The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work continues to advance meaningful change through record-setting achievements in research, student success, philanthropy and community engagement while expanding opportunities for the next generation of social work leaders.
Together, these milestones reflect the School’s continued growth as a research-intensive, student-centered institution serving Texas communities and the broader social work profession.
The School remains one of the nation’s leading research institutions, with faculty publishing more than 200 peer-reviewed articles annually. That scholarly productivity places UTA among the top 3% of 319 social work programs nationwide for research output.
Student success continues to reach new heights. The Master of Social Work program has achieved record enrollment and climbed eight spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing No. 43 among 319 accredited programs.
Building on that momentum, the School recently launched its fully online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program, creating a new pathway for experienced practitioners to advance their careers as educators, leaders and advanced social work practitioners while helping address growing workforce demand.
Students enjoy the day during the Maverick Stampede event in Fall 2025. (Photo by Thomas Johns)
The School also expanded its commitment to student support by launching the Compassionate Assistance for Relieving Emergencies (CARE) Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to help students overcome unexpected hardships and remain on track to complete their degrees.
Through a robust Academic and Student Affairs team and a large faculty corps with expertise in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, suicide prevention and awareness, and substance use and addiction recovery, the UTA School of Social Work continues to support strong student enrollment. College Factual ranked the School No. 3 among the most popular social work schools based on student enrollment data.
A transformational $1 million gift from the Harold Simmons Foundation and Thomas Connelly established the Serena Simmons Connelly Memorial Endowed Graduate Fellowship. Named in honor of the late UTA social work alumna and social activist Serena Simmons Connelly, the fellowship will help graduate students pursue their education and prepare for impactful careers serving communities in need.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of the School’s mission. More than 400 community agencies partner with the School each year to provide internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students across Texas and the nation. These partnerships generate more than 540,000 hours of experiential learning annually and create an estimated $17 million in economic impact.
The School is also expanding opportunities for professional development through its new Center for Lifelong Learning, which offers continuing education, workforce training and professional development programs designed to support social workers and other helping professionals throughout every stage of their careers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall national employment of social workers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
“As the School of Social Work approaches its 60th anniversary next year, these initiatives position us to meet the growing workforce demand for social workers while remaining committed to advancing research, preparing future leaders and creating meaningful impact in communities across Texas and beyond,” said Antwan C. Williams, assistant dean at the UTA School of Social Work for communications, marketing, recruiting, and graduate admissions.