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    Dec 21, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Social Work, BSW


The Bachelor of Social Work degree program prepares students for a career in helping vulnerable populations. Students learn the professional skills necessary to assist people in overcoming challenges associated with abuse, poverty, homelessness, addiction, disability, illness, and discrimination. Social workers practice in a variety of areas including health care, child welfare, substance abuse treatment, aging, and criminal justice.


Program Requirements

Application to the major and pre-major courses


The Bachelor of Social Work degree program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (1725 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314-3457; 703-683-8080, ext. 205).

Students may indicate an intention of majoring in social work at any point during the early part of their academic career by declaring a pre-social work major. They may consult with the College of Public Affairs and Community Service social work advisors regarding degree requirements at any time. However, formal acceptance into the social work major occurs only after successful completion of the designated pre-major courses, completion of a semester-by-semester course plan with the social work advisor, and submission and approval of a formal application for admission. Applications to the major are due on approximately the 30th calendar day of the term/semester in which pre-major courses are in process or are completed. Applications are accepted during the fall and spring terms/semesters only. The number of available slots is limited, so admission may be restricted. An application form and instructions are available in the department office. Students must adhere to the program’s course sequencing and prerequisite schedule. The degree program culminates with a field-based practicum that consists of a required 12-credit-hour block. During the practicum, students practice social work skills in an agency placement for approximately 32–35 hours per week over the course of one semester, for a total of no less than 480 hours of practice.

Degree requirements


Candidates for the Bachelor of Social Work must meet the following requirements:

Hours required and general/college requirements


A minimum of 120 semester hours, of which 42 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum ” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Public Affairs and Community Service  requirements.

Major requirements


The social work major consists of 55 hours in social work and related required courses.

Other course requirements


Students are required to follow social work course sequencing as outlined below; however, students may choose to also take outside courses while enrolled in the program.

Pre-major requirements


  • Finish pre-major courses (SOWK 1450 , SOWK 2430 ; SOCI 1520 )
  • Obtain a degree audit from the College of Public Affairs and Community Service advising office
  • Obtain semester-by-semester plan from social work program advisor
  • Submit application to the social work program.

Fourth semester after admission to the major (senior year)


Minor


None required.

Electives


Electives may be required to satisfy the advanced hour requirement (42) and/or the minimum total hours (120) required for the degree.

Other requirements


  • Must make formal application for acceptance to the program;
  • Must have a minimum grade of C in all social work courses;
  • Must have a minimum 2.25 GPA;
  • Must adhere to program policies and course sequencing;
  • Must adhere to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and State of Texas codes of ethics.