social work research opportunities

Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards

The NASW Foundation is committed to enriching the social work profession and empowering social workers to be leaders in social policy and practice. At the heart of this commitment are national educational, research, and awards programs, which provide: doctoral fellowships, graduate school scholarships, chapter research grants, national recognition awards, lectures, symposiums, and special projects.

Some of these programs have been in existence for more than 20 years – formerly, as part of The Social Workers’ National Research and Education Fund. Today they operate within the NASW Foundation.

Scholarships

Fellowships

Recognition Awards

Other Awards

• The Ruth Fizdale Program for NASW Chapter Research.
• Willard C. Wichers Ethics Education Program
• NASW Foundation 2021-2022 scholarship award recipients.
• NASW Foundation news and information.
• NASW Foundation Upcoming Events.
• NASW Foundation past policy, training, educational seminars, and other events.

NASW National Awards

The NASW National Awards recognize leaders in the profession and in our communities who fully embody social work values and ethics. Our past award recipients have accomplished the extraordinary and we have been honored to recognize them. Read More >>

NASW Foundation / NASW Chapter Partnership

The NASW Foundation, as the tax-exempt subsidiary of NASW, is available to all NASW Chapters to house funds that are to be used for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, and for which tax deductibility by the donor is desired. Learn More

NASW Foundation Scholars

Meet the 2022-23 NASW Foundation MSW Scholars

Please contact us at [email protected] .

A Virtual Night at the Awards 2020

A Night To Remember was held on October 29, 2020. Watch the event recording

The link between social work research and practice

When thinking about social work, some may consider the field to solely focus on clinical interventions with individuals or groups.

There may be a mistaken impression that research is not a part of the social work profession. This is completely false. Rather, the two have been and will continue to need to be intertwined.

This guide covers why social workers should care about research, how both social work practice and social work research influence and guide each other, how to build research skills both as a student and as a professional working in the field, and the benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills. 

A selection of social work research jobs are also discussed.  

• Social workers and research
• Evidence-based practice
• Practice and research
• Research and practice
• Build research skills
• Social worker as researcher
• Benefits of research skills
• Research jobs

Why should social workers care about research?

Sometimes it may seem as though social work practice and social work research are two separate tracks running parallel to each other – they both seek to improve the lives of clients, families and communities, but they don’t interact. This is not the way it is supposed to work.

Research and practice should be intertwined, with each affecting the other and improving processes on both ends, so that it leads to better outcomes for the population we’re serving.

Section 5 of the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics is focused on social workers’ ethical responsibilities to the social work profession. There are two areas in which research is mentioned in upholding our ethical obligations: for the integrity of the profession (section 5.01) and for evaluation and research (section 5.02). 

Some of the specific guidance provided around research and social work include:

• 5.01(b): …Social workers should protect, enhance, and improve the integrity of the profession through appropriate study and research, active discussion, and responsible criticism of the profession.
• 5.01(d): Social workers should contribute to the knowledge base of social work and share with colleagues their knowledge related to practice, research, and ethics…
• 5.02(a) Social workers should monitor and evaluate policies, the implementation of programs, and practice interventions.
• 5.02(b) Social workers should promote and facilitate evaluation and research to contribute to the development of knowledge.
• 5.02(c) Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice.
• 5.02(q) Social workers should educate themselves, their students, and their colleagues about responsible research practices.

Evidence-based practice and evidence-based treatment

In order to strengthen the profession and determine that the interventions we are providing are, in fact, effective, we must conduct research. When research and practice are intertwined, this leads practitioners to develop evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based treatment (EBT).

Evidence-based practice is, according to The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) , a process involving creating an answerable question based on a client or organizational need, locating the best available evidence to answer the question, evaluating the quality of the evidence as well as its applicability, applying the evidence, and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the solution. 

Evidence-based treatment is any practice that has been established as effective through scientific research according to a set of explicit criteria (Drake et al., 2001). These are interventions that, when applied consistently, routinely produce improved client outcomes. 

For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was one of a variety of interventions for those with anxiety disorders. Researchers wondered if CBT was better than other intervention options in producing positive, consistent results for clients.

So research was conducted comparing multiple types of interventions, and the evidence (research results) demonstrated that CBT was the best intervention.

The anecdotal evidence from practice combined with research evidence determined that CBT should become the standard treatment for those diagnosed with anxiety. Now more social workers are getting trained in CBT methods in order to offer this as a treatment option to their clients.

How does social work practice affect research?

Social work practice provides the context and content for research. For example, agency staff was concerned about the lack of nutritional food in their service area, and heard from clients that it was too hard to get to a grocery store with a variety of foods, because they didn’t have transportation, or public transit took too long. 

So the agency applied for and received a grant to start a farmer’s market in their community, an urban area that was considered a food desert. This program accepted their state’s version of food stamps as a payment option for the items sold at the farmer’s market.

The agency used their passenger van to provide free transportation to and from the farmer’s market for those living more than four blocks from the market location.

The local university also had a booth each week at the market with nursing and medical students checking blood pressure and providing referrals to community agencies that could assist with medical needs. The agency was excited to improve the health of its clients by offering this program.

But how does the granting foundation know if this was a good use of their money? This is where research and evaluation comes in. Research could gather data to answer a number of questions. Here is but a small sample:

• How many community members visited each week and purchased fruits and vegetables? 
• How many took advantage of the transportation provided, and how many walked to the market? 
• How many took advantage of the blood pressure checks? Were improvements seen in those numbers for those having repeat blood pressure readings throughout the market season? 
• How much did the self-reported fruit and vegetable intake increase for customers? 
• What barriers did community members report in visiting and buying food from the market (prices too high? Inconvenient hours?)
• Do community members want the program to continue next year?
• Was the program cost-effective, or did it waste money by paying for a driver and for gasoline to offer free transportation that wasn’t utilized? What are areas where money could be saved without compromising the quality of the program?
• What else needs to be included in this program to help improve the health of community members?

How does research affect social work practice?

Research can guide practice to implement proven strategies. It can also ask the ‘what if’ or ‘how about’ questions that can open doors for new, innovative interventions to be developed (and then research the effectiveness of those interventions).

Engel and Schutt (2017) describe four categories of research used in social work:

• Descriptive research is research in which social phenomena are defined and described. A descriptive research question would be ‘How many homeless women with substance use disorder live in the metro area?’
• Exploratory research seeks to find out how people get along in the setting under question, what meanings they give to their actions, and what issues concern them. An example research question would be ‘What are the barriers to homeless women with substance use disorder receiving treatment services?’
• Explanatory research seeks to identify causes and effects of social phenomena. It can be used to rule out other explanations for findings and show how two events are related to each other.  An explanatory research question would be ‘Why do women with substance use disorder become homeless?’
• Evaluation research describes or identifies the impact of social programs and policies. This type of research question could be ‘How effective was XYZ treatment-first program that combined housing and required drug/alcohol abstinence in keeping women with substance use disorder in stable housing 2 years after the program ended?’

Each of the above types of research can answer important questions about the population, setting or intervention being provided. This can help practitioners determine which option is most effective or cost-efficient or that clients are most likely to adhere to. In turn, this data allows social workers to make informed choices on what to keep in their practice, and what needs changing. 

How to build research skills while in school

There are a number of ways to build research skills while a student.  BSW and MSW programs require a research course, but there are other ways to develop these skills beyond a single class:

• Volunteer to help a professor working in an area of interest. Professors are often excited to share their knowledge and receive extra assistance from students with similar interests.
• Participate in student research projects where you’re the subject. These are most often found in psychology departments. You can learn a lot about the informed consent process and how data is collected by volunteering as a research participant.  Many of these studies also pay a small amount, so it’s an easy way to earn a bit of extra money while you’re on campus. 
• Create an independent study research project as an elective and work with a professor who is an expert in an area you’re interested in.  You’d design a research study, collect the data, analyze it, and write a report or possibly even an article you can submit to an academic journal.
• Some practicum programs will have you complete a small evaluation project or assist with a larger research project as part of your field education hours. 
• In MSW programs, some professors hire students to conduct interviews or enter data on their funded research projects. This could be a good part time job while in school.
• Research assistant positions are more common in MSW programs, and these pay for some or all your tuition in exchange for working a set number of hours per week on a funded research project.

How to build research skills while working as a social worker

Social service agencies are often understaffed, with more projects to complete than there are people to complete them.

Taking the initiative to volunteer to survey clients about what they want and need, conduct an evaluation on a program, or seeing if there is data that has been previously collected but not analyzed and review that data and write up a report can help you stand out from your peers, be appreciated by management and other staff, and may even lead to a raise, a promotion, or even new job opportunities because of the skills you’ve developed.

Benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills

Social workers with strong research skills can have the opportunity to work on various projects, and at higher levels of responsibility. 

Many can be promoted into administration level positions after demonstrating they understand how to conduct, interpret and report research findings and apply those findings to improving the agency and their programs.

There’s also a level of confidence knowing you’re implementing proven strategies with your clients. 

Social work research jobs

There are a number of ways in which you can blend interests in social work and research. A quick search on Glassdoor.com and Indeed.com retrieved the following positions related to social work research:

• Research Coordinator on a clinical trial offering psychosocial supportive interventions and non-addictive pain treatments to minimize opioid use for pain.
• Senior Research Associate leading and overseeing research on a suite of projects offered in housing, mental health and corrections.
• Research Fellow in a school of social work
• Project Policy Analyst for large health organization
• Health Educator/Research Specialist to implement and evaluate cancer prevention and screening programs for a health department
• Research Interventionist providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia patients participating in a clinical trial
• Research Associate for Child Care and Early Education
• Social Services Data Researcher for an organization serving adults with disabilities.
• Director of Community Health Equity Research Programs evaluating health disparities.

No matter your population or area of interest, you’d likely be able to find a position that integrated research and social work. 

Social work practice and research are and should remain intertwined. This is the only way we can know what questions to ask about the programs and services we are providing, and ensure our interventions are effective. 

There are many opportunities to develop research skills while in school and while working in the field, and these skills can lead to some interesting positions that can make a real difference to clients, families and communities. 

Drake, R. E., Goldman, H., Leff, H. S., Lehman, A. F., Dixon, L., Mueser, K. T., et al. (2001). Implementing evidence-based practices in routine mental health service settings. Psychiatric Services, 52(2), 179-182. 

Engel, R.J., & Schutt, R.K. (2017). The Practice of Research in Social Work. Sage.

National Association of Social Workers. (n.d). Evidence Based Practice. Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Research-Data/Social-Work-Policy-Research/Evidence-Based-Practice

Related Pages

• January 15, 2020. SSWR open-letter to Congress, Poverty and Racism: Social Work Science for Action
• JSSWR Journal
• Mission, Vision, and Values
• SSWR Anti‑Harassment Policy and Code of Ethics and Procedures for Review of Member Conduct
• SSWR Board of Directors
• SSWR Bylaws
• SSWR Strategic Plan 2024-2028

The Society for Social Work and Research was founded in 1994 as a free-standing organization dedicated to the advancement of social work research. SSWR works collaboratively with a number of other organizations that are committed to improving support for research among social workers. Our members include faculty in schools of social work and other professional schools, research staff in public and private agencies, and masters/doctoral students.

SSWR’s more than 1800 members come from 45 states in the United States as well as from Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad, and the United Kingdom.

SSWR’s members represent more than 200 universities and institutions.

Society for Social Work and Research Strategic Plan ( for PDF click here )

The Society for Social Work and Research advances, disseminates, and translates research that addresses issues of social work practice and policy and promotes a diverse, just, and equitable society.

The Society:

• encourages the design, implementation, and dissemination of rigorous research that enhances knowledge about critical social work practice and social policy problems and advances social welfare practices and programs;
• fosters a trans-disciplinary inter-professional support network of investigators conducting research on social work practice and social policy in the United States and around the world;
• provides learning opportunities to improve the conduct of social work-relevant research and its application;
• promotes practices and policies grounded in an evidence-based;
• supports increased research funding and training programs for social work researchers;
• provides formal recognition of significant contributions to social work-relevant research; and
• seeks active partnerships with other social work and research-related organizations to accomplish all of the above.

Membership Benefits

• Free electronic subscription to the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research (JSSWR) available on the SSWR website
• Reduced registration fee at the SSWR Annual Conference;
• SSWR annual electronic member newsletter;
• Reduced subscription rate to Research on Social Work Practice (RSWP). To view discounted rates and how to subscribe, please go to https://secured.sagepub.com/rswp.html ;
• Reduced subscription rate to Social Service Review (SSR). To view discounted rates and how to subscribe, please go to http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/order/ssr ;
• Reduced subscription rate (30%) to the journal Qualitative Social Work (QSW). Please e-mail [email protected] and mention your SSWR membership. For more information visit the QSW website at www.sagepub.co.uk/qsw ;
• Inclusion in the SSWR online membership directory;
• Advocacy for social work research;
• National Research Capacity Building Initiative;
• SSWR Listserv that delivers up-to-date announcements regarding social work research;
• Job Posting service to link researchers and scholars with employers with available positions; and
• Access to the Doctoral Student Center is available on the SSWR website.

Faculty & Research

A culture of impact — it’s what drives us. And it defines our research. Our world-class faculty and two research centers are at the forefront of social justice leadership and innovation.

American Academy of Social Work​ and Social Welfare fellows (faculty and faculty emeriti)

dollars in total research awards (FY21)

nationally recognized research centers

full-time faculty

Our Faculty

Learn about our faculty: explore recent publications, areas of expertise, and the courses they teach.

Thomas Byrne

Associate Professor & Charles River Campus Advisor

Hyeouk Chris Hahm

Associate Dean for Research Professor

Darien Alexander Williams

Assistant Professor

Our two nationally recognized research centers focus on innovation and impact, tackling today's most pressing social challenges.

Areas of Expertise

From health to housing, our faculty research is at the forefront of social work innovation. Our expertise includes 12 key areas of focus​.

A sampling of current projects, working gro​ups, and research initiatives.

Current grants at BU School of Soc​ial Work and abstract information.

Research Areas

The School of Social Work faculty regularly focus on research that impacts people not only throughout the nation, but throughout the world. Our research can be grouped into six main themes: Child Welfare, Health and Mental Health, Poverty, Social Innovation, Social Work Research in Schools, and Workforce Development. We are experts in a variety of scientific methods including advanced observational science, advanced statistics, intervention science, qualitative research, and program evaluation.

The School of Social Work faculty and their collaborators are focused on the following research themes:

Child Welfare at the School of Social Work is defined as the social policies, practices, and services aimed at ensuring the safety, permanence and well-being of children and their families. Child welfare researchers engage a wide range of issues including the epidemiology of child maltreatment and public health implications, foster care and child welfare service delivery, and the impacts of policy on outcomes. Scholars focus their work both locally and nationally in the areas of:

• Epidemiology of Child Maltreatment and Public Health – Advancing understanding of the incidence of child abuse and neglect in the United States along with their multi-level, interacting risk and protective factors and making a case for viewing child abuse and neglect in the United States as a critical public health issue
• Foster Care and Child Welfare Services – Evaluating the service delivery and outcomes of children involved in public welfare systems and using research to support child welfare systems and agencies to be responsive to needs
• Consumer-Perspectives and Experiences – Capturing the perspectives of children, families, and other child welfare professionals and using research to make person-centered-driven recommendations in systems of care
• Strengthening Outcomes of Children and Families – Evaluating the degree to which policy, practices and services in Illinois have the intended impacts and using research to support decision makers in Illinois to make system decisions

Informed by a health equity framework, health and mental health research at the School of Social Work are broadly defined as a state in which all individuals have access to the resources necessary to achieve social, physical, and psychological well-being.  Researchers at the School focus their work locally and internationally in the areas of:

• Developing and testing behavioral health interventions to improve physical and mental health and to reduce substance use and enhance adherence to treatment through community engaged research
• Identifying social determinants of health and health disparity among LGBTQ people of color, people with serious mental illness, older adults, and people with disabilities in marginalized urban and underserved rural communities
• Detecting risk and protective health factors for perinatal women, children and families, people exposed to violence, and those with chronic health conditions
• Determining impact of demographic and epidemiological changes on communities, addressing barriers to accessing and obtaining equitable health care, and tracking the role of technology in treatment

Poverty at the School of Social Work is defined as a state in which individuals, families, and communities lack access to material resources and political, social, and economic opportunities. Our poverty research includes primary and secondary analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to identify multi-level risk/protective factors, determine the impacts of policy interventions, and make science-based practice and policy recommendations. Scholars focus their work locally and internationally in the areas of:

• Economic Security – Determining the impact of developmental approaches on economic well-being and the long-term employment and earning trajectories of children and families living in poverty
• Access to Resources – Developing and testing innovative and strategic policy initiatives that increase access to benefits and understanding the ways access to resources effects child and family well-being
• Health and well-being – Identifying the effects of poverty on health and well-being of individuals and communities

Social Innovation research in the School of Social Work is defined as the use of technology and bottom-up innovation strategies to create new solutions to social problems and transform social systems. Our social innovation research crosses disciplinary boundaries and has a focus on real world impact.  Scholars at the School focus on:

• Use of advanced mixed reality and virtual reality (VR) software to deliver psychotherapy and health education programming to racial/ethnic minority and vulnerable populations
• Understanding the impact of volunteerism on sustainable social development
• Developing and testing new tech-based applications to improve mental health and reduce substance use in the U.S. and internationally
• Use of technology to deliver behavioral health interventions for older adults
• Assessing gender, racial, and geographic inequalities in social enterprise and entrepreneurship

Social Work in Schools research at Illinois addresses multiple aspects of education and schooling and focuses on the promotion of just and equitable learning environments. Scholars at the School focus on:

• Identifying aspects and impacts of structural racism and discriminatory practices, developing and evaluating alternatives to suspension
• Evaluating the impacts of policy reforms on students, institutions, and communities and the implementation of evidence- based best practices
• Developing and conducting evaluation at the school, district, and state levels to assess the impact of programming
• Detecting preventative and risk factors, aspects of the social environment, and social emotional well-being that impact academic achievement
• The development, implementation, and promotion of prevention, intervention, and remedial strategies and research within schools

Workforce Development is broadly defined by the School of Social Work as the development of community- based infrastructure and dissemination of training and educational models that are responsive to the changing landscape of the profession. Researchers at the School focus on:

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum that supports social work education in fields such as substance use disorders, health, behavioral health, child welfare, school social work, leadership and social change, trauma informed practice.
• We work with partners to develop solutions to address the behavioral and mental health workforce crisis and grow, recruit, and retain a qualified, modern, diverse, and evolving social work workforce

Graduate Program Social Work and Social Research

• Program Details

Degree Details

• Doctorate (D) Total Credits 90 Start Term Fall Delivery Method On campus

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods

Social Work and Social Research Doctorate Overview

The Ph.D. Program in Social Work and Social Research at Portland State University educates the next generation of scholars, researchers, teachers, and leaders in social work and related fields. Students will be prepared to contribute to scholarly knowledge, conduct ethical, rigorous, and community-engaged research, and teach passionately and effectively in various settings--all with special attention to equity and justice.

The Ph.D. Program admitted its first cohort in 1992, and since then doctoral graduates have been hired into tenure-track academic positions in universities across the country. Many conduct research as principal investigators on major research projects, and others hold leadership roles in diverse communities and at social service organizations.

The program employs an innovative curriculum that prepares graduates to become leading academics, researchers, and scholars. It is rigorous, relevant, and responsive to the future of social work education and scholarship and continues its focus on the promotion of social and economic justice for the improvement of communities.

PH.D. PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Coursework built through a focused social justice lens.

The program teaches students to recognize and interrupt the expression or perpetuation of privilege, discrimination, inequality, and structural systems of oppression. All graduates will learn how to promote justice and equity through critically informed research, teaching, and action. Students learn to recognize and interrupt the expression or perpetuation of privilege, discrimination, inequality, and structural systems of oppression.

INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION

Students can take courses in other colleges, schools and departments of the university, including: OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Department of Psychology, and Department of Sociology.

COMMUNITY-ENGAGED RESEARCH

Students engage in research projects working with a wide variety of community and governmental agencies, programs and leaders.

COURSEWORK DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU A BETTER TEACHER

The curriculum highlights teaching pedagogy in social work and social science related disciplines using a variety of didactic, interactive, and experiential strategies. Students gain instructional skills teaching in classroom and community settings.

Learn More About Ph.D. Program Competencies

Social Work and Social Research Doctorate: Why PSU?

What can i do with a doctorate in social work and social research.

Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

Social workers advocate for the well-being of individuals, families and communities. But how do social workers know what interventions are needed to help an individual? How do they assess whether a treatment plan is working? What do social workers use to write evidence-based policy?

Social work involves research-informed practice and practice-informed research. At every level, social workers need to know objective facts about the populations they serve, the efficacy of their interventions and the likelihood that their policies will improve lives. A variety of social work research methods make that possible.

Data-Driven Work

Data is a collection of facts used for reference and analysis. In a field as broad as social work, data comes in many forms.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

As with any research, social work research involves both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Quantitative Research

Answers to questions like these can help social workers know about the populations they serve — or hope to serve in the future.

• How many students currently receive reduced-price school lunches in the local school district?
• How many hours per week does a specific individual consume digital media?
• How frequently did community members access a specific medical service last year?

Quantitative data — facts that can be measured and expressed numerically — are crucial for social work.

Quantitative research has advantages for social scientists. Such research can be more generalizable to large populations, as it uses specific sampling methods and lends itself to large datasets. It can provide important descriptive statistics about a specific population. Furthermore, by operationalizing variables, it can help social workers easily compare similar datasets with one another.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative data — facts that cannot be measured or expressed in terms of mere numbers or counts — offer rich insights into individuals, groups and societies. It can be collected via interviews and observations.

• What attitudes do students have toward the reduced-price school lunch program?
• What strategies do individuals use to moderate their weekly digital media consumption?
• What factors made community members more or less likely to access a specific medical service last year?

Qualitative research can thereby provide a textured view of social contexts and systems that may not have been possible with quantitative methods. Plus, it may even suggest new lines of inquiry for social work research.

Mixed Methods Research

Combining quantitative and qualitative methods into a single study is known as mixed methods research. This form of research has gained popularity in the study of social sciences, according to a 2019 report in the academic journal Theory and Society. Since quantitative and qualitative methods answer different questions, merging them into a single study can balance the limitations of each and potentially produce more in-depth findings.

However, mixed methods research is not without its drawbacks. Combining research methods increases the complexity of a study and generally requires a higher level of expertise to collect, analyze and interpret the data. It also requires a greater level of effort, time and often money.

The Importance of Research Design

Data-driven practice plays an essential role in social work. Unlike philanthropists and altruistic volunteers, social workers are obligated to operate from a scientific knowledge base.

To know whether their programs are effective, social workers must conduct research to determine results, aggregate those results into comprehensible data, analyze and interpret their findings, and use evidence to justify next steps.

Employing the proper design ensures that any evidence obtained during research enables social workers to reliably answer their research questions.

Research Methods in Social Work

The various social work research methods have specific benefits and limitations determined by context. Common research methods include surveys, program evaluations, needs assessments, randomized controlled trials, descriptive studies and single-system designs.

Surveys involve a hypothesis and a series of questions in order to test that hypothesis. Social work researchers will send out a survey, receive responses, aggregate the results, analyze the data, and form conclusions based on trends.

Surveys are one of the most common research methods social workers use — and for good reason. They tend to be relatively simple and are usually affordable. However, surveys generally require large participant groups, and self-reports from survey respondents are not always reliable.

Program Evaluations

Social workers ally with all sorts of programs: after-school programs, government initiatives, nonprofit projects and private programs, for example.

Crucially, social workers must evaluate a program’s effectiveness in order to determine whether the program is meeting its goals and what improvements can be made to better serve the program’s target population.

Evidence-based programming helps everyone save money and time, and comparing programs with one another can help social workers make decisions about how to structure new initiatives. Evaluating programs becomes complicated, however, when programs have multiple goal metrics, some of which may be vague or difficult to assess (e.g., “we aim to promote the well-being of our community”).

Needs Assessments

Social workers use needs assessments to identify services and necessities that a population lacks access to.

Common social work populations that researchers may perform needs assessments on include:

• People in a specific income group
• Everyone in a specific geographic region
• A specific ethnic group
• People in a specific age group

In the field, a social worker may use a combination of methods (e.g., surveys and descriptive studies) to learn more about a specific population or program. Social workers look for gaps between the actual context and a population’s or individual’s “wants” or desires.

For example, a social worker could conduct a needs assessment with an individual with cancer trying to navigate the complex medical-industrial system. The social worker may ask the client questions about the number of hours they spend scheduling doctor’s appointments, commuting and managing their many medications. After learning more about the specific client needs, the social worker can identify opportunities for improvements in an updated care plan.

In policy and program development, social workers conduct needs assessments to determine where and how to effect change on a much larger scale. Integral to social work at all levels, needs assessments reveal crucial information about a population’s needs to researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Needs assessments may fall short, however, in revealing the root causes of those needs (e.g., structural racism).

Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized controlled trials are studies in which a randomly selected group is subjected to a variable (e.g., a specific stimulus or treatment) and a control group is not. Social workers then measure and compare the results of the randomized group with the control group in order to glean insights about the effectiveness of a particular intervention or treatment.

Randomized controlled trials are easily reproducible and highly measurable. They’re useful when results are easily quantifiable. However, this method is less helpful when results are not easily quantifiable (i.e., when rich data such as narratives and on-the-ground observations are needed).

Descriptive Studies

Descriptive studies immerse the researcher in another context or culture to study specific participant practices or ways of living. Descriptive studies, including descriptive ethnographic studies, may overlap with and include other research methods:

• Informant interviews
• Census data
• Observation

By using descriptive studies, researchers may glean a richer, deeper understanding of a nuanced culture or group on-site. The main limitations of this research method are that it tends to be time-consuming and expensive.

Single-System Designs

Unlike most medical studies, which involve testing a drug or treatment on two groups — an experimental group that receives the drug/treatment and a control group that does not — single-system designs allow researchers to study just one group (e.g., an individual or family).

Single-system designs typically entail studying a single group over a long period of time and may involve assessing the group’s response to multiple variables.

For example, consider a study on how media consumption affects a person’s mood. One way to test a hypothesis that consuming media correlates with low mood would be to observe two groups: a control group (no media) and an experimental group (two hours of media per day). When employing a single-system design, however, researchers would observe a single participant as they watch two hours of media per day for one week and then four hours per day of media the next week.

These designs allow researchers to test multiple variables over a longer period of time. However, similar to descriptive studies, single-system designs can be fairly time-consuming and costly.

Learn More About Social Work Research Methods

Social workers have the opportunity to improve the social environment by advocating for the vulnerable — including children, older adults and people with disabilities — and facilitating and developing resources and programs.

Learn more about how you can earn your  Master of Social Work online at Virginia Commonwealth University . The highest-ranking school of social work in Virginia, VCU has a wide range of courses online. That means students can earn their degrees with the flexibility of learning at home. Learn more about how you can take your career in social work further with VCU.

From M.S.W. to LCSW: Understanding Your Career Path as a Social Worker

How Palliative Care Social Workers Support Patients With Terminal Illnesses

How to Become a Social Worker in Health Care

Gov.uk, Mixed Methods Study

MVS Open Press, Foundations of Social Work Research

Open Social Work Education, Scientific Inquiry in Social Work

Open Social Work, Graduate Research Methods in Social Work: A Project-Based Approach

Routledge, Research for Social Workers: An Introduction to Methods

SAGE Publications, Research Methods for Social Work: A Problem-Based Approach

Theory and Society, Mixed Methods Research: What It Is and What It Could Be

READY TO GET STARTED WITH OUR ONLINE M.S.W. PROGRAM FORMAT?

Bachelor’s degree is required.

VCU Program Helper

This AI chatbot provides automated responses, which may not always be accurate. By continuing with this conversation, you agree that the contents of this chat session may be transcribed and retained. You also consent that this chat session and your interactions, including cookie usage, are subject to our privacy policy .

199+ Social Work Research Topics [Updated 2024]

In the vast and dynamic field of social work, research plays a pivotal role in shaping interventions, policies, and practices. Social work research is not just an academic pursuit but a powerful tool for effecting positive change in communities. As aspiring researchers delve into this realm, the journey begins with a crucial decision – selecting the right social work research topic.

In this blog, we will explore the significance of choosing the right social work research topics, provide insights into the selection process, highlight popular research areas, discuss emerging trends, offer tips for conducting research, and share valuable resources for social work researchers.

Significance of Choosing the Right Social Work Research Topics

Table of Contents

Impact on Research Quality

The choice of a research topic significantly influences the quality and relevance of the research conducted. A well-chosen topic enhances the researcher’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge in social work.

Alignment with Personal Interests and Goals

Selecting a topic aligned with personal interests and career goals fosters a sense of passion and commitment. This alignment not only sustains the researcher’s enthusiasm throughout the process but also increases the likelihood of producing impactful research.

Contribution to the Field of Social Work

The right research topic has the potential to contribute to the broader field of social work by addressing pressing issues, proposing innovative solutions, and advancing our understanding of complex social dynamics.

How to Select Social Work Research Topics?

• Understanding the Scope of Social Work: Social work is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses various domains such as mental health, child welfare, community development, and more. Prospective researchers should explore the diverse scopes within social work to identify areas that resonate with their interests and expertise.
• Identifying Personal Interests and Passion: Passion fuels research endeavors. Researchers should reflect on their personal experiences, values, and interests to identify areas within social work that evoke a strong sense of commitment.
• Considering Relevance to Current Social Issues: Social work research gains significance when it addresses current societal challenges. Researchers should evaluate potential topics based on their relevance to contemporary issues, ensuring that the findings can contribute meaningfully to ongoing dialogues and efforts for social change.

199+ Social Work Research Topics: Category-Wise

Mental health and social work.

• The impact of community support on mental health outcomes.
• Examining the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in social work.
• Exploring stigma surrounding mental health in diverse populations.
• Integrating technology in mental health counseling: Challenges and opportunities.
• The role of social work in preventing suicide and self-harm.

Diversity and Inclusion in Social Work

• LGBTQ+ inclusivity in social work practice.
• Addressing microaggressions and bias in social work interactions.
• Promoting cultural competence in social work education.
• Exploring challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in accessing social services.
• Intersectionality in social work: Understanding and addressing multiple identities.

Social Work and Community Development

• Evaluating the impact of community gardens on neighborhood well-being.
• The role of social workers in disaster response and recovery.
• Strategies for combating homelessness and housing insecurity.
• Assessing the effectiveness of community-based participatory research in social work.
• Social work’s contribution to sustainable community development.

Social Work and Child Welfare

• Investigating the long-term outcomes of children in foster care.
• The impact of parental substance abuse on child welfare.
• Exploring cultural competence in child welfare services.
• Innovative approaches to supporting kinship care families.
• Assessing the effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk children.

Global Perspectives in Social Work Research

• Cross-cultural perspectives on social work ethics.
• Human rights and social work: An international comparison.
• The role of social work in addressing global health disparities.
• Social work responses to forced migration and refugee crises.
• Comparative analysis of social work systems in different countries.

Technology and Social Work

• Ethical considerations in the use of artificial intelligence in social work.
• Online therapy and its implications for the future of social work.
• Integrating telehealth in social work practice: Challenges and benefits.
• Cyberbullying and the role of social workers in prevention and intervention.
• The impact of social media on social work advocacy.

Policy and Advocacy in Social Work

• Analyzing the impact of welfare reform on vulnerable populations.
• Social work advocacy for criminal justice reform.
• The role of social workers in shaping healthcare policies.
• Addressing disparities in access to education through social work policy.
• Environmental justice and the role of social work in sustainability.

Substance Abuse and Addiction in Social Work

• Harm reduction strategies in social work practice.
• Supporting families affected by substance abuse: A social work perspective.
• Exploring the intersection of trauma and addiction in social work.
• Assessing the effectiveness of drug prevention programs in schools.
• The role of social workers in opioid addiction treatment.

Gerontology and Aging in Social Work

• Aging in place: Examining the role of social work in supporting seniors at home.
• Social isolation and mental health in the elderly population.
• Addressing elder abuse: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
• Palliative care and the role of social workers in end-of-life care.
• The impact of dementia on families and the role of social work support.

Education and Social Work

• The role of school social workers in addressing student mental health.
• Inclusive education: Social work interventions for students with disabilities.
• Bullying prevention programs in schools: A social work perspective.
• Examining the impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes.
• Social work support for students experiencing homelessness.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

• Human trafficking prevention and intervention strategies in social work.
• The role of social workers in supporting survivors of human trafficking.
• Addressing labor exploitation through social work advocacy.
• Intersectionality and human trafficking: A comprehensive approach.
• Assessing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking policies and programs.

Family Dynamics and Social Work

• Impact of divorce and separation on children: Social work interventions.
• Foster care reunification: Challenges and success factors.
• LGBTQ+ parenting and the role of social work in family support.
• Domestic violence prevention programs: A social work perspective.
• Blended families: Navigating challenges and fostering resilience.

Health and Healthcare Disparities

• Social determinants of health and their impact on vulnerable populations.
• Access to healthcare for underserved communities: A social work perspective.
• The role of social workers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.
• Reducing health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities through social work interventions.
• Palliative care and the psychosocial aspects of terminal illness.

Human Rights and Social Work

• Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Promoting gender equality through social work initiatives.
• Indigenous rights and the role of social workers in reconciliation.
• Advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities: A social work perspective.
• Social work responses to human rights violations and social justice issues.

Disability and Inclusion

• Social work interventions for children with developmental disabilities.
• The impact of inclusive employment programs on individuals with disabilities.
• Accessibility and social work advocacy for people with physical disabilities.
• Autism spectrum disorder: Social work support for individuals and families.
• Inclusive recreation programs: Enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

Veterans and Military Social Work

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the role of social workers in veteran support.
• Social work interventions for military families experiencing deployment stress.
• Transitioning from military to civilian life: Challenges and opportunities.
• The impact of substance abuse on veterans and social work prevention strategies.
• Access to mental health services for veterans: A social work perspective.

Community Mental Health Programs

• Evaluating the effectiveness of community mental health clinics.
• Peer support programs in community mental health: A social work approach.
• Social work interventions for reducing stigma around mental illness in communities.
• Integrating mental health into primary care settings through collaborative care approaches.
• Social workers’ roles in school-based mental health initiatives.

Immigration and Social Work

• Social work responds to populations of immigrants and refugees’ mental health issues.
• The effect of immigration laws on social service accessibility.
• Community integration and social work support for immigrants.
• Advocacy for immigrant rights: A social work perspective.
• Family reunification and the role of social workers in immigration processes.

Social Work in Rural Communities

• Access to healthcare in rural communities: Social work interventions.
• Substance abuse prevention in rural settings: Challenges and solutions.
• Community development strategies for promoting rural well-being.
• Addressing mental health disparities in rural populations: A social work approach.
• Social work support for families facing economic challenges in rural areas.

Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice

• Integrating trauma-informed care into social work practice.
• Addressing childhood trauma through school-based interventions.
• Trauma-focused therapies and their application in social work.
• Vicarious trauma and self-care strategies for social workers.
• The role of social workers in supporting survivors of sexual assault.

Social Work in Schools

• School-based bullying prevention programs: A social work perspective.
• Social work interventions for students with learning disabilities.
• The impact of school social workers on academic success.
• Mental health support for at-risk youth in school settings.
• The role of social workers in addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.

Criminal Justice and Social Work

• Reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals: A social work approach.
• Juvenile justice and the role of social workers in rehabilitation.
• Addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system: A social work perspective.
• The impact of incarceration on families and social work support.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

• Principles and applications of community-based participatory research in social work.
• Engaging communities in the research process: A CBPR approach.
• Evaluating the outcomes of community-based interventions using CBPR.
• Challenges and opportunities in implementing CBPR in diverse settings.
• Empowering communities through CBPR: Case studies and best practices.

Social Work and Environmental Justice

• Climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations: A social work perspective.
• Environmental justice and community organizing: Social work interventions.
• Sustainable community development and the role of social workers.
• Access to clean water and sanitation: A social work advocacy approach.
• Indigenous perspectives on environmental justice: A social work lens.

Human Services Administration

• Leadership styles in human services administration: A social work perspective.
• The role of technology in improving human services delivery.
• Strategies for effective human services program evaluation.
• Addressing burnout and promoting self-care in human services organizations.
• Social work ethics and decision-making in human services administration.

Social Work and Artificial Intelligence

• Applications of AI in social work practice: Opportunities and challenges.
• The role of chatbots in mental health support: A social work perspective.
• Bias and fairness in algorithmic decision-making in social work.
• Human-AI collaboration in social work: Enhancing service delivery.

Crisis Intervention and Social Work

• Social work responses to natural disasters: Lessons learned and best practices.
• Crisis intervention strategies for individuals experiencing acute trauma.
• The role of social workers in emergency shelters and disaster recovery.
• Trauma-informed care in crisis intervention: A social work approach.
• Collaborative approaches to crisis intervention in community settings.

Social Work in the LGBTQ+ Community

• LGBTQ+ youth homelessness: Social work interventions and prevention.
• Supporting transgender and non-binary individuals in social work practice.
• Mental health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community: A social work perspective.
• LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in social service organizations.
• Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and equal access to services.

Social Work and Aging

• Aging in place: Social work interventions for promoting independence.
• Social work support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
• End-of-life decision-making and the role of social workers.
• Social isolation among older adults: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
• Exploring innovative housing models for aging populations.

Faith-Based Social Work

• The intersection of faith and social work: Ethical considerations.
• Faith-based organizations in community development: A social work perspective.
• Pastoral care and counseling: Social work support in religious communities.
• Addressing religious discrimination in social work practice.
• Interfaith dialogue and its role in fostering social cohesion: A social work approach.

Social Work in Substance Use Prevention

• Social work interventions for preventing substance use among adolescents.
• The impact of early childhood experiences on later substance use: A social work perspective.
• Prevention programs targeting high-risk populations: A social work approach.
• Social work support for families affected by parental substance use.
• Community-based strategies for preventing opioid misuse: A social work lens.

Global Mental Health and Social Work

• Cultural considerations in global mental health: A social work approach.
• Collaborative approaches to addressing mental health stigma globally.
• The role of social workers in disaster mental health response internationally.
• Integrating traditional healing practices into global mental health interventions.
• Comparative analysis of mental health policies and services worldwide.

Social Work and Human-Animal Interaction

• Animal-assisted therapy in social work practice: Applications and benefits.
• The role of therapy animals in reducing stress and promoting well-being.
• Animal cruelty prevention and the role of social workers.
• The impact of pet ownership on mental health: A social work perspective.
• Ethical considerations in incorporating animals into social work interventions.

Refugee Mental Health and Social Work

• Trauma-informed approaches in working with refugee populations.
• Social work support for refugee children in educational settings.
• Addressing mental health disparities among refugee communities.
• Cultural competence in providing mental health services to refugees.
• Resettlement challenges and social work interventions for refugees.

Community Resilience and Social Work

• Building community resilience in the face of adversity: A social work perspective.
• Social work interventions for promoting resilience in vulnerable populations.
• Resilience-based mental health programs in schools: A social work approach.
• The role of social workers in disaster resilience planning.
• Collective trauma and community healing: A social work lens.

Technology and Social Work Ethics

• Ethical considerations in the use of social media in social work practice.
• Privacy and confidentiality in the age of digital record-keeping.
• Ensuring equity in access to technology-based interventions: A social work approach.
• Social work responses to cyberbullying: Prevention and intervention strategies.
• Ethical guidelines for the use of virtual reality in social work practice.

Social Work in Sports

• Sports-based youth development programs: A social work perspective.
• The role of social workers in promoting mental health in athletes.
• Addressing substance use and performance-enhancing drugs in sports: A social work lens.
• Inclusive sports programs for individuals with disabilities: A social work approach.
• Social work interventions for preventing and addressing sports-related violence.

Social Work in the Arts

• Arts-based interventions in social work practice: Applications and outcomes.
• The role of creative expression in trauma recovery: A social work perspective.
• Using theater and performance arts in social work education and therapy.
• Arts programs for at-risk youth: A social work approach.
• The impact of the arts on community well-being: A social work lens.

Social Work and Foster Care Adoption

• Social work interventions for successful foster care reunification.
• Addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
• The impact of foster care placement on child development: A social work perspective.
• Post-adoption support services: A social work approach.
• Cultural competence in transracial and transcultural foster care and adoption.

Social Work in the Gig Economy

• The Role of Social Work in Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Gig Economy
• Exploring Social Work Strategies for Supporting Gig Workers’ Financial Stability
• Gig Economy and Social Work Advocacy: Ensuring Fair Labor Practices
• Navigating Occupational Hazards: Social Work Interventions in Gig Work Environments
• Social Work’s Contribution to Promoting Work-Life Balance in the Gig Economy

Emerging Trends in Social Work Research

• The Impact of Technology on Social Work Practice: Examine how technology is influencing social work practices and service delivery, considering both advantages and ethical considerations.
• Ethical Considerations in the Use of Technology in Social Work Research: Discuss the ethical challenges associated with the integration of technology in social work research and propose guidelines for responsible use.
• Cross-Cultural Studies in Social Work: Explore the significance of cross-cultural studies in social work research, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse cultural contexts.
• Addressing Global Social Issues through Research: Investigate how social work research can contribute to addressing global social challenges, such as poverty, migration, and climate change.

Tips for Conducting Social Work Research

Developing a Research Question

Craft a research question for social work research topics that is clear, concise, and aligns with the chosen social work research topic. The question should guide the research process and contribute meaningfully to the existing literature.

Choosing Appropriate Research Methods

Select research methods that align with the nature of the research question and the goals of the study. Consider whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches are most suitable for addressing the research objectives.

Ethical Considerations in Social Work Research

Prioritize ethical considerations throughout the research process. Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the dignity and rights of research participants.

Resources for Social Work Researchers

Journals and Publications

Explore reputable social work journals and publications to stay updated on the latest research, methodologies, and findings. Examples include the “Journal of Social Work” and the “British Journal of Social Work.”

Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and conferences that enhance a researcher’s knowledge and skills.

Online Databases and Research Tools

Utilize online databases like PubMed , Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar to access a wide range of social work research articles. Additionally, familiarize yourself with research tools and software that can streamline the research process.

In conclusion, the journey of selecting the social work research topics is a crucial step that requires thoughtful consideration and reflection. The chosen topic should align with personal interests, address current social issues, and contribute meaningfully to the field of social work. 

As researchers embark on this journey, they have the opportunity to explore diverse areas, from mental health and child welfare to emerging trends in technology and global perspectives. 

By following ethical guidelines, employing appropriate research methods, and leveraging valuable resources, social work researchers can make significant contributions to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Related Posts

Step by Step Guide on The Best Way to Finance Car

The Best Way on How to Get Fund For Business to Grow it Efficiently

University of South Florida

Social Work Interdisciplinary Research Lab (SWIRL)

School of Social Work

Main Navigation

Social work interdisciplinary research lab | school of social work | cbcs | university of south florida.

What is SWIRL?

Our Approach & Services

Decade of Study Abroad

Wayne State University

School of social work, student research opportunities.

The Social Work Student Research Community (SWSRC), formerly known as SMART was founded in 2010 to promote, develop, and sustain an environment in which Social Work students are afforded opportunities to apply theoretical foundations for research to the real world. SWSRC is a cross-program community designed to provide opportunities for students to attend professinal development events, collaborate with social work faculty on your current research projects, and access online resources to guide you through the research process.

SWSRC operates primarily online. Through our Canvas page, we offer a variety of resources to ease your journey through the research process, and examples to help you check if you're on the right track. Our resources are meant for both novice and experienced researchers, and everyone in between!

Online resources include: Open research job/volunteer positions , SPSS and statistics including recorded Zoom workshops, Qualitative methods, Data presentation and visualization, Research panel discussions, and more !

SWSRC students participate in a culture of learning that emphasizes the importance and value of research competence in the field of social work

Self-enroll in the SWSRC Canvas site  to gain access to resources, receive announcements about job and volunteer opportunities, and connect with faculty and fellow students. Contact  Kendra Wells , Manager of Research Support with questions about student research opportunities and SWSRC activity.

SWSRC Highlights

In Spring of 2020, SWSRC Canvas had nearly 400 active users accessing research resources and opportunities. From 2017-2019, SWSRC matched ten students with faculty projects by exploring common interests, on-going projects, and applicable skillsets. Since moving online in the 2019-20 Academic year, SWSRC has promoted at least ten research job, volunteer, and funding opportunities.

Past events hosted by SWSRC include:

• 6 annual Social Work Student Research Symposiums
• Bi-annual two-part hands-on SPSS workshops and additional workshops for following the research process including early research design, methods of data collection and analysis, and creating academic research posters
• Student and professional discussion panels

Discussion panels featured professional clinical social workers speaking about how they use research in their everyday practice and why it's important for clinical social work students to be engaged with research. A second panel discussion featured students who shared stories of working with faculty on research projects and advice for other students on how to get involved. Check out the SWSRC Canvas page for recordings of both panels!

Read our evaluation report for the Professional Clinical Social Worker Panel here!

Social Work students have been involved in research by assisting faculty with:

• Literature searches and literature reviews
• Survey administration
• Conducting focus groups
• Interviewing research participants
• Transcription and qualitative coding
• Data entry and analysis
• Writing of manuscripts to submit to peer-reviewed journals

Annual Social Work Student Research Symposium

With the Center, SWSRC began hosting the annual Social Work Student Research Symposium in 2018 to celebrate student achievements. Under guidance from the Center, students collaborated with faculty mentors and local community partners throughout the year to create knowledge that benefits the community. This co-production of knowledge embraced the role of community and strengthened the capacity of Detroiters to address current and future challenges. 

Empathy is a good skill for social workers to have, but research makes you a strong practitioner - Dr. Joanne Sobeck, Former Associate Dean for Research

Students from the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs presented their findings with academic research posters. As students, it can be difficult to find opportunities to present research findings. The Symposium served as a venue for students to practice presentation and possibly test for the first time how the public responded to their findings.

In 2023, the SWSRC Social Work Research Symposium returned to a fully in-person format. The event was held on March 30, 2023, in the School of Social Work Building.

This year’s Symposium was attended by over fifty students, faculty, staff, and guests. Attendees were able to peruse the twenty-one research posters on display while participants presented their research and answered questions.  

Below are several of the presentations from this year's Symposium: : 

Danielle Lenz, Rahni Cason, & Matthew Costello . Lenz, Cason, and Costello’s presentation, titled, “ Public Health Vending Machines a High-Impact Strategy for Naloxone Distribution” details the effectiveness of public health vending machines for the distribution of Naloxone. The poster presents the case for greater implementation of public health vending machines in high impact, including county jails.

Amber Barker, Laura Sutherland, & Tam Perry. Barker and Sutherland’s presentation, titled, “ Art Therapy and Well-Being of Older Adults with Dementia: A Scoping Review” describes a review of the existing literature related to art therapy for older adults with dementia. This review aims to identify gaps in the existing literature and make recommendations for future research.

Kess Ballentine & Kathryn Wright . Ballentine and Wright’s presentation, titled, “ Impossible Obligations: Raising Children While Working for Low Wages ” highlights the issues with communications between schools and families, particularly considering the labor obligations of parents.  

Use the following links to view posters from this year's symposium:

What is the perception of neighborhood safety? Utilizing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to explore concept’s paradigms. By Hassan Arab.

Art therapy and well-being of older adults with dementia: A scoping review. By Amber Barker & Laura Sutherland. Mentored by Tam Perry.

Family poverty in Michigan: Statistics and solutions. By Latoya Boyd.

Emotional exhaustion among peer recovery coaches supporting individuals with substance use disorders. By Michael Broman, Guijin Lee, Rachel Kollin, Elizabeth Agius, & Stella M. Resko.

Assisted outpatient treatment toolkit. By Nanci Hambrick, Nicole Gilbert, Heidi Bisson, Stacey Campbell, Olivia Cessna, Julia Stewart, Jessica Best, & Lyz Luidens.

Integrating cross-system county data: A case study of success in Hillsdale County. By Trevor Whitehead & Will Eineman.

Exploring the iatrogenic effect of law enforcement drug market disruptions on overdose using geospatial analysis. By Bradley Ray, George Mohler, Philip Huynh, Jennifer J. Carroll, Grant Victor, Steven Korzeniewski, & Bethany Hedden.

Administrative jail release during COVID-19. By Matthew Larson.

Public health vending machines a high-impact strategy for Naloxone distribution. By Danielle Lenz, Rahni Cason, & Matthew Costello.

Exploring Michigan school social workers’ pandemic experiences in addressing the social determinants of health: Continuing education needs and implications. By Norma Love-Schropshire, Megan Hicks, Shantalea Johns, Fay Keys, & Naimah Wade.

Crisis response program dispositions: Variations in models across five states. By Devon McCoy, Catherine Zettner, Hosanna Fukuzawa, & Leonard Swanson.

Familiar faces in local jails: The importance of identifying who they are. By Victoria Nelson, Rahni Carson, Javi Oruna, Nicole Gilbert, Dr. Sheryl Kubiak, Leonard Swanson, Dr. Matt Larson, Jessica Gaskin, & Larry West.

Stigma communication surrounding nonmedical Opioid use among affected family members. By Danielle L. Hicks, Emily Pasman, Sydney O’Shay, Suzanne Brown, Elizabeth Agius, & Stella Resko.

Autism and employment: The double empathy problem and perceptions of an autistic employee in the workplace. By Kathryn A. Szechy, Pamela D. Turk, and Lisa A O’Donnell.

Impossible obligations: Raising children while working for low wages. By Kess Ballentine & Kathryn Wright.

In March of 2022 SWSRC hosted our first hybrid Symposium. The event was attended in-person by over forty faculty, staff, students, and community members, and approimately ten attended in Zoom.

The event hosted student verbal presentations, a panel of community and student researcher partners, and a student poster session. 

Panelists came from the graduate-level Social Work Community Engagement course, which pairs student groups with community partners to work collaboratively on a project.

Panelists included:

• MSW student Amy Peckinpaugh and Carmen Garcia (Associdate Director) from WDET Detroit Radio Information Service
• MSW student Amanda Dawnrich and Mr. Ronald Matten (Founder) from Demographic Inspirations - Detroit
• MSW student Jasmine White and Alex Makohn (Manager, Homeownership Assistance) from Southwest Economic Solutions

Student verbal presentations included: 

• MSW student Emily Garmen, "Perspectives on accessing and staying in treatment among older Black women in methadone treatment"
• MSW student Steven Scavone, "The benefits of physical activity on mental health"
• Psychology student Jacob Caywood, "The internal working model of the child: A window into parental internal representations and their infants"

Student poster presentations included:

• PhD candidate Jenny Clift
• PhD candidate Will Jones
• PhD candidate Shani Saxon
• PhD candidate Kathryn Szechy
• PhD candidate Kathryn Wright

2021 brought our second annual virtual Symposium. The event was hosted on Zoom and was attended by over one hundred faculty, staff, students, and community members.

The event started with a panel discussion with SSW faculty member Dr. Tam Perry and her research team, which included SSW students Sarah Whitney and Hannah Gianfermi, and community member Henry Swift. They offered great insight on how to become involved in community-engaged research, and what different roles in research can look like.

New in 2021, four students gave three-minute oral presentations with the option to include visuals. Student presentations included: 

Mary Yousif, BSW student . Yousif's presentation, Breastfeeding through the Father's E yes  investigated the different social and psychological factors that affect parental thoughts, feelings, and actions during the perinatal period. This study aimed to understand diverse approaches to and styles of parenting and the influence that pregnancy can have on mothers and fathers. Parents begin to consider feeding choices for their infants as they prepare for birth during pregnancy. These choices will guide their decisions during the postpartum period. Yousif was mentored by Dr. Carolyn Dayton

Mariel Watson, MSW student . Watson's presentation, Baby on Board examined how mothers and fathers would use music when caring for their child, both before and after the birth of their baby. Parents described the many ways babies are exposed to music, the impact parents believe music has on babies' development, and the cultural significance of the music parents choose to play for their children. Watson was mentored by Dr. Carolyn Dayton

Emily Pasman, PhD candidate . Pasman's presentation, Mich igan Young Adult Survey observed young adults' attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors surrounding substance use. This project was part of a larger program evaluation for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. Findings inform state prevention planning and youth treatment services. Pasman was mentored by Dr. Stella Resko & Liz Agius from the School of Social Work.

Alexis Carl, PhD candidate . Carl's presentation, Victory Health Study observed the experiences of individuals receiving medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. This project focuses on patients in small urban and rural communities in Michigan and was part of a larger program evaluation for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. Findings inform policies and the delivery of opioid use treatment services in Michigan. Carl was mentored by Dr. Stella Resko from the School of Social Work.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we switched gears for the 2020 Symposium and hosted it virtually on Canvas inviting students, faculty and staff to view the posters and interact with the student researchers. Symposium judges reviewed the posters and their discussions and determined recipients for the best poster awards at the BSW, MSW and PhD levels.

2020 was our biggest year yet with 16 students presenters mentored by 11 SSW faculty and staff members. Winning presenters and posters included: 

Amani El-Edlebi, BSW-level . El-Edlebi's poster, " Family Assistance for Renaissance Men: Results from an Initial Program Evaluation " observed the effectiveness of the interventions utilized at a local organization that seeks to improve the relationships fathers have with their children and families. Results of the research indicate that the  Family Assistance for Renaissance Men  (F.A.R.M) project is successful in removing psychosocial, and mental health barriers from fathers who are seeking to strengthen family relationships. El-Edlebi was mentored by Associate Professor Carolyn Dayton.

Luxie Vang, MSW-level . Vang's poster titled " Assessing Poverty, Social and Family Factors, and Resiliency for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Justice System in Michigan: A Quantitative Analysis at the County Level " observed the relationship between youth in the Michigan juvenile justice system and variables relating to the social, or family lifestyle of the individual. Results of the research indicate a strong correlation between single-parent households, family members who speak English "less than well", and youth within the juvenile justice system. Vang was mentored by Associate Professor Richard Smith.

Kathryn Szechy, PhD-level . Szechy's poster titled " To Tell or Not to Tell: Public Perceptions of Bipolar Disorder Disclosure in the Workplace " observed the relationship between an individual disclosing a bipolar disorder (BD) diagnosis in the workplace and changes in public perception toward that individual. Results of the research indicate a greater prevalence of positive perceptions towards individuals who disclose a BD diagnosis. Implications of the study suggest BD stigma is decreasing within the workplace settings. Szechy was mentored by Assistant Professor Lisa O'Donnell.

View all the 2020 student poster submissons

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Wayne State University UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program)  offers exciting avenues for undergraduate students to engage in research including hands-on research experience, grant funding opportunities, conference participation, and assistance finding research internships, training programs, and faculty mentors. Contact Neva Nahan  ( [email protected] , 313-577-9918) to discuss your interests.

UROP provides funding for research and creative projects each semester. Social work students are encouraged to apply. Assistance with applications and finding a faculty mentor to support your project is available. Stay up to date with application deadlines and see previously awarded resaerch projects on the WSU UROP website .

Search form

Phd program, uw research groups, school of social work research groups, the west coast poverty center.

Serves as a hub for research, education, and policy analysis leading to greater understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and effective approaches to reducing it in the west coast states. Funded in October of 2005, the Center is the newest of three regional poverty centers funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Education (OASPE). The Center is a collaborative venture of the School of Social Work, the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, and the College of Arts and Sciences. The Center creates new opportunities for cross-disciplinary exchanges and collaboration among poverty researchers and fosters a network of poverty scholars in the west coast region. The West Coast Poverty Center’s research agenda addresses the causes and consequences of poverty and effective policy responses to it in the west coast region. The Center gives particular focus to: the consequences of changing labor markets, transformations in the organization of work and family life, changing demographics and the disproportionate poverty risk for immigrant families social and economic inequality, and recent changes in policies and programs to support working families.

Indigenous Wellness Research Institute

The Indigenous Wellness Research Institute (IWRI) is a University-wide, interdisciplinary institute whose vision is to support the inherent rights of Indigenous people to achieve full and complete health and wellness by collaborating in decolonizing research and knowledge building and sharing. In order to achieve this vision, the mission of IWRI is to marshal community, tribal, academic, and governmental resources toward innovative, culture-centered, interdisciplinary, collaborative social and behavioral research and education. IWRI collaborates with Indigenous people in three areas—research, tribal capacity building, and knowledge sharing. 

IWRI supports regional Indigenous communities by partnering with tribal organizations to develop research that is community-driven and responsive to needs defined by those communities. These research partnerships create unique opportunities to build tribal research capacity and technology as well as create pipeline initiatives for Indigenous youth to develop their science and research skills in the area of health disparities.

IWRI’s infrastructure is supported by a faculty and staff comprised primarily of American Indians and Alaska Natives. IWRI's two major research centers are supported by five institutional cores; community relations and development, administration, communications and media, research policy and methods, and research translation and dissemination.

Karina Walters  (Choctaw) , Director William P. and Ruth Gerberding University Professor

IWRI’s two major research centers are:

Center for Indigenous Child Welfare and Family Wellness       Dr. Tessa Evans-Campbell (Snohomish), Director Center for Indigenous Health Research       Dr. Bonnie Duran (Opelousas/Coushatta), Director

Social Development Research Group

SDRG's research seeks to promote achievement and success as well as prevent and treat health and behavior problems among young people. Drug abuse, delinquency, risky sexual behavior, violence, and school dropout are among the problems addressed. J. David Hawkins, director, and Richard F. Catalano, associate director, began in 1979 to develop the Social Development Strategy, which provides the theoretical basis for risk- and protective-focused prevention that underlies much of the group's research.

The Innovative Programs Research Group (IPRG)

An interdisciplinary applied research entity, the Innovative Programs Research Group conducts studies designed to achieve a greater knowledge of the characteristics and needs of underserved populations and assess the effectiveness of innovative means for reducing barriers to the delivery of effective social and mental health services.

Partners for Our Children

The University of Washington School of Social Work is playing a major role in an innovative public-private partnership aimed at improving Washington’s child-welfare system. Partners for our Children promotes collaboration among the University, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and the private sector to create positive change within the system, which serves 19,000 children in foster or group care.

Founded in February 2007 and led by Executive Director Mark Courtney, the partnership combines the strengths of its partners, within the state system and externally, to address the needs of Washington’s most vulnerable children and families.

Partners for Our Children is pursuing four main strategies:

• Policy analysis and evaluation, especially aimed at discovering the effectiveness of policies and practices in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families
• Funding the development, testing, implementation, and dissemination of promising programs and practices
• Education and training, primarily directed at social work professionals and foster parents
• Public affairs and communications, designed to build support for change, sustainability, and success.

Intergroup Dialogue, Education, and Action (IDEA) Training & Resource

The Intergroup Dialogue, Education and Action (IDEA) Training & Resource Institute at the University of Washington School of Social Work was started in November 1996 with funding from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as a response to the urgent challenges for social work educators to prepare competent practitioners who can work with an increasingly diverse clientele and embrace the profession's social justice mission. These challenges call for changes not only in the content of future practitioners' knowledge, but also in classroom pedagogies that can enhance their learning experiences while developing competencies to work in a multicultural society. Intergroup dialogue--facilitated meetings of students from different social identity groups--offers an approach that can engage students in substantive, sustained and conceptually integrated learning experiences.

Intergroup dialogue is a social justice approach to dialogue. It foregrounds both societal power relations of domination- subordination, and the creative possibilities for engaging and working with and across these differences. The approach aims to move beyond seeing these differences as divisive, and to collectively generate newer ways of being powerful without perpetuating social inequalities. This approach coincides with core social work processes of empowerment--building connections with others, increasing critical consciousness about social inequalities, engendering commitments to social justice, and developing competencies to interrupt social injustices and engage in social change.

The mission of the Institute has now expanded to supporting campus and community efforts geared toward addressing issues of oppression, empowerment, and alliance building for social justice.

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities at the University of Washington

Health sciences centers, department of global health.

Focuses on identification and evaluation of health problems and health inequities in underserved populations and the development and implementation of innovative interventions that can dramatically reduce disease burden. Programs in the Department of Global Health provide a rich educational resource, promote and support interdisciplinary research programs that address global health disparities, and provide opportunities to translate educational and research programs into improving the health of underserved populations through service activities in developing countries. Research projects and service-based activities provide excellent educational opportunities. Students and trainees enrolled in educational programs facilitate new areas of research and practice. The Department of Global Health serves as a model for integration of educational, research, and service activities, all focused on sustainable improvement of health in developing countries.

Diversity Research Institute

Seeks to create and support a community of scholars at the University of Washington and to generate new, interdisciplinary knowledge about diversity and institutional transformation. The Diversity Research Institute aims to complement diversity research at existing centers, link their efforts, and support their work. With funding from the Provost's office, the Diversity Research Institute funds a small grants program for UW faculty members and graduate students.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute

Recognizing the need to address the enormous problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse, the University of Washington established the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute in October of 1973 as an interdisciplinary research center in the Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center. From its beginning, the mission of the Institute has been to conduct and support substance abuse research a the University of Washington, and disseminate research findings in substance abuse.

The activities of the Institute may be described under three general headings:

* Intramural research by ADAI Research Scientists supported through federal, state, and other grants and contracts;

* Stimulation and support of research by ADAI Research Affiliates and faculty in departments throughout the University through a Small Grants Program. Since 1973, ADAI has awarded almost three million dollars to researchers in 40 University departments, for approximately 300 projects. Many of those funded projects led to outside funding for expanded research.

* Dissemination of research findings through its Library and Information Service, publications and presentations by ADAI scientists, web page, listservs, newsletters, and symposia.

The Institute receives financial support from the State of Washington under state Initiative 171, which mandates that a portion of fees collected for state liquor licenses be allocated to the two state research universities for research on alcohol and drug abuse, and dissemination of research information. The University of Washington provides additional funding. Research studies are funded primarily through grants and contracts awarded by federal and state agencies. and private foundations.

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute serves as a focal point for alcohol and drug abuse research at the University of Washington and in the region, benefiting the citizens of Washington State by expanding our knowledge and making information available to health and social service professionals and policy makers. The Institute's multidisciplinary staff of clinical and social psychologists, sociologists, epidemiologists, public health experts, educators, and librarians plays a key role in working to understand and reduce the harm caused by alcohol and drug abuse.

Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)

The University of Washington (UW) Center for AIDS and STD, established in July, 1989, provides patient care, research, training and education, and international assistance for HIV/AIDS and STD. The Center is administered by the UW in collaboration with several other institutions throughout the Pacific Northwest and in several other countries. The Center was designated a "World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for AIDS and STD" in 1995, the only such collaborating center in the Western Hemisphere. Approximately 120 UW and affiliated faculty participate in these programs. They include HIV/AIDS and STD specialists in internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine, dentistry, nursing, social work, public health, pharmacy, microbiology, and pathology. The Center for AIDS and STD is funded by several federal agencies, and by the UW to coordinate all UW AIDS and STD related programs.

Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD)

Developmental disabilities and related disabilities can affect people's lives in profound ways throughout the lifespan. A developmental disability may interfere with self care, language, learning, mobility, capacity for independent living, and ability to work. Family relationships, friendships and community life can be affected.

Range of activities CHDD is one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive interdisciplinary research and training centers focusing on a wide array of developmental disabilities. More than 600 University of Washington faculty and staff members, as well as numerous doctoral and post-doctoral students, provide clinical services, interdisciplinary clinical and research training, and technical assistance and outreach training to community practitioners and community agencies. CHDD scientists and clinicians also conduct basic and applied research to generate new knowledge and disseminate information widely. Two major programs CHDD is one of the few centers in the country that encompasses two major programs, one focusing on research and the other on clinical services, training and community outreach. This structure encourages strong connections between researchers and clinicians, and creates an important bridge between basic research and state-of-the-art clinical programs.

The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

UCEDD is part of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), established in every state to train professionals within an interdisciplinary framework to meet the needs of people with disabilities, provide clinical services and model projects, reach out to the community with technical assistance and training, conduct applied research, and disseminate information widely. These university-based centers were formerly known as University Affiliated Programs (UAPs).

Center for Disability Policy and Research (CDPR)

Mission The mission of the Center for Disability Policy and Research is to shape disability policy and service delivery through the following means:

• Conduct policy analyses of health and human services designed to prevent and minimize impact of disabling conditions, integrate and coordinate existing services, and assure access to high quality health services for people with disabilities.
• Conduct research on the disablement process and disabling conditions, the health needs of people with disabilities, the personal, and the delivery of health and human services to people with disabilities and their families.
• Improve surveillance of primary and secondary factors contributing to the progression of chronic disease and injury.
• Train practitioners, administrators, and policy-makers in disability policy and research.
• Disseminate information concerning important disability policy and research issues.

Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center (HIPRC)

Founded in 1985, the HIPRC has become one of the premier institutions researching how and why people suffer injuries and what can be done to prevent them.

The problems we tackle at the HIPRC are those we see in the emergency department, the intensive care unit, the ward and the autopsy suite. As one of the premier injury-control centers in the United States, we are dedicated to lessening the impact of injury on families here in the Northwest and across the nation. Furthermore, we aim to prevent these injuries altogether.

Health Promotion Research Center

The Health Promotion Research Center, located at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, is one of 28 dedicated Prevention Research Centers in the United States. These centers are funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through their Prevention Research Center Program. HPRC is one of two centers whose focus is on healthy aging.

The central theme of the Health Promotion Research Center is "keeping older adults healthy and independent." First funded in 1986 as the Center for Health Promotion in Older Adults, the center's name was changed to Northwest Prevention Effectiveness Center in 1996 to reflect a life-span approach to prevention. In June 2000, the advisory board voted to change the name to Health Promotion Research Center for greater name understanding. Key faculty investigators from the University of Washington have expertise in developing interventions to reduce chronic disability in seniors. Partners of the center include agencies committed to promoting health and quality of life for older populations.

AIDS Prevention Trials Unit (ACTU)

The University of Washington Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Unit's mission is to:

• Conduct clinical research in order to answer questions about how HIV works and affects the immune system
• Study the natural history of HIV/AIDS and its associated complications over time
• Help develop new treatments for HIV/AIDS
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatments already available for both short term and long term use
• Educate communities in the Northwest about the need for clinical trials in all populations
• Provide equal access to all those who wish to participate, including minorities, women and injection drug users

Centers at the School of Nursing

Center for women's health and gender research.

The Center for Women's Health Research's primary goals are to facilitate basic and clinical interdisciplinary research related to women's health across the lifespan, increase the knowledge base of women's health, disseminate scientific knowledge, and promote development of research skills and opportunity for scholarship about women's health among faculty, research staff, and predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees.

Center on Infant Mental Health & Development

The mission of the Center on Infant Mental Health and Development is to promote interdisciplinary research and training related to the social and emotional aspects of development for young children during their formative years.

Reconnecting Youth Prevention Research Program

The prevention projects of the multi-faceted Reconnecting Youth Prevention Research Program involve partnerships between school personnel, youth, and parents. They focus on the following: Testing school-based models for preventing drug abuse, school dropout, depression, and suicide behaviors among high-risk youth; and the effect of psychosocial risk and protective factors on adolescent development within family, friendship, and school contexts. All participants benefit by advancing knowledge of school-based interventions that work to enhance those factors linked with decreases of high-risk behavior and increases in school success.

University of Washington Central Campus Centers for Research

Center for social science computation and research.

The Center for Social Science Computation and Research (CSSCR) is a computer resource center providing facilities and support for social science departments at the University of Washington. CSSCR facilities are restricted to use by students, faculty, and staff of the University of Washington.

Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences (CSSS)

The Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences started in 1999, with funding from the University Initiatives Fund. It is the first center in the nation devoted to this interface, with the triple mission of galvanizing collaborative research between social scientists and statisticians, developing a menu of new graduate courses for social science students, and putting together an innovative case-based undergraduate statistics sequence for the social sciences.

Research collaboration is fostered in a variety of ways, through seminars, seed grants, the consulting program, the working papers series, and the collaborative work of our core faculty. Our dynamic Seminar series meets on Wednesdays at 12:30pm in Savery 209 and is run by CSSS Seminar Director Katherine Stovel. This features a great deal of interaction and discussion, and is highly interdisciplinary in terms of both speakers and audience.

Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology

The Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, founded in 1947, supports education, research and scholarly exchange in population studies at the University of Washington. We focus on interdisciplinary research, with an emphasis on understanding the structural mechanisms that link individual behavior to population level outcomes. An independent unit on campus since 2000, our affiliates and students come from the departments of Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Sociology and Statistics, and the schools of International Studies, Public Affairs, Public Health and Social Work. Population scientists from the Battelle Institute's Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation (Seattle) and Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA) also participate in Center activities.

Our affiliates are known for their research on biodemography, health, international demography, migration, inequality, family demography, and quantitative methodology. Descriptions of the active research projects at the Center can be found under Current Research Projects.

The Center provides research support services and educational opportunities to its members through its: graduate student, postdoctoral and mid-career professional training; computer lab and services; library collection and services; working paper series; and weekly research seminar.

Biodemography Laboratory

(within CSDE) Conducts population level research in human ecology and biodemography. Faculty researchers specialize in developing, optimizing, and carrying out hormone assays for large-scale research projects. A central focus of the lab is optimizing the collection, storage and analysis of urine, saliva and blood samples for research undertaken in (often remote) field settings. The goals are to facilitate new areas of research in biodemography and human ecology, and to enable population level research to be undertaken in a cost effective and reliable manner. The researchers merge methods and theory from biology, demography, and anthropology to foster a more detailed understanding of the biological and cultural factors affecting human ecology, especially in natural (non-clinical) and non-Western settings.

Comparative Law and Society Studies Center

The Comparative Law and Society Studies Center at the University of Washington is committed to promoting interdisciplinary research and teaching as well as community service regarding law, justice, and human rights throughout the world.

At its core CLASS is constituted by an intellectual community of faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students dedicated to cutting-edge socio-legal inquiry. This community is structured around four primary types of endeavor: (1) individual and collaborative academic research; (2) an interdisciplinary Graduate Fellows program; 3) the undergraduate Law, Societies, and Justice program; and 4) community outreach and service.

Human Rights Education and Research Network

The Human Rights Education and Research Network promotes the integration of human rights scholarship and teaching at the University's three campuses (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma) by generating leading research, by developing new pathways of learning for students, and by relating this work to the world of practice. This non-partisan organization will provide intellectual, institutional, and financial support for researchers and teachers at all levels of theory and practice to further their work in the emerging field of human rights.

The Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research Group

The Interdisciplinary Qualitative Research Group at the University of Washington (IQRG) is a newly formed cooperating site of the  International Institute for Qualitative Methodology  (IIQM), based at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada. Its purpose is to facilitate the production of sound interpretive research including qualitative, and ethnographic methods, as well as narrative and discourse analysis. The IQRG encourages and supports interdisciplinary exchange about qualitative research across the UW campus and in the community.

Community-Campus Partnerships for Health

Community-Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH) is a nonprofit organization that promotes health (broadly defined) through partnerships between communities and higher educational institutions. Founded in 1996, we are a growing network of over 1,600 communities and campuses across North America and increasingly the world that are collaborating to promote health through service-learning, community-based participatory research, broad-based coalitions and other partnership strategies. These partnerships are powerful tools for improving higher education, civic engagement and the overall health of communities.

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

Become a skilled, empathic social worker committed to impact and the pursuit of justice.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) empowers you to become the type of committed and compassionate social work leader that today’s complex world needs more than ever. Learn more about our renowned faculty , curriculum, diverse field placements , and commitment to social justice and meaningful change.

Request Info

Learn more about the MSW program and the SP2 experience.

Ready to experience SP2? Learn more about the application process.

Join us for an upcoming in-person or virtual event.

Director’s Welcome

Welcome and thank you for your interest in the MSW Program at the University of Pennsylvania!

The current context of the world makes it clear that the need to pursue social change and social justice has never been greater—and effective social change requires exceptionally well-trained social workers.

In alignment with core values of the  social work  profession, which focus on service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence, the University of Pennsylvania stands apart in educating leaders in social work and social change.

Social justice is the guiding mission of our MSW Program—and has been for over 100 years. Included in this history is landmark attention to  racism as a core component of our curriculum , beginning over 50 years ago.

We value small classes and human relationships—relationships between students and instructors, as well as relationships between social workers and clients, and many more.

You will be seen, heard, valued, and known here.

Penn MSW students inspire daily with their deep thinking, feeling, and acting related to social change.

The pursuit of social justice, whether you engage in macro- or micro-level social work, is one of life’s most important missions as it reaches far across many domains—physical and mental health, child welfare, substance use, criminal justice system involvement, education, basic human needs, housing, employment, economic security, quality of life, and others.

We embrace diverse identities, perspectives, and life experiences among all of the people involved in our program, including students, instructors, agency- and SP2-based staff, clients, and community members.

We aim to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to support their efforts to become effective, empathic social workers who recognize and are prepared to respond to the multilevel complexity of people in their environments.

We have a profoundly dedicated team of faculty, staff, field liaisons, and agency-based field instructors. Among this team are highly experienced social workers, researchers, and allied professionals who are leaders in their fields.

Innovative research conducted by  SP2 faculty  informs our MSW Program, as well as practice and policy in a wide range of fields, including health, mental health, substance use, gerontology, child welfare, housing, criminal justice, employment, violence, education, and many others.

Philadelphia is an outstanding place to learn to be a social worker. It’s a city with innovative social service programs aiming to address complex social concerns.

There are opportunities to take classes across the University of Pennsylvania campus, including in the Master of Science in  Nonprofit Leadership  and  Social Policy  programs within the School of Social Policy & Practice, and to pursue  dual degree  and  certificate programs .

Our alumni facilitate high-impact social change every day as direct practitioners, supervisors, agency directors, advocates, policy analysts, researchers, and numerous other roles.

More than 90% of students apply for and receive financial assistance to pursue their MSW education.

Our MSW Program is ranked in the  top 8 social work programs in the U.S . We hope you’ll join us as leaders on the path toward a world of greater equality and well-being for all individuals, families, and communities.

We’d be delighted to hear from you! Please contact the Admissions Office at  apply@sp2.upenn.edu .

In shared pursuit of social justice,

Malitta Engstrom, PhD, LCSW Faculty Directory, MSW Program

“We embrace diverse identities, perspectives, and life experiences among all of the people involved in our program, including students, instructors, agency- and SP2-based staff, clients, and community members.”

The SP2 Difference

INVISIBLE leave blank

One of the nation’s top-ranked and most highly respected MSW programs

Prepares you to develop and deliver high-impact services with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations

Small classes led by world-class faculty

Field placements at hundreds of sites throughout Philadelphia and beyond

A diverse global alumni network

INVISIBLE – leave blank

Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

Full Time (Two-Year)

The full-time MSW Program is designed for students who plan to complete their program on a full-time basis.

• Schedule: Earned over two academic years; begins with a required orientation in August and concludes the following academic year with commencement in May.
• Field Placement: One field placement during each academic year; three days per week are spent in the field. Learn more about field placement.
• Curriculum: Students take four courses per semester (eight courses per academic year).

This is the standard schedule and course of study for full-time students, though you may customize your schedule if pursuing a dual degree or certificate program , or if required in order to complete your field placement.

*Waiver Exams are offered for SWRK 6010 and SWRK 6020 every August, and for SWRK 6150 every October. Students who score a qualifying grade on a waiver exam for SWRK 6010 and SWRK 6020 may take an elective in place of the required course. Students who score a qualifying grade on a waiver exam for SWRK 6150 may take a relevant advanced research elective in place of the required course.

**Non-credit/non-tuition course.

***Practice classes are a year-long sequence. Students remain in the same section of SWRK 6040/6140 for the entire first year and in the same section of SWRK 7040/7140 or 7080/7180 for the entire second year.

Foundation-year field placement begins in September and ends in April.

Fall Semester

• SWRK 6010: History and Philosophy of Social Work and Social Welfare* (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 6020: Human Behavior in the Social Environment* (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 6030: American Racism and Social Work Practice (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 6040: Foundations of Social Work Practice I + Field*** (includes Joint Lectures)

Spring Semester

• SWRK 6140: Foundations of Social Work Practice II + Field*** (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 6150: Introduction to Social Work Research* (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 7xx0: Policy Option
• SWRK 7600 or other elective (Some students complete the required clinical elective of SWRK 7600 prior to the start of the second year, though it is not required to be taken in this semester.)

Second Year

Advanced-year field placement begins in September and ends in April.

• SWRK 7040/7080: Advanced Clinical/Macro Social Work Practice I + Field*** (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 7xxx: Elective #2
• SWRK 7xxx: Elective #3
• SWRK 7xxx: Research Option
• SWRK 7100: Supervision Seminar (For students without an MSW Field Supervisor)**
• SWRK 7140/7180: Advanced Clinical/Macro Social Work Practice II + Field*** (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 7130: Understanding Social Change: Issues of Race and Gender (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 7xxx: Elective #4
• SWRK 7xxx: Elective #5

Advanced Standing

Penn’s Advanced Standing MSW Program Penn’s Advanced Standing MSW Program accepts a limited number of exceptional BSW students who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program within the past five years. Students earn their MSW degree in 10 months.

• Schedule: Begins with a required orientation in July and ends with commencement in May.
• Field Placement: Includes either a clinical or a macro concentration field placement that begins in July and ends in April; students are in the field three days per week. Learn more about field placement.
• Curriculum: During the summer semester, students take two credit-bearing courses and one non-credit-bearing course. During the fall and spring semesters, students take the equivalent of four courses per semester.

This is the standard schedule and course of study for part-time students, though you may This is the standard schedule and course of study for Advanced Standing students, though you may customize your schedule due to participation in a certificate program the needs of your field placement agency, etc.

Summer Term

• SWRK 6030: American Racism and Social Work Practice
• SWRK 6200: Integrative Practice Seminar*
• SWRK 7040/7080: Advanced Clinical/Macro Social Work Practice I + Field** (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 7xxx: Elective #1 (SWRK 7600 is a required elective for clinical concentration students; may be taken in either semester)
• If Required: SWRK 7100: Supervision Seminar (For students without an MSW Field Supervisor)*
• SWRK 7140/7180: Advanced Clinical/Macro Social Work Practice II + Field** (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 7xxx: Policy Option
• If required: SWRK 7100: Supervision Seminar (For students without an MSW Field Supervisor)*

Part Time (Three-Year)

The part-time MSW Program is designed for students who want to pursue a career in social work but are not prepared to matriculate on a full-time basis.

• Schedule: Earned over three academic years; begins with a required orientation in August and concludes after three academic years with commencement in May.
• Field Placement: One field placement in each of the second and third years of the program; students spend 16 hours per week in the field (8 of their 16 hours must be during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM). Learn more about field placement .
• Curriculum: Two courses during both the fall and spring semesters for three academic years and during two summers. Part-time students are given priority registration so that they can enroll in classes that best accommodate their schedules, including evening classes.

This is the standard schedule and course of study for part-time students, though you may customize your schedule due to participation in a certificate program , the needs of your field placement agency, etc.

*Waiver exams are offered for SWRK 6010 and SWRK 6020 every August and for SWRK 6150 every October. Students who score a qualifying grade on a waiver exam for SWRK 6010 and SWRK 6020 may take an elective in place of the required course. Students who score a qualifying grade on a waiver exam for SWRK 6150 may take a relevant advanced research elective in place of the required course.

• For students entering in Fall 2019 or earlier: SWRK 6020: Human Behavior in the Social Environment* (includes Joint Lectures); For students entering in Fall 2020 or later: SWRK 6030: American Racism and Social Work Practice
• SWRK 7600 or other elective (Some advanced-year field placements require that students complete SWRK 7600 prior to the start of the second year.)

Second Year (Foundation Year)

Foundation year field placement begins in September and continues through the end of June.

• For students entering in Fall 2019 or earlier: SWRK 603: American Racism and Social Work Practice (includes Joint Lectures); For students entering in Fall 2020 or later: SWRK 6020: Human Behavior in the Social Environment (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK 6040: Foundations of Social Work Practice I + Field Placement*** (includes Joint Lectures)
• SWRK xxxx: Elective #3
• SWRK xxxx: Elective #4

Advanced year field placement begins in early August before third-year classes begin and finishes in April at the end of the spring semester.

Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL)

The University of Pennsylvania is proud to be one of 12 accredited schools of social work in Pennsylvania that is part of the Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL) Program , designed to provide graduate-level educational opportunities for public child welfare personnel. Throughout the program, CWEL students receive support from CWEL classmates and mentoring from SP2’s faculty who specialize in child welfare issues.

• Be an employee of a Pennsylvania county child welfare agency;
• Have the prerequisite academic degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
• Be employed by the same agency for a minimum of two years;
• Have satisfactory performance evaluations;
• Be granted an educational leave by the employing agency for the purpose of enrolling in the CWEL Program (if applying for full-time study) or receive county agency approval for CWEL participation (if applying for part-time study).
• Schedule : Penn accepts CWEL students for either full- or part-time study (dependent upon the approval of their employing agency).
• Field Placement : CWEL students are required to complete both their foundation year and advanced year field placements in an agency focused on child welfare. Students may not use their normal employment to fulfill field placement hours, but they may choose to complete their field placement(s) at their employing agency in a role that is different from their usual employment.
• Additional Information: Please visit the CWEL Program page through the University of Pittsburgh .

Joint Lectures

Sequences in the MSW Program may schedule sequence-wide lectures for all sections at various points in the semester. These lectures feature experts in the field and are a mandatory component of the course(s). Joint lectures are scheduled on Wednesday evenings (6:30 – 8:00 PM); students should not register for other courses on Wednesday nights that conflict with the joint lecture time slot. Students who have extenuating circumstances that prevent them from attending the joint lectures must make arrangements with their course instructors to receive the lecture content in another way.

Ready to join the MSW community?

Dual Degree Options

MASTER iN LAW

MASTER OF BIOethics

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

MASTER OF CITy PLANNING

MASTER OF FINE ARTS

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN criminology

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN education

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL POLICY

DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

JURIS DOCTOR

BACHELOR OF ARTS (SUBMATRICULATION)

Certificate Programs and Specialization Options

Ann NOLAN REESE Penn aging certificate

Certificate for applied data ethics, law, and the social good

Certificate in Law

Child Well-Being & Child Welfare

Cohen Veterans Network MSW Scholars

Criminal Justice specialization

Global Human Rights Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Latin American and Latinx studies

LGBTQ+ Certificate

MSW/Home-School Visitor Certificate

Social work in Health care specialization

Interdisciplinary Partnership

MSW/Certificate in Jewish Communal Service

FEATURED ALUMNI

Amber hikes, msw’08.

“This world, this country, needs SP2 graduates more than ever. I have not had a traditional career — I’ve been an organizer, an educator, a nonprofit leader, an executive director, and a policymaker, but I’ve always been an advocate and I’ve always been a proud social worker. And at every turn, I’ve hired social workers, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders to help me lead this work.”

Field Placements

Field education is an integral and required part of the overall MSW curriculum, connecting classroom learning with the practical work of an agency setting. Our students gain important knowledge and skills and make meaningful contributions at organizations such as hospitals, community centers, and hospice agencies, both here in Philadelphia and beyond.

Related News

SP2 honors five accomplished social change agents at 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame Ceremony

Five distinguished alumni were celebrated at the 2024 SP2 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 17. The event marked the sixth year that the School has honored alumni through the SP2 Hall of Fame.

Student Life

Disability rights photography by Harvey Finkle, SW’61, featured for second annual Art @ SP2 exhibit

In the black-and-white still photographs displayed in SP2’s Caster building, members of ADAPT/Disabled in Action advocate for equal access to the components of an independent life. The images are the work of celebrated social justice photographer and SP2 alumnus Harvey Finkle, SW’61, who visited on April 3.

Two SP2 alumni named 2024 Diversity in Business Award recipients by Philadelphia Business Journal

Among the 22 individuals recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2024 Diversity in Business Awards are SP2 graduates Chad Lassiter, MSW’01, executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and Noel Ramirez, MSW’09, director of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting.

Mai Le, JD, MSW

Administrative Director, MSW Program

215 746 4031

mtle@upenn.edu

Related Links

FINANCIAL AID >

TUITION & FEES >

HOW TO APPLY >

ACADEMIC RESOURCES >

MSW RESOURCES >

MASTER’S STUDENT HANDBOOK >

MSW PROGRAM SPECIFIC POLICIES >

• Search UNH.edu
• Search College of Health and Human Services

Commonly Searched Items:

• Academic Calendar
• Programs of Study
• Declaring a Major
• Honors in Major
• Transfer Students - How to Apply
• Faculty & Staff Directory
• Child Welfare and Partnerships Training
• Continuing Education Program
• Phi Alpha Honor Society, Pi Chi Chapter
• Students of Social Work (SOSW)
• International Opportunities
• UNH School Mental Health Graduate Program
• Accreditation
• Committee on Ethnic, Racial and Gender Equity (CERGE)
• Anti-Oppressive Practice

Exploring Career Possibilities with a Master of Social Work

Caitlin Cormier's journey into social work started with her foundations in psychology and forensic psychology. Building on that foundation with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of New Hampshire (UNH), she transformed her career path, embracing a future rich with possibilities to influence lives through direct practice, policy-making, and political engagement.

Cormier says that the breadth of career opportunities is what drew her towards pursuing an MSW. "I’ve learned multiple counseling techniques and have experience doing rapid response within communities. I can get involved in the macro work. There are a lot of opportunities," she explains. She adds that her MSW degree has opened doors to multiple avenues where she can make a significant impact.

Internship Experience Shaping a Career

Key to Cormier’s professional development were her internships, which she undertook at short-term treatment programs. She chose these roles to challenge herself and step outside her comfort zone. Her first placement involved working as a clinician in a substance use partial hospitalization program. There, she performed comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, facilitated group counseling sessions, and provided individual counseling.

Her subsequent internship was with the Rapid Response Team at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. This role required her team to meet clients in various settings—whether in offices, hospitals, or community locations—to assess their immediate needs during mental health or substance use crises. "Being directly involved with the people you’re helping is crucial for making informed decisions on their needs," she says.

Alongside her MSW coursework, Cormier completed the Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice Graduate Certificate Program. This additional certification focuses on integrating mental health support within educational settings, preparing her for roles that extend her impact into schools.

Launching a Career in Social Work

Even before graduating, Cormier had already secured a position as a school counselor at Barnstead Elementary School, a role she plans to continue post-graduation. "Counseling is rewarding, especially when I can help a kid make a breakthrough or help them get on a different path,” she says.  Additionally, she will work on a per diem basis as a social worker at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover.

Advice for Prospective Social Work Students

Cormier encourages prospective students to align their studies with their long-term career goals, a strategy that has served her well. Her involvement in student organizations such as UNH Students of Social Work (SOSW), Phi Alpha, and serving as an online senator for the Graduate Student Senate, have all enriched her educational experience.

Reflecting on her bustling academic and professional journey, Cormier is enthusiastic about the future. "It’s been a hectic couple of years, but excited to see what lies ahead," she concludes.

Social Work

College of health and human services.

• Title IV-E Project

• Sustainability
• Embrace New Hampshire
• University News
• The Future of UNH
• Campus Locations
• Calendars & Events
• Directories
• Facts & Figures
• Academic Advising
• Colleges & Schools
• Degrees & Programs
• Undeclared Students
• Course Search
• Study Abroad
• Career Services
• How to Apply
• Visit Campus
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Net Price Calculator
• Graduate Admissions
• UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
• Housing & Residential Life
• Clubs & Organizations
• New Student Programs
• Student Support
• Fitness & Recreation
• Student Union
• Health & Wellness
• Student Life Leadership
• Sport Clubs
• UNH Wildcats
• Intramural Sports
• Campus Recreation
• Centers & Institutes
• Undergraduate Research
• Research Office
• Graduate Research
• FindScholars@UNH
• Business Partnerships with UNH
• Professional Development & Continuing Education
• Research and Technology at UNH
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Alumni & Friends
• Request Information

School of Social Work

• Academic Programs
• Student Resources
• News & Events
• Faculty & Staff
• Request Info

The Essential Role of Gerontological Social Workers

Thursday, May 16, 2024 • Jaelon Jackson :

By Jaelon Jackson School of Social Work

What do Gerontology Social Workers do?

As we journey through the stages of life, eventually arriving at the challenges and opportunities that come with aging, Gerontological Social Workers emerge as essential guides.

Their role extends far beyond mere service provision; they become compassionate allies, standing by older individuals and their families during times of need. Gerontological or Aging Specialty Social Workers fulfill many responsibilities, including practical assistance, emotional support, and advocacy. Here's a closer look at their vital tasks:

• Practical Assistance : Gerontological Social Workers help older adults access essential services such as healthcare, transportation, and housing. They navigate bureaucratic hurdles with expertise and compassion, ensuring older adults receive the care and support they need to thrive in their later years.
• Emotional Support : Aging can bring about many emotional challenges, from adjusting to life transitions to coping with loss and illness. Gerontological Social Workers offer a listening ear and a supportive presence during emotionally challenging times. They provide counseling, therapy, and support groups to help older adults navigate the complexities of aging with dignity and resilience.
• Advocacy : Gerontological Social Workers are fierce advocates for the rights and well-being of older adults. Social Workers fight against ageism, discrimination, neglect, and abuse, empowering older adults to advocate for themselves and access the resources they need to live fulfilling lives.

What challenges and opportunities do our aging population encounter?

As our society experiences a significant shift in demographics, characterized by a growing number of older adults, a plethora of challenges and opportunities arise for individuals, families, and communities. These challenges include:

• Access to Healthcare : Older adults, especially those residing in rural or underserved areas, may face difficulties in accessing quality healthcare services. Gerontological Social Workers play a pivotal role in connecting them with appropriate healthcare providers and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
• Preventing Elder Abuse : Elder abuse is a pervasive issue affecting millions of older adults worldwide. Gerontological Social Workers work tirelessly to prevent elder abuse and provide support to victims, helping them navigate legal processes and access resources for recovery.
• Addressing Social Isolation : Social isolation poses a significant concern among older adults, particularly those who live alone or have limited social connections. Gerontological Social Workers devise strategies to foster social connectedness and well-being among older adults, utilizing community resources and support groups to combat loneliness and isolation.
• Ensuring Financial Stability : Financial challenges such as insufficient savings and rising healthcare costs are prevalent among seniors. Gerontological Social Workers provide financial counseling and assistance to promote financial security in later life, ensuring older adults can afford the care and support they need to thrive.

What opportunities are there for our older adult population?

In addition to challenges, aging also presents numerous opportunities for older adults to engage with their communities and lead fulfilling lives. These opportunities include:

• Volunteering/Civic Engagement : Volunteering and engaging in civic activities not only benefit the community but also have health and social benefits for older adults. Gerontological Social Workers encourage older adults to get involved in volunteer work and civic engagement opportunities to stay active and connected.
• Intergenerational Support/Activities : Building strong intergenerational relationships, such as those between grandparents and grandchildren or through mentoring younger generations, fosters a sense of purpose and connection for older adults. Gerontological Social Workers promote intergenerational activities and support networks to enhance well-being across generations.
• Value of Older Workers : Older adults bring valuable skills, wisdom, and institutional knowledge to the workforce. Gerontological Social Workers advocate for the inclusion of older workers in the labor market, highlighting the benefits of mentoring and knowledge transfer between generations.
• Lifelong Learning : Lifelong learning opportunities, such as taking up new hobbies, learning new skills, or traveling to new places, contribute to older adults' cognitive health and overall well-being. Gerontological Social Workers encourage older adults to pursue lifelong learning opportunities to stay mentally and socially engaged.

Why is it crucial to support mental health in older adults?

Ensuring the mental well-being of older adults holds immense importance, often overlooked in discussions about aging and healthcare. The aging process can bring forth various mental health challenges, including:

• Depression : Many older adults experience feelings of sadness or depression as they navigate life transitions, cope with loss, or confront health issues. However, it is important to know that depression is not a "normal” part of aging.
• Anxiety : Anxiety disorders are common among older adults, particularly those facing significant life changes or dealing with chronic health conditions.
• Cognitive Decline : Cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, can have a profound impact on older adults' mental health and overall well-being. 

Recognizing the pivotal role of mental health support for older adults, Gerontological Social Workers work diligently to provide access to resources and services essential for maintaining optimal mental well-being. They offer support and coping strategies to assist seniors in adjusting to life transitions and provide crisis intervention when needed. 

Moreover, Gerontological Social Workers contribute to suicide prevention efforts by identifying risk factors and facilitating access to mental health services for older adults facing challenges.

As we journey through the intricate tapestry of aging, let us not overlook the invaluable contributions of Gerontological Social Workers. Through their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, they illuminate the path forward, guiding all of us as we age toward a future filled with dignity, resilience, and well-being.

Learn more about Gerontological Social Work and the aging specialty in our Master of Social Work program.

Stay Connected

• SSW Communications & Marketing Office
• SSW in the Media
• Monthly Newsletters
• Monthly Video News Update
• Courtyard Conversations - Monthly Talk Show
• Marketing Products
• Video Gallery
• Photo Gallery
• SSW Upcoming Events

Address School of Social Work Box 19129 501 W. Mitchell Street Arlington, TX 76019-0129

Phone (Local): 817-272-3181 | (Toll Free): 866-272-3181 Fax : 817-272-5229

The School of Social Work Admissions office is located in Suite 203 in the Social Work and Smart Hospital Building (501 W. Mitchell Street, Arlington, TX 76019).

Follow us on social media

• Faculty/Staff Resources
• Parking Pass Request
• Request Information
• Conference Room/Classroom Reservation
• Special Event Request
• Faculty Academic & Student Affairs Resources

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• Altay republic
• Irkutsk oblast
• Kemerovo oblast
• Khakassia republic
• Krasnoyarsk krai
• Novosibirsk oblast
• Omsk oblast
• Tomsk oblast
• Tuva republic
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Bratsk city, Russia

The city of Irkutsk oblast .

Bratsk - Overview

Bratsk is a city in Russia located in the north-west of the Irkutsk region, in the center of Angarsky mountain-ridge. It stands on the shores of the Bratsk and Ust-Ilim reservoirs formed on the Angara River.

Today, this city, formed in 1956 due to the construction of Bratsk hydro power station, is an agglomeration of dispersed residential areas separated by forests and water areas. Residential areas, different in size, are former settlements constructed near industrial enterprises.

The population of Bratsk is about 222,500 (2022), the area - 428 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 3953, the postal codes - 665700-665783.

Bratsk city flag

Bratsk city coat of arms.

Bratsk city map, Russia

History of bratsk.

In 1631, a group of 40 Cossacks headed by Panteley Demidov Penda founded a small fortress on the Angara River, in the mouth of the Oka River, and called it Bratsky ostrog. The name is derived by assimilating “Buryaty” (local native people) into “braty”, that is “bratya” (brothers).

When the fortress lost its military importance, the settlement received the name Bratsko-Ostrozhnoye, sometimes simply Bratskoye, later Bratsk.

The present city was formed due to the construction of Bratsk power station, to the north of the old settlement of Bratsk which was flooded by waters of the reservoir.

On July 15, 1955, the construction of Bratsk hydro power station and the city of Bratsk was announced as an All-Union construction. On July 26, 1961, the reservoir began to be filled with water. September 1, 1961, is considered the date of the Bratsk Sea coming into being.

Bratsk views

Bratsk Hydropower Station

Author: Sergeev Vitaliy

Lenin Square in Bratsk

Author: Vitaliy Alt

Bratsk street

Bratsk - Features

The city was formed from several settlements. Today, it consists of several districts located pretty far away from each other. The residential districts were built around preserved taiga forests. The length of the city along the shore of the reservoir is about 65 km. The distance to Irkutsk is 983 km by railway, and 618 km by highway.

The climate is continental with long severe winter (up to minus 35-40 degrees Celsius) and short hot summers (up to plus 25-30 degrees C). The heating season lasts 246 days. The average temperature in January is 22.7 degrees C below zero, in July - plus 18-19 degrees C. Despite the harsh climate, Bratsk economic and geographical location is quite favorable.

Bratsk plays a role of an important support base in the development of the northern regions of Eastern Siberia and the Far East. The city is located at the intersection of important communications connecting the European and Asian continents with the north of Eastern Siberia and Yakutia. This is the basis for its economic, social and cultural development.

Bratsk is one of the largest industrial centers in the region and Eastern Siberia: metallurgy; pulp, timber mass and carton producing; timber processing and wood working; chemical and food industries. It has access to electricity generated by Bratsk power station, unlimited water resources, navigable and timber-rafting ways, etc. Also, private gold miners working on the Angara tributaries and pearl divers (the Oka River) play significant role in the local economy.

Bratsk airport offers flights to Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Moscow, Tyumen, Yakutsk. The city is connected by railway lines with central Russia, Siberia, Yakutia, Transbaikalia, the Far East.

One of the essential problems of present Bratsk is an adverse environment. The main sources of pollution are the enterprises of ferrous metallurgy, timber processing, energy, transport.

60 km east of Bratsk, there is a climatic resort “Bratsk seaside” located on the coast of the Bratsk reservoir. Patients with diseases of the circulatory and nervous systems are treated there.

Museums of Bratsk

• “Angara Village” - an architectural and ethnographical open-air museum (Komsomolskaya Street, 38),
• Bratsk museum of Angara assimilation history (Komsomolskaya Street, 38),
• The museum of Bratsk city and power station history (Gidrostroiteley Street, 54),
• The museum of history of political exile (Parkovaya Street, 3),
• Bratsk art exhibition hall (Komsomolskaya Street, 77).

Bratsk city of Russia photos

Bratsk places.

Monument to Pushkin in Bratsk

Hotel in Bratsk

Author: Isaev S.V.

Bratsk Palace of Arts

Author: Yulia Zolotovskaya

Pictures of Bratsk

Fountain in Bratsk

Church of the Dormition in Bratsk

The comments of our visitors

• Currently 2.94/5

Rating: 2.9 /5 (172 votes cast)

International Programs

Meet Jongkwan Yun: From South Korea to Iowa, gaining real-world experience in sport management

Jongkwan Yun is a senior at the University of Iowa (UI) majoring in sport and recreation management with a concentration area in communications public relations/journalism, while minoring in news and media literacy. Yun's interest in sports began as a ski instructor at Konjiam Resort in South Korea. When he was a student in sports management at a Korean college, he had a chance to study abroad in Canada and intern at IFung Sports Management, a Canadian soccer agency . These experiences led him to transfer to Iowa to further his undergraduate studies and gain work experience.  

“I was accepted to several colleges in the U.S. when I was looking to transfer, and the two biggest reasons I chose Iowa were credit recognition and field experience classes,” reflected Yun. “I chose my concentration area and minor because there is an unofficial saying in sport management: ‘A minor is mandatory, double major is optional.’ Also, Iowa ranks high in journalism.”

"Embrace the challenge! It is okay to get hit a lot and get hurt a lot — we are students at Iowa, where we have the support and resources to help us get back up if we fall."

Internship at the Iowa Cubs

After gaining hands-on field experience from the UI Athletic Department Fans First, Yun is currently interning in the operations and promotions department of the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, through curricular practical training (CPT). “The help from UI International Student and Scholar Services and Professor Anna Jensen, director of Office of Field Experience in sport and recreation management, was invaluable when getting a full-time CPT,” shared Yun, who is a recipient of the 2024 UI International Student Graduation Most Unique CPT Award.  

Future career aspirations

Looking ahead, Yun aims to land a position with a major South Korean company later this year, like Hyundai or CJ CheilJedang, both of which have a sport management and marketing department. If that does not work out, he plans to use Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work for a Major League team in the U.S. before returning to South Korea to work in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).  

Advice for international students

Yun suggested, “Take advantage of CPT and OPT opportunities. Many things can be learned through classes at school, but I think more things can be learned in the field while working.” Emphasizing his practical approach, he added, “It’s better to draw your dreams through one experience rather than through many contemplations.”

Yun’s closing message is a note of self-reflection and encouragement to fellow international students: Embrace the challenge! It is okay to get hit a lot and get hurt a lot — we are students at Iowa, where we have the support and resources to help us get back up if we fall. 

learn more about cpt and opt

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

• International Student Graduation Celebration
• international students and scholars

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Springer Nature - PMC COVID-19 Collection

The Current Territorial Differentiation of the Industry of Irkutsk Oblast

N. a. ippolitova.

1 Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 664033 Irkutsk, Russia

2 Irkutsk State University, 664003 Irkutsk, Russia

M. A. Grigoryeva

This article discusses recent changes in the development of industrial production in Irkutsk oblast from 2010 to 2019. Industry is the basic component in the economic complex; it provides about half of the region’s gross added value and is characterized by a multi-sectoral structure formed primarily on the basis of using natural resources and cheap electricity. It is pointed out that in the last decade, a significant change in the structure of industry has led to a structural simplification of its sectoral composition with a significant shift toward the raw materials sector. Cities remain the leading centers of concentration of the manufacturing industry. The grouping of municipalities according to the level of industrial development was carried out according to the available statistical data: the calculated share of the employed in industry and the volume of shipped products of large and medium-sized organizations. On the basis of their ratio, groups of regions with intensive development of the extractive industries, primarily the oil and gas sector, as well as territories in which the industrial profile was formed in Soviet times but underwent transformations under the influence of changes in the market, were identified. A group of regions with very low industrial development has been identified, in which economic activities are mainly related to agriculture, logging, transport, and tourism. It is shown that some of the municipalities have changed their position in the groups when compared to 2010. The rest of the composition is relatively stable. It was found that in the first and fourth groups a change in priority in the development of types of economic activity occurred, whereas the second and third groups show a change in their proportions. Large business contributes to the extremely uneven distribution of investments across the oblast in the implementation of investment projects.

INTRODUCTION

Irkutsk oblast, one of the key industrial regions of Siberia, has great industrial and natural resource potential, which, together with its competitive advantages, make it possible to occupy a leading position among other regions of the country. Research by N.N. Klyuev [ 1 ] shows that Irkutsk oblast is one of the ten Russian regions that maximized the volume of industrial production from 1990 to 2017.

The modern industrial structure of Irkutsk oblast is made up of several basic industries, including the electric power industry, mining and timber processing complexes, nonferrous metallurgy, chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as mechanical engineering and metalworking. With the start of oil and gas production, the oil and gas industry has developed.

Currently, the spatial development of Irkutsk oblast is based on large territorial production centers located in Irkutsk, Bratsk, Shelekhov, Angarsk, Sayansk, Ust-Ilimsk, Zheleznogorsk-Ilimsk, Taishet, Ust-Kut, and Bodaibo, where over 55% of the region’s population lives. These territories account for more than 85% of the added value produced in the region, and about 60% of investments [ 2 ].

The development of industrial production and its territorial features have been widely considered by domestic geographers at different times. It is worth noting the works devoted to the period of industrialization of the eastern territories [ 3 ], economic development [ 4 ], and issues of the location and development of certain industries [ 5 , 6 ]. In recent years, the main attention has been paid to the study of industry in the sectoral context [ 7 – 11 ], as well as using the theory of territorial production complexes [ 12 , 13 ]. The use of an integrated approach makes it possible to determine structural changes in the industry of the regions [ 14 ].

At the regional level, there are many methods and approaches to the construction of typologies and groupings for the socioeconomic development of territories, and in particular industrial development. Consideration of the intraregional level of industrial development in the scientific literature is less common, for example [ 15 – 18 ], which increases the relevance of this research, which is of an applied nature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information base of the study, which covers 2010–2019, was the materials of the Federal State Statistics Service, including databases of indicators of municipalities and official sites of local governments (analytical and forecast reports).

It is assumed in this work that at present industrial production includes the following sections of OKVED-2: Extraction of minerals (B); Manufacturing industries (C); Provision of electricity, gas and steam; air conditioning (D); Water supply; sewerage, waste collection, and disposal, and pollution elimination activities (E). According to OKVED, in 2010 industrial production consisted of the following types of activities: Extraction of minerals (C); Manufacturing (D); Production and distribution of electricity, gas, and water (E). We note that the work did not take into account the subsection Forestry and logging, which is included in the section Agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, and fish farming (A), although logging is a specialization of individual municipalities of the region.

The statistical data used at the municipal level (shipped goods of its own production, performed works and services on its own; the average number of employees of organizations by type of economic activity; investments in fixed assets) are given by Rosstat for large and medium-sized organizations, excluding small businesses. For example, the difference between the volume of products shipped for large and medium-sized organizations and for the full range of organizations is 5.6%, and for those employed in industrial production it is about 15%.

Due to the fact that according to the indicator called shipped goods of our own production, performed works and services on our own (without subjects of municipalities), information on certain types of economic activity is not published for 29 out of 42 municipalities of Irkutsk oblast in order to ensure the confidentiality of primary statistical data [ 19 ], the materials posted on the official websites of the corresponding municipalities were taken into account.

This work used comparative geographical and statistical research methods.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In the structure of gross value added in Irkutsk oblast, industry accounted for 31.7% in 2010, and 44.8% in 2018. The specific weight of the volume of shipped products of the region in Russia increased from 1.4% in 2010 to 1.7% in 2019, due to the fact that the volume of mining operations increased nine times. The average annual number of workers employed in the industrial sector decreased by 3.6%.

In 2010–2019, the production index in Irkutsk oblast, based on the results of its retrospective recalculation by Rosstat, did not fall below 100%, reaching its maximum value in 2010, 113.3%, and the minimum value in 2019, 100.4% ( Fig. 1 ). Growth rates of the industrial production index in 2010–2012, were due to significant volumes of mining (especially hydrocarbons). The drop in production volumes in 2019 is associated with a decrease in the production of crude oil, metal ores, and due to the current federal emergency in the region in the summer of 2019 (flooding of settlements) and coal. The trend continued in 2020 under the influence of external and internal factors (Russian participation in the agreement with the OPEC + countries and, accordingly, the restriction on oil production, as well as restrictions on the part of Russian Railways in accepting coal for export). Against the background of this situation, the manufacturing industry in 2020, in contrast, showed an increase in production (in particular, the contribution was made by Pharmasynthez, which began to produce medicines for the treatment of coronavirus infection).

The production indices of Irkutsk oblast, %. Types of economic activity: 1 , industrial production; 2 , mining; 3 , manufacturing; 4 , supply of electricity, gas and steam; air conditioning.

Transformational processes, which differ in intensity and direction in different periods, have formed the modern structure of the region’s industry, whose leading industries are: extraction of crude oil and natural gas, which accounts for 35.2% of the volume of shipped products; energetics , 10.3; metallurgical production, 9.1; production of paper and paper products, 4.7; wood processing, 4.5%. In 2010, the leading positions were occupied by the energy sector, 18.3%; production of machinery, equipment, vehicles, 16.3; metallurgical production, 15.3; extraction of fuel and energy minerals, 8.9; and chemical production, 7.6%.

The average number of employees of organizations (excluding small businesses) and the volume of goods, works, and services shipped by large and medium-sized organizations were used as indicators that characterize the level of development of industrial production in 42 regional municipalities in 2010 and 2019.

The ratio of these indicators made it possible to distinguish four groups of municipalities by the level of industrial development (high, medium, low, and very low) in 2010 and 2019. ( Figs. 2, 3 ).

The distribution of the share of people employed in industry and the volume of industrial production of large and medium-sized organizations in Irkutsk oblast in 2010

The distribution of the share of employed in industry and the volume of industrial production of large and medium-sized organizations in Irkutsk oblast in 2019

In 2019, compared to 2010, there was a transition of a number of territories of the region from one group to another. In three municipalities (Ust-Kutsky, Katangsky, and Alarsky districts) there was an increase in the level of industrial development, and in the other three municipalities (Angarsk, Shelekhovsky district, and Usolye-Sibirskoe) a decrease occurred.

The Highly developed group (Katangsky, Ust-Kutsky regions, and Bratsk) is characterized by high values of the share of people employed in industrial production and the volume of shipped products. It accounts for 21.2% of those employed in industrial organizations of the region (rotation work is also used) and 48.4% of investments in fixed assets. The northern regions continue to increase their concentration of the volume of shipped products in the region by the type of economic activity mining (2010, 43.8%; 2019, 73.6%). Oil and gas condensate production increased by 5.4 times, from 3.3 million tons in 2010 to 17.9 million tons in 2019. Oil produced from fields in the north of the region is fed to the Eastern Siberia–Pacific Ocean (ESPO) pipeline system; it is delivered to the Far East and then exported to China and other countries of the Asia–Pacific region. The main companies represented on the territory of these municipalities are Verkhnechonskneftegaz, Dulisma, and the Irkutsk Oil Company. The latter is the largest taxpayer to the regional budget (in 2018, the share of its contributions was 12.5%). Generally, oil producing enterprises provided 46% of all income tax revenues in 2018 in the structure of tax revenues of the consolidated budget of the region.

Industrial production in Bratsk is associated with the activities of such processing enterprises as RUSAL Bratsk (in 2019 it provided 38% of the aluminum production in Russia), the Ilim Group in Bratsk, and the Bratsk Ferroalloy Plant, which form the industrial image of the city. During the period an increase in the volume of shipped products in the manufacturing sector was noted in Bratsk (2010, 22.6%; 2019, 29.9%), which allows it to remain a large industrial hub of the region.

Group with an average level of development (the Angarsk, Svirsk, Sayansk, Ust-Ilimsk, Irkutsk, Bodaibinsky, Shelekhovsky, Nizhneilimsky, and Tulunsky districts) is distinguished by a high share of those employed in industry and an average volume of industrial production. About half of the region’s population lives in these municipalities, they produce 40.6% of industrial production, and concentrate 61.5% of those employed in the industrial sector, as well as 38.4% of investments. The group includes almost all major industrial centers in the region. Unlike the previous case, the sectoral composition of this group is more diverse and is represented by enterprises of nonferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemical and petrochemical, pulp and paper, nuclear, pharmaceutical, and food industries (Irkutsk Aluminum Plant, Irkutsk Aviation Plant, Angarsk Petrochemical Company, Angarsk Polymer Plant, Sayanskkhimplast, Ilim Group in Ust-Ilimsk, Angarsk Electrolysis Chemical Plant, Pharmasintez, etc.). The production profile of these territories was formed back in the Soviet era, but at the present stage enterprises continue to play a significant role in the socioeconomic development of the region, especially for export-oriented industries.

The mining sector is represented by gold mining at ore and alluvial deposits (Polyus Verninskoe, Vysochaishy, Druza, Lenzoloto, etc., which provided more than 9% of the gold mining in Russia), iron ore (Korshunovsky GOK), and coal (Tulunugol open pit).

A separate place in this group is occupied by Irkutsk, the administrative center of the region with a diversified industry, which is the center of the emerging agglomeration of the same name. For Irkutsk, there is a significant increase in shipped products by the type of economic activity supply of electricity, gas, and steam, and air conditioning (in 2010, 27.9%, and in 2019, 87.4%). This increase is explained by a peculiarity of statistical accounting: most of the products produced on the territory of the region for this type of economic activity are attributed to the city. In reality, Irkutsk produces 25 times less of them. We note that almost all large energy companies, except for Vitimenergo, are registered in the regional center.

The low development group (Usolye-Sibirskoe, Winter, Tulun, Cheremkhovo, Kirensky, Zhigalovsky, Nizhneudinsky, Usolsky, Mamsko-Chuisky, Zalarinsky, Kazachinsko-Lensky, Taishetsky, Ust-Ilimsky, Bratsky, Nukutsky, Alarsky, Slyudyansky, Chunsky, Chunkhovsky, and Irkutsky) is the most numerous and heterogeneous in its composition. It is characterized by a small share of those employed in the industrial production of the region and a low volume of goods shipped. This group accounts for 8.8% of the volume of shipped goods, works, and services of the region, 16.8% of those employed in industry, and 12.7% of investments. In more than half of the municipalities, the leading type of economic activity is manufacturing, which is represented by medium-sized and large companies: a branch of the Ilim Group in the Bratsk District, Knauf Gips Baikal, Rusforest Magistralny, Usolye Salt Extraction and Processing Shop (part of Russol), and others.

Mining predominates in six municipalities (Gazprom Dobycha Irkutsk, IOC, Nedra mining company (GPK), Tyretsky salt mine, Cheremkhovugol open pit, etc.); in Tulunsky district, it is power engineering, and in Mamsko-Chuysky, it is water supply. At the end of 2022, gas is planned to be supplied from the Kovykta field (Irkutsk gas production center) to the Power of Siberia gas trunkline, which is oriented to external consumption (China).

The group includes territories both with industrial enterprises closed in the post-Soviet period and with new industrial facilities that have just begun to function. Single-industry towns (Usolye-Sibirskoye, Cheremkhovo, and Tulun) were given the status of a territory of advanced socioeconomic development to support the economy.

The very low development group (Osinsky, Kuytunsky, Bayandaevsky, Olkhonsky, Balagansky, Kachugsky, Bokhansky, Ekhirit-Bulagatsky, Ust-Udinsky, and Ziminsky districts). This accounts for only 0.1% of the volume of products produced in the region, 0.5% of those employed in industrial organizations of the region, 0.5% of investments in fixed assets. The industry is mainly represented by food. The districts specialize in agriculture, logging, and recreational activities. There are no large companies; small business prevails.

In the first and fourth groups, the priorities in the development of types of economic activity changed, and in the second and third groups, their proportions changed ( Fig. 4 ).

The change in the structure of types of economic activities by groups of municipalities of Irkutsk oblast in 2010 and 2019, %. Types of economic activity: 1 , mining; 2 , manufacturing industries; 3 , supply of electricity, gas and steam; air conditioning; 4 , water supply, sewerage, waste collection and disposal, activities to eliminate pollution.

From 2010 to 2019, the volume of shipped products and investments increased by 3.4 and 3.8 times, respectively (on average per one municipal district) (see Table 1 ), with a decrease in the population and employed in the industrial sector. The greatest change in these indicators is noted in the first and second groups.

Industrial development indicators by groups of municipalities of Irkutsk oblast in 2010 and 2019 (on average for one municipality)

The regional industry is dominated by local organizations of various sizes, a quarter of the large and medium-sized companies are controlled by holding companies such as Gazprom, Rosneft, Polyus, Ilim Group, Rosatom, Rostekh, Mechel, Renova, En+ Group, and RUSAL.

In recent years, as a result of the active development of oil and gas resources, the process of complex formation has begun 1 : for example, IOC is building a polymer plant in Ust-Kut (commissioning is planned in 2024) and is building the Ust-Kutsk gas processing plant for the supply of raw materials (to be launched in 2021).

RUSAL invested and attracted large investments in the construction of the Taishet aluminum plant (the launch was postponed to 2021), as well as the Taishet anode factory, which will meet the plant’s needs for baked anodes. The Ilim Group will build a pulp and cardboard mill in Ust-Ilimsk by 2023, which will increase the production of unbleached packaging materials. These and other projects, which were initiated by big business and are in an active stage, attract investments to the municipalities of the region ( Fig. 5 ).

The share of investments in fixed assets of large and medium-sized organizations of Irkutsk oblast, %. Municipalities: 1 , Irkutsk; 2 , Katangsky district; 3 , Bratsk; 4 , Angarsk; 5 , Usolye-Sibirskoye; 6 , Ust-Kutsky district; 7 , Taishetsky district; 8 , others.

In 2010 the share of investments of the five leading municipalities in the region was 71.2%, while by 2019 the concentration increased to 78.8%. In 2017–2019 investment growth rates increased, on average, in most municipalities (85.7%), especially in municipalities of the third group, the Tulun, Ust-Ilimsky, Kuytunsky, and Cheremkhovsky districts. Per capita investment rates are the highest for municipalities of the first and second groups, Katangsky, Ust-Kutsky, and Bodaibinsky northern regions, which is explained by the large volumes of investments made by large companies in the development of natural resources and the low population density.

CONCLUSIONS

In the last decade, an increase in the share of the raw materials sector (by four times) with a significant decrease in the share of mechanical engineering (by four times), chemical production (by almost two times), energy, and metallurgy determines the structural shifts in the region’s economy. The shift towards the extractive sector, which is more focused on the export of raw materials, structurally simplifies the sectoral composition of industry.

The existing main territories for gold and iron ore mining (Bodaibinsky, Nizhneilimsky regions), as well as peripheral northern regions (Katangsky, Ust-Kutsky), areas for the development of oil and gas resources, have increased their importance and increased concentration in industrial production. In 2019, they accounted for the largest volume of shipped products in the extraction of minerals, 89.1% (2010, 50.6%). This is also facilitated by the pipeline system, the main ESPO oil pipeline and the Power of Siberia gas pipeline (its section under construction in the region), as well as the increased demand for hydrocarbons in the markets of the Asia–Pacific region. The development of the oil and gas industry attracted labor resources from other regions of the country (Western Siberia, the Republic of Tatarstan, etc.). In 2019, the number of workers on a rotational basis exceeded 25 000 people per quarter, of which more than 30% are residents of the region.

The cities, the leading industrial centers of the region (Bratsk, Irkutsk, Angarsk, Shelekhov, Ust-Ilimsk, and Sayansk), whose large enterprises were created in Soviet times, have adapted to changing conditions and still retain their stability. In 2019, they formed 87% of the shipped products of the manufacturing industry (in 2010, 90.5%). Other cities (Tulun, Zima, and Usolye-Sibirskoye) lost their importance as a result of the closure of city-forming enterprises in the post-Soviet period; in 2013, Baikalsk was added to them. As a regional center, Irkutsk is statistically attributed to a significant volume of shipped goods, works, and services in the energy sector (2019, 87.4%), which complicates the territorial analysis of this industry.

To identify intraregional differentiation of the level of industrial development in 2010 and 2019 four groups of medical organizations were identified, which are different in composition depending on the distribution of quantitative criteria (the share of people employed in industrial production and the volume of shipped products of large and medium-sized organizations). Six MOs changed their position in the groups, while the rest retained their positions,

Over the past 10 years, only five municipalities (Irkutsk, Bratsk, Angarsk, Katangsky, and Ust-Kutsky districts) have concentrated more than two-thirds of their investments in fixed assets, which indicates the extreme unevenness of their distribution. Basically, the resource advantages of the region in the implementation of large investment projects in gas chemistry, nonferrous metallurgy, timber processing, pulp and paper production, and mining are used by large businesses that control significant enterprises. However, investment activity has little effect on improving socioeconomic conditions, which has been noted by other researchers [ 14 , 21 ].

The work was carried out at the expense of the state assignment (АААА-А21-121012190019-9).

1 According to P.Ya. Baklanov, the processes of the initial formation and subsequent development of territorial combinations of nodal elements, various enterprises (or territorial-production complexes) are complex formation [ 20 , p. 213].

Contributor Information

N. A. Ippolitova, Email: ur.tsil@pi-anin .

M. A. Grigoryeva, Email: ur.xednay@9irgram .

University of Michigan School of Social Work

Audience menu.

• Connect with SSW
• Discover Social Work
• Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice
• MasterTrack Online Certificate
• Online MSW Program
• Schedule a Visit
• Course Catalog
• Financial Aid & Tuition
• MSW Program
• Joint PhD Program
• SSW Faculty
• Class-Related Forms
• Student Guide
• Academic Calendar
• Course Planning Worksheets
• Educational Agreement
• Office of Field Education
• Office of Student Services
• SSW Reservations
• Safety & Emergency Preparedness
• Student Advising
• Committee Meetings & Minutes
• Wolverine Access
• Faculty Handbook
• Instructional Faculty Resources
• SSW Directory
• Information Technology
• Faculty and Administrative Support Team
• U-M Webmail
• Community Forum
• Instructions

Search form

• Dean's Welcome
• Mission & Goals
• Contact & Building Hours
• Rankings, Facts & Figures
• Mission Statement
• Printable Strategic Plan
• Detailed Strategic Plan
• Action and Engagement
• Training/Resources
• Partnerships
• Newsletters
• Faculty Books
• Ongoing Magazine
• Presentations
• Research Publications
• SSW Publications
• Ann Arbor & Beyond
• Hotel Information
• Maps & Parking
• Welcome Letter
• Strategic Plan
• Social Work & Social Justice Dialogues
• DEI Impact Awards
• Student Diversity
• Anti-Racism Statement
• DEI & Anti-Racism Initiatives
• History of Social Work
• Land Acknowledgment Statement
• Oral Histories
• Social Justice Collection
• Printing Computing Sites
• U-M Computing Sites
• MSW Brochure and Flyers
• Connect With an MSW Admissions Counselor
• Connect With a Current MSW Student
• Request MSW Program Information
• Visit Our MSW Program
• Financial Aid
• Part-Time Programs
• Program Length
• Special Programs
• Tuition & Fees
• Admitted Students
• CSWE Competencies Assessment
• MasterTrack
• Program Statistics
• Joint PhD Research
• Joint PhD Students & Alumni
• Conversations Across Social Disciplines
• Declarations and Requirements
• Certificate Programs
• Faculty & Staff
• Outreach Board
• Preferred Admissions
• Stories & Videos
• Funding Opportunities
• Community Action and Social Change Minor
• UM Dearborn
• U-M Sociology and Social Work
• Affidavit of Financial Support
• English Proficiency
• Health Insurance
• Student Stories
• LGBTQIA2S+ Students
• Prospective Field Instructors
• Licensure Requirements
• Exam Preparation
• Mailing List
• Global Activities Scholars Program
• Global Course Extension
• Global Independent Study
• Peace Corps
• Global Social Work Practice Pathway
• Exchange Visitors
• Identities Abroad
• Global Career Guide
• Scholarship
• Course Planning
• Courses & Field Placements
• Community Action & Research Certificate
• Interprofessional Mini-Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice
• Groups/Labs/Centers
• Past Discoveries
• Faculty Support
• Proposal Notification
• Responsible Conduct
• Schedule a Consult
• Evaluation Skills Video Resource Library
• Education/Training
• Signature Programs
• Past Projects
• White Papers
• Become a Faculty Affiliate
• AHEAD Magazine
• Athletics Tickets
• Spaces for Students
• Students with Children
• Students with Disabilities
• Job Search Resources
• Job Preparation
• Licensing & Exam Prep
• Alumni Jobs & Salaries
• Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships
• Post-MSW Fellowships
• Student Employment
• Writing Assistance
• After Hours Transit Services
• SSW Building Maps
• Affordable Care Act
• Domestic Health Insurance
• International Health Insurance
• Liability & Auto Insurance
• Counseling and Psychological Services Embedded Therapist
• Virtual Student Mental Health Resources
• Get Help at U-M
• Student Help & Support
• Upcoming Ceremonies
• Past Ceremonies
• Commencement Calendar
• International Students
• International Applicants
• Student Activities
• Request a Community Conversation
• Upcoming Community Conversations
• Spring / Summer 2024
• Outside Classes
• Class Descriptions
• Credit Hour Policy
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Faculty and Administrative Support
• Contacts by Office
• Tenure-Track Faculty
• Clinical & Research Faculty
• Research Fellows
• Field Faculty
• LEO Lecturers
• Emeritus Faculty
• Joint PhD Students
• LEO & GSI
• Research Fellow
• Academics & Curriculum
• Continuing Education
• MSW Applications & Admission
• Registrar's Office
• Letter from the Director
• Halla Jomaa-Jouney
• Nancy Riske
• Charlotte Hoppen
• Madison Mariles
• Abigail Niehaus
• Benjamin Shovers
• Nikki Pallante
• Ways of Giving
• Fundraising Initiatives
• Donor Impact
• Class Notes
• Host Your Own Event
• Get Your Transcript
• Lifelong Learning
• Alumni Recognition
• Alumni Board
• Present a Webinar
• Advances in Child Maltreatment Prevention
• Building Healthy, Strong Communities
• Fedele F. and Iris M. Fauri Memorial Lecture
• Homecoming & Reunion Weekend
• Leon and Josephine Winkelman Memorial Lecture
• Social Justice Changemaker Lecture
• Social Work Month Celebration

Contact Information

• Update My Record
• Meet the Team
• Job Bulletin
• Joint PhD Job Postings
• Licensing & Exam Prep
• Alumni Jobs & Salaries

You are here

• Directories
• Career Services
• Office Directory

Research Program Coordinator

Posted: wednesday, may 15th, 2024, description.

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Research Program Coordinator to collaborate with faculty on specialized research and community programs focused on improving substance use disorder prevention and care. The ideal candidate will work closely with program faculty on the administrative, dissemination, and research aspects of a program aimed at translating our work to address community gaps in addiction care. The candidate may also work on specific research studies (e.g., conducting patient interviews). This position is within the Psychiatry Department at University of Michigan Medical School.

This position is a great opportunity to work at the intersection of community engagement and innovative research in order to improve prevention and care for underserved populations with substance use disorders. This position provides the opportunity to work with a thriving and positive team, with opportunities for career mentoring and growth.

Responsibilities*

Organization and communication of a new program focused on translating and disseminating evidence-based addiction care and engaging communities. 

Developing training materials for clinicians and communities.

Coordinate meetings, events and trainings.

Write and prepare dissemination products.

Assist in data collection tasks of research studies (e.g., conducting qualitative interviews with patients, etc.).

https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/248988/research-program-coordinator

Career Services 1080 S. University Room 1696 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

Phone: (734) 763-6259 Fax: (734) 936-1961 Email: [email protected]

Michelle Woods Career Services Director [email protected]

Contact Us Press escape to close

• Phone 1 (734) 764-3309 Fax 1 (734) 936-1961
• Email MSW [email protected] CE [email protected] PhD [email protected]

University of Michigan School of Social Work 1080 South University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

• Faculty, Staff & PhD Directory » Building Hours & Maps

43 Facts About Bratsk

Written by Elvira Llamas

Modified & Updated: 17 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

• Industrial Center Facts
• Industrialization Facts
• Russia Facts
• Russian Architecture Facts
• Siberia Facts
• Tourism Facts

Bratsk, a city located in the Irkutsk Oblast region of Russia, is a hidden gem worth exploring. With a rich history and a vibrant culture, Bratsk offers a unique experience to its visitors. From breathtaking natural landscapes to architectural wonders, there is something for everyone in this enchanting city.

In this article, we will uncover 43 fascinating facts about Bratsk that will pique your curiosity and make you want to pack your bags and embark on an adventure. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or someone who appreciates art and culture , Bratsk has it all. So, let’s dive into this incredible city and discover what makes it so special!

Key Takeaways:

• Bratsk, a city in Russia, boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant community, offering a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.
• With its impressive hydroelectric power station, beautiful natural reserves, and diverse cultural scene, Bratsk is a city poised for promising growth and development.

Bratsk is a city in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia.

Located in Siberia, Bratsk is situated on the Angara River and is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes.

The city of Bratsk was founded on August 26, 1947.

It was established as a residential settlement for the workers of the Bratsk hydroelectric power station.

Bratsk is home to one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.

The Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station has a capacity of 4,500 MW and plays a significant role in Russia’s energy production.

The population of Bratsk is approximately 246,000 people.

It is the third-largest city in Irkutsk Oblast, after Irkutsk and Angarsk.

The name “Bratsk” is derived from the word “brothers”.

It symbolizes the unity and cooperation of the workers who contributed to the construction of the city.

Bratsk experiences a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers.

The average temperature in January is around -19°C (-2°F), while in July , it reaches an average of 18°C (64°F).

The Bratsk Reservoir, created by the damming of the Angara River, is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.

It covers an area of 5,470 square kilometers (2,110 square miles) and provides opportunities for various water activities.

Bratsk is a major transportation hub in Siberia.

It has a well-developed railway system and is connected to other cities in the region through an extensive network of roads.

The city of Bratsk is known for its vibrant cultural scene.

It is home to several theaters, museums, and art galleries that showcase the rich history and traditions of the region.

Bratsk is surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, including dense forests, mountains, and rivers.

The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing , and wildlife watching.

The Bratsk Dam, which forms the Bratsk Reservoir, was completed in 1967.

It stands at a height of 124 meters (407 feet) and is an impressive engineering feat.

The construction of the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station required the relocation of several villages and towns.

Efforts were made to ensure the smooth transition and well-being of the affected residents.

Bratsk has a diverse economy, with industries including energy, metallurgy, forestry, and agriculture.

The city’s development is closely tied to the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station and the surrounding natural resources.

Bratsk is home to several educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and vocational schools.

It serves as an educational center for the region, attracting students from different parts of Siberia .

The people of Bratsk are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature.

Visitors to the city often praise the friendly atmosphere and genuine kindness of the locals.

Bratsk has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various ethnic groups living in the area.

The city celebrates traditional festivals, music, and dance, reflecting the diversity of its population .

The Bratsk Fortress is an important historical landmark in the city.

It dates back to the 17th century and serves as a reminder of Bratsk’s significant role in the region’s history.

Bratsk is known for its delicious cuisine, which features traditional Siberian dishes as well as Russian favorites.

Visitors can enjoy hearty soups, smoked fish , and locally sourced berries and mushrooms.

The Bratsk Museum of Local Lore showcases the history, culture, and natural wonders of the region.

It is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about Bratsk and its surroundings.

Bratsk has a well-developed sports infrastructure and supports various athletic activities.

The city has produced many talented athletes who have competed at national and international levels.

Bratsk is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves and national parks.

These protected areas are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, offering breathtaking sights for nature enthusiasts.

The Bratskaya street, one of the main streets in the city, is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to stroll, shop, and enjoy a meal.

Bratsk has a well-developed healthcare system, with modern hospitals and clinics.

The city prioritizes the health and well-being of its residents by providing quality medical facilities.

The Bratsk Opera and Ballet Theater is a cultural hub in the city, hosting performances by talented artists.

It showcases ballets, operas, and other musical events , attracting audiences from near and far.

Bratsk has a vibrant music scene, with local bands and musicians performing a variety of genres.

Music lovers can enjoy live performances at venues throughout the city.

The annual Bratsk International Film Festival celebrates the art of cinema.

It attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the world.

The Bratsk Circus is a popular entertainment venue, featuring thrilling acrobatic performances and animal shows.

It offers fun-filled experiences for both children and adults.

Bratsk has a strong sense of community, with various civic organizations and volunteer groups working towards the betterment of the city.

Citizens actively participate in initiatives aimed at improving the environment, education, and social welfare.

The beautiful Bratsk City Park is a favorite spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.

It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Bratsk is known for its stunning sunsets, which paint the sky with vibrant colors.

The breathtaking views make for memorable moments and great photo opportunities.

The local markets of Bratsk are vibrant hubs of trade, showcasing a variety of local produce and goods.

Visitors can explore the stalls and sample fresh fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.

Bratsk is an important center for scientific research and innovation.

The city is home to various research institutes and laboratories that contribute to advancements in different fields.

The Bratsk State University offers a wide range of educational programs across various disciplines.

It attracts students not only from Bratsk but also from other parts of Russia and abroad.

Bratsk is a city that embraces technology and digital connectivity.

The city’s infrastructure is well-equipped to meet the demands of the digital age.

Bratsk hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances.

The city’s calendar is filled with opportunities to immerse oneself in the vibrant cultural scene.

Bratsk is a city where old traditions and modernity coexist harmoniously.

While the city embraces progress, it also values and preserves its rich cultural heritage.

Bratsk is surrounded by vast forests, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting are popular activities in the area.

The Bratsk Philharmonic Orchestra is renowned for its exceptional performances and talented musicians.

It enchants audiences with a diverse repertoire that includes classical, contemporary, and traditional pieces.

Bratsk takes pride in its strong educational system, which emphasizes the importance of knowledge and skills.

It prepares the younger generation for bright futures and successful careers.

Bratsk is a city that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity.

It values the contributions of people from different backgrounds and fosters a sense of unity among its residents.

The Bratsk Mosque is an important religious landmark in the city.

It serves as a place of worship for the Muslim community and represents the city’s religious tolerance.

Bratsk is a city with a strong sense of environmental consciousness.

Efforts are made to protect and preserve the natural resources and promote sustainable practices.

Bratsk is a city that holds great potential for growth and development.

With its rich resources, vibrant community, and forward-thinking outlook, it is poised for a promising future.

In conclusion, these 43 facts about Bratsk showcase the fascinating history, natural wonders, and cultural significance of this city. From being home to one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power stations to boasting stunning landscapes like Lake Baikal and the Taiga forests, Bratsk has something for everyone. Its rich history, with traces of ancient civilizations and Soviet-era industrial development, adds a unique charm to the city.Whether you’re interested in adventure tourism, exploring historical sites, or simply immersing yourself in the local culture, Bratsk offers a myriad of experiences. The city’s warm hospitality, friendly locals, and delicious local cuisine make it a memorable destination for travelers.Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of Bratsk. Visit this city and unlock its hidden gems, unforgettable experiences, and the chance to create lifelong memories.

Q: When is the best time to visit Bratsk?

A: The best time to visit Bratsk is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Q: How do I get to Bratsk?

A: Bratsk can be reached by air through the Bratsk Airport, which has regular flights from major cities in Russia. Alternatively, you can also travel by train or bus from neighboring cities.

Q: Are there any popular attractions in Bratsk?

A: Yes , Bratsk is known for its popular attractions such as the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station, Lake Baikal, Taiga forests, and the Bratsk Reservoir.

Q: Is Bratsk safe for tourists?

A: Yes, Bratsk is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Q: What are some traditional dishes to try in Bratsk?

A: Some traditional dishes to try in Bratsk include Siberian pelmeni, omul fish, stroganina, and local berry desserts.

Bratsk's stunning landscapes beckon nature enthusiasts to explore the wonders of the taiga biome, where cold climates shape unique ecosystems. This Russian city shares its rich history and culture with other fascinating destinations like Orenburg, inviting travelers to discover the depth and diversity of Russia's urban tapestry. Bratsk's massive hydroelectric power plant stands as a testament to human ingenuity, harnessing the immense potential of flowing water to power homes and industries, showcasing the transformative impact of hydroelectric technology .

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact: