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    College of Social Work

    • Get the skills to

    make a difference

    As a student at the UT College of Social Work, you’ll learn how to make a real impact with opportunities outside the classroom, in partnership with faculty, and as part of an international community, all while embracing our core values.

    Apply your
    interests to our programs

    Our flexible, practice-centered programs help you tailor your degree to what matters to you. We offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs.

    Academic programs

    Information sessions

    Kevin Rumely giving counsel to a veteran

    What is social work?

    Social workers are catalysts for change, tackling societal issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. They provide support, advocacy, and resources to individuals and families facing challenges while addressing systemic barriers perpetuating social problems. Social work encompasses a wide range of settings, from schools and hospitals to corporate HR, advocacy, the justice system, and even professional sports teams.

    What do social workers do?

    Your impact starts before graduation

    Field Education

    Field education is a REQUIRED CRITICAL COMPONENT of each student’s academic program. While other academic disciplines may use “internship” to describe this applied learning experience, the social work field experience is very IN-DEPTH AND EXTENSIVE.

    About Field Education

    Social Work Research

    The mission of the Office of Research Administration is to facilitate and support the research efforts of the faculty, students, and research staff in the college and affiliated research centers. The office supports investigator research activities by advising about funding opportunities, assisting with the development of proposals, developing budgets, supporting post-award grant management, ensuring proposals and projects comply with university, agency, state, and federal guidelines, and serving as a liaison with the UTK Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development.

    Social Work Research

    Kim Denton and PhD student chatting in the Stokely management center foyer

    Program Locations

    Knoxville

    Our Knoxville campus offers all of UT’s main campus resources, in addition to proximity to all the city has to offer.

    Nashville

    Our Nashville campus offers a cozier, but no less exciting, setting to pursue your degree.

    online mssw student emily norris working at mahalo coffee shop

    Online

    We offer the most flexibility in our online degree program, with the same high-quality education from anywhere.

    #13

    Best Graduate Programs Among Public Universities*

    *Source: 2024 U.S. News Best Graduate Programs Report

    17

    Years of Excellence in Online Education

    #24

    Best Graduate Programs Among All Universities*

    *Source: 2024 U.S. News Best Graduate Programs Report

    Mascot smokey taking pictures with students

    Become a Volunteer

    Life as a social work Vol is truly rewarding. From building community connections and supporting others to engaging in research and service-learning, your experiences at the College of Social Work will inspire and shape your future as a social work professional.

    Social work empowers individuals and communities to create meaningful change, and the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, embodies this mission through its dedication to innovative research, compassionate practice, and social justice. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that prioritizes both academic excellence and real-world impact.

    Sangwon lee
    PhD Candidate
    Sangwon Lee

    News

    Upcoming events

    Stay involved with everything going on at the College of Social Work.