APU’s MSW Program Ranked Among Nation’s Best Social Work Degrees

Azusa Pacific University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program earned a place in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools 2024 rankings, positioned among the top programs in the nation, listed at No. 120 nationally and placing at No. 10 in California. APU is one of only two Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to make the top 150 MSW programs on the list.

"We are thrilled to celebrate this recognition of our social work program as one of the top programs nationally and locally,” said Marjorie Graham-Howard, PhD, interim dean of APU’s School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences. “The APU MSW program has worked hard to accomplish its mission to serve the community through the preparation and training of professional social workers. I am proud of our faculty for their commitment to our students, the profession, and the larger community. We are truly training difference-makers."

APU's MSW program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of social work opportunities, and to gain the foundational skills necessary for effective social work practice upon graduation. The program includes full-time, part-time, and Advanced Standing options and focuses on developing skills through innovative classroom teaching and applied learning in a dynamic, community-based field internship.

“The APU MSW program is pleased to rank #120 in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s Best MSW Programs list. As one of more than 300 schools on the list, the program is excited to be among so many well-established, reputable schools of social work in the country. Our mission is to prepare social work professionals who are ready to tackle complex problems affecting vulnerable individuals, families, and communities,” said Kimberly Setterlund, MSW, LCSW, assistant professor and chair of the department of social work.

APU was also ranked on the following U.S. News & World Report best graduate programs lists:

• Physical Therapy (137)
• Fine Arts (171)
• Clinical Psychology (191)
• Psychology (266)

U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate and doctoral programs in the social sciences and humanities are based solely on the results of peer assessment surveys sent to academics in each discipline. In total, U.S. News publishes nearly 200 different graduate rankings that cover all the largest fields of graduate study. For more information, visit usnews.com.