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Why Study Social Work?

Welcome to the UAB Department of Social Work! Below are a few reasons why you should choose to get your degree in social work at UAB:

Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation and is expected to grow by 12 percent by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Social workers are the largest providers of mental health services, and social work is recognized by federal law and the National Institute of Health as one of five core mental health professions in the U.S. (National Association of Social Workers).
Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs prepare students for practice in health and behavioral health care settings.
Our MSW program is one of a few in the nation that has a sole focus on clinical/medical social work.
Our faculty are passionate leaders in the areas of HIV/AIDS, HCV epidemiology, mental health, health risk behaviors, social work education, social determinants of health, health equity, international social work, diversity, social justice, and anti-oppression.
Our curriculum utilizes cutting-edge instruction and inter-professional simulations alongside numerous health professions across campus.

Social work alumna gives back to the community, emphasizes kindness
Shakeitha Tatum grew up in the Titusville and Ensley neighborhoods in Birmingham, Alabama. Although she often saw the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s campus, her most vivid memory of the University is attached to a surprising venue: a nearby grocery store.
Twenty CAS faculty members receive promotions
The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce that 20 faculty members across ten departments have been awarded promotions (including one faculty member who also was awarded tenure).
Social Work Faculty News
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Social Work would like to congratulate Mary Jacque Carroll and Laurel Iverson Hitchcock, Ph.D., on their successful promotions! During the fall semester of 2024, Carroll will be promoted to associate professor, while Hitchcock will assume the title of professor.