University of Iowa School of Social Work

The University of Iowa School of Social Work's mission is to develop culturally responsive practitioners, scholars, researchers, and leaders to create a more just society. The Iowa School of Social Work offers an academically challenging environment for students who share our commitment to the social justice and service to others. We focus on culturally competent practice, and we weave content on cultural competency throughout our curriculum. As part of this focus, all students participate in NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute), an international leadership training program in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We offer a certificate in Critical Cultural Competence, as well as certificates in Aging and Longevity Studies, and Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives. We are home to the National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice, which specializes in family-centered, community-based, culturally competent practice within organizations and across systems through research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and information dissemination, as well as the Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation. Social workers play a pivotal role in strengthening the system, empowering individuals, and increasing equity and access—for the benefit of all. We like to call that constant process of examination, reflection, and action "Making Social Justice Work."