Mission Statement:
Since its founding as Brandeis University’s first professional school in 1959, the Florence Heller Graduate School for Advanced Studies in Social Welfare has been committed to developing new knowledge and insights in the field of social policy and in human services management. Through the education of students and pursuit of research, the Heller Graduate School has actively engaged in examining policies and programs that respond to the changing needs of vulnerable individuals and social groups in our society. Heller and its nationally renowned research centers have pioneered in a variety of policy areas including health; children; youth, and families; aging; workforce and community development; mental retardation and development disabilities; and social change. The Heller School offers two educational programs designed explicitly to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our Doctoral Program educates students for careers in research, teaching, social planning, administration, and policy analysis. Our Master’s Program prepares managers for leadership positions in a range of health and human services organizations. All Heller students are committed to bettering human welfare, particularly for those who are vulnerable and who lack the capacity or resources to secure their own well-being.