Fast Facts

History

In the wake of community upheaval and turmoil in the early and mid 1960’s there was a demand for professional trained social workers. As there was not a school of social work in South Florida, Barry University established the first social work program in South Florida in 1966 to help fill this need. A Ph.D. in Social Work was introduced in 1983, and in year 2000 a redesigned BSW degree program opened for enrollment.

Mission

The mission of the School of Social Work is framed by the values, ethics and social commitments of the social work profession as well as those of Barry University. The School is committed to the development of professional social workers who are drawn from diverse communities and who are prepared to engage in social work practice that improves the quality of life within those communities. Through professional and continuing education, knowledge development and professional action, the School aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of human services and social well-being throughout the region and nation.

Purpose

The school’s primary purpose is the education of social workers for all levels of professional practice that is characterized by competence, quality and dedication to the principles of social and economic justice.

Did You Know?

Barry University School of Social Work …

• Has a national reputation for excellence
• Is one (1) of only five (5) clinical schools in the country
• Offers the only accelerated MSW degree program in the country
• Awards more than 90% of our students scholarships and tuition discounts
• Is ranked No. 1 in the Campus Ethnic Diversity category for universities in the South offering master’s programs (2008 U.S. News & World Report college ratings)
• Earned a perfect reaccreditation report, for 2003-2011