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Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work

Welcome to the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work website!

For more than 60 years, social work education has been an integral part of Norfolk State University and the surrounding communities. Our School of Social Work has a rich legacy, which started in 1960 by our illustrious first Dean, Dr. Ethelyn R. Strong. Dr. Strong’s practice with children, youth, and families was the impetus for educating highly competent social work practitioners who could meet the social, economic, and racial challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Throughout our history and still today, our mission remains grounded in ethics, empowerment, social justice, social responsibility, and the rights of all people in Virginia and around the world. Our mission is well integrated in our academic programs as well as in the work that students, faculty, and staff undertake within communities. With that being said, we clearly understand the assignment of what we have been charged to do as social workers!

Please take time and explore our website and social media pages. You will be amazed by the phenomenal scholarly work, community involvement, and impressive leadership abilities of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff in the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work.

We are spartan strong!

Isiah Marshall Jr.
Dean and Professor of Social Work
Isiah Marshall Jr.
Give to the School of Social Work

Social Work Programs

ACCREDITATION

The BSW and MSW Programs in the School of Social Work are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  The objectives of the BSW and MSW program align with the nine CSWE Social Work competencies as outlined in the 2022 EPAS
Council on Social Work Education - logo

LICENSING REGULATIONS

Program Information Sessions

  • If you would like to communicate with someone regarding the next BSW, MSW or PhD program informational sessions, please contact Mrs. Quinci Brune, Coordinator of Recruitment, Admissions, and Student Development at qmbrune@nsu.edu.

Social Work News

  • Students Present at Women’s Conference

    Four Master of Social Work students held a discussion panel at the Conference on Women and Gender hosted by Christopher Newport University. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Val Livingston in the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work, Shevelle King, Alexis Campbell, Breanna Miller, and Carmen Good, who are active duty or military veterans, presented on the topic of Women, Military Life and the Boy’s Club. read more

  • Social Work Holds First Summer Camp

    The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work recently hosted the inaugural one-day Strong Summer Camp. The camp aimed to introduce 9th-, 10th-, and 11th- students to the social work field and Norfolk State’s campus. read more

  • School of Social Work Celebrate Social Work Month

    Social Work Month is a national celebration of the social work profession held every March. The National Association of Social Work selects a theme for each year. This year's theme is Empowering Social Workers: Inspiring Action, Leading Change. read more

  • MSW Students' Article Set to be Published

    MSW students Carmen Goode and Tonia Benjamin's military experiences helped them to understand the importance of seeking mental health services. Master of Social Work Students co-authored a peer-reviewed article with Assistant Professor, Dr. Valjean Livingston, of the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. read more

  • Social Work Students and Faculty Present at the Global Conference on Women and Gender

    A group of Norfolk State University School of Social Work students and faculty presented at the Global Conference on Women and Gender (GCWG) held at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA read more

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