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Why Study Social Work?

Welcome to the UAB Department of Social Work! Below are a few reasons why you should choose to get your degree in social work at UAB:

Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation and is expected to grow by 12 percent by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Social workers are the largest providers of mental health services, and social work is recognized by federal law and the National Institute of Health as one of five core mental health professions in the U.S. (National Association of Social Workers).
Our Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs prepare students for practice in health and behavioral health care settings.
Our MSW program is one of a few in the nation that has a sole focus on clinical/medical social work.
Our faculty are passionate leaders in the areas of HIV/AIDS, HCV epidemiology, mental health, health risk behaviors, social work education, social determinants of health, health equity, international social work, diversity, social justice, and anti-oppression.
Our curriculum utilizes cutting-edge instruction and inter-professional simulations alongside numerous health professions across campus.

Angelina Watson Wins First Place at UAB Summer 2026 Expo
Angelina Watson, a Social Work Honors student in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program, earned first place in the Service Learning category for Poster Presentations at the UAB Summer 2026 Expo.
Embracing the Journey: Hayes’ Path of Resilience to a Doctoral Degree
For Rashad Hayes, a PhD student in the Community Health Promotion program, the journey to higher education has never followed a straight line. For Rashad Hayes, a PhD student in the Community Health Promotion program, the journey to higher education has never followed a straight line.
Social Work student awarded Student Wellbeing Innovation Scholarship
David Kirby, a social work major, has been awarded the Student Wellbeing Innovation Scholarship. David Kirby, a social work major, has been awarded the Student Wellbeing Innovation Scholarship.