College of Social WorkAt a Glance
For more than 50 years, the University of South Carolina College of Social Work has influenced the well-being of individuals, families and communities in South Carolina and beyond. Our graduates improve lives in countless ways and through varied careers from advocates and administrators to educators and policymakers.
The College of Social Work is a leading, research-based learning setting that’s a Top 20% Social Work program nationally, according to US News & World Report. Here, students take an active role in understanding and shaping the ways social work improves communities. Whether working toward an advanced generalist career or focused certificate specialization, our social work practitioners and scholars are committed to positive social change.
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Community historian encourages African American families to tell their own stories
Building and understanding community has motivated Jackie Whitmore since he was captivated by his grandmother’s family stories during his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina. It led him to a career in social work and fueled a passion for African American history in his home state.
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Strategies for Parents, Part II: Managing emotional behavior for children
It’s natural for anyone to become anxious or scared about entering a new environment. As children cope with their anxieties, parents can help by building routines to follow.
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On-site social workers at Richland Library provide access without judgment
When Lee Patterson earned her master’s in social work in 2012, she never imagined putting it to use at Richland Library — or any library. Ten years later, she is doing exactly that.
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Strategies for Parents, Part I: Teaching problem solving to children
It’s inevitable that children of all ages will struggle with the social and academic expectations of their years in school. Parents can easily feel overwhelmed with providing answers, especially as children continue to struggle with stress and anxiety from the disruptions of pandemic shutdowns. Cheri Shapiro, a research professor in the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work and the director of USC’s Institute for Families in Society, focuses her research on prevention of social, emotional and behavioral problems in youth and implementation of evidence-based interventions in community settings.
Making a Difference in SC
The College of Social Work’s research expertise impacts business and government entities every day. Our students and faculty are serving the wellness of physicians, nurses, social workers and pharmacists in South Carolina to better prevent career burnout. Our field education program is one of the nation’s strongest, providing 350,000 student volunteer hours statewide annually — an infusion of service valued at more than $1 million to the South Carolina economy.
Centers and Institutes
