Image
group of graduates lined up with one looking on smiling with a maroon stole

Advancing a More Just and Humane Society

Inside the Crown Family School Experience

Image
Image of building with all glass and steel beams
Your Journey Begins Here
Discover the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice’s Master’s Program in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration. This flagship graduate program prepares students to become leaders who address society’s most complex challenges through direct practice, policy innovation, and organizational leadership.
Image
Classroom of students sitting in a circle
Image
front building view of Edith Abbott Hall
The History of Social Work
Learn more about the Social Work profession and how one of the first graduate schools of social work started at the University of Chicago. That school, now known as the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, embodied the belief that social change happens when research guides policy and practice.
Image
Image of male student in green sweat shirt speaking with two other students looking at him on a side profile

Having professors who are literally the leading voices in a lot of conversations within social work is awesome. It’s invaluable. It’s something that I don’t take for granted. 

Image
A dark-skinned male presenting person with a beard and braids wearing a gray suit standing outside
Our Academic Programs
Image
 Two people standing in front of a chalkboard
Master’s Program
Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration

The Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration program prepares students to become leaders in the fields of clinical social work and social administration practice.

Image
People standing near and sitting at a table with notebooks
Master’s Program
Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management

The SSL program examines the complexity of social problems while developing the capacity to more effectively address social change.

Image
A person at a table and gesturing
Doctoral Program
PhD and PhD/AM

The Doctoral program advances a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to social work and social welfare scholarship.

Stay Connected with us on LinkedIn

Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

Looking to elevate your practice? Join the Contextually-Focused Dialectical Behavior Therapy Fellowship at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. This unique fellowship provides practitioners with the opportunity to expand their skills, strengthen their networks, and engage in transformative learning. ✅ Registration now open! https://ow.ly/pjaA50X5M0M Please share with...

Image
Banner Image post with text that says Register Today for the CDBT Fellowship
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

Energy and excitement filled Edith Abbott Hall last week as the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice welcomed new students eager to lead with purpose, and tackle inequities. Current students participated in the momentum, sharing their journeys to inspire change and shape the future. It’s just the beginning of an impactful year. Explore student life here: https://lnkd.in...

Image
Banner Image post of Students sitting at Orientation with words saying "Welcoming New Students"
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice faculty member Janelle R. Goodwill, PhD, develops resources to improve mental health care access through her work and research. In a recent letter to the Chicago Tribune, she emphasized that not only homicide but also suicide continues to take lives in Chicago, stressing the importance of...

Image
Professor Janelle Goodwill Headshot with quote highlighting importance of Suicide Prevention
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

Congratulations to the 2025–26 University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars! This year’s cohort includes 18 inspiring leaders with participants from @uchicagobooth, @harrispolicy, and the @UChicagoCrown. We’re especially proud to celebrate the five Crown Family School Scholars and their commitment to creating stronger, more just communities, including: Sonia Garcia, Levi Jenkins, Juliann...

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

New Book Alert: Mismeasuring Impact by Nicole P. Marwell and Jennifer E. Mosley, faculty at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, offers a timely critique of how randomized controlled trials \(RCTs\) are often misapplied in the nonprofit sector. The authors propose bold, equity-centered alternatives that prioritize community accountability and...

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our graduates!
Relive the inspiring moments from the 2025 Hooding Ceremony and Convocation, held on June 6 and 7. View the photo galleries and share in the memories: https://ow.ly/Gsv250WfNG1

#UChicagoCrown #Hooding2025 #Convocation2025 #SocialWorkLeaders #CrownFamilySchool

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

The Crown Family School is proud of the Class of 2025. You are prepared to advance a more just and humane society, and we can't wait to see your impact on the communities that need you the most.
#CrownFamilySchool #Classof2025 #it's-All-ImpactEveryday

Stay tuned for more Hooding and Commencement 2025 Highlights!

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

Chicago’s own Sherman “Dilla” Thomas brought the city’s past to life for our newest Crown Family School Advanced Standing students during New Student Orientation today. Sharing his deep and storied knowledge of the people and pivotal moments that shaped the Windy City.

#CrownFamilySchool
#NewStudnetOrientation2025
#ChicagoHistory

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

Join us in celebrating Priya Gupta, one of the remarkable students spotlighted in the UChicago 2025 Graduation reflections! Priya's dedication to health policy and her upcoming fellowship exemplify her commitment to creating equitable healthcare systems. Her journey is a testament to our graduates' diverse paths as they prepare to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Read more about Priya...

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

We're thrilled to announce a $25M gift from Steven & Priscilla Kersten to advance K–12 education & research at UChicago's Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Learn more: https://ow.ly/uuze50W3zmi
#UChicago #KerstenInstitute #EducationEquity

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

Dive into the future of social work with The Crown Family School's 2025 Rhoda G. Sarnat Lecture featuring Abigail Palmer Molina, PhD, as we explore maternal mental health. Her talk will cover the fractured system mothers experience and identify innovative, holistic ways to support maternal, family, and child well-being. Register now to attend!
https://ow.ly/Pns350VBkiX

#SarnatLecture...

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Social Media Avatar photo "UChicago Crown"

Alumni Weekend 2025 is two weeks away! Join us on campus May 2–4, 2025 to reminisce, reconnect, and relive cherished memories. Enjoy updates from the School, festive Reunion Parties, and meaningful moments with classmates. It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss—register today.

https://ow.ly/NNs750VBkhB

#CrownFamilySchool
#UChiAW
#Reunion2025

Image
LinkedIn Post Image
Image
Visual of words that say Prosecutor-Led Gun Diversion Programs: Implementation Guide

The Smart Decarceration Project Prosecutor-Led Gun Diversion Programs: Implementation Guide is Available

As part of an ongoing research project studying the development and implementation of Prosecutor-Led Gun Diversion Programs (PLGDPs), The Smart Decarceration Project, led by Associate Professor Matt Epperson and The Joyce Foundation, has produced a new Implementation Guide.