The Department of Social Work carries out the second half of its mission of functioning as a community resource center for program development through the Social Science Research Center.  The Social Science Research Center is an interdisciplinary research and service program sponsored by the Department of Social Work and the College of Sciences and Humanities.  Established in 1981, the Social Science Research Center (previously named Social Research and Service Center) develops externally funded projects and also provides support to college faculty and public or private organizations for the development and completion of funded social science research or service projects.  The Center also offers community organizations technical assistance in planning, research, and evaluation.  Services offered by the SSRC are available on a contractual or community service basis, depending upon the nature and scope of requests.

The SSRC functions as an outreach arm of the Department and College.  It serves as a hub to address social service needs, work directly with human service organizations, and involve students in applied research activities whenever possible.  The Center also is available to assist social work and other social science faculty with research development, data analysis and other needs.