Professional Development Program

The Professional Development Program (PDP) at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration is distinguished by its quality instruction and substantive exploration of clinical and management practice issues. Grounded in the dynamic interplay of theory, research, and practice, PDP workshops, review courses, and consultation groups are intended to inform participants and also to challenge them to integrate new learning into their daily practice. SSA faculty, as well as distinguished guest scholars and practitioners, teach PDP offerings. The curriculum covers a wide range of content, emphasizing throughout the integration of theory, research, and practice.

The program is designed primarily for practicing social workers, clinicians, and human service professionals. Students at the School of Social Service Administration are welcome to attend PDP workshops and are provided a 50% discount. However, it is understood that students’ main responsibilities are to their studies and field placement obligations. PDP events should be viewed as a supplementary offering to students’ academic experiences and as a resource throughout their professional careers.

Continuing education credit is available to meet state licensing requirements and to give recognition of personal initiative and growth. Specific program offerings are described here.