About the School
Innovative programs that connect deep learning with action #LearnMawr
Why Bryn Mawr GSSWSR?
The Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) is distinctive for its dedication to fine teaching, individual attention, and high academic standards within a liberal arts tradition. Founded in 1915, the GSSWSR has always embraced scholarship, practice, and collaboration within social work and social welfare.
Strategic Focus
An educational program must prepare professional social workers with the multidisciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and necessary values to provide leadership to address the rapidly growing and increasingly complex challenges impacting the biopsychosocial conditions of children and families.
By offering three degree programs, the GSSWSR makes it possible for students to experience and explore the full range of theories and skills necessary for today's social work practitioner, researcher, or academic. The program goals and objectives are designed to exceed the multiple expectations placed on social work professionals.
The GSSWSR has two newly designed courses that are required for all students. Trauma Informed Social Work explores trauma from multiple perspectives, including of the individual, organizations, and communities. The course examines topics such as intersectionality and trauma, collective trauma and collective resilience, cross-cultural approaches, and pathways to healing. Power, Privilege and Oppression is a course in four modules: American Racism & White Supremacy, Systemic Oppression, Intersectionality and Social Identity Development, and Modes of Resistance. This course provides a foundation for developing skills of anti-oppressive social work practice and reflects a commitment to social justice, a key value of the social work profession.
A Message From the GSSWSR Dean
Dean Janet Shapiro addresses students, faculty and staff regarding the challenges past and ahead.