Social Work

The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College (SSSW) and the Union Theological Seminary (UTS) are internationally recognized leaders in social work and theological education, respectively. Complementing Silberman’s mission and historical commitment to social justice, UTS – the nation’s oldest independent seminary – is distinguished by an interdenominational, interreligious focus and strong ethics curriculum. Its students develop integrated understandings of spiritual and social contexts. Located in East Harlem (SSSW) and Morningside Heights (UTS), neighborhoods that face disproportionate social challenges, these two schools are poised to capitalize on their proximity and mutual responsiveness to the needs of New York City communities. Together, SSSW and UTS offer the MDiv-MSW Dual Degree Program in Social Work and Divinity to streamline the pathway to earning both degrees, maximizing educational experiences and professional opportunities for students interested in careers that bridge religious studies with clinical social work.

Clinical practice introduces students to agency-based clinical practice in the urban environment. Clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions are taught from a biopsychosocial perspective. Students are exposed to a variety of theoretical modalities that are augmented by evidence-based practice perspectives. Clinical Practice prepares students to provide psychosocial care to individuals, couples, families, and small groups. Clinical practice students are taught to help clients to enact psychological and interpersonal change, increase their access to social and economic resources, and maintain and enhance their achieved capacities and strengths. The types of psychosocial problems experienced by individuals, families, and groups may include stressful life transitions and traumatic events, environmental stressors, dysfunctional family processes, disabilities, or impairments–including mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical interventions may involve therapeutic, supportive, educational, and case-advocacy activities. In the prevention of psychosocial distress and in the provision of life-enhancing resources, clinical practitioners are active in the promotion, restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of the functioning of their clients and the clients’ systems.