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School of Social Work

Strengthening Diverse Communities

Contact Us

School of Social Work

601 Howard Place, NW

Washington, DC 20059

Main: 202-806-7300

Online MSW Admissions: 1-833-685-1677

On-Campus MSW Admissions: 202-806-6450

socialworkadmissions@howard.edu

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Find Your Path

Explore Our Academic Programs

Choose the Howard School of Social Work experience that aligns with your academic background, learning preferences, and professional goals.

On Campus

Flagship MSW

Experience Howard in Washington, D.C. through immersive, in-person learning, faculty mentorship, campus programming, and agency-based education.

Explore the Flagship MSW
Online

Online MSW

Earn a Howard MSW through a flexible online learning experience grounded in the Black Perspective and designed to extend Howard's social work education beyond campus.

Explore the Online MSW
Interdisciplinary

Dual & Joint Degrees

Combine social work with another professional discipline through interdisciplinary pathways that broaden your preparation and professional reach.

Explore the Dual Degrees
Doctoral

PhD Program

Advance social work knowledge through rigorous doctoral study, research, scholarship, and leadership preparation designed for the next generation of scholars and educators.

Explore the PhD Program
Looking for additional learning opportunities?   Learn more about our Non-Degree Options →
Howard University School of Social Work

Fast Facts

A legacy of social work education, scholarship, service, and community impact.

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Years of Social Work Education

Preparing generations of social workers, scholars, practitioners, and leaders.

#1 in D.C.
Top-Ranked MSW Program in Washington, D.C.

#12 Best Social Work Program in the Nation U.S. News & World Report

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Hours of Supervised Service

Through agency-based education experiences connecting academic learning with professional social work practice.

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Hours of Community Outreach

Contributed through volunteer service with District-based organizations and community partners.

$0M
Grant Portfolio

Supporting research, community engagement, scholarship, and social work initiatives.

R1
Research Institution

Study social work within Howard University, a Carnegie-classified R1 institution with the highest level of research activity.

HUSSW Featured Content

NASW-Netro DC Book Club Event

NASW-Metro DC Book Club Event

Celebrate the release and impact of Accountable Care and Identity Camaraderie for Transgender and Queer Service Providers at a special NASW Metro DC Book Club Author Talk & Signing hosted at the Howard University School of Social Work. 

Written by Howard University School of Social Work alum Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW, CSE, the book explores identity, accountability, community care, and affirming practices for transgender and queer service providers, offering valuable insights for social workers, educators, students, and helping professionals. The evening will feature a moderated conversation with the author, exploring the inspiration behind the book, its central themes, and its relevance to contemporary social work practice, followed by audience questions and a book signing. 

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Location: Howard University School of Social Work
Inabel Burns Lindsay Hall Auditorium

Click here to learn more and register!
Fall 2026 NSO

HUSSW Welcomes the Newest Class to the Mecca

The Howard University School of Social Work welcomed 150 new Master of Social Work students and five first-year doctoral students this fall, beginning an academic journey that will challenge them to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their professional practice, and consider what it truly means to be #Howard-Prepared.

Held in person for students in the school’s flagship program and virtually for students in the online program, Fall 2026 MSW orientation connected incoming students with faculty, staff, alumni, University leadership, academic resources, and one another. Across both experiences, students were introduced not only to the expectations of graduate education, but also to the intellectual and professional tradition that distinguishes social work education at Howard. Read More
Flier

Bloom Conference Hosted by HUSSW Multidisciplinary Gerontology Center

The Howard University School of Social Work's Multidisciplinary Gerontology Center will host the Bloom Conference, presented by the Advancing Black Businesses Foundation. The conference will address international public health and public policy and will bring together students, faculty, healthcare professionals, policymakers, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and international partners. 

Join us for a day of education, networking, and experiential learning, including a community resource fair, student research showcase, health and wellness screenings, and a panel discussion. 

Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM-6:00 PM
Howard University School of Social Work
Inabel Burns Lindsay Hall Auditorium 

HUSSW News & Highlights

See What’s Happening at the School of Social Work

Explore the latest accomplishments, research, student and alumni highlights, faculty achievements, and stories from the HUSSW community.

Read More News & Highlights →

Iahnna Henry

Concentration: Direct Practice

The HUSSW program has shaped me as a first-year student by expanding my perspective on social work and instilling confidence in my ability to grow within the profession. It has provided me with the autonomy to develop my skills and the knowledge to become an effective advocate for change. Through this program, I have learned how to leverage my experiences to strengthen my practice and work toward improving structures like resident services to better serve communities.

90 Years of Social Work Excellence

Since 1935, the Howard University School of Social Work has been a national leader in advancing justice, equity, and community transformation. Founded under the visionary leadership and advocacy of Lucy Diggs Slowe, Dr. Inabel Burns Lindsay, and Dr. E. Franklin Frazier, the School has prepared generations of social work pioneers who have shaped policy, practice, and progress across the nation and the world.

With more than 90 years of excellence in social work education, the Howard University School of Social Work stands among the nation’s leading programs- ranked #12 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, the highest-ranked graduate program at Howard University, and the #1 social work program in Washington, D.C.

For nine decades, our faculty, students, and alumni have been at the forefront of addressing society’s most urgent challenges — from civil rights to child welfare, from health and mental health to criminal justice reform. Guided by the enduring strength of the Black Perspective, our work continues to empower communities and transform lives.

We are proud to honor our legacy, celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to the next chapter of impact.

 

Click Here to Learn More About Our History
Dean Emeritus Crewe and Dean Jennings
Support the Howard University School of Social Work

Invest in the Future of Social Work

A gift to the Howard University School of Social Work is an investment in the people who will enter communities, agencies, institutions, and policy spaces prepared to confront some of society's most complex challenges. Your support expands what is possible for our students while strengthening the education, scholarship, and experiences that prepare them for the work ahead.

Expand Student Opportunity Help provide scholarships and critical resources that support students throughout their academic journey.
Advance Research & Scholarship Strengthen research, instruction, and the development of knowledge responsive to pressing social challenges.
Prepare the Next Generation Support professional development and learning experiences that extend students' preparation beyond the classroom.
Your investment strengthens the people who will shape what comes next in social work.
Give Today →

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