Welcome to the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.

Founded in 1801, our University has a long, distinguished tradition of leadership and service in higher education. Our campus—one of the most beautiful in the nation—is highly conducive to learning and reflection. And its proximity to the upstate mountains and the beautiful beaches of South Carolina provides wonderful opportunities for much needed rest and relaxation.

The College is a member of the University’s Division of Health Sciences. Academic deans in the division—social work, public health, nursing, pharmacy, and family medicine—collaborate closely to provide students and faculty an intellectually rich, friendly environment for professional education, research, and service across diverse academic disciplines.

The College of Social Work is well known for its national and international leadership in social work education. Our Master of Social Work Program is fully accredited, and it consistently ranks among the top graduate programs in the South. Our MSW graduates are readily employed in social work practice and administration throughout the world. Many have become top leaders in the profession.

Our research-oriented Ph.D. program in social work ranks among the very best as well. We prepare doctoral students for successful careers in higher education, research, and scholarship. Graduates of the program teach or administer some of the finest programs in higher education. One of the unique features of our doctoral program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research.

The College also offers a variety of international experiences for students, practitioners, and research chiefly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

My vision as Dean is for the College of Social Work to:

• Recruit and retain the best faculty and student talent available

• Provide high quality, innovative, social work education with a global perspective

• Promote cross-disciplinary research and scholarship

• Build college-community partnerships of significance

• Foster social justice in behalf of diverse, vulnerable populations

The University of South Carolina College of Social Work is a great place to learn, work, and serve. Please visit us when you have the opportunity, and let me know if we can help you any way.

Sincerely,

Dennis L. Poole
Dean

Dean's Office Links:

COSW Dean's Receptions Photogalleries:
Charlotte, NC at the home of Julie Neeley, MSW '97. October 21, 2006
Columbia, SC Reception. August 31, 2006

Photogallery: Dean Poole's visit to China and Korea

COSW in the News