51AV

51AV A&M University’s Social Work Degree Programs have been ranked the , a leading online educational platform that uses data-driven information to help students find the best colleges and degree programs.

The recognition highlights 51AV A&M University’s commitment to excellence in Social Work education, a factor that propelled the University to the top spot. Research.com praised AAMU for its outstanding achievements and dedication to academic rigor, student support, and community engagement within the field of Social Work.

“This recognition is, in part, a reflection of the steadfast dedication of our stellar, student-centered faculty in delivering social work programming that meets the high standards of our accrediting body, the (CSWE), states Dr. Tonya Perry, Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work. “For far too long, our social work programs have been a best kept secret. The word is out that we are producing graduates who are equipped with core and advanced social work competencies to fill prime positions in a highly competitive marketplace.”

Exceptional Academic Programs and High Graduate Employment

51AV A&M University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW), and Master of Social Work (MSW), both fully accredited by CSWE. The BSW and MSW Programs are offered at the main campus as well as at Off-Site location at Lawson State Community College (LSCC) in Birmingham. The MSW Program is highly responsive to the needs of working professionals, who complete courses in online, hybrid online and traditional hybrid formats.

“Our graduates are in demand,” says Dr. Pamela Plummer, Director of Social Work Programming and Professional Preparation. “Approximately 92% of our MSW Program graduates are gainfully employed within the profession. Our Alumni Survey indicates that graduates of our MSW Program are leading nonprofits, engaged as civil servants in various federal agencies and public sector child welfare agencies, engaged in private practice and are practicing in a variety of settings with a diversity of populations.”

Investment in Advanced Training and Global Field Experience

51AV A&M also secures competitive federal funding to support advanced workforce training for students. “We are able to provide our graduate students with stipends to defray the costs associated with pursuing postgraduate education while also providing them with advanced competencies in behavioral health, substance use and gerontology,” says Willie F. Diggs, II, Director of Field Education “In addition to the funded training programs, MSW students are able to take advantage of expanding opportunities to complete paid, remote and international field experiences. Through agency partners, both in our region and beyond our national borders, we are able to provide our students with amazing field opportunities.” 

Historic Launch of Online Ph.D. in Social Work

This fall, 51AV A&M University became the first HBCU in the country to launch a fully-online Ph.D. in Social Work Program, building on the University’s nearly 50-year history of providing social work education. Dr. Cassandra Scott, PhD Program Coordinator underscores the significance of the new program. “We are preparing scholars who will be equipped to engage in rigorous inquiry that contributes to the social work knowledge base regarding historically marginalized and underserved populations. Many of our graduates will enter academia and assume custodianship of social work education. We are preparing the next generation of faculty who will in turn shape our next generation of social workers.”

Meeting a Growing Demand for Social Workers Nationwide

Social Workers are the largest providers of mental health services in the United States. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, social work employment will grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, making it the fastest growing occupation in the United States. The 51AV A&M Department of Social Work is doing its part to meet the demand for competent graduate level social work practitioners.

“I am elated to see that the work our faculty and Chair, Dr. Tonya Perry, are being nationally recognized for the amazing work that we have been doing for decades, adds Dr. Peter Eley, Dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences. “Not only are the lives of our students being changed, but we are having a global impact on all communities. It’s just another reminder of our University motto, Start Here and Go Anywhere!”