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.

Community Organizing (formally Community Organizing, Planning and Development)

concentration develops students’ competence for community-based practice. It stresses the skills, techniques, and strategies needed to mobilize both people and resources to solve basic social problems at either the neighborhood or citywide level. The social planning and social reform aspects of social work practice are underscored in seeking change to alleviate individual and family problems. Education and training are developed in collective action, advocacy, program evaluation, proposal writing, community outreach, legislative advocacy, and other vital organizing roles. Field practicums occur in a number of settings in international organizations, city and state planning agencies, legislative offices, community engagement arms of human service organizations, and a wide variety of grassroots organizations. Students in these placements work on everything from local economic development issues, food and hunger projects, and tenant advocacy to LGBTQ issues and women’s rights.