Social work education in the shadow of uncontrolled growth: The case of Türkiye

Bal G., Aydogdu Kuzucu S., Tiktas Celik S., Oz M., ÖZDEL ÖZTÜRK B., DUYAN V.

International Social Work, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/00208728251413960
  • Journal Name: International Social Work
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, CINAHL, Index Islamicus, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social Sciences Abstracts
  • Keywords: Academic qualifications, competence, content analysis, faculty member, practical competencies, social work education
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Social work education in Türkiye has experienced a quantitative increase, particularly after the 2000s. This study examines the educational backgrounds of faculty members involved in social work undergraduate programs in Türkiye and their capacity to deliver theoretical and practical courses in social work through content analysis methodology. The research findings indicate that 51.3% of the faculty members teaching field courses in social work programs in Türkiye have not received any education in the field of social work. The study proposes a potential pathway for establishing administrative structures to ensure the implementation of international and national standards in social work education and the design and oversight of a standards-compliant educational process.