Dean's Welcome
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and the students, we welcome you to the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. We hope that you will gain an appreciation for the vision, mission, core values and work of our school during your visit to our website. If this is your first time here, please take our short tour. View the tour by selecting from the menu on the left or use the navigation arrows at the bottom of each page.
The School of Social Work is a dynamic and alive place motivated by learning and service. Reaching out beyond the campus and our local community, our work goes on to affect lives for the better throughout the world. The process of discovery and innovation are the cornerstones of our activity here.
Today, the School is continuing its rich heritage in educating social work professionals for a new age of social issues and needs. Keeping pace with political, economic, and technological change and advancement has allowed the School to strengthen its teaching and research activities while at the same time providing the highest level of service to this community and beyond.
Teaching
The School of Social Work never forgets the primary focus of our work educating professional social workers. The basic building block of any professional School is the caliber of the faculty and the expertise that they bring to the curriculum. We are proud of the accomplishments of our faculty who have demonstrated not only excellent teaching but also far reaching and vital research and service that has gone on to benefit many.
The most basic component of our work as educators is the unique and intellectually charged environment of the classroom. Through lively discussion and mutual learning, through thought provoking lectures and presentations, and through relevant and challenging assignments our faculty and instructors strive to maintain an environment that is conducive to discovery, personal and professional growth, and competence in professional social work practice.
Research
Important research into social, political, and economic issues is vital if we are to understand and evaluate alternatives for change. Through the research activities of faculty, research scientists, and students we strive to make a tangible difference in the world through relevant and productive research into social issues of today.
Service
The School of Social Work encourages students to grow in their understanding of the complex issues that move and animate our modern world. As they participate in this process of discovery they are encouraged to put this understanding into practice for themselves and others. Our students are challenged to envision new ways to solve problems in individual lives, with families and groups, in dynamic organizations, and in community settings.
We hope this gives you an idea of the varied activities of the School and the important work that goes on here. We encourage you to continue to browse our site to find out more about us. If you have further interest in the School, or if you would like more information on our programs, please contact us.
Barbara W. White,
Dean and Centennial Professor in Leadership