Brown School › Dean’s Welcome › Student Support and Engagement › Advising Supports

Advising Supports

Professional Advising

Professional Advising is provided exclusively by MSW Program faculty and staff. Beyond academic planning, advisors monitor student performance each semester, offering support and strategies to maintain good academic standing. They also play a critical role in professional development by assisting students in clarifying career objectives, identifying areas of practice, and setting meaningful goals for future employment. Students receive two professional advisors during their time in the program.

Field Advising

Field Advisors guide students through the process of selecting field placements that match their interests and competencies, preparing them for advanced practice roles. In addition, they connect students to valuable resources such as licensure preparation materials, networking opportunities, professional organizations, and continuing education programs. Through this holistic approach, advising fosters both academic success and readiness for professional practice.  All Field Advisors in the MSW Program hold a MSW degree with at least two years of post-graduation practice experience.

Faculty Advising

Faculty Advisors play a pivotal role in guiding MSW students through the process of professional development and career planning. Advising begins with helping students clarify their long-term goals and identify areas of social work practice that align with their interests and values. Faculty advisors provide insight into emerging trends in the profession, discuss potential career paths, and connect students to resources such as networking opportunities, professional organizations, and licensure preparation. Through individualized conversations and ongoing mentorship, faculty advisors ensure that students graduate with a clear vision for their professional trajectory and the tools needed to succeed in diverse social work settings.

Career Advising

Career Advising is provided by the Washington University Center for Career Engagement (CCE) provides comprehensive career development services to all students, including those enrolled in the Brown School. CCE offers individualized career coaching, industry-aligned career communities, and employer engagement opportunities designed to foster professional readiness and long-term success. During the 2024–2025 academic year, Brown School students demonstrated strong engagement, participating in 483 career-related events, completing 275 career coaching appointments, and accessing support from 21 certified career coaches. These measurable outcomes reflect a robust infrastructure that supports students’ transition from academic preparation to professional practice, meeting accreditation expectations for career readiness and workforce preparation. CCE organizes its services through specialized career communities that align with students’ professional interests and programmatic outcomes, supporting Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior. Brown School students benefit from three primary communities: Government, Policy & Social Impact (GPSi), Health Care & Sciences, and Graduate Business for dual-degree students. Each community provides targeted programming, newsletters, networking opportunities, and access to dedicated coaches. For example, GPSi supports careers in government, advocacy, and policy, while Health Care & Sciences focuses on improving health outcomes through clinical and non-clinical roles. The Graduate Business community serves MSW/MBA students pursuing consulting and impact-driven business careers. These communities connect students with alumni and employers, offering mentorship and exposure to diverse career pathways, thereby supporting compliance with standards related to experiential learning and professional networking.

Other Student Support Services

We place a high priority on supporting students during their time at the Brown School. In addition to advising and career services, multiple additional support services are available to students in the MSW Program, as well as other degree programs at the School.

The Office of Academic Records and Registration in the Brown School maintains academic records and assists students with registration and scheduling throughout their time of study at the Brown School. The office assists students with questions relating to degree programs, course listings, scheduling conflicts, graduation eligibility, and academic policies. 

The Office of Student Financial Services maintains resources available to students in need of financial aid specific to internal and external scholarships, different types of student loans and federal work study programs. Each academic year the Director of Student Financial Services offers workshops on topics such as debt management strategies and financial literacy. Additionally, the Brown School collaborates with the Taylor Family Center for Student Success to receive financial literacy support for students.

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Enrollment Management supports student academic and personal success through advising, advocacy and resource referral. This position works with students around curricular issues and collaborates with faculty and staff to resolve impediments to that success. They are the point of contact for students needing assistance with health, mental health, housing, transportation and other personal needs.

Mental health services are available at the university’s Center for Counseling & Psychological Services, the Student Health Center, and via WashU Cares. Available services include counseling, crisis response, psychiatric services, treatment of eating disorders, therapy groups and workshops, and TimelyCare via the TimelyCare app. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Enrollment Management is also the school’s liaison with the university’s Office of Disability Resources, and assists students in accessing appropriate disability related accommodations, when necessary.  

The Brown School’s Office of Global Programs provides comprehensive support to assist international students with their transition to academic and community life, aligning with institutional goals for student success and inclusion. Each August, incoming international students participate in a dedicated orientation that includes tailored programming and early access to peer mentors during the summer months. The Global Peer Mentor Program pairs first-year international students with second-year peers to foster connection and cultural adjustment through coffee chats, study groups, and campus navigation support. Throughout the year, students engage in resource sessions on topics such as course registration, financial aid, part-time employment, and practicum/CPT requirements. Additional initiatives include English Language Support classes, offered at no cost based on proficiency assessments, and cultural enrichment activities such as the annual Cultural Showcase, which celebrates the diversity of the Brown School community. These programs collectively ensure international students receive academic, linguistic, and social support, promoting successful integration and persistence.