REPUTATIONS, RANKINGS, AND REALITIES OF SOCIAL WORK SCHOOLS: CHALLENGES FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Abstract

This study examines the publications in refereed professional journals that ranked American schools of social work for a 13-year period. The trends are contrasted with those reported in the most widely disseminated rankings of social work schools, namely, U.S. News and World Report. Substantial differences emerge when findings from the 2 data sources are contrasted. The analysis indicates major limitations in extant research that ranks social work schools and ultimately shapes their respective reputations. It is suggested that a wide array of approaches be used to measure the ways schools can be ranked differentially and, perhaps, be regarded as "best" in one way or another.