Your Passion.
Our Purpose.
Our Story
The Indiana University School of Social Work has been training passionate changemakers since 1911. That’s over a century of impact! Our graduates work with schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and even law enforcement—teaming up with professionals to create a world where people have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Why Social Work? #
Life throws people challenges—mental health struggles, poverty, trauma, and more. Social workers step in to make a real difference. They help people find housing, get food assistance, access healthcare, and work through tough times.
Social workers aren’t just helpers—they’re advocates, problem-solvers, and leaders. They speak up for vulnerable populations and give people the tools to take control of their lives. When disaster strikes or personal crises hit, social workers are there, providing support and guidance when it’s needed most.
Your Impact Starts Here #
If you want a career that truly matters, social work is it. You’ll be changing lives, strengthening communities, and creating a more fair and just world.
With top-tier faculty, seven campus locations, and an online degree option, we make it easy for you to find the perfect program that fits your goals.
Find Your Passion, Build Your Future
Looking for a career that makes an impact? Our programs are designed to help you turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful profession. Whether you’re diving into our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), advancing with our Master of Social Work (MSW), or pushing boundaries in our PhD program, your journey starts here—at Indiana University.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) #
Ready to make a difference? Our BSW program is hands-on, immersive, and built for students who want to step into the workforce with confidence. You’ll gain real-world experience while developing the skills to support individuals, families, and communities. Plus, you can study where you live—with accredited programs in Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, and South Bend.
Master of Social Work (MSW) #
Take your career to the next level with our MSW, designed for advanced social work practice in a range of specialties—behavioral health, trauma, addiction, healthcare, community leadership, and more. Customize your path by selecting courses across disciplines or choose one of our curated specializations. Whether you prefer online, in-person, or hybrid learning, we’ve got options in Bloomington, Gary, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette, New Albany, and South Bend. Choose your path:
- Regular Standing – Open to any student with an accredited undergraduate degree.
- Advanced Standing – Available for students with a BSW from an accredited institution.
PhD in Social Work #
Want to shape the future of social work? Our PhD program, based in Indianapolis, is the only doctoral social work program in Indiana. Graduates go on to become leading educators, researchers, and changemakers in the field.
Challenge Accepted
Bring on Tomorrow
Social work is evolving fast—you can shape your career in ways you never imagined. Our alumni have built careers in tech, venture capital, healthcare, the NFL, government, investment banking, philanthropy, leadership development, and more. The possibilities are limitless.
Your IU degree is your first step toward licensure. With higher-than-average pass rates, our grads are more than ready to enter the profession. Plus, with job growth projected at 7% from 2023 to 2033, social work careers are booming.
Your passion, your future—it starts here. Let’s make an impact together.
Study Abroad
Expand Your Horizons with Global Education
Social work is global—understanding diverse perspectives is key to making a lasting impact. At IU, you can take your education beyond borders, experiencing firsthand how different communities approach social care, healthcare systems, and social determinants of well-being.
The world is connected now more than ever, and social workers need a broader lens to navigate complex social issues. Economic shifts, political events, and environmental crises don’t just affect one region—they shape entire communities. Studying abroad equips you with the cultural competency and problem-solving skills to meet diverse needs head-on.
Explore once-in-a-lifetime opportunities alongside peers who share your passion for making a difference. Our curriculum can take you to South Korea, Ghana, or Croatia.
Make an Impact—Wherever You Go #
Social workers are changemakers, advocates, and problem-solvers. Whether it’s in hospitals, schools, or even sports organizations, your degree opens doors to meaningful careers where you can serve the communities that matter most. From mental health to criminal justice, education to healthcare, the world needs passionate people ready to step up. At IU, we’ll help you shape your path, sharpen your skills, and take your career as far as you dream. Ready to turn your passion into action?.
Creating Change Through Community Engagement
At Indiana University School of Social Work, we believe meaningful change begins with connection. Our faculty and staff work alongside communities to create lasting impact, partnering with local organizations, businesses, and policymakers to strengthen neighborhoods and drive solutions that matter.
Social workers amplify voices, advocating for fairness and equity while shaping policies that address real needs. Through engagement, they foster resilience, self-determination, and social justice—ensuring communities feel heard and empowered. Transparency and lived experiences guide innovative solutions, helping build a stronger, more connected future.
Join us in making a difference. #
Explore our initiatives and see how you can get involved today.
Research That Drives Real Change
At our school, research isn’t just academic—it’s action. Our faculty are leading bold, community-driven research that’s reshaping how social work is practiced across neighborhoods, states, and even globally.
Why does this matter? Because research is the foundation of real impact. It gives social workers the tools to make informed decisions, advocate for smarter policies, and design services that are ethical, effective, and culturally responsive.
Professor Barbara Pierce is at the forefront of this mission. She’s leading a statewide initiative that places MSW students in underserved Indiana schools to provide vital mental health support. Her research focuses on trauma-informed care and rural access—two areas where services are often hardest to reach.
“Being able to increase mental health services in those geographic areas, particularly to children and youth in schools, allows us to increase capacity for the state overall.” — Barbara Pierce
Whether it’s uncovering systemic gaps, developing new intervention models, or pushing for policy reform, our faculty are doing the work that matters. Their research helps social workers like you stay ahead of the curve and ready to meet the evolving needs of the communities you care about.
This isn’t just about data—it’s about driving progress. When social workers engage with research, they’re not just helping people today—they’re shaping the future of the profession.
So if you’re ready to make a difference, research is your launchpad.