DENVER—The Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, already considered one of the best in the nation, has seen another nine-point rise in the ranking of its Master of Social Work (MSW) program by U.S. News & World Report. GSSW is now ranked number 17, placing it in the top seven percent of all nationally accredited MSW programs.

The school has risen an unprecedented 33 points during the magazine’s last four ranking periods. It was ranked at number 26 when the rankings were last compiled in 2012.

“GSSW’s new ranking reflects widespread recognition of our faculty’s scholarship, research and teaching, as well as the achievements of our alumni,” says Dean and Milton Morris Endowed Chair James Herbert Williams. “Our colleagues across the country are noticing our accomplishments, and we continually strive for improvement and innovation.”

U.S. News bases their rankings on the results of peer assessment surveys sent to deans, other administrators and faculty at accredited social work degree programs or schools.  Only fully accredited MSW programs in good standing during the survey period are ranked. Those schools with the highest average scores on the survey are included in the list published by the magazine.

“The continual and significant rise in GSSW’s ranking is a testament to the skillful leadership James Herbert Williams has provided for the school during his nine years as dean,” says Provost Gregg Kvistad. “When he steps down from his position at the end of this academic year, he leaves the school perfectly positioned to continue its upward trajectory under the leadership of incoming dean Amanda Moore McBride.”

DU’s Graduate School of Social Work offers the MSW degree on the University’s Denver campus and on-location in Durango and Glenwood Springs, Colo. The school will launch its online MSW program in January, 2017. For additional information, please visit http://www.du.edu/socialwork.