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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Social Work Research Methods

Introduction.

History of Social Work Research Methods
Feasibility Issues Influencing the Research Process
Measurement Methods
Existing Scales
Group Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Evaluating Outcome
Single-System Designs for Evaluating Outcome
Program Evaluation
Surveys and Sampling
Introductory Statistics Texts
Advanced Aspects of Inferential Statistics
Qualitative Research Methods
Qualitative Data Analysis
Historical Research Methods
Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews
Research Ethics
Culturally Competent Research Methods
Teaching Social Work Research Methods

Other Subject Areas

Forthcoming articles expand or collapse the "forthcoming articles" section.

Abolitionist Perspectives in Social Work
Randomized Controlled Trials in Social Work
Social Work Practice with Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth
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Social Work Research Methods by Allen Rubin LAST REVIEWED: 14 December 2009 LAST MODIFIED: 14 December 2009 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0008

Social work research means conducting an investigation in accordance with the scientific method. The aim of social work research is to build the social work knowledge base in order to solve practical problems in social work practice or social policy. Investigating phenomena in accordance with the scientific method requires maximal adherence to empirical principles, such as basing conclusions on observations that have been gathered in a systematic, comprehensive, and objective fashion. The resources in this entry discuss how to do that as well as how to utilize and teach research methods in social work. Other professions and disciplines commonly produce applied research that can guide social policy or social work practice. Yet no commonly accepted distinction exists at this time between social work research methods and research methods in allied fields relevant to social work. Consequently useful references pertaining to research methods in allied fields that can be applied to social work research are included in this entry.

This section includes basic textbooks that are used in courses on social work research methods. Considerable variation exists between textbooks on the broad topic of social work research methods. Some are comprehensive and delve into topics deeply and at a more advanced level than others. That variation is due in part to the different needs of instructors at the undergraduate and graduate levels of social work education. Most instructors at the undergraduate level prefer shorter and relatively simplified texts; however, some instructors teaching introductory master’s courses on research prefer such texts too. The texts in this section that might best fit their preferences are by Yegidis and Weinbach 2009 and Rubin and Babbie 2007 . The remaining books might fit the needs of instructors at both levels who prefer a more comprehensive and deeper coverage of research methods. Among them Rubin and Babbie 2008 is perhaps the most extensive and is often used at the doctoral level as well as the master’s and undergraduate levels. Also extensive are Drake and Jonson-Reid 2007 , Grinnell and Unrau 2007 , Kreuger and Neuman 2006 , and Thyer 2001 . What distinguishes Drake and Jonson-Reid 2007 is its heavy inclusion of statistical and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) content integrated with each chapter. Grinnell and Unrau 2007 and Thyer 2001 are unique in that they are edited volumes with different authors for each chapter. Kreuger and Neuman 2006 takes Neuman’s social sciences research text and adapts it to social work. The Practitioner’s Guide to Using Research for Evidence-based Practice ( Rubin 2007 ) emphasizes the critical appraisal of research, covering basic research methods content in a relatively simplified format for instructors who want to teach research methods as part of the evidence-based practice process instead of with the aim of teaching students how to produce research.

Drake, Brett, and Melissa Jonson-Reid. 2007. Social work research methods: From conceptualization to dissemination . Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

This introductory text is distinguished by its use of many evidence-based practice examples and its heavy coverage of statistical and computer analysis of data.

Grinnell, Richard M., and Yvonne A. Unrau, eds. 2007. Social work research and evaluation: Quantitative and qualitative approaches . 8th ed. New York: Oxford Univ. Press.

Contains chapters written by different authors, each focusing on a comprehensive range of social work research topics.

Kreuger, Larry W., and W. Lawrence Neuman. 2006. Social work research methods: Qualitative and quantitative applications . Boston: Pearson, Allyn, and Bacon.

An adaptation to social work of Neuman's social sciences research methods text. Its framework emphasizes comparing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Despite its title, quantitative methods receive more attention than qualitative methods, although it does contain considerable qualitative content.

Rubin, Allen. 2007. Practitioner’s guide to using research for evidence-based practice . Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

This text focuses on understanding quantitative and qualitative research methods and designs for the purpose of appraising research as part of the evidence-based practice process. It also includes chapters on instruments for assessment and monitoring practice outcomes. It can be used at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Rubin, Allen, and Earl R. Babbie. 2007. Essential research methods for social work . Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks Cole.

This is a shorter and less advanced version of Rubin and Babbie 2008 . It can be used for research methods courses at the undergraduate or master's levels of social work education.

Rubin, Allen, and Earl R. Babbie. Research Methods for Social Work . 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks Cole, 2008.

This comprehensive text focuses on producing quantitative and qualitative research as well as utilizing such research as part of the evidence-based practice process. It is widely used for teaching research methods courses at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels of social work education.

Thyer, Bruce A., ed. 2001 The handbook of social work research methods . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

This comprehensive compendium includes twenty-nine chapters written by esteemed leaders in social work research. It covers quantitative and qualitative methods as well as general issues.

Yegidis, Bonnie L., and Robert W. Weinbach. 2009. Research methods for social workers . 6th ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

This introductory paperback text covers a broad range of social work research methods and does so in a briefer fashion than most lengthier, hardcover introductory research methods texts.

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Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

A social worker surveys a community member.

Social workers advocate for the well-being of individuals, families and communities. But how do social workers know what interventions are needed to help an individual? How do they assess whether a treatment plan is working? What do social workers use to write evidence-based policy?

Social work involves research-informed practice and practice-informed research. At every level, social workers need to know objective facts about the populations they serve, the efficacy of their interventions and the likelihood that their policies will improve lives. A variety of social work research methods make that possible.

Data-Driven Work

Data is a collection of facts used for reference and analysis. In a field as broad as social work, data comes in many forms.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

As with any research, social work research involves both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Quantitative Research

Answers to questions like these can help social workers know about the populations they serve — or hope to serve in the future.

How many students currently receive reduced-price school lunches in the local school district?
How many hours per week does a specific individual consume digital media?
How frequently did community members access a specific medical service last year?

Quantitative data — facts that can be measured and expressed numerically — are crucial for social work.

Quantitative research has advantages for social scientists. Such research can be more generalizable to large populations, as it uses specific sampling methods and lends itself to large datasets. It can provide important descriptive statistics about a specific population. Furthermore, by operationalizing variables, it can help social workers easily compare similar datasets with one another.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative data — facts that cannot be measured or expressed in terms of mere numbers or counts — offer rich insights into individuals, groups and societies. It can be collected via interviews and observations.

What attitudes do students have toward the reduced-price school lunch program?
What strategies do individuals use to moderate their weekly digital media consumption?
What factors made community members more or less likely to access a specific medical service last year?

Qualitative research can thereby provide a textured view of social contexts and systems that may not have been possible with quantitative methods. Plus, it may even suggest new lines of inquiry for social work research.

Mixed Methods Research

Combining quantitative and qualitative methods into a single study is known as mixed methods research. This form of research has gained popularity in the study of social sciences, according to a 2019 report in the academic journal Theory and Society. Since quantitative and qualitative methods answer different questions, merging them into a single study can balance the limitations of each and potentially produce more in-depth findings.

However, mixed methods research is not without its drawbacks. Combining research methods increases the complexity of a study and generally requires a higher level of expertise to collect, analyze and interpret the data. It also requires a greater level of effort, time and often money.

The Importance of Research Design

Data-driven practice plays an essential role in social work. Unlike philanthropists and altruistic volunteers, social workers are obligated to operate from a scientific knowledge base.

To know whether their programs are effective, social workers must conduct research to determine results, aggregate those results into comprehensible data, analyze and interpret their findings, and use evidence to justify next steps.

Employing the proper design ensures that any evidence obtained during research enables social workers to reliably answer their research questions.

Research Methods in Social Work

The various social work research methods have specific benefits and limitations determined by context. Common research methods include surveys, program evaluations, needs assessments, randomized controlled trials, descriptive studies and single-system designs.

Surveys involve a hypothesis and a series of questions in order to test that hypothesis. Social work researchers will send out a survey, receive responses, aggregate the results, analyze the data, and form conclusions based on trends.

Surveys are one of the most common research methods social workers use — and for good reason. They tend to be relatively simple and are usually affordable. However, surveys generally require large participant groups, and self-reports from survey respondents are not always reliable.

Program Evaluations

Social workers ally with all sorts of programs: after-school programs, government initiatives, nonprofit projects and private programs, for example.

Crucially, social workers must evaluate a program’s effectiveness in order to determine whether the program is meeting its goals and what improvements can be made to better serve the program’s target population.

Evidence-based programming helps everyone save money and time, and comparing programs with one another can help social workers make decisions about how to structure new initiatives. Evaluating programs becomes complicated, however, when programs have multiple goal metrics, some of which may be vague or difficult to assess (e.g., “we aim to promote the well-being of our community”).

Needs Assessments

Social workers use needs assessments to identify services and necessities that a population lacks access to.

Common social work populations that researchers may perform needs assessments on include:

People in a specific income group
Everyone in a specific geographic region
A specific ethnic group
People in a specific age group

In the field, a social worker may use a combination of methods (e.g., surveys and descriptive studies) to learn more about a specific population or program. Social workers look for gaps between the actual context and a population’s or individual’s “wants” or desires.

For example, a social worker could conduct a needs assessment with an individual with cancer trying to navigate the complex medical-industrial system. The social worker may ask the client questions about the number of hours they spend scheduling doctor’s appointments, commuting and managing their many medications. After learning more about the specific client needs, the social worker can identify opportunities for improvements in an updated care plan.

In policy and program development, social workers conduct needs assessments to determine where and how to effect change on a much larger scale. Integral to social work at all levels, needs assessments reveal crucial information about a population’s needs to researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Needs assessments may fall short, however, in revealing the root causes of those needs (e.g., structural racism).

Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized controlled trials are studies in which a randomly selected group is subjected to a variable (e.g., a specific stimulus or treatment) and a control group is not. Social workers then measure and compare the results of the randomized group with the control group in order to glean insights about the effectiveness of a particular intervention or treatment.

Randomized controlled trials are easily reproducible and highly measurable. They’re useful when results are easily quantifiable. However, this method is less helpful when results are not easily quantifiable (i.e., when rich data such as narratives and on-the-ground observations are needed).

Descriptive Studies

Descriptive studies immerse the researcher in another context or culture to study specific participant practices or ways of living. Descriptive studies, including descriptive ethnographic studies, may overlap with and include other research methods:

Informant interviews
Census data
Observation

By using descriptive studies, researchers may glean a richer, deeper understanding of a nuanced culture or group on-site. The main limitations of this research method are that it tends to be time-consuming and expensive.

Single-System Designs

Unlike most medical studies, which involve testing a drug or treatment on two groups — an experimental group that receives the drug/treatment and a control group that does not — single-system designs allow researchers to study just one group (e.g., an individual or family).

Single-system designs typically entail studying a single group over a long period of time and may involve assessing the group’s response to multiple variables.

For example, consider a study on how media consumption affects a person’s mood. One way to test a hypothesis that consuming media correlates with low mood would be to observe two groups: a control group (no media) and an experimental group (two hours of media per day). When employing a single-system design, however, researchers would observe a single participant as they watch two hours of media per day for one week and then four hours per day of media the next week.

These designs allow researchers to test multiple variables over a longer period of time. However, similar to descriptive studies, single-system designs can be fairly time-consuming and costly.

Learn More About Social Work Research Methods

Social workers have the opportunity to improve the social environment by advocating for the vulnerable — including children, older adults and people with disabilities — and facilitating and developing resources and programs.

Learn more about how you can earn your Master of Social Work online at Virginia Commonwealth University . The highest-ranking school of social work in Virginia, VCU has a wide range of courses online. That means students can earn their degrees with the flexibility of learning at home. Learn more about how you can take your career in social work further with VCU.

From M.S.W. to LCSW: Understanding Your Career Path as a Social Worker

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Open Social Work, Graduate Research Methods in Social Work: A Project-Based Approach

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The link between social work research and practice

When thinking about social work, some may consider the field to solely focus on clinical interventions with individuals or groups.

There may be a mistaken impression that research is not a part of the social work profession. This is completely false. Rather, the two have been and will continue to need to be intertwined.

This guide covers why social workers should care about research, how both social work practice and social work research influence and guide each other, how to build research skills both as a student and as a professional working in the field, and the benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills.

A selection of social work research jobs are also discussed.

Social workers and research
Evidence-based practice
Practice and research
Research and practice
Build research skills
Social worker as researcher
Benefits of research skills
Research jobs

Why should social workers care about research?

Sometimes it may seem as though social work practice and social work research are two separate tracks running parallel to each other – they both seek to improve the lives of clients, families and communities, but they don’t interact. This is not the way it is supposed to work.

Research and practice should be intertwined, with each affecting the other and improving processes on both ends, so that it leads to better outcomes for the population we’re serving.

Section 5 of the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics is focused on social workers’ ethical responsibilities to the social work profession. There are two areas in which research is mentioned in upholding our ethical obligations: for the integrity of the profession (section 5.01) and for evaluation and research (section 5.02).

Some of the specific guidance provided around research and social work include:

5.01(b): …Social workers should protect, enhance, and improve the integrity of the profession through appropriate study and research, active discussion, and responsible criticism of the profession.
5.01(d): Social workers should contribute to the knowledge base of social work and share with colleagues their knowledge related to practice, research, and ethics…
5.02(a) Social workers should monitor and evaluate policies, the implementation of programs, and practice interventions.
5.02(b) Social workers should promote and facilitate evaluation and research to contribute to the development of knowledge.
5.02(c) Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice.
5.02(q) Social workers should educate themselves, their students, and their colleagues about responsible research practices.

Evidence-based practice and evidence-based treatment

In order to strengthen the profession and determine that the interventions we are providing are, in fact, effective, we must conduct research. When research and practice are intertwined, this leads practitioners to develop evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based treatment (EBT).

Evidence-based practice is, according to The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) , a process involving creating an answerable question based on a client or organizational need, locating the best available evidence to answer the question, evaluating the quality of the evidence as well as its applicability, applying the evidence, and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the solution.

Evidence-based treatment is any practice that has been established as effective through scientific research according to a set of explicit criteria (Drake et al., 2001). These are interventions that, when applied consistently, routinely produce improved client outcomes.

For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was one of a variety of interventions for those with anxiety disorders. Researchers wondered if CBT was better than other intervention options in producing positive, consistent results for clients.

So research was conducted comparing multiple types of interventions, and the evidence (research results) demonstrated that CBT was the best intervention.

The anecdotal evidence from practice combined with research evidence determined that CBT should become the standard treatment for those diagnosed with anxiety. Now more social workers are getting trained in CBT methods in order to offer this as a treatment option to their clients.

How does social work practice affect research?

Social work practice provides the context and content for research. For example, agency staff was concerned about the lack of nutritional food in their service area, and heard from clients that it was too hard to get to a grocery store with a variety of foods, because they didn’t have transportation, or public transit took too long.

So the agency applied for and received a grant to start a farmer’s market in their community, an urban area that was considered a food desert. This program accepted their state’s version of food stamps as a payment option for the items sold at the farmer’s market.

The agency used their passenger van to provide free transportation to and from the farmer’s market for those living more than four blocks from the market location.

The local university also had a booth each week at the market with nursing and medical students checking blood pressure and providing referrals to community agencies that could assist with medical needs. The agency was excited to improve the health of its clients by offering this program.

But how does the granting foundation know if this was a good use of their money? This is where research and evaluation comes in. Research could gather data to answer a number of questions. Here is but a small sample:

How many community members visited each week and purchased fruits and vegetables?
How many took advantage of the transportation provided, and how many walked to the market?
How many took advantage of the blood pressure checks? Were improvements seen in those numbers for those having repeat blood pressure readings throughout the market season?
How much did the self-reported fruit and vegetable intake increase for customers?
What barriers did community members report in visiting and buying food from the market (prices too high? Inconvenient hours?)
Do community members want the program to continue next year?
Was the program cost-effective, or did it waste money by paying for a driver and for gasoline to offer free transportation that wasn’t utilized? What are areas where money could be saved without compromising the quality of the program?
What else needs to be included in this program to help improve the health of community members?

How does research affect social work practice?

Research can guide practice to implement proven strategies. It can also ask the ‘what if’ or ‘how about’ questions that can open doors for new, innovative interventions to be developed (and then research the effectiveness of those interventions).

Engel and Schutt (2017) describe four categories of research used in social work:

Descriptive research is research in which social phenomena are defined and described. A descriptive research question would be ‘How many homeless women with substance use disorder live in the metro area?’
Exploratory research seeks to find out how people get along in the setting under question, what meanings they give to their actions, and what issues concern them. An example research question would be ‘What are the barriers to homeless women with substance use disorder receiving treatment services?’
Explanatory research seeks to identify causes and effects of social phenomena. It can be used to rule out other explanations for findings and show how two events are related to each other. An explanatory research question would be ‘Why do women with substance use disorder become homeless?’
Evaluation research describes or identifies the impact of social programs and policies. This type of research question could be ‘How effective was XYZ treatment-first program that combined housing and required drug/alcohol abstinence in keeping women with substance use disorder in stable housing 2 years after the program ended?’

Each of the above types of research can answer important questions about the population, setting or intervention being provided. This can help practitioners determine which option is most effective or cost-efficient or that clients are most likely to adhere to. In turn, this data allows social workers to make informed choices on what to keep in their practice, and what needs changing.

How to build research skills while in school

There are a number of ways to build research skills while a student. BSW and MSW programs require a research course, but there are other ways to develop these skills beyond a single class:

Volunteer to help a professor working in an area of interest. Professors are often excited to share their knowledge and receive extra assistance from students with similar interests.
Participate in student research projects where you’re the subject. These are most often found in psychology departments. You can learn a lot about the informed consent process and how data is collected by volunteering as a research participant. Many of these studies also pay a small amount, so it’s an easy way to earn a bit of extra money while you’re on campus.
Create an independent study research project as an elective and work with a professor who is an expert in an area you’re interested in. You’d design a research study, collect the data, analyze it, and write a report or possibly even an article you can submit to an academic journal.
Some practicum programs will have you complete a small evaluation project or assist with a larger research project as part of your field education hours.
In MSW programs, some professors hire students to conduct interviews or enter data on their funded research projects. This could be a good part time job while in school.
Research assistant positions are more common in MSW programs, and these pay for some or all your tuition in exchange for working a set number of hours per week on a funded research project.

How to build research skills while working as a social worker

Social service agencies are often understaffed, with more projects to complete than there are people to complete them.

Taking the initiative to volunteer to survey clients about what they want and need, conduct an evaluation on a program, or seeing if there is data that has been previously collected but not analyzed and review that data and write up a report can help you stand out from your peers, be appreciated by management and other staff, and may even lead to a raise, a promotion, or even new job opportunities because of the skills you’ve developed.

Benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills

Social workers with strong research skills can have the opportunity to work on various projects, and at higher levels of responsibility.

Many can be promoted into administration level positions after demonstrating they understand how to conduct, interpret and report research findings and apply those findings to improving the agency and their programs.

There’s also a level of confidence knowing you’re implementing proven strategies with your clients.

Social work research jobs

There are a number of ways in which you can blend interests in social work and research. A quick search on Glassdoor.com and Indeed.com retrieved the following positions related to social work research:

Research Coordinator on a clinical trial offering psychosocial supportive interventions and non-addictive pain treatments to minimize opioid use for pain.
Senior Research Associate leading and overseeing research on a suite of projects offered in housing, mental health and corrections.
Research Fellow in a school of social work
Project Policy Analyst for large health organization
Health Educator/Research Specialist to implement and evaluate cancer prevention and screening programs for a health department
Research Interventionist providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia patients participating in a clinical trial
Research Associate for Child Care and Early Education
Social Services Data Researcher for an organization serving adults with disabilities.
Director of Community Health Equity Research Programs evaluating health disparities.

No matter your population or area of interest, you’d likely be able to find a position that integrated research and social work.

Social work practice and research are and should remain intertwined. This is the only way we can know what questions to ask about the programs and services we are providing, and ensure our interventions are effective.

There are many opportunities to develop research skills while in school and while working in the field, and these skills can lead to some interesting positions that can make a real difference to clients, families and communities.

Drake, R. E., Goldman, H., Leff, H. S., Lehman, A. F., Dixon, L., Mueser, K. T., et al. (2001). Implementing evidence-based practices in routine mental health service settings. Psychiatric Services, 52(2), 179-182.

Engel, R.J., & Schutt, R.K. (2017). The Practice of Research in Social Work. Sage.

National Association of Social Workers. (n.d). Evidence Based Practice. Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Research-Data/Social-Work-Policy-Research/Evidence-Based-Practice

Graduate research methods in social work

(3 reviews)

Matt DeCarlo, La Salle University

Cory Cummings, Nazareth University

Kate Agnelli, Virginia Commonwealth University

ISBN 13: 9781949373219

Publisher: Open Social Work Education

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Erin Boyce, Full Time Faculty, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 6/3/24

This book provides a strong comprehensive overview of each step in the research & evaluation process for students, clearly outlining each step with clarity and direction. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This book provides a strong comprehensive overview of each step in the research & evaluation process for students, clearly outlining each step with clarity and direction.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Content in this text is accurate, needing no clarification or added information, and is presented in an unbiased manner.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The relevance of this text is it's greatest strength. It is one of the strongtest research texts I've encountered, and while change always comes this text will survive new iterations of research, only needing minimal and straightforward updates.

Clarity rating: 5

As a research text, this is extremely user friendly. It is easy to read, direct, and does not interfere with student understanding. Students come away with a good understanding of the concepts from this text, and many continue to use it beyond the classroom.

Consistency rating: 5

This text is consistent with research methods and frameworks and stands alone among social work research texts as the most accessbile due to it's status as an OER and as a social work textbook.

Modularity rating: 5

This text is easily divisible into smaller readings, it works great for courses in which assignments are scaffolded to move students through the research process.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This text is organized to walk the student through the research process from start to finish, and is easily adjusted for different teaching styles.

Interface rating: 5

This text has no significant interface issues, the readings, links, and images are easily accessbile and are presented in a way that does not interfere with student learning.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

This text is well edited and formatted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This text is culturally relevant, addresses issues of cultural relevance to social work, and highlights the role of social work values within the realm of social work research.

This is one of the best research texts I've encounted in over a decade of teaching. It is so easily digested and presents information in a direct and understandable way, and is one of the best texts for those teaching graduate level research for social workers. It is an inclusive text that honors the multiple levels of knowledge that our students come to us with, which helps sets it apart. And, the committment throughout the text to social work values and ethics is critical for todays social worker.

Reviewed by Laura Montero, Full-time Lecturer and Course Lead, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 12/23/23

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Graduate Research Methods in Social Work by DeCarlo, et al., is a comprehensive and well-structured guide that serves as an invaluable resource for graduate students delving into the intricate world of social work research. The book is divided into five distinct parts, each carefully curated to provide a step-by-step approach to mastering research methods in the field. Topics covered include an intro to basic research concepts, conceptualization, quantitative & qualitative approaches, as well as research in practice. At 800+ pages, however, the text could be received by students as a bit overwhelming.

Content appears consistent and reliable when compared to similar textbooks in this topic.

The book's well-structured content begins with fundamental concepts, such as the scientific method and evidence-based practice, guiding readers through the initiation of research projects with attention to ethical considerations. It seamlessly transitions to detailed explorations of both quantitative and qualitative methods, covering topics like sampling, measurement, survey design, and various qualitative data collection approaches. Throughout, the authors emphasize ethical responsibilities, cultural respectfulness, and critical thinking. These are crucial concepts we cover in social work and I was pleased to see these being integrated throughout.

The level of the language used is appropriate for graduate-level study.

Book appears to be consistent in the tone and terminology used.

Modularity rating: 4

The images and videos included, help to break up large text blocks.

Topics covered are well-organized and comprehensive. I appreciate the thorough preamble the authors include to situate the role of the social worker within a research context.

Interface rating: 4

When downloaded as a pdf, the book does not begin until page 30+ so it may be a bit difficult to scroll so long for students in order to access the content for which they are searching. Also, making the Table of Contents clickable, would help in navigating this very long textbook.

I did not find any grammatical errors or typos in the pages reviewed.

I appreciate the efforts made to integrate diverse perspectives, voices, and images into the text. The discussion around ethics and cultural considerations in research was nuanced and comprehensive as well.

Overall, the content of the book aligns with established principles of social work research, providing accurate and up-to-date information in a format that is accessible to graduate students and educators in the field.

Reviewed by Elisa Maroney, Professor, Western Oregon University on 1/2/22

With well over 800 pages, this text is beyond comprehensive! read more

With well over 800 pages, this text is beyond comprehensive!

I perused the entire text, but my focus was on "Part 4: Using qualitative methods." This section seems accurate.

As mentioned above, my primary focus was on the qualitative methods section. This section is relevant to the students I teach in interpreting studies (not a social sciences discipline).

This book is well-written and clear.

Navigating this text is easy, because the formatting is consistent

My favorite part of this text is that I can be easily customized, so that I can use the sections on qualitative methods.

The text is well-organized and easy to find and link to related sections in the book.

There are no distracting or confusing features. The book is long; being able to customize makes it easier to navigate.

I did not notice grammatical errors.

The authors offer resources for Afrocentricity for social work practice (among others, including those related to Feminist and Queer methodologies). These are relevant to the field of interpreting studies.

I look forward to adopting this text in my qualitative methods course for graduate students in interpreting studies.

1. Science and social work
2. Starting your research project
3. Searching the literature
4. Critical information literacy
5. Writing your literature review
6. Research ethics
7. Theory and paradigm
8. Reasoning and causality
9. Writing your research question
10. Quantitative sampling
11. Quantitative measurement
12. Survey design
13. Experimental design
14. Univariate analysis
15. Bivariate analysis
16. Reporting quantitative results
17. Qualitative data and sampling
18. Qualitative data collection
19. A survey of approaches to qualitative data analysis
20. Quality in qualitative studies: Rigor in research design
21. Qualitative research dissemination
22. A survey of qualitative designs
23. Program evaluation
24. Sharing and consuming research

Ancillary Material

About the book.

We designed our book to help graduate social work students through every step of the research process, from conceptualization to dissemination. Our textbook centers cultural humility, information literacy, pragmatism, and an equal emphasis on quantitative and qualitative methods. It includes extensive content on literature reviews, cultural bias and respectfulness, and qualitative methods, in contrast to traditionally used commercial textbooks in social work research.

Our author team spans across academic, public, and nonprofit social work research. We love research, and we endeavored through our book to make research more engaging, less painful, and easier to understand. Our textbook exercises direct students to apply content as they are reading the book to an original research project. By breaking it down step-by-step, writing in approachable language, as well as using stories from our life, practice, and research experience, our textbook helps professors overcome students’ research methods anxiety and antipathy.

If you decide to adopt our resource, we ask that you complete this short Adopter’s Survey that helps us keep track of our community impact. You can also contact [email protected] for a student workbook, homework assignments, slideshows, a draft bank of quiz questions, and a course calendar.

About the Contributors

Matt DeCarlo , PhD, MSW is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at La Salle University. He is the co-founder of Open Social Work (formerly Open Social Work Education), a collaborative project focusing on open education, open science, and open access in social work and higher education. His first open textbook, Scientific Inquiry in Social Work, was the first developed for social work education, and is now in use in over 60 campuses, mostly in the United States. He is a former OER Research Fellow with the OpenEd Group. Prior to his work in OER, Dr. DeCarlo received his PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University and has published on disability policy.

Cory Cummings , Ph.D., LCSW is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at Nazareth University. He has practice experience in community mental health, including clinical practice and administration. In addition, Dr. Cummings has volunteered at safety net mental health services agencies and provided support services for individuals and families affected by HIV. In his current position, Dr. Cummings teaches in the BSW program and MSW programs; specifically in the Clinical Practice with Children and Families concentration. Courses that he teaches include research, social work practice, and clinical field seminar. His scholarship focuses on promoting health equity for individuals experiencing symptoms of severe mental illness and improving opportunities to increase quality of life. Dr. Cummings received his PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Kate Agnelli , MSW, is an adjunct professor at VCU’s School of Social Work, teaching masters-level classes on research methods, public policy, and social justice. She also works as a senior legislative analyst with the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), a policy research organization reporting to the Virginia General Assembly. Before working for JLARC, Ms. Agnelli worked for several years in government and nonprofit research and program evaluation. In addition, she has several publications in peer-reviewed journals, has presented at national social work conferences, and has served as a reviewer for Social Work Education. She received her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Social Work Research: Concept, Scope

Last Updated on December 30, 2022 by Team TSW

An effort to create new knowledge or to upgrade existing knowledge either through observation, available facts, evidences or any other method, is research. We often make our mind or take decision, based on our observation about certain objects or phenomena. During whole process we remain unaware of our biases, we do not question them and we attribute our observations entirely to the object being observed. Though it is still possible to arrive at right decision on the basis of wrong reasons or vice versa. This whole thing questions the process of observation. Was the observation error-free? While observing are we aware of our limitations? Every method of observation has certain limitations. Important thing here is to take biases, the errors and limitations into consideration. Social work research is the application of research methods in the field of social work.

Table of Contents

Purpose of social work research is to produce new knowledge or to increase already available knowledge in the field of social work. Social work research gives new dimensions to social work techniques and methods and provides new ways to deal with problems. Social work research attempts to highlight insights about what intervention or treatment is actually helpful in practice and bring the best result. It also throw light on what hinder the attainment of desired goal. It also look for answers to problems faced by practitioners.

Relevance of Research in Social Work

Social work research tries to find answers to questions faced by practitioners and to make existing intervention more effective. The problems are not only professional but personal too. Overall aim is to make existing social work methods and techniques better and more effective.

In social work research, we study the problems from the point of view of professional social work. The designing of research problems, data collection and its interpretation will have to be attempted in a manner as would be useful to professional social work. The process should add new knowledge to social work theory and practice and also to enhance the outcome of professional social workers.

Limitation of Scientific Research Method in Social Work

Social work primarily deals with human behaviour, which is by and large complex and dynamic in nature. This means that different humans tend to behave differently under the same circumstances. One person can be happy in given circumstances and the second may be sad and at the same time others may remain indifferent. So it can easily be deduced that data collected for humans is subjective in nature and means very little for scientific research. Therefore one can not investigate human behaviour under guided conditions as in natural science. This creates many problems for researchers.

Social work will never realize the objective of research as completely as natural science does, but still social work does not completely diminish the importance of scientific research methods.

Social Work is a diverse profession and work almost at all level of social system. Possible broad research areas could be:-

Community health.
Community mental health.
Child welfare.
Women welfare.
Youth welfare.
Juvenile delinquency.
Crime and correction.
Aged welfare.
Poverty alleviation.
Management of Social Welfare Department and Organization.
Disaster Management.
Industrial Social Work.

These are the areas which are very frequently studied by Social workers. Researchers might focus on individuals, families, groups, community or broad social systems.

Facts, events, and evidence help acquire reliable knowledge about various aspects of human behaviour. To get that knowledge, the method of science is still the most commonly used method. Objectivity, replication, prediction and verifiability are the characteristics of scientific approach, which keeps the researchers at bay from their personal biases, beliefs, perceptions, values, attitudes and emotions. With all the limitations and characteristics, scientific research is the best method to arrive at generalization in the field of social work.

M.S.S. for Advanced Standing Students

The Advanced Standing M.S.S. program is designed for individuals who have completed a B.S.W. degree within the last five years from a Council on Social Work Education accredited school of social work.

Doctoral Program in Social Work (Ph.D.)

The country's first Ph.D. degree in social work was awarded at Bryn Mawr College in 1920. Today, we continue to value innovation and creativity to help our students become leading researchers, teachers, and scholar-practitioners.

M.S.S./M.P.H. Dual Degree

Our joint degree program with Jefferson College of Population Health offers students the opportunity to earn both their Master of Social Service and Master of Public Health in approximately three years for full-time students, with part-time study available.

M.S.S. Certificate Programs

Students who are currently enrolled in the M.S.S. program are also eligible to pursue a Certificate Program. Courses taken for the certificate will also count toward M.S.S. elective credits.

Why Bryn Mawr?

Rigorous academics and close working relationships with faculty are just a few reasons Julie Zaebst, M.S.S. '08 chose Bryn Mawr.

Making a Difference

From faculty research to alumni achievements to student recognition, learn more about the people who make Bryn Mawr's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research truly extraordinary.

Interview with Quanisha Green, M.S.S. '15

Ph.D. Student Annie Perepezko Receives CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship

Romana Lee Akiyama at the White House in March for a Women's History Month event

Interview with Romana Lee-Akiyama, M.S.S./MLSP '09

Professional Development

Our professional development offerings are practical, relevant, and timely. We offer continuing education programs, licensure test prep, and certificate programs to help you gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials you need to excel and advance in your career.

Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute

Since 2004, the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute has helped nonprofit leaders become more effective agents of change.

Center for Child and Family Wellbeing

In 2002, The Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) launched the Center for Child and Family Wellbeing (CFWB). The Center has been built around the mission to foster an interdisciplinary focus on a broad range of issues and challenges faced by today's children and families.

Join a Supportive Community of Passionate Individuals

Romana Lee-Akiyama, M.S.S./M.L.S.P. '09 "If you are somebody who really wants to make a difference in your community and the world, and you’re a serious student and want to be with other folks who will lift you up and help you fine tune your thought processes, then Bryn Mawr is the place to go."

Student Stories

Hear from our students about what makes the GSSWSR such a special community!

Janelle FitzPatrick, M.S.S. '24

“I feel like the GSSWSR has been an environment where I went from surviving to thriving academically. It has been conducive, not only to my learning, but also my personal growth. I’ve made meaningful relationships and networked with other people that ultimately would be beneficial to me in my career path."

Shawn Maxam M.S.S./MLSP '14

“The powerful thing about Bryn Mawr was that I had experiences in the classroom that were formative in developing skills around empathy and being able to listen to different worldviews. I think about how I can use those skills in my current role to create space for engaging ideas and disagreement."

Matt Mundy M.S.S. '22

“My guiding light was wanting to help people, and as hard as things can get in graduate school, I just focused on my ‘why’: wanting to help others.”

Our website is being updated this week; thank you for your patience.

Student Research

Assess your research project The intent of your project is critical to determining whether human subjects approval is needed. Human subjects clearance is not necessary if the intent of your project is:

To learn a research skill, such as how to interview or create a survey, and
Not designed to answer a unique research question, and
Not designed to produce generalizable finding. For example, the data is destroyed after the class project, and findings are presented only in your class and/or at your capstone presentation.

Additionally, projects designed as program evaluation studies do not require human subjects review. Examples of program evaluation questions include projects that examine the effectiveness of a particular staff training or client service. Program evaluation also implies that the findings are not intended to add to generalizable knowledge and remain within the agency that sponsored the program.

Do no harm It’s important to develop projects where study participants are not harmed or burdened by the classroom research. Keep in mind that:

Projects should not ask about illegal activities or ask other sensitive questions that may place either you or the study participant at risk. Work with your instructor to ensure that risks are minimized.
Projects should entail anonymous data collection (preferred) or confidential data collection such as Web-based survey or checkbox answers.
In cases where you want to learn interview skills and conduct qualitative analysis, you will most likely want to audio-record the interview. Afterwards, you should promptly transcribe and then destroy the audio-tape. Your transcriptions should not contain any identifying information. Work with your instructor to construct an interview guide where the risks are minimized.

Follow the human subjects review protocol Human subjects approval is required if you are testing a hypothesis or asking a research question that you have developed and you plan to publish or present these findings outside of the class. Consult the exemption, minimal risk and full review pages, plus other relevant links on the School’s Human Subjects Review Web pages, and then contact your instructor if more information is needed about completing a human subjects application.

Case Studies

Scenario 1: A student interviews their field-education agency’s clients about their satisfaction with agency services. Study results are reported only in a paper to the agency and are discussed only in the student’s capstone presentation at the School of Social Work. This study does not require human subjects review. The instructor and the practicum agency supervisor provide guidance on consent and confidentiality issues. The student must obtain a letter of cooperation from the agency and pass that along to the instructor.

Scenario 2: Two students spend a week in Mexico harvesting a crop. They interview farmers about the influence of crop distribution policies on their families. When they return, they present findings to their class and in the capstone presentation and use the data to make presentations to community groups, including the one that funded their trip. This study requires human subjects review.

Scenario 3: A student wants to learn how to construct an interview guide and analyze qualitative data. The student plans to ask classmates about their most memorable high school experiences. The questions are intentionally written to minimize the potential for risk, such as feelings of discomfort regarding disclosing sensitive or embarrassing stories. The interviews will be audio-taped with the participants’ permission. The student transcribes the interview data and destroys the tapes. This study does not require human subjects review.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a student seek human subjects approval?

Students who pose their own research questions or test hypotheses should submit their own applications (exemptions, minimal risk, or full review). Typically, because students work on data sets with no identifiers and have no contact with human subjects, these applications meet exemption criteria. If the application does not meet the exemption criteria, it can be reviewed as minimal risk. All students working with data from human subjects are encouraged to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Does human subject clearance apply to independent study or doctoral program requirements?

Human subjects clearance requirements apply to theses and dissertations. Familiarize yourself with the different levels of human subjects research. Note that full human subjects clearance may take up to three months after the application is delivered to the Human Subjects Division. You must begin the process early. Students who pose their own research questions or test hypotheses using secondary data can either submit a request for exemption, minimal risk or full review, whichever is appropriate.

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Home Market Research

Social Research – Definition, Types and Methods

Social Research: Definition

Social Research is a method used by social scientists and researchers to learn about people and societies so that they can design products/services that cater to various needs of the people. Different socio-economic groups belonging to different parts of a county think differently. Various aspects of human behavior need to be addressed to understand their thoughts and feedback about the social world, which can be done using Social Research. Any topic can trigger social research – new feature, new market trend or an upgrade in old technology.

Select your respondents

Social Research is conducted by following a systematic plan of action which includes qualitative and quantitative observation methods.

Qualitative methods rely on direct communication with members of a market, observation, text analysis. The results of this method are focused more on being accurate rather than generalizing to the entire population.
Quantitative methods use statistical analysis techniques to evaluate data collected via surveys, polls or questionnaires.

LEARN ABOUT: Research Process Steps

Social Research contains elements of both these methods to analyze a range of social occurrences such as an investigation of historical sites, census of the country, detailed analysis of research conducted to understand reasons for increased reports of molestation in the country etc.

A survey to monitor happiness in a respondent population is one of the most widely used applications of social research. The happiness survey template can be used by researchers an organizations to gauge how happy a respondent is and the things that can be done to increase happiness in that respondent.

Learn more: Public Library Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template

Types of Social Research

There are four main types of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Primary and Secondary Research.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative Research is defined as a method to collect data via open-ended and conversational discussions, There are five main qualitative research methods- ethnographic research, focus groups, one-on-one online interview, content analysis and case study research. Usually, participants are not taken out of their ecosystem for qualitative data collection to gather information in real-time which helps in building trust. Researchers depend on multiple methods to gather qualitative data for complex issues.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative Research is an extremely informative source of data collection conducted via mediums such as surveys, polls, and questionnaires. The gathered data can be analyzed to conclude numerical or statistical results. There are four distinct quantitative research methods: survey research , correlational research , causal research and experimental research . This research is carried out on a sample that is representative of the target market usually using close-ended questions and data is presented in tables, charts, graphs etc.

For example, A survey can be conducted to understand Climate change awareness among the general population. Such a survey will give in-depth information about people’s perception about climate change and also the behaviors that impact positive behavior. Such a questionnaire will enable the researcher to understand what needs to be done to create more awareness among the public.

Learn More: Climate Change Awareness Survey Template

Primary Research: Primary Research is conducted by the researchers themselves. There are a list of questions that a researcher intends to ask which need to be customized according to the target market. These questions are sent to the respondents via surveys, polls or questionnaires so that analyzing them becomes convenient for the researcher. Since data is collected first-hand, it’s highly accurate according to the requirement of research.

For example: There are tens of thousands of deaths and injuries related to gun violence in the United States. We keep hearing about people carrying weapons attacking general public in the news. There is quite a debate in the American public as to understand if possession of guns is the cause to this. Institutions related to public health or governmental organizations are carrying out studies to find the cause. A lot of policies are also influenced by the opinion of the general population and gun control policies are no different. Hence a gun control questionnaire can be carried out to gather data to understand what people think about gun violence, gun control, factors and effects of possession of firearms. Such a survey can help these institutions to make valid reforms on the basis of the data gathered.

Learn more: Wi-Fi Security Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template

Secondary Research: Secondary Research is a method where information has already been collected by research organizations or marketers. Newspapers, online communities, reports, audio-visual evidence etc. fall under the category of secondary data. After identifying the topic of research and research sources, a researcher can collect existing information available from the noted sources. They can then combine all the information to compare and analyze it to derive conclusions.

LEARN ABOUT: Qualitative Research Questions and Questionnaires

Social Research Methods

Surveys: A survey is conducted by sending a set of pre-decided questions to a sample of individuals from a target market. This will lead to a collection of information and feedback from individuals that belong to various backgrounds, ethnicities, age-groups etc. Surveys can be conducted via online and offline mediums. Due to the improvement in technological mediums and their reach, online mediums have flourished and there is an increase in the number of people depending on online survey software to conduct regular surveys and polls.

There are various types of social research surveys: Longitudinal , Cross-sectional , Correlational Research . Longitudinal and Cross-sectional social research surveys are observational methods while Correlational is a non-experimental research method. Longitudinal social research surveys are conducted with the same sample over a course of time while Cross-sectional surveys are conducted with different samples.

For example: It has been observed in recent times, that there is an increase in the number of divorces, or failed relationships. The number of couples visiting marriage counselors or psychiatrists is increasing. Sometimes it gets tricky to understand what is the cause for a relationship falling apart. A screening process to understand an overview of the relationship can be an easy method. A marriage counselor can use a relationship survey to understand the chemistry in a relationship, the factors that influence the health of a relationship, the challenges faced in a relationship and expectations in a relationship. Such a survey can be very useful to deduce various findings in a patient and treatment can be done accordingly.

Another example for the use of surveys can be to gather information on the awareness of disasters and disaster management programs. A lot of institutions like the UN or the local disaster management team try to keep their communities prepared for disasters. Possessing knowledge about this is crucial in disaster prone areas and is a good type of knowledge that can help everyone. In such a case, a survey can enable these institutions to understand what are the areas that can be promoted more and what regions need what kind of training. Hence a disaster management survey can be conducted to understand public’s knowledge about the impact of disasters on communities, and the measures they undertake to respond to disasters and how can the risk be reduced.

Learn more: NBA Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template

Experiments: An experimental research is conducted by researchers to observe the change in one variable on another, i.e. to establish the cause and effects of a variable. In experiments, there is a theory which needs to be proved or disproved by careful observation and analysis. An efficient experiment will be successful in building a cause-effect relationship while proving, rejecting or disproving a theory. Laboratory and field experiments are preferred by researchers.

Interviews: The technique of garnering opinions and feedback by asking selected questions face-to-face, via telephone or online mediums is called interview research. There are formal and informal interviews – formal interviews are the ones which are organized by the researcher with structured open-ended and closed-ended questions and format while informal interviews are the ones which are more of conversations with the participants and are extremely flexible to collect as much information as possible.

LEARN ABOUT: 12 Best Tools for Researchers

Examples of interviews in social research are sociological studies that are conducted to understand how religious people are. To this effect, a Church survey can be used by a pastor or priest to understand from the laity the reasons they attend Church and if it meets their spiritual needs.

Observation: In observational research , a researcher is expected to be involved in the daily life of all the participants to understand their routine, their decision-making skills, their capability to handle pressure and their overall likes and dislikes. These factors and recorded and careful observations are made to decide factors such as whether a change in law will impact their lifestyle or whether a new feature will be accepted by individuals.

Learn more:

Quantitative Observation

Qualitative Observation

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Best HBCUs for Master’s in Social Work Degree Programs 2025

Written by Alex Kale

Updated: September 3, 2024

Find your online program in minutes!

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

When considering a master’s in social work (MSW) degree, HBCUs are exceptional choices for Black students. These institutions promote diversity and cultural inclusivity and play a crucial role in increasing the number of Black professionals in the social work field. HBCU MSW programs are designed to prepare students for different social work careers, including clinical practice, healthcare, and school social work, among others. With a focus on empowering communities, these programs provide graduates with the skills needed to make a meaningful impact.

In this article, we’ll explore why HBCU MSW programs are particularly beneficial for Black students, what you can expect during your studies, the core courses you’ll take, career opportunities after graduation, and tips for choosing the right program for your goals.

Why Attend an HBCU Master’s in Social Work Program?

With a focus on elevating the educational experience of Black students, these students may prefer to attend an HBCU for their MSW due to the long-term benefits these institutions offer. HBCU graduates report a significantly better college experience than those from non-HBCUs, being more than twice as likely to recall professors who made learning exciting, cared about them as individuals, and mentors who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

This supportive environment leads to greater engagement in their future careers and overall well-being. By fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, HBCUs equip Black students with the confidence to thrive, professionally and personally.

Top HBCU Master’s in Social Work Programs

intelligent score 98.90

#1 Best Colleges

School Information

Los Angeles, CA

Graduation Rate: 93%

Admission Rate: 13%

Urbanicity: City

School Size: Large

Delivery Format On-Campus

Required Credits to Graduate 128

Estimated Cost per Credit $2,244

accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 213-821-0770

intelligent score 97.87

#2 Best Colleges

Graduation Rate: 85%

Admission Rate: 59%

Required Credits to Graduate 120

Estimated Cost per Credit Member: $342 Non-Member: $684

accreditation Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 801-422-2997

intelligent score 96.04

#3 Best Colleges

Graduation Rate: 82%

Admission Rate: 29%

Estimated Cost per Credit In-State: $467 Out-of-State: $1,739

accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-471-5775

intelligent score 95.93

#4 Best Colleges

Graduation Rate: 86%

Admission Rate: 40%

Estimated Cost per Credit $485

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 706-542-8776

intelligent score 94.10

#6 Best Colleges

Graduation Rate: 66%

Admission Rate: 54%

Urbanicity: Town

School Size: Medium

Estimated Cost per Credit $843

accreditation Higher Learning Commission

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 501-279-4445

intelligent score 93.32

#7 Best Colleges

Washington, DC

Graduation Rate: 79%

Admission Rate: 64%

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,930

accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 202-885-1000

intelligent score 92.09

#8 Best Colleges

Syracuse, NY

Required Credits to Graduate 122

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,841

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 315-443-3611

intelligent score 91.38

#9 Best Colleges

Graduation Rate: 80%

Admission Rate: 53%

Urbanicity: Suburban

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,766

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 214-768-2058

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How we rank schools.

This list features some of the best HBCU master’s in social work programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.

We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology .

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of HBCU master’s in social work programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

What to Expect from an HBCU Master’s in Social Work Program

These degree programs offer students a comprehensive educational experience in a culturally inclusive environment. HBCUs are committed to elevating Black professionals, aiming to increase the representation of Black graduates in social work, where their perspectives and experiences are invaluable. As a student, you’ll gain essential knowledge in social justice, community engagement, and clinical practice, all through the lens of empowering marginalized communities.

These curricula often require a thesis, which allows students to explore a social work issue deeply, develop research skills, and contribute original knowledge to the field. This requirement is particularly beneficial as it prepares students for advanced roles in policy-making, administration, and clinical settings.

Potential courses you’ll take in an HBCU master’s in social work program

Human Behavior and the Social Environment: This foundational course explores the relationship between individuals and their social environments, focusing on psychological, social, and cultural factors.
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families: Another typical core requirement, this class builds skills in evidence-based interventions and techniques for working with individuals and families in different settings.
Social Welfare Policy and Services: This course examines the history, development, and impact of social welfare policies, emphasizing policy analysis and advocacy.
Research Methods in Social Work: In this upper-level class, students are introduced to qualitative and quantitative research methods, preparing them to conduct independent research and contribute to the field.

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Social Work Degree?

You’ll have a broad range of career opportunities after graduating with your MSW, including clinical, school, and healthcare social work occupations. Additionally, some graduates pursue roles in social services management, overseeing programs that address homelessness, child welfare, and substance abuse.

With a median salary of $58,380 , these careers pay higher wages than the national median for all occupations. They are expected to add 67,300 jobs yearly over the next decade.

Career outlook

Median annual salary: $55,960
Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
New jobs projected: 54,700
Median annual salary: $62,940
Median annual salary: $53,940
Project employment growth (through 2032): 7%

How to Choose the HBCU Master’s in Social Work Program That’s Right For You

Consider your needs and goals.

There are many things to consider when choosing an MSW degree program, but start by focusing on a few key factors, such as:

What aspects of social work am I most enthusiastic about?
Do I need a part-time or full-time program?
Would an asynchronous or synchronous format best fit my schedule?

For example, those interested in therapy will be well-suited for clinical work, while students wanting to work in medical settings may opt for healthcare social work. Similarly, individuals passionate about influencing social change may prefer to specialize in policy advocacy.

Of course, you’ll also want to focus on your logistical needs, such as part- or full-time learning and asynchronous or synchronous formats. Many students with more time for their studies prefer full-time, synchronous programs for their immersive learning experience, while part-time, asynchronous programs may be better for those balancing their education with other responsibilities — like a full-time job or raising a family.

Research schools and programs

Now that you’ve clarified your needs and goals, it’s time to research potential MSW programs. Consider using the following questions to guide your search:

Is the program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CWSE) ?
What are the eligibility and admission requirements?
Does the curriculum align with my intended specialization?
Are there faculty members whose research or practice areas excite me?
What field placement opportunities are available?

This information can be found on program websites, by contacting an admissions counselor, or by attending a virtual open house.

Determine how you’ll pay for your master’s in social work degree program

For many students, financing their degree with minimal debt is a top priority. If you’re in a similar position, start by filing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants and work-study. Next, seek out scholarships and grants for social work students, which don’t need to be repaid. For those seeking part-time work, consider applying for assistantships that offer tuition remission or stipends. If you’re employed, ask if your employer provides tuition reimbursement, which can significantly reduce costs.

If loans are necessary, prioritize federal loans, which often offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.

HBCU Master’s in Social Work Programs Frequently Asked Questions

How do i apply to an hbcu master's in social work program.

While some application requirements may vary, many programs share similar criteria, including:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement or essay
Resume or CV
GRE scores , if required

It’s crucial to speak with an admissions counselor before applying. They can provide guidance on specific requirements, deadlines, and tops to strengthen your application.

How much does a master's in social work degree cost?

These degrees cost an average of $20,513 per year in tuition. However, tuition is just one portion of the overall expense. You’ll also want to budget for additional costs like textbooks, technology fees, health insurance, commuting, and living expenses. Field placements may also incur additional travel expenses. Considering all these factors is essential to get a complete financial picture and plan accordingly.

How long does it take to complete a master's in social work degree program?

An MSW typically takes two years to complete for full-time students, while part-time students may take three to four years. If you’re planning to study asynchronously, it’s important to remember that the added flexibility of learning at your own pace can extend the completion time.

Be sure to double-check each program’s credit requirements, as these can vary and directly impact the time it takes to earn your degree. Understanding these timelines helps you plan your academic journey more accurately, balancing your personal and professional commitments with your educational goals.

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NASW Journals' Most Cited Articles

Social work.

Social Work is the premiere journal of the social work profession. Widely read by practitioners, faculty, and students, it is the official journal of NASW and is provided to all members as a membership benefit. Social Work is dedicated to improving practice and advancing knowledge in social work and social welfare.

2021 Journal Impact Factor™: 2.855

Voices from the Frontlines: Social Workers Confront the COVID-19 Pandemic Laura S. Abrams, PhD, Alan J. Dettlaff, PhD Translating Trauma-Informed Principles into Social Work Practice Jill Levenson, PhD, LCSW The Perils of Privatization: Bringing the Business Model into Human Services Jennifer R. Zelnick, MSW, ScD, Mimi Abramovitz, DSW Sharing Psychotherapy Notes with Patients: Therapists’ Attitudes and Experiences Hannah Chimowitz, Stephen O’Neill, Suzanne Leveille, Katrina Welch, Jan Walker Methods to Decrease Disparities in Age of Autism Diagnosis and Treatment Access among Latinx Children Kristina Lopez, Jessica M Marroquin, Courtney Gutierrez

Social Work Research

Social Work Research publishes exemplary research to advance the development of knowledge and inform social work practice. Widely regarded as the outstanding journal in the field, it includes analytic reviews of research, theoretical articles pertaining to social work research, evaluation studies, and diverse research studies that contribute to knowledge about social work issues and problems.

2021 Journal Impact Factor™: 1.844

Social Work in the Age of a Global Pandemic Charlotte Lyn Bright Exposure to Community-Based Violence on Social Media among Black Male Emerging Adults Involved with the Criminal Justice System Robert O. Motley, Jr., Yu-Chih Chen, Carnayla Johnson, Sean Joe Using a Trauma-Informed, Socially Just Research Framework with Marginalized Populations: Practices and Barriers to Implementation Laura A. Voith, Tyrone Hamler, Meredith W. Francis, Hyunjune Lee, Amy Korsch-Williams State-Level Immigration Policy Context and Health: How Are Latinx Immigrant Parents Faring? Cecilia Ayón The Association of Acculturation with Overt and Covert Perceived Discrimination for Older Asian Americans Keith Chan

Health & Social Work

For 20 years, human services professionals have relied on Health & Social Work for the latest advances in areas such as aging, clinical work, long-term care, oncology, substance abuse, depression, and maternal health. Articles also cover research, policy, specialized services, quality assurance, in-service training, and other topics that affect the delivery of health care services

2021 Journal Impact Factor™: 1.896

What Have Hospital Social Workers Been Prepared for COVID-19 from SARS, MERS, and H1N1? Johnson Chun-Sing Cheung Secondary Traumatic Stress and Related Factors in Australian Social Workers and Psychologists Samantha Rayner, Cindy Davis, Matthew Moore, Tamara Cadet Body Appreciation and Health Care Avoidance: A Brief Report Mackenzie Cook, Virginia Ramseyer Winter, Elizabeth A. O’Neill Veteran Suicide Risk Factors: A National Sample of Nonveteran and Veteran Men Who Died by Suicide David S. Wood, Bethany M. Wood, Aislinn Watson, Devan Sheffield, Helena Hauter Trans Men’s Access to Knowledgeable Providers and Their Experiences in Health Care Settings: Differences by Demographics, Mental Health, and Degree of Being “Out” to Providers Kristie L. Seelman, Shanna K Kattari, Penny Harvey, Matthew Bakko

Children & Schools

Children & Schools publishes professional materials relevant to social work services for children. The journal publishes articles on innovations in practice, interdisciplinary efforts, research, program evaluation, policy, and planning. Topics include student-authority relationships, multiculturalism, early intervention, needs assessment, violence, and ADHD. Children & Schools is a practitioner-to-practitioner resource.

Evidence-Based Assessment Tools for Common Mental Health Problems: A Practical Guide for School Settings Jack H. Andrews, Evelyn Cho, Siena K. Tugendrajch, Brigid R. Marriott, Kristin M. Hawley Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline: A Trauma-Informed, Critical Race Perspective on School Discipline Stacey Dutil Structural Racism in Schools: A View through the Lens of the National School Social Work Practice Model Jandel Crutchfield, Kate L. Phillippo, Andy Frey School Social Worker Voice during COVID-19 School Disruptions: A National Qualitative Analysis Gordon Capp, Kate Watson, Ron A Astor, Michael S Kelly, Rami Benbenishty Should Esports Be a Co-Curricular Activity in School? Hok-Lai Shum, Chin-Hei Lee, Johnson Chun-Sing Cheung

Source: Clarivate 2022

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COMMENTS

Social Work Research
Explore a collection of highly cited articles from the NASW journals published in 2020 and 2021. Read now. An official journal of the National Association of Social Workers. Publishes exemplary research to advance the development of knowledge and inform social.
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Social Work Research
Social Work Research publishes exemplary research to advance the development of knowledge and inform social work practice. Widely regarded as the outstanding journal in the field, it includes analytic reviews of research, theoretical articles pertaining to social work research, evaluation studies, and diverse research studies that contribute to knowledge about social work issues and problems.
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Issues
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Back to the Future: Using Social Work Research to Improve Social Work
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About
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These curricula often require a thesis, which allows students to explore a social work issue deeply, develop research skills, and contribute original knowledge to the field. This requirement is particularly beneficial as it prepares students for advanced roles in policy-making, administration, and clinical settings.
NASW Journals' Most Cited Articles
Widely regarded as the outstanding journal in the field, it includes analytic reviews of research, theoretical articles pertaining to social work research, evaluation studies, and diverse research studies that contribute to knowledge about social work issues and problems. 2021 Journal Impact Factor™: 1.844. Social Work in the Age of a Global ...
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