Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work at Barry University is committed to advancing and protecting the human rights of all individuals, with an emphasis on those most marginalized, through teaching, research, advocacy, and practice rooted in social justice.

The mission of the Barry University Department of Social Work is framed by the core values, ethics, and commitments of the social work profession and the Barry University mission. Within a culturally diverse framework, the School is committed to educating social workers for professional social work practice that is informed by context and characterized by competence, skills of leadership, quality, the quest for social and economic justice in local and global communities, and dedication to continuous professional growth and development.

In response to a demand for professionally trained social workers in 1966, Barry University established the first graduate program in South Florida. The Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and the curriculum of the School is planned in accordance with the standards set by the council. A PhD in Social Work was introduced in 1983 to prepare advanced practitioner/scholars for leadership roles within the profession. In 2001, the School initiated a Bachelor of Social Work degree program and was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 2003. In 1984, the School was named the Ellen Whiteside McDonnell to honor a woman who made significant contribution to the reform and development of social welfare programs in the State of Florida.

The program ensures that students receive the clinical experience necessary to become a professional autonomous social worker. Students will be assigned to agency placements which will provide students with the opportunity to build confidence, spend time in a professional environment and the ability to grow and learn as a professional. The intent of the clinical practice in the Department of Social Work is to assist students in connecting the curriculum with the practical world of the practice setting.

The program ensures that students receive the clinical experience necessary to become a professional autonomous social worker. Students will be assigned to agency placements which will provide students with the opportunity to build confidence, spend time in a professional environment and the ability to grow and learn as a professional. The intent of the clinical practice in the Department of Social Work is to assist students in connecting the curriculum with the practical world of the practice setting.

Barry University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

CSWE's Commission on Accreditation (COA) is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards. 

In accordance with the requirements of CSWE's recognition body, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the CSWE Office of Social Work Accreditation administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and COA reviews.

Congratulations on taking the next step towards obtaining your LCSW! Please review the full list of requirements set by the State of Florida here.

Following the submission of your application to the State, you will receive a five-digit file number and the remaining supporting documents necessary to complete your licensing application.

You will be required to provide the 5-digit file number in order to complete the practicum and advanced standing letter request.  

You must complete the Practicum and Advanced Standing letter request form in its entirety. Please allot 5 to 10 business days to process your request.

With a diverse range of specializations and interests, we invite students to learn more about the professional organizations available to social workers and social work students.

Professional organizations offer students and professionals a variety of benefits such as networking opportunities, exclusive scholarship opportunities, events for early-career professionals, and job boards.