By 1945, accredited graduate social work programs were required to teach core areas of practice while offering advanced training in a specialty. As the profession evolved, the Indiana University Division of Social Service earned accreditation in several specialized fields, including medical social work (1948), school social work (1950), group work (1952), and psychiatric social work (1954). During this time, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) were also established, helping shape the standards and future of social work education across the country.
School History
History
Founded in 1911 as the Department of Social Service, the Indiana University School of Social Work is the oldest continuously operating university-based professional social work program in the United States. In its early years, students gained hands-on experience by working directly with patients and families while studying alongside the IU School of Medicine. As the profession grew, the program expanded to include classroom instruction, combining real-world practice with academic learning. More than a century later, the school continues its tradition of preparing social workers to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance social justice.
1924
By 1924, several classroom courses were regularly offered in the combined program at Indianapolis, including: Theory of Social Work, Theory of Social Case Work, Field Work, Field of Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Social Psychiatry, Industrial Welfare Problems, Techniques of Social Case Work, the Family and the Community, as well as Research. These and related medical social work courses were routinely offered through the School of Medicine.
1945
1970
In the 1970s, the School expanded its academic offerings by developing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, which earned CSWE accreditation in 1976. During this period, the curriculum evolved to better prepare students for clinical practice, leadership, and administration. In 1977, the Indiana University School of Social Service became the Indiana University School of Social Work, reflecting its growing mission and impact. By the early 1980s, both the BSW and MSW programs had adopted a generalist approach, giving students a strong foundation before moving into specialized areas of practice.
1980
During the 1980s, the School expanded its mission and broadened opportunities for students and faculty. New initiatives included an affiliation with the Council on International Programs (CIP) and flexible part-time and weekend study options. As the number of doctoral faculty grew, the School strengthened its commitment to research and knowledge development while continuing its tradition of preparing skilled social workers. This growth led to the launch of the School's Ph.D. program in 1994.
Present
Today, the Indiana University School of Social Work offers degree programs from the associate to the doctoral level, preparing students for meaningful careers in communities across Indiana and beyond. Building on more than a century of leadership in social work education, the School combines high-quality teaching, innovative research, and community engagement to advance the profession. Our mission is to prepare skilled, compassionate leaders who improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote social justice.
Additional Sources
For additional information regarding the history of the Indiana University School of Social Work, please consult the following sources:Rogers, H.C. (1983). Seventy years of social work education at Indiana University. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana University School of Social Work.Busch, M., Powers, G.T., Metzger, D., Behroozi, C.S., Siegel, S., & Cournoyer, B.R. (2002). Indiana University School of Social Work: 90 years of service and education. Advances in Social Work, 2.1. The University of Chicago School, The New York School (Columbia), and The Pennsylvania School were established at earlier dates, but were not affiliated with the universities until later. The School for Social Workers established in Boston was first maintained by Simmons College and Harvard University; in 1916 the connection with Harvard was discontinued and the school was conducted as a regular department of Simmons. Source: Jesse F. Steiner, Education for Social Work (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1921).