School of Social Work

Where justice meets action

Social work is for those ready to turn compassion into action. At NAU's School of Social Work, you’ll develop the skills to guide individuals, families, and communities through life’s hardest challenges, while joining a community united by empathy and the drive to transform lives.

Why study social work at NAU

We’re a close-knit community of change makers connected by a passion to serve, uplift, and transform. Whether you’re interested in children's services, healthcare, addiction recovery, disability services, policy advocacy, or community-based practice, our programs focus on career readiness by combining classroom-based and experiential learning.

Our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are both accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. They are designed for passionate learners who are ready to take action. You'll graduate with the skills, insights, and credentials that will prepare you to help marginalized communities help themselves.

Ready to serve, lead, and inspire

You’ll graduate with the skills, insight, and credentials that truly affect lives, whether they’re shaping policy, advancing health, or standing up for vulnerable communities.

Learning outcomes

At the School of Social Work you will:

• understand the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors that shape human behavior.
• build the knowledge, values, and skills to support individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate across diverse populations and settings.
• advance human rights, social justice, and equitable access to services.
• use policy practice, research, and technology to improve outcomes and inform effective practice.
• embrace a strengths-based framework that honors the self-determination of individuals, families, and communities.

What distinguishes the NAU School of Social Work

• Small classes and a close-knit community
• Prioritizing the real-world impact of education–healthy communities as well as social mobility for graduates and their families
• Flexible pathways to your degree
• Multiple campuses (online, Flagstaff, or at NAU–Yuma)
• Complete a BSW to qualify for the 1-year MSW, Advanced Standing degree
• Graduate with your BSW and MSW in five years

A focus on career readiness

At the School of Social Work, education goes beyond lectures and tests, giving you opportunities to practice and apply your learning in real settings before graduation. Here, you’ll gain the essential skills and hands-on experience to be career ready at graduation.

• 450 (BSW, MSW Advanced Standing) or 900 (MSW) hours of supervised field placement experience which may evolve into paid employment post-degree.
• Access to innovative facilities and pedagogies, including the Social Work Behavioral Health Simulation Lab.
• Cutting-edge workshops that prepare you for success, including Social Work Licensing Seminars facilitated by experts from the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

Dedicated support

Faculty who mentor and inspire

Learn from dedicated faculty who bring deep professional expertise into the classroom. As practitioners, researchers, and educators, our faculty will guide you as you develop the confidence and skills to embark on your career.

Community connections

Students and faculty in the NAU School of Social Work are connected to our communities. As a student and graduate, you'll benefit from our vast network of community partners and our active alumni network.

• Over 500 active field placement partners.
• Diverse populations and settings, including children and adult behavioral health, crisis response services, veterans, hospital or clinic-based care, school-based services, and many others.
• Located in the beautiful Northern Arizona region, find your community across the state and country.

Student organizations and connections

Student-led clubs, organizations, and professional groups that expand your network and support your growth as a practitioner, including the NAU Social Work Club and Phi Alpha Honor Society.

Scholarships and funding

The School of Social Work offers a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities for BSW and MSW students.

• Paid student positions, including Teaching Assistants, Student Ambassadors, MSW Peer Mentors, MSW Peer Editors, and others.
• Tuition support and stipends through the Child Welfare Training Project to earn income while in school, build professional skills, and secure a job after graduation.
• Stipends available through the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) and MSW Fellowship program.
• School of Social Work-designated scholarships, including the Mike Loven Scholarship, Vicki K Brown-Carpenter Memorial Scholarship, and more.
• Explore all scholarship and funding options in ScholarshipUniverse.

Apply to the School of Social Work

To apply for the Bachelor of Social Work program, you first need to be accepted to NAU, then follow the link for the BSW application. To apply to the Master of Social Work program use the application link below.