GSSW Community Impact
A Shared Purpose
At the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW), we believe in social work’s transformative potential — to change individual lives, to improve systems, to expand equity and advance social justice. Whether we’re tackling systemic challenges such as poverty or helping an individual to successfully navigate personal challenges with addiction, we know why we’re here: to make things better.
Building on Success
We’ve been developing the social work workforce for nearly a century and have one of the nation’s oldest PhD programs. Now, students throughout the U.S. can access a GSSW education through MSW@Denver, our online MSW.
Growing Social Work Knowledge
With funding from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, we’re training U.S. social work faculty to teach evidence-based treatment methods for substance abuse and dependence.
Upending Inequity
Prof. Kimberly Bender and our Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness hosted a Homelessness Hackathon co-sponsored by the National Center for Excellence in Homeless Services. The University of Denver and community participants developed technological, social, political and legal solutions to meet the needs of Denver residents experiencing homelessness.
A Social Work Community
Each year we graduate more than 280 students who are ready to practice in diverse settings — from rural and tribal communities to city centers in the U.S. and abroad. Much of their preparation comes through internships offered by more than 750 partner field agencies nationwide. Our more than 9,500 alumni have gone on to transform millions of lives.
Grounded in Research
Our research and scholarship spans populations, issues and policies that impact all aspects of human potential. We shed light on social issues, provide evidence for best practices and help organizations to increase their capacity and effectiveness. And we don’t do it alone. We have 126 active community research partners—at least one for each of our research projects.
Responsive to the Community
When the community calls, we answer with classes, research projects and special events like our Catalyst Series for Social Justice, which hosts timely, topical community conversations on issues like race and identity. And we respond via the work of our six centers and institutes, which work in hundreds of communities nationwide.
Related Stories
Reducing LGBTQIA+ Health Disparities
With an emphasis on HIV prevention and treatment, GSSW Assistant Professor Donny Gerke is working to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes among sexual and gender minority communities.
Health Equity in Colorado’s COVID-19 Response
As part of Colorado’s COVID-19 Health Equity Response Team, three GSSW alumni are working to address disproportionate impacts of the novel coronavirus on people of color.
Studying the Human–Animal Bond
At the Institute for Human–Animal Connection, American Humane Endowed Chair Kevin Morris is working to improve animal and human welfare through more rigorous research.
We’re stronger together. Want to partner to make a greater impact?
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Decoding Your Ballot
Have you ever wondered what the initiatives on your Colorado ballot are? Join the University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work as we talk with Assistant Professor Phil Chen and Visiting Professor Steven Doherty as we look at this year's ballot.
- 4 p.m. MST
- Virtual
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Beyond the Polls
We've all heard it before: "Our work doesn't end on election day", but what does that mean in practice? Join GSSW Assistant Professor Sophia Sarantakos and UCCS Clinical Assistance Professor Annie Zean Dunbar as we answer those questions and more.
- 12 p.m. MST
- Virtual
