Mission & Traditions

GCSW Mission

The mission of the Graduate College of Social Work is to educate professionals for social work practice, research, and leadership. We advocate for innovative, collaborative, inclusive, and humane policies and solutions that promote social, economic, and political justice. Our College generates new knowledge through critical thinking that links rigorous scientific inquiry, ethical social work practice, and community engagement.

GCSW Traditions


A Tradition of Service...

The GCSW has a long-standing commitment of providing professional supports to the Greater Houston, state, and national communities. Faculty members serve on a number of local, regional, state and national organizational boards and committees. The school also sponsors a variety of ongoing non-academic activities including the Annual Jenkins Distinguished Lecture, The David Underwood American Humanics Lecture, Office of Community Projects, and the Social Work Learning Center.

Office of Community Projects - OCP

OCP sponsors a wide range of programs and services that reflects the GCSW's long-standing commitment to the community. Visit the Office of Community Projects website.

  • The Office coordinates PeaceJam, Inc and serves as the southwest regional sponsor for this international organization. GCSW students coordinate the program and work with local and regional peace and justice clubs as they study the lives of various Nobel peace prize recipients. The College sponsors an annual conference for youth to meet and engage with a Nobel peace recipient.
  • Protective Services Training Institute develops and delivers training statewide for CPS, APS, Child Care Licensing and Statewide Intake workers and supervisors
  • Center for Youth Service Professionals is a creative partnership with American Humanics to prepare undergraduates for careers in nonprofit management.
  • Continuing Education Program provides a variety of opportunities for the professional community to build practice knowledge
  • Program Evaluation and Needs Assessments performs needs assessments and program evaluations for social service agencies
  • Child Welfare Education Project is a partnership with the state Child Protective Services that targets graduate students for a specialized education in children and families with the goal of employment in the state CPS.

Social Work Learning Center.

The center, a collaborative effort in the Texas Medical Center involving twelve institutions, that enhances the GCSW's efforts in health care arena. Further, the center strengthens ties between the GCSW and the medical center and provides direct linkages for students with the health community.

A Tradition of Faculty Excellence...

The GCSW is proud of its faculty and their work. Faculty members are active in a variety of local, state, national, and international social welfare associations. From participating in special White House Conferences, to testifying in front of governmental committees, to providing important services in various social work groups, or working with international social welfare associations, GCSW faculty provide critical leadership throughout the world-wide community. Faculty excellence is recognized by the variety of awards received such as Social Worker of the Year, Fullbright Awards, and Distinguished Chairs. GCSW faculty members are active researchers and their works are found throughout the social work literature. In addition to their articles, GCSW continue to author and co-author important texts used by social work programs across the country. Faculty writing is based on their ongoing active research in the Greater Houston community as well as in the international arena.

A Tradition of Academic Excellence...

The GCSW offers graduate study in five concentrations including children and families, gerontological social work, health care, mental health, and political social work. The GCSW maintains over 400 potential internship sites for student placements in a variety of settings. Placements include a broad range of areas including local, state, and federal public programs, nonprofit agencies, private settings, and placement in elected officials offices. The Ph.D. program prepares individuals for advanced research and leadership in social work. Graduates are found in academia as well as in significant positions in social service agencies. The curriculum is organized around and grows from the ideals of social and economic justice. Students are challenged in their studies, are expected to be active participants in their learning, with the goal for competent, ethical social work practice.

The Tradition of Excellence Continues...

The GCSW's tradition of excellence continues into the 21st century. The goal of achieving social and economic justice by preparing individuals for competent, ethical social work practice drives the GCSW, its faculty, staff, and student body. The GCSW is committed to excellence and broadening its supports and linkages with the greater community, the alumni, and the professional social work and human services communities. The GCSW of the 21st century will be a far different institution than that which alumni, faculty, students, and the social work community is familiar. Excellence mandates nothing less...