Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research
Graduate research in social work at Bryn Mawr focuses on the issues people and communities face every day. Students work with faculty to improve social work practice, inform policy, and strengthen communities.
Research Areas in Social Work
Our faculty study many areas of social work. Their work supports the school's strengths in clinical practice, social theory, and collaboration.
Together, faculty and students explore new ways to improve social work. Our main research areas include:
- Child, family, and society
- Health and mental health across the lifespan
- Trauma-informed practice
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Community-based research
Degree Programs and Research Centers
Graduate Student Research Experience
Graduate students are active partners in research at Bryn Mawr. They work alongside faculty, learn through hands-on research, and build the skills they need to advance the field of social work.
Students work closely with faculty, conduct hands-on research, present their work, and build professional skills in a collaborative learning environment.
Why Study Social Work at Bryn Mawr
Over 100 Years of Leadership
- For more than a century, Bryn Mawr's GSSWSR has prepared leaders in social work. Our research helps improve practice, shape policy, and strengthen communities.
Faculty Mentorship
Students work closely with faculty researchers in a supportive, close-knit community. Personalized mentorship is an important part of the graduate experience.
Philadelphia as a Living Classroom
Located just 12 miles from Center City Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr gives students access to diverse communities, organizations, and field placements while offering the close-knit feel of a small campus.
Research Driven by Social Justice
Research and teaching are guided by trauma-informed practice, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
Hear from the Social Work Community
Social Work Research FAQs
Graduate students are active partners in research at Bryn Mawr. They work alongside faculty on research projects, participate in community-engaged scholarship, and gain hands-on experience through research, collaborative projects, and professional development opportunities.
Faculty research spans a wide range of topics, with specific focuses on child and family well-being and health and mental health across the lifespan. Our teaching and research have an emphasis on trauma-informed practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and community-based research.
Faculty mentorship is a hallmark of the graduate experience at Bryn Mawr. Students collaborate closely with faculty researchers, receive individualized guidance, and contribute to research that advances social work practice, policy, and scholarship.
Yes. Graduate students have opportunities to share their work through presentations, conferences, and other professional development experiences that help build research, communication, and leadership skills.
Research at Bryn Mawr is designed to address real-world social challenges. Faculty and students work together to produce research that informs professional practice, shapes public policy, and strengthens communities.
Located just 12 miles from Center City Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr provides access to diverse communities, organizations, and field placement opportunities. Students can engage with community partners while applying their research in real-world settings.