MSW PROGRAM RANKING JUMPS NEARLY 20 SPOTS
U.S. News & World Report has increased the ranking of the Florida Atlantic Master of Social Work (MSW) program to 79th in the nation, nearly 20 points up from just one year ago when it earned the highly coveted "Top 100" ranking. The MSW program is coordinated by Dr. Joy McClellan, and the full curriculum is now offered at the Boca Raton and Davie campuses. Read More | Explore MSW Program
RESEARCH HUB | WHERE TODAY’S DISCOVERIES BECOME TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS
Our renowned faculty pursue multidisciplinary and community-engaged research, leveraging multiple in-house centers and institutes and an extensive network of scholars and organizations that wraps around the globe. The award-winning research coming out of the College of Social Work & Criminal Justice enhances the lives of individuals, families, and communities; informs a wide spectrum of solutions to societal and human needs; and contributes to the scientific basis of our professions.
We are well on our way toward fulfilling one of our five strategic priorities: integrate the cross-disciplinary research and scholarship portfolios between our two schools, across the university network and deeply within our communities. With this launch, we are seeking to:
Professional Development Courses
As clinicians, we understand the critical importance of high-quality continuing education. As research and evidence-based treatment evolves, standards of care shift. Whether you are just beginning your clinical journey or are a seasoned clinician ready to expand your scope of practice, we've got you covered for the upcoming year.
Check out the courses below and register today!
You can also visit our website for a complete course listing and frequent additions. To make sure you’re the first to know about new courses, you can request email notifications and like us on Facebook for course updates and School news.
The FAU Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work is an approved provider of the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, the Florida Board of Psychology, the Florida Office of School Psychology, and the Florida Board of Nursing (BAP #50-6251), as well as the Florida Certification Board (#5350-A) and the Council on Social Work Education. Many states accept CEUs from CSWE-accredited institutions in other states.
Did you know?
Funds raised through the Office of Professional Development provide students’ scholarships and assistantships, and support faculty and students with research projects, attendance and presentations at national and international conferences, and other projects related to advancing our school's academic excellence and community engagement.
Agency Training Available
New Agency Training Available!Foundations in Narrative Therapy: This 6-hour course will provide clinicians with specific Narrative Therapy interventions that can be applied to multiple populations across the age span. Emphasis will be placed on using Narrative therapy as a powerful tool of intervention for many specific diagnoses utilizing a trauma-informed lens.
The Office of Professional Development within the FAU Sandler School of Social Work offers a wide variety of training options for community agencies. All workshops can be facilitated online or in-person, offer flexible scheduling, and can be fully customized to meet your unique agency needs. Take a look at our menu of options here.
*NEW* Agency Trainings Available!
Cannabis Induced Psychosis: Current Research and Recovery Strategies
Assertive Community Treatment: A Paradigm Shift in Treating Severe Mental Illness
The 2023-2024 training schedule for FAU’s Office of Professional Development is now live on the website, and we are now accepting registrations for all upcoming trainings. Individuals can take a look at our full course lineup here: FAU: 2023-2024 Course Schedule.
Upcoming Courses:
Leadership Certificate for Behavioral Health Professionals
Gain tangible skills to take your organization (and career) to the next level. Dates Offered: Jan 22, 2024 - April 14, 2024; On-demand access to weekly content. Learn More and Register Now.
LCSW Exam Prep Course
Includes test questions and answers obtained directly from the exam creators, exclusively available for use at Schools of Social Work. Dates Offered: Jan 28, 2024 and May 18, 2024.Learn More
News and Special Events
The Robin Rubin Center for Happiness & Life Enhancement 2023-24 calendar is packed with wellness programming you don’t want to miss – from weekly meditations, bi-monthly yoga sessions and interactive workshops. All sessions are offered free of charge to students, faculty, staff and community members. Events Calendar.
Our New Years Wellness Series happens every Wednesday from 12pm-12:45pm. It is a virtual lunch and learn series co-sponsored by the Robin Rubin Center for Happiness and Life Enhancement, and the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. The New Year Wellness Series directly connects emotional, nutritional, mental and spiritual experts with community members, faculty, staff and students.
The Sandler School of Social Work DSW program is currently accepting applications through April 1, 2024 for our Fall 2024 cohort. To learn more about the program, curriculum, and the admission criteria, please Click Here.
Members of the Hanley Foundation executive team recently visited the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice to explore ways to foster internship opportunities for our students.
Students Honored at Palm Health Foundation Reception
The recent Palm Health Foundation’s Scholarship Reception, held at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach, gathered social work, nursing and behavioral health scholars for a night of inspiration and celebration. With more than 150 attendees, including an unprecedented number of donors, the event honored 73 student scholars – including numerous Florida Atlantic social work students – and awarded $687,000 in scholarships to support the future careers of aspiring South Florida health professionals. Details
Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation, and member of the Professional Development Community Council for the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, concluded the evening by expressing gratitude to all attendees. "To our scholars, you are here because you have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a true desire to serve your neighbors,” he said. “To our donors, thank you for playing a significant role in developing these professionals for the betterment of our community’s health.”
Student and Faculty Achievements and Honors
Allan Barsky, Ph.D., MSW, professor, has been nominated by the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice for two prestigious awards: “The 2024 Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award” and the “President’s Award for Career Achievement.”
Student and Faculty Conference Presentations
Allan Barsky, Ph.D., MSW, professor, will be facilitating a small-group discussion on peace from an interfaith group called JAM, after the main presenter. Tickets are free and the session is available on Zoom: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/choosing-peace-in-the-midst-of-chaos-tickets-787120999097
Student and Faculty PublicationsAllan Barsky, Ph.D., MSW, professor, has had the following articles published:
Dani Groton, Ph.D., DSW Coordinator, associate professor, and Matthew Patterson, MSW, alumnus, co-authored the polling publication:
Allan Barsky, Ph.D., MSW, professor, has published the following: Barsky, A. E. (2024, February 11). The perils of diagnosing our politicians: Mental health professionals and the pros and cons of the Goldwater Rule. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/agens-scientiam/202402/the-perils-of-diagnosing-politicians
Alumni News Updates
The Alumni Committee of the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work is also looking for alumni volunteers to serve in our alumni committee. Volunteers will participate in planning in-person and online alumni events. Please email your interest to: Kyle Matera kmatera@fau.edu or Laurie Suttenberg lsuttenberg@fau.edu
The FAU SSW Alumni Society is planning future in-person and virtual mixer events. Click here to fill out and submit the form to receive emails about these alumni gatherings. Please share this link with FAU SSW alumni friends. We hope to see you at a future event!
Dean Luna (left) with student scholarship recipients.
Dean Luna (middle) and Tootie Martin (right) with scholarship recipients.
(L-R) Ryan Meldrum, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs and student services at the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice (CoSWCJ), and interim director and professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ); Georgia Brown, MSW, field coordinator and senior instructor in the Sandler School of Social Work (SSW); Sigal Rubin, MSCCJ, SCCJ senior instructor, associate undergraduate coordinator and field experience coordinator; Ingrid VanAlstyne, MBA, LMHC, MCAP, vice president of learning and culture at the Hanley Foundation; Amy Gottlieb, director of development at Hanley; Tootie Martin, CoSWCJ director of development; Cassandra Atkin-Plunk, PhD, SCCJ associate director and associate professor; and Marva Furlongue-Laver, MSW, SSW assistant coordinator of field education.
Bachelor of Social Work
Master of Social Work
Doctor of Social Work
Frances Fisher, Palm Health Foundation Board Member and generous scholarship supporter, with student scholars
(L-R) Naelys Luna, PhD, MSW, social work professor and dean, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice (CoSWCJ); Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation; and Tootie Martin, CoSWCJ director of development.
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