BU School of Social Work in top 20 grad programs

Boston University’s School of Social Work ranked 16th in the U.S. News and World Report’s list of social work programs.

BU was one of 206 colleges surveyed in the report, which was released Tuesday. The School of Social Work received 3.6 points, similar to programs at New York University, Smith College in Northampton, the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am very pleased with this ranking which places us in the top 8 percent of social work programs nationwide,” said Gail Steketee, dean of SSW, in an email interview.

In 2008, BU was ranked 22 of 168 graduate social work programs, falling in the top 13 percent of all programs, according to a SSW press release.

“The credit goes to our faculty who are outstanding scholars and teachers with a commitment to our urban mission,” Steketee said. “Credit also goes to a wonderful group of administrators and staff who work very hard on behalf of our great students. It is a pleasure to work with all of them on a daily basis.”

Rankings for the survey were based on peer assessment surveys completed by deans, directors and other top administrators or faculty at masters of social work degree programs, according to the press release. Those taking the surveys rated the academic quality of programs on a point system from one to five. Only fully accredited programs were ranked.

“That peer social work educators rate our program among the nation’s very best indicates the high quality of our faculty and academic programs, our urban mission and our dedication to graduating excellent social workers with skill and compassion,” Steketee said in a press release.

Colin Riley, a BU spokesman, said all of BU’s schools are highly ranked.

“Certainly these programs are very strong and when you’re dealing with so few and you’re listed among the best of them it says something that the programs are strong and you’re doing well,” Riley said.

Steketee said the quality and desirability of BU’s program is revealed by the large number of applicants the school receives, as well as the high enrollment rates of accepted students.

“Our students have a great experience and our alumni show very high pass rates on the social work licensure exam and are employed in a wide range of exciting jobs,” Steketee stated in the release.