Our Story
The Indiana University School of Social Work has been training passionate changemakers since 1911. That’s over a century of impact! Our graduates work with schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and even law enforcement—teaming up with professionals to create a world where people have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Why Social Work
When people face challenges, social workers are there to help. They provide guidance, connect people with resources, and support individuals through difficult times. As advocates and leaders, they work to improve lives and strengthen communities. Their efforts help create opportunities for people to thrive.
Your Impact Starts Here
Ready to make a lasting impact? A degree in social work prepares you to help people overcome challenges, advocate for change, and build stronger communities. With top-ranked faculty, seven campus locations, and flexible online options, IU can help you find the path that’s right for you.
Find Your Passion, Build Your Future
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BSW
Bachelor of Social Work
Build the skills and experience to make a meaningful impact. With accredited BSW programs across Indiana, you can start your social work journey close to home.
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MSW
Master of Social Work
Build advanced skills, explore specialized practice areas, and prepare for leadership opportunities with an IU MSW. Flexible online, hybrid, and in-person options make it easy to find your path.
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PhD
PhD in Social Work
Want to shape the future of social work? Our PhD program, based in Indianapolis, is the only doctoral social work program in Indiana. Graduates go on to become leading educators, researchers, and changemakers in the field.
Bring on Tomorrow
Social work is evolving fast—you can shape your career in ways you never imagined. Our alumni have built careers in tech, venture capital, healthcare, the NFL, government, investment banking, philanthropy, leadership development, and more. The possibilities are limitless.
Your IU degree is your first step toward licensure. With higher-than-average pass rates, our grads are more than ready to enter the profession. Plus, with job growth projected at 7% from 2023 to 2033, social work careers are booming.
Your passion, your future—it starts here. Let’s make an impact together.
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7Campus Locations
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#1Providers of Mental Health Care in the U.S.
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95%Indiana’s Social Workers are IU Alumni
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100%Asynchronous, Online MSW
Expand Your Horizons with Global Education
Social work is global—understanding diverse perspectives is key to making a lasting impact. At IU, you can take your education beyond borders, experiencing firsthand how different communities approach social care, healthcare systems, and social determinants of well-being.
The world is connected now more than ever, and social workers need a broader lens to navigate complex social issues. Economic shifts, political events, and environmental crises don’t just affect one region—they shape entire communities. Studying abroad equips you with the cultural competency and problem-solving skills to meet diverse needs head-on.
Explore once-in-a-lifetime opportunities alongside peers who share your passion for making a difference. Our curriculum can take you to South Korea, Ghana, or Croatia.
Creating Change Through Community Engagement
At Indiana University School of Social Work, we believe meaningful change begins with connection. Our faculty and staff work alongside communities to create lasting impact, partnering with local organizations, businesses, and policymakers to strengthen neighborhoods and drive solutions that matter.
Social workers amplify voices, advocating for fairness and equity while shaping policies that address real needs. Through engagement, they foster resilience, self-determination, and social justice—ensuring communities feel heard and empowered. Transparency and lived experiences guide innovative solutions, helping build a stronger, more connected future.
Research That Drives Real Change
At our school, research isn’t just academic—it’s action. Our faculty are leading bold, community-driven research that’s reshaping how social work is practiced across neighborhoods, states, and even globally.
Why does this matter? Because research is the foundation of real impact. It gives social workers the tools to make informed decisions, advocate for smarter policies, and design services that are ethical, effective, and culturally responsive.
Whether it’s uncovering systemic gaps, developing new intervention models, or pushing for policy reform, our faculty are doing the work that matters. Their research helps social workers like you stay ahead of the curve and ready to meet the evolving needs of the communities you care about.
This isn’t just about data—it’s about driving progress. When social workers engage with research, they’re not just helping people today—they’re shaping the future of the profession.
So if you’re ready to make a difference, research is your launchpad.
Being able to increase mental health services in those geographic areas, particularly to children and youth in schools, allows us to increase capacity for the state overall.