The college is 36th out of the 186 programs that were ranked. The survey, conducted in fall 2007, was sent to deans, faculty and peers at accredited graduate social work programs.
"It is interesting to note that the Graduate College of Social Work is the youngest program in the top 36 that were ranked," Colby said. The college is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Since the last time the program was ranked, 2004, it has moved up 10 slots. GCSW is seventh among the 58 southern colleges ranked.
The college offers two advanced tracks of study-clinical practice or leadership, and administration and advocacy. Students also may complete certificates in gerontological social work, political social work and trabajo social-a special component of study geared toward the needs of the Latino community.
With a focus on real-world, hands-on experiences, the college maintains more than 400 internship sites that provide opportunities for students in such areas as local, state and federal public programs, elected officials offices, nonprofit agencies and private settings.
In addition, the college is engaged in collaborations, which support its mission to advance social, economic and political justice, and to advance knowledge for competent, ethical practice and leadership with diverse populations. The GCSW has partnered with the Nobel Women's Initiative (NWI), which, under the direction of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jody Williams, supports human and women's rights around the world. A partnership with the Institute of Interfaith Dialog brings a scholar from Turkey to the college to teach Islamic studies and social work. An educational exchange also allows professors from the college to teach in Turkey and students to visit there. The college also sponsors PeaceJam, an annual event that cultivates leadership skills, diversity awareness and global thinking in youth. Nobel laureates guide the youth in their plans to implement community programs that promote peace. In addition, the college's David M. Underwood Chapter of American Humanics has been recognized nationally as the best program in the nation for preparing the next generation of leaders in nonprofit organizations.
To view the complete list of Best Graduate Schools, visit http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad.
For more information on the UH Graduate College of Social Work, visit www.sw.uh.edu/main/home.php.
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas' premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 35,000 students.