An UNCOMMON School of Social Work
From in-demand mental health skills and change-inspiring macro practice, to global knowledge and impactful state child welfare services, to community-engaged research and solutions, we're preparing our students, engaging with stakeholders and empowering the workforce.
Learn more about some of our UNCOMMON initiatives.
Our concentration: Competent practitioners
Mental health initiatives
We're helping meet the need for mental health providers and other clinical social workers through innovative partnerships, clinical skills labs, a focus on serious mental illness, new academic minors and certificates, and more. Learn more
Macro initiatives
We're translating our alumni’s passion and energy for macro to developing future practitioners. With a Macro Discovery Series and Macro Fellows cohort, our macro professionals are helping students envision their future selves as agents for systemic change. Learn more
Our reach: Virginia & around the world
Child welfare initiatives
We're empowering strong, resilient children, youth and families in the commonwealth of Virginia through stipend-supported workforce development; education and training for students, social services staff and resource families; and continuing professional development to prepare social workers to support families working to overcome substance use disorders. Learn more
International social work
We're creating research partnerships, learning opportunities and teaching collaborations that are spanning from Richmond across the globe, furthering knowledge transfer and skills in both directions. Why? Because social work knows no borders or boundaries. Learn more
Our expertise: Community-engaged + lived experience
Evaluation Lab
We're providing holistic and comprehensive services to community partners and field agencies, including program evaluation, data analysis, survey research, grant writing and more – with a particular focus on behavioral health. Learn more
Youth homelessness
We're leveraging an evidence-informed, participatory research model that injects lived experiences into project decision-making and cultivates future leaders – what our faculty call "radical imagination." Learn more
Our collaborations: Integrated research + student wellness
Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health
IRBEH is a model for interdisciplinary research, hands-on training for students, workforce development and community engagement. Led by social work faculty, the institute translates research into university wellness initiatives and strengthens the behavioral health workforce. Learn more
Spit for Science
Established in 2011, the IRBEH-led project is a survey of VCU students to understand how genetic and environmental factors come together to contribute to the development of problems associated with the use of alcohol, the use of other substances and emotional health. Learn more
Specialized learning opportunities
You can go beyond the B.S.W., M.S.W. and Ph.D. degrees at the VCU School of Social Work.
Certificates & certification
M.S.W. students can combine their master's degree with one of five certificates or a state certification in school social work. The School of Social Work administers coursework for the graduate Certificate in Mental Health, and other VCU academic units administer the remaining four certificates. Learn more
Dual degrees
M.S.W. students can apply to participate in a dual M.S.W and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) through the VCU School of Public Health or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) through the University of Richmond. Learn more
Minor in social work and mental health
Develop foundational knowledge and skills through a strong preparatory framework for several career paths in the mental health field. Ideal for majors in biology, business, criminal justice, education, nursing, psychology and social work. Learn more
Minor in social welfare
Develop your social work and social justice perspectives while complementing your bachelor's degree in another discipline. Take two foundational classes and select four of eight electives. Learn more
Leading with VCU pride 🖤 💛
Two principals of national social work organizations are M.S.W. alumni from the School of Social Work.
Anthony Estreet (M.S.W.'07), Ph.D.
CEO, National Association of Social Workers
VCU is definitely top tier. I particularly loved that I went to VCU, and as you can see, my education has certainly helped me a lot in my career."
Renata Hedrington-Jones (M.S.W.'87), Ph.D.
President, National Association of Black Social Workers
I always talk about my school, my alma mater. And so one of the girls said, ‘Damn, we have to hear about you and that VCU ...?’ And I said, ‘Yes, you’re going to hear it. You’re going to hear everything I have to say about VCU.' "
