A strong sense of community defines the Arizona State University Tucson campus. For more than 30 years, the School of Social Work has been offering bachelor and master's degree programs for the Tucson community. Learn more about our social work programs. Interested in other degrees? We offer many degrees in a convenient online format.
Feature Articles
Daphne Thompson, a mother of four, is currently on pace to obtain her bachelor’s degree in public service and public policy, and is spending this semester in Washington D.C. as an intern with the National Disability Rights Network. Both are experiences she once thought may not have been possible.
Thompson is a Nina Scholar, a program led by Arizona State University’s College of Public Service and Community Solutions, which provides long-term support for individuals who would not normally receive traditional assistance.
In community college, Graciela Alvarez wasn’t sure what she wanted to do.
“I have always been into sports. The human body fascinates me,” she said. “I started off in sports medicine, but then heard a presentation about therapeutic recreation and I thought, that’s perfect. I get to put recreation and helping people together.”
Alvarez says that participating in sports, dance and the arts helped her gain confidence and become more social.
After separating from the military, Henry White became a helicopter pilot – but he knew that wasn’t what he wanted to do.
“Biking has been a long-time passion for me,” White said. “Everything I wanted to do revolved around supporting the BMX industry.”
He explains that the BMX—or bicycle motorcross—field includes formal racing, but also very informal, freestyle stunt riding.
Michelle Silverio of Laveen, Arizona chose to attend Arizona State University after she heard about a new type of class that would give her hands-on experience as a freshmen social work student.
“I thought that senior year was when I would be out working with foster kids,” said Silverio.
Jonathan Koppell, dean of the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, emphasizes ASU's position as an exemplar of public service and commitment to bettering our communities in an op ed for the Arizona Capitol Times.
Students met with representatives from across the College of Public Service and Community Solutions to learn about research opportunities available to them.
More than 90 students attended the event held Sept. 2 in the Student Center on the downtown Phoenix campus.
Opportunities included the chance to earn research credit, work with faculty on projects and to earn experience with various centers housed within the college.
The College of Public Service and Community Solutions welcomes more than 800 new students as the fall 2015 semester begins. The new group of students reflects the distinction the college has earned for educating the highest percentage of first-generation college students, minorities, and veterans. When combined with new graduate students, the school boasts its highest number of students ever at more than 5,900, a 12 percent increase from last year.