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The nation's oldest and most innovative school of social work.
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top-ranked
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world-class faculty
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focus on teaching, research & practice
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innovative curriculum, unparalleled choice
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extensive dual degrees, minors & special programs
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far reaching Field Education programs in the Tri-State Area
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pioneering centers of excellence
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diverse students
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international reach
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advanced classroom technology
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a tradition of educating social work leaders
History
Making connections and building intellectual bridges is a way of life at Columbia.
The School of Social Work opened its doors in 1898 as a way for volunteers to deepen their understanding of the tenement dwellers they were dedicated to helping. Faculty members, like John Dewey and Franz Boas, revolutionized the social sciences with their philosophy that theories about human experience could only be valid when based on close observation of our personal and political interactions.
Since then, we’ve played a key role in almost every major development in the social work profession.
Our faculty and graduates have been instrumental in establishing the landmark Bureau of Children’s Guidance Writing, implementing the Social Security Act, extending the social work role into the military, originating the environmental/ecological approach to social work, and conducting a study of foster children that had a major impact on national policy.
At Columbia, our students do more than learn social work policy and practice – they set it.
Mission
Columbia University School of Social Work derives its mission from the University’s goal to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to use that knowledge for human betterment and societal advancement.
The School aims to prepare graduate students for advanced social work practice and professional leadership within a diverse learning environment, to advance knowledge for effective social work practice and education, to enhance the welfare of the citizens and communities of New York City, the nation, and around the world, and to further the goals of the university and the social work profession.
Our educational and research programs draw on the profession’s body of knowledge, values and skills in seeking to: strengthen practices, programs, and policies that support and enhance the opportunities, resources, and capacities of people to achieve their full potential; prevent and alleviate personal, interpersonal and societal problems; redress conditions that limit human development and quality of life; and, promote human rights, social justice and respect for human diversity.
Columbia’s faculty, students and graduates seek to enhance the well-being of local, national and international communities and to advance the University and the profession though collaboration, consultation, and public service.
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