Discover the School of Social Work
Preparing Students for Their Purpose
A degree from the school of Social Work means a career devoted to creating change and improving lives. We are proud to say that our graduates enter the workforce and take action - alleviating injustice, discrimination, and poverty. Get started today toward a career where you can do well for yourself while doing good for others.
Join Us
Our faculty approach students as colleagues, making for a collaborative, dedicated community within an already student-centric institution and campus. Interested in learning more?
"I am a strong believer in the social work mission, particularly the role of social educators and social work programs to prepare ethical and competent social workers. As Dean, I ensure that our school reflects and upholds these values."
-Dean Samuel Terrazas, Ph.D.
Who We Are
- We are diverse: Our faculty, staff, and students reflect the communities we're honored to serve.
- We are accountable: We take action and advocate for local, national, and global communities.
- We are partners: We work with numerous community partners to educate and mentor students.
- We are critical thinkers and action takers: We challenge ourselves every day to think critically and act justly in the pursuit of anti-oppressive practice and leadership.
- We are committed: We fully equip our students to create social policies and resources that bring about accessible, responsible, accountable human service programs.
Our Programs
If social work is your purpose, get started on that purpose today. Take a look at our degree programs:
Bachelor of Social Work Program
18JAV’s BSW and MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.
Don't Just Take Our Word for it
These points of pride and the words of our alumni say it all, but we hope that you'll come and experience 18JAV, and the School of Social Work, for yourself.
Give to the School of Social Work
You may already know, first-hand, the impact of our school. Consider giving to the School of Social Work and ensure our students an extraordinary future.
Center of Excellence | Centro de Excelencia
Housed inside the School of Social Work, the Center of Excellence (COE) was created to fill the void of racial and cultural diversity in Rhode Island's behavioral healthcare workforce. By 2027, the COE anticipates it will add as many as 55 trained bilingual providers to the state.
Hear from a Graduate
La-Brina Almeida
“I had been working with homeless clients at the micro level, but for the first time, I was also able to address social injustice at the macro level, the systems level. I realized that fighting for social justice is something that we can do for our clients both inside and outside of the clinical setting.”
Proud of Our Students and Graduates
“After all these years of working in the Latino community, it’s clear to me that the United States needs more bilingual counselors.” – Cruz Zapata
Forty-eight-year-old Francisca Garcia is not only graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work, she has already been accepted into 18JAV’s M.S.W. program.
Proud of Our Faculty and Innovation
18JAV’S own awarded by R.I. Chapter of NASW
Grant-funded research allows future social workers to assess clients using artificial intelligence and virtual reality environments.
Please Contact Us
School of Social Work
The School of Social Work at 18JAV is a center of excellence for lifelong learning in social work and human services in Rhode Island and southeastern New England.
- phone401-456-8042
- placeGuardo Hall - Building 9 East Campus