The Graduate School of Social Service (GSS) has consistently been one of Fordham’s top ranked professional schools. Now its faculty has helped propel the University’s undergraduate social work major into the top five rankings of social work colleges by USA Today.

“At GSS we care deeply about our students and about the profession of social work. This commitment is what I see reflected in the USA Today ranking,” said Debra McPhee, Ph.D., dean of GSS. “Of course it’s always wonderful to have the hard work and dedication of our faculty recognized in this way.”

The newspaper singled out the University’s undergraduate program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Of the 354 colleges surveyed, the top 10 were cited for having low student-to-faculty ratios, high graduation rates, and low student loan default rates, which suggested that students were actually able to find jobs after graduation. Most of the top contenders also had graduate programs available, allowing for “unique research opportunities,” with the paper specifically mentioning GSS.

“Both of these programs are highly acclaimed, and prepare students for a career that helps to change and improve other people’s lives,” stated the paper.

USA Today went on to highlight a curriculum that includes human rights, social justice, human behavior, and social welfare policy and services courses, designed to gain an understanding of social work.

“These classes also help to enhance communication skills and give students the opportunity to practice working with others,” stated the paper.

The paper’s ranking also placed the program’s average mid-career salary within the top three on the list, which was released on June 11.