The Department of Social Work at George Mason
George Mason University's Department of Social Work prepares students to improve the well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through ethical, evidence-based social work practice. Through CSWE-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, students develop the knowledge, skills, and field experience needed to address complex social challenges, advocate for vulnerable populations, and create meaningful change at the local, national, and global levels.
Located in the Washington, D.C. region, George Mason provides unique access to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, schools, and community-based organizations where students can gain hands-on experience and professional connections. Whether your goal is direct practice, policy advocacy, program leadership, or research, the Department of Social Work offers pathways to careers focused on advancing social justice and improving quality of life.
Gain Hands-On Experience, Transform Lives
Students in George Mason's social work programs gain real-world experience through field placements, community partnerships, and applied learning opportunities that connect classroom knowledge with professional practice. Working alongside experienced practitioners, students develop the skills to support individuals and families, strengthen communities, advocate for social justice, and address complex social challenges.
Our graduates acquire a perspective and skill set that emphasizes empowerment, inclusion, ethical practice, and systems transformation, preparing them to create meaningful change in a wide range of professional settings.
How to Apply to George Mason's Social Work Programs
Whether you are pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), graduate certificate, or related program, George Mason offers multiple pathways to begin or advance your social work education. Admission requirements vary by program and may include academic prerequisites, application materials, essays, recommendations, and field experience considerations. The Department of Social Work also offers flexible options, including online and on-campus study, advanced standing opportunities for qualified BSW graduates, and pathways for students at different stages of their educational journey.
Prospective students are encouraged to review program-specific requirements, application deadlines, and admissions processes to determine the pathway that best aligns with their academic background and professional goals. Whether you're preparing for your first social work degree or seeking advanced professional practice, the Department of Social Work provides resources to guide you through each step of the application process.
“This is why I love this place – the College of Public Health at George Mason is one of the few colleges of public health that incorporates a School of Nursing and social work. You’re not going to be able to do public health without that.”
Dr. Ashish Jha, national leader on the U.S.’s COVID-19 response
Explore Social Work Programs and Pathways
Whether you are beginning your educational journey, advancing your professional practice, or exploring a complementary area of study, George Mason University offers social work and related programs designed to help you create meaningful change. From undergraduate degrees and minors to advanced graduate study and specialized certificates, students gain the knowledge, field experience, and professional skills needed to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Explore our programs to find the academic pathway that aligns with your interests, career goals, and commitment to social impact.
Social Work, BSW
Build the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed for a career in social work with George Mason's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Through coursework and field education, students learn to support individuals, families, and communities while promoting social justice, well-being, and positive change.
Social Work, MSW
Prepare for advanced social work practice through George Mason's CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Available online and on campus, the program combines a strong generalist foundation with specialized study to prepare graduates for leadership, clinical practice, advocacy, and community impact.
Master of Public Health (MPH), Health Equity and Social Justice Concentration
Examine the root causes of health disparities and develop strategies to advance health equity through George Mason's MPH concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice. Students explore the social determinants of health, public policy, and community-based interventions that promote healthier and more equitable communities.
Gerontology Graduate Certificate
Develop specialized knowledge of aging and older adult populations through George Mason's interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. Designed to complement a wide range of graduate programs, the certificate prepares students to address the opportunities and challenges of an aging society.
Learn more about the Gerontology graduate certificate at George Mason
Aging Studies, Minor
Gain a deeper understanding of aging and the needs of older adults through George Mason's Minor in Aging Studies. Open to students from any major, the program combines interdisciplinary coursework and research experience to prepare graduates for careers serving an increasingly diverse and aging population.
Social Work, Minor
Explore the foundations of social work, social welfare, and community engagement through George Mason's Minor in Social Work. This flexible program complements a variety of majors and introduces students to the values, ethics, and practice settings of the social work profession.
Areas of Research in Social Work
Social Work News
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Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Programs at GMU
What degrees does the School of Social Work offer?
George Mason University's School of Social Work offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and minor programs designed to prepare students for careers focused on individual well-being, community impact, advocacy, and social change. Academic offerings include the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Minor in Social Work, Minor in Aging Studies, and the Health Equity and Social Justice concentration within the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Students can choose pathways that align with their interests in direct practice, policy, leadership, public health, aging, and community engagement.
Explore social work programs and pathways:
How do I apply to social work programs?
Application requirements vary by program and academic level. Students interested in undergraduate, graduate, certificate, or minor programs should review program-specific admissions criteria, deadlines, prerequisite requirements, and application instructions. George Mason's School of Social Work offers multiple pathways, including traditional undergraduate admission, graduate admission, online and on-campus study options, and Advanced Standing opportunities for qualified BSW graduates entering the MSW program.
Learn more about admissions requirements and deadlines:
What career paths are available after graduating with a social work degree?
Graduates of George Mason's social work programs pursue careers that improve the well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Depending on their degree and area of specialization, graduates may work in healthcare systems, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, behavioral health settings, community organizations, aging services, and social service agencies.
Common career paths include:
- Social Worker
- Clinical Social Worker*
- School Social Worker
- Case Manager
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Program Manager
- Behavioral Health Specialist
- Child and Family Services Professional
- Gerontology Specialist
- Policy Analyst and Advocate
Many graduates also pursue leadership roles, advanced licensure, doctoral study, and careers focused on research, policy development, and systems change.
*Additional licensure requirements may apply depending on the role and state.
Learn more about social work careers and professional pathways: