Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research
Explore Our Degree Programs
Master of Social Service (M.S.S.)
The Master of Social Service program is a carefully balanced curriculum, in accordance with Bryn Mawr’s mission to explore the variety of roles open to social workers, in the depth required for professional practice, and with the flexibility needed for continual growth in a changing world.
M.S.S. for Advanced Standing Students
The Advanced Standing M.S.S. program is designed for individuals who have completed a B.S.W. degree within the last five years from a Council on Social Work Education accredited school of social work.
Doctoral Program in Social Work (Ph.D.)
The country's first Ph.D. degree in social work was awarded at Bryn Mawr College in 1920. Today, we continue to value innovation and creativity to help our students become leading researchers, teachers, and scholar-practitioners.
M.S.S./M.P.H. Dual Degree
Our joint degree program with Jefferson College of Population Health offers students the opportunity to earn both their Master of Social Service and Master of Public Health in approximately three years for full-time students, with part-time study available.
M.S.S. Certificate Programs
Students who are currently enrolled in the M.S.S. program are also eligible to pursue a Certificate Program. Courses taken for the certificate will also count toward M.S.S. elective credits.
Why Bryn Mawr?
Rigorous academics and close working relationships with faculty are just a few reasons Julie Zaebst, M.S.S. '08 chose Bryn Mawr.
Making a Difference
From faculty research to alumni achievements to student recognition, learn more about the people who make Bryn Mawr's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research truly extraordinary.
Join a Supportive Community of Passionate Individuals
Romana Lee-Akiyama, M.S.S./M.L.S.P. '09"If you are somebody who really wants to make a difference in your community and the world, and you’re a serious student and want to be with other folks who will lift you up and help you fine tune your thought processes, then Bryn Mawr is the place to go."
Student Stories
Hear from our students about what makes the GSSWSR such a special community!
Shawn Maxam M.S.S./MLSP '14
“The powerful thing about Bryn Mawr was that I had experiences in the classroom that were formative in developing skills around empathy and being able to listen to different worldviews. I think about how I can use those skills in my current role to create space for engaging ideas and disagreement."
Janelle FitzPatrick, M.S.S. '24
“I feel like the GSSWSR has been an environment where I went from surviving to thriving academically. It has been conducive, not only to my learning, but also my personal growth. I’ve made meaningful relationships and networked with other people that ultimately would be beneficial to me in my career path."
