Bachelor of Social Work
- Florida’s largest BSW program with an average of 600 students
- Florida’s Top 3 BSW program based on monthly alumni earnings within a year of graduation
Master of Social Work
- U.S. News & World Report Top 100 program
- #3 MSW in the nation based on student evaluations
- One of FAU’s largest graduate programs with an average of 300 students
Doctor of Social Work
- Florida’s first DSW program, which trains scholarly clinicians for leadership positions
(L-R) Soar-in-4 Scholar Tatyana Lormeus; BSW students Tyler Anderson, Jennie Isleno, and Eriana Teague; Heidi Schaeffer, M.D., human trafficking awareness and intervention expert and founding donor of the FLITE Center; Tootie Martin, director of development for the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice; Naelys Luna, PhD, MSW, dean of the college; BSW students Hana Al-Hraki, Alaysia Harris, and David Loconte; Precious Skinner-Osei, Ph.D., MSW, assistant professor in the Sandler School of Social Work and BSW program coordinator; and BSW students Angelica Torres and Sandra Esperance
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting (APM) Pre-Conference Leadership Development Institute has asked Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice and professor in the Sandler School of Social Work, to contribute her expertise in an upcoming panel discussion at the annual conference located in Kansas City, Missouri in October. The panel discussion will center around “Front Lines Leadership" in dynamic higher education landscapes.
(L-R) Michael Robinson, Ph.D., MSSW, CAADC, professor and director of the Sandler School of Social Work; Precious Skinner-Osei, Ph.D., MSW, assistant professor and BSW program coordinator; Ryan Meldrum, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (SCCJ); Sandy Jakubow, student advisor and Soar-in-4 Scholars Program Coordinator; Rachel Bebergal, recruitment and retention coordinator; Sigal Rubin, MSCCJ, senior instructor and undergraduate program coordinator for SCCJ; and Frank de la Torre, interim associate dean of academic affairs and student affairs for the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC RANKS IN TOP 20 AMONG U.S. PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
For Social Mobility, Research, and Community Service
Five public universities in Florida were ranked among the top 50 in a national assessment conducted by Washington Monthly that evaluates institutions based on social mobility, research, and community service. Ranked 41st overall and 19th among public universities, Florida Atlantic University topped University of South Florida and Florida State University ranked 47th and 48th overall, respectively.
“Florida Atlantic’s rise in the rankings is a testament to our commitment to offer a high-quality education that is accessible to all students,” FAU President Stacy Volnick said. “We are proud of the efforts of everyone involved in the success of our students and honored to be recognized by Washington Monthly for this achievement.” Read Full Article
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:
- Grow & Disseminate research & scholarship where we already excel.
- Deliver meaningful impact within our communities, classrooms and professions.
- Broaden recognition of the college’s research & scholarship efforts.
- Bolster multidisciplinary, cross-school and cross-university research & scholarship.
- Elevate our college's research as a powerful tool for championing change.
- Heighten innovative community-based research & visibility of technology.
- Engage students in hands-on, transformative research opportunities.
- Demonstrate contributions to the FA Race to Excellence pillars & platforms.
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
2024-2025 Training Schedule for FAU’s Office of Professional Development - more details to follow.
Leadership Certificate For Behavioral Health Professionals | 40-hour Online-on-demand | Opens October 7 - January 24
Telehealth Certificate For Mental Health Professionals | 12-hour Online-on-demand | Opens November 4 - December 22
Robin Rubin Center for Happiness and Life Enhancement
FREE Wellness Workshops, yoga, and meditation are back!
FREE Bi-monthly Yoga (Every 2nd & 4th Monday) Register here!
FREE Weekly Meditation session (Every Friday @ Noon) Register here!
Social Work News Updates
Social Work Students Spend Summer In Service
'Practice with Communities and Organizations' Summer Course
Social Work students enrolled in the "Practice with Communities and Organizations" class this past summer explored the vibrant community of Delray Beach, which brought the essence of community-level social work to life. As part of the class, taught by LeaAnne DeRigne, Ph.D., MSW, professor in the Sandler School of Social Work, the students visited:
- The Delray Beach Children’s Garden where children engage with nature and learn about sustainable practices.
- The Delray Beach Arts Warehouse, which provides subsidized art studios for new and emerging artists. Students witnessed the transformative power of art within the community and experienced various exhibits and artist studios.
- The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, which plays a pivotal role in revitalizing and redeveloping the community to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.
- The Delray Beach Historical Society where students gained insight into the city's rich history and how the historical context influences current community dynamics.
- The Spady Museum of Cultural Arts, which provided an in-depth look at African Americans' cultural heritage and contributions in Palm Beach County.
The students then volunteered at Eat Better, Live Better, a local food pantry committed to distributing healthy produce to low-income households. The hands-on experience of sorting, packing, and distributing food allowed students to engage with the community directly and understand the importance of food security and nutrition. David Simpson, Ph.D., LCSW, assistant professor, volunteered alongside the students. The director of the pantry, Debra Tendrich, who also serves on the Community Leadership Committee for the Sandler School, talked with the students about starting a new non-profit.
"I am incredibly proud of this group of students," Dr. DeRigne said. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to immerse themselves in community activities were commendable. I believe this experience has profoundly impacted their understanding of social work at the community level. I hope I have successfully conveyed the significance and impact of this field through our class activities, and I look forward to providing our students with meaningful and transformative experiences in future summer classes."
A Night Of Cinema and Compassion
Benefits FLITE Center and Raises Awareness of Human Trafficking
As part of the Boca Chamber Festival Days, Movies of Delray hosted a special screening of "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot," an inspiring true story, featured on Oprah, that chronicles the extraordinary decision of a rural Texas church community to adopt 77 children from the foster care system. Led by Reverend Martin and his wife, Donna, this act of boundless compassion highlights the transformative power of love and commitment in the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation. All proceeds benefited FLITE Center, which provides comprehensive support and services to young people transitioning out of foster care, survivors of human trafficking, and other vulnerable youth.
Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean and professor, and Katie Burke, PhD, associate vice president of alumni and community engagement, recently added “Celebrity Chefs” to their long list of talents. The duo represented Florida Atlantic at the Waterstone Resort and Marina for the 3rd Annual Boca Celebrity Cook Off benefiting Hanley Foundation, one of our college’s community agency partners who strives to remove the stigmas associated with addiction and help those affected find lasting recovery.
South Florida Hispanic Women of Distinction is one of the nation's largest celebrations of Latinas, where an estimated 1,000 guests gather annually to pay tribute to Latina professionals strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growingly diverse America.
Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean and professor and 2022 Hispanic Women of Distinction Honoree (second row, third from left), recently attended DOS CULTURAS, the annual reunion of former honorees and 2024 Honorees, at the Broward Convention Center hosted by VISIT LAUDERDALE.
Undergraduate Admissions recently hosted an Open House event where more than 800 prospective students and their families visited campus to explore degree pathways. Social Work and Criminal Justice represented and made great connections with future Owls!
Sandler School Hosts Inaugural GTA/GRA Meet and Greet
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work recently hosted a meet-and-greet gathering for the program's newest Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs), who provide much-needed support to our teaching and research faculty and, through the process, earn valuable professional experience and tuition assistance.
(L-R) Joy McClellan, DSW, senior instructor and MSW program coordinator; Stefanie Gottfried, MSW student; Morgan Cooley, Ph.D., LCSW, associate professor; MSW students, Lauren Guiterrez, Pamela Brooks, Rebecca Booth, Grace Rood, Lacey Kane, Cynthia Lawrence, and Theresa Caputo; and Precious Skinner-Osei, Ph.D., MSW, assistant professor and BSW program coordinator.
Student and Faculty Conference Presentations
Dean’s Expertise Requested at National Conferences
Faculty Women of Color in Academy + Council on Social Work Education
In April 2025, Dr. Luna is slated to speak at the 13th Annual Women of Color in Academy Conference in Arlington, Virginia. The conference themes this year focus on leadership development, career advancement, personal well-being and scholar activism.
Student and Faculty Publications
Allan E. Barsky, JD, MSW, Ph.D., professor, published the following article:
Barsky, A. E. (2024, September 12). Differentiating wishes and interests: Legal-ethical distinctions between what clients want and what’s good for them. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/agens-scientiam/202409/differentiating-wishes-and-interests-of-mental-health-clients
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!