AIDS instruction in US schools of social work: 20 years into the epidemic

A survey of 108 accredited master of social work (MSW) programs was conducted to examine curriculum attention to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). More than half of the programs (57.4%) offer no HIV/AIDS courses; more than three quarters (87%), however, do provide HIV/AIDS internship experiences. Interestingly, urban schools of social work, areas with higher rates of reported AIDS cases, and larger schools of social work do not offer more formal opportunities for HIV/AIDS education compared to rural schools, areas with lower rates of reported cases, and smaller schools of social work. Students wanting more formal instruction in HIV/AIDS issues, therefore, may not find more opportunities in larger urban schools. Institutes of higher education can be proactive in the continued need for offering HIV/AIDS educational opportunities.