referred to as "the School."

During the 1930s and 1940s, the school's curriculum embraced the traditional social casework course of studies, but began immediately to create curriculum, deliver papers in such forums as the National Council of Social Work and publish articles and text books in social group work and community organization (initially called "intergroup work") by Dean W. I. Newstetter, a major contributor to the formation of this field of specialization in social work.

Academic programs

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

The BASW Program includes a liberal arts base and prepares students for entry-level generalist social work and for graduate education. The program aims to provide students with the skills needed to engage in culturally competent practice with diverse populations; promotes critical analysis of environmental factors affecting individuals, families, and communities; and promote advocacy for those who confront institutional barriers in order to prepare students for service and leadership.

Master of Social Work Program (MSW)

The University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree offers students the opportunity to become transformative change makers by elevating their knowledge and honing their skill set to become licensed clinicians, community and system leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and more.

The program offers a face-to-face option and a part-time online option.

Specializations include Direct Practice with Individuals, Families, and Small Groups (Direct Practice) and Community, Organization, and Social Action (COSA). Areas of focus and certificate opportunities include: Integrated Health; Children, Youth, and Families; Gerontology; Home and School Visitor/School Social Worker; Human Services Management; Mental Health; and Community Organizing and Practice.

Doctoral Program

The social work doctoral program awarded its first degrees in 1949 and prepares students for careers in academic research, teaching, or social policy planning and administration.

Joint Degree Programs

The school offers the following joint/dual degrees: Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Social Work/Master of Divinity; Master of Social Work/Master of Public Administration; Master of Social Work/Master of Public and International Affairs; Master of Social Work/Master of International Development; Master of Social Work/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work; Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health; Master of Social Work/Juris Doctor; Master of Social Work with a Certificate in Secondary Education (MSW/CAST); and PhD/Master of Public Health (MPH).

Alumni

Hundreds of the school's alumni have attained major leadership careers as public officials; deans, directors, chancellors and presidents in higher education and social work education; researchers and faculty; and executives of social service agencies, foundations and professional organizations; and a wide range of administrative and leadership positions in industry, commerce, the military, and government.

Leadership

In 2026, Kyaien O. Conner was named Dean, the first Black woman to hold the position. In 2018, Elizabeth M.Z. Farmer was named Dean, the first woman to hold the position. Previous deans include Larry E. Davis and David Epperson.

Rankings and reputation

As of 2024, it is ranked tied for 12th out of 319 schools for social work in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.