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Online Master
of Social Work Articles

In our article library, you can find insights and news about our M.S.W. online option and read profiles of our expert faculty. You can also gain a deeper understanding of clinical social work, potential career paths and the myriad ways that the VCU Social Work program’s graduates are making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Online Master
of Social Work Articles

In our article library, you can find insights and news about our M.S.W. online option and read profiles of our expert faculty. You can also gain a deeper understanding of clinical social work, potential career paths and the myriad ways that the VCU Social Work program’s graduates are making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities.

VCU MSW Alum, Nina Rhys.

“The Most Rewarding Work I’ve Ever Done”: A Conversation with M.S.W. Alum Nina Rhys

Nina Rhys, a clinical social worker, shares her experience in VCU’s online Master of Social Work program and insights from more than 25 years in health care.
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A group of community-based health educators stand at a kitchen counter preparing a healthy meal.

Community-based Approaches to Health Education and Promotion

How can community-based health education empower people to improve their wellness? Explore a VCU faculty member’s health education and promotion work in action.
A family with two young daughters laughs together while sitting on a couch.

The Role of Foster Care Social Workers in Promoting Child Welfare

How does a foster care social worker promote child welfare? Explore the role of foster care social workers and the effects of foster care on children.
VCU-branded graphic that reads "VCU SSW in the News."

Youngmi Kim’s research on food insecurity is cited in this Verywell Mind article on the topic.

In September, the Biden administration hosted the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in 50 years with the goal to completely eliminate food insecurity by 2030. Food insecurity has been tied to poor physical health, focus, and mental well-being. Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., VCU School of Social Work associate professor, has studied and published extensively about this topic and her research is quoted in this article.
VCU-branded graphic that reads "VCU SSW in the News."

Maurice Gattis discusses why gender-affirming care and chosen names are important in modern healthcare.

Social affirmation is important, especially for children who have begun to realize that their identity does not match the gender they were assigned at birth. Although it is not technically medical care, social affirmation is an important part of providing gender-affirming care. Maurice Gattis, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Social Work and senior advisor to the Queer Research and Advocacy Center (Q Collective) at Virginia Commonwealth University, explains why.
VCU-branded graphic that reads "VCU SSW in the News."

Maurice Gattis and Archana Pathak use VCU’s “Call Me By My Name” initiative as an example for other organizations to adopt in this timely byline.

The importance of appropriate pronouns is something that is becoming more widely acknowledged, but not everyone may realize that chosen names matter just as much. They matter, moreover, not just for the transgender and nonbinary communities but also for people in a variety of situations for whom a legal name or birth name may not be their true chosen name. Due to the lack of conversation around this, organizations that wish to be supportive might not know how.
A social worker surveys a community member.

Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

What is social work research? Learn more about the data-driven research designs and social work research methods that drive modern policy and practice.