Research
Our Research
Our scholars make the social work profession better by learning from and alongside our community partners as they conduct cutting-edge, client-focused research.
School of Social Work research is innovative and social justice focused. It is practice-informed, human-centered, and empowerment-based. Our scholars work with clients, community partners, and collaborators to address contemporary issues in social work, transform practice, and spur social change. They are change agents, asking critical questions, positing new theories, and redesigning practice approaches to advance the profession, build system-level sustainability, and enhance lives.
By the Numbers
$8.8M+
In total research awards over the past 5 years
80%
of faculty engaged in research with students
Michael P. Dentato, PhD
Associate Dean for Research & Professor
Co-Director of the Center for Field Innovation, Research, Strategy, and Training (C-FIRST)
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.” Michael DenatoLearn more
Paula Carney, PhD
Director of Grants & Scholarship Development
Our Research
Impact Review
The School of Social Work’s annual Impact Review highlights the diverse and far-reaching research activities of the School’s faculty members. It features compelling stories of our scholars, details recent work from our Centers and Institutes, notes continuing education opportunities the School of Social Work provides, and highlights faculty achievements, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations as well as books and grants.
Doctoral Students
The School of Social Work’s doctoral students actively engage in research in collaboration with faculty members, frequently earning publication in esteemed professional journals and informing practice. Our doctoral students are investigating critical contemporary issues, such as social justice and equity, housing and food security, child welfare, social work with immigrants and refugees, restorative justice, health literacy, and trauma-informed care.
Praxis
Praxis: Where Reflection & Practice Meet is the official journal of the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. An enterprising scholarly effort led by undergraduate, master's, and doctoral social work students at Loyola, Praxis publishes the scholarly work of School of Social Work students and alumni and provides a forum in which they can express their diverse viewpoints as well as learn from and be inspired by one another’s ideas.
Poverty, race, & community
Examining how poverty impacts communities, particularly communities of color, and social work’s role in cultivating stability.
Practice methods & theories
Advancing ideas to inform and improve social work practice.
Children & Youth Mental Health
Supporting the growth and development of youth into strong, engaged, and capable individuals.
Violence (interpersonal & community)
Understanding the impact of violence on lives, developing peaceful resolutions, and helping individuals overcome trauma.
Work, workers, and workplaces
Studying workplace dynamics, including barriers, challenges, and opportunities, to foster healthy, respectful environments.
Migration & Refugees
Affirming the human dignity of all global citizens through scholarship and engaged social work practice.
Our Research
Impact Review
The School of Social Work’s annual Impact Review highlights the diverse and far-reaching research activities of the School’s faculty members. It features compelling stories of our scholars, details recent work from our Centers and Institutes, notes continuing education opportunities the School of Social Work provides, and highlights faculty achievements, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations as well as books and grants.
Doctoral Students
The School of Social Work’s doctoral students actively engage in research in collaboration with faculty members, frequently earning publication in esteemed professional journals and informing practice. Our doctoral students are investigating critical contemporary issues, such as social justice and equity, housing and food security, child welfare, social work with immigrants and refugees, restorative justice, health literacy, and trauma-informed care.
Praxis
Praxis: Where Reflection & Practice Meet is the official journal of the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work. An enterprising scholarly effort led by undergraduate, master's, and doctoral social work students at Loyola, Praxis publishes the scholarly work of School of Social Work students and alumni and provides a forum in which they can express their diverse viewpoints as well as learn from and be inspired by one another’s ideas.