Bachelor of Social Work
Objectives
The Bachelor of Social Works objective is to prepare social workers who will make an impact in the lives of others. The BSW degree is a 120 SCH social work program designed for both new and transfer students. The course delivery method includes face-to-face and hybrid formats, allowing students to choose a mix of courses to complete the degree. The BSW is a generalist track introducing students to social work foundations such as promoting human well-being and applying preventative and intervention methods to social problems at the individual, group, and community level while following ethical principles and using critical thinking skills. The graduates will be prepared for career opportunities in a variety of roles such as caseworkers, service workers, probation officers, human services specialist, and mental health assistants. The BSW program earned its CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation in February 2024 and is accredited through February 2032. Accreditation allows students completing the program to sit for the LBSW (Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker) which provides documentation of their obtained skills and knowledge needed for their areas of expertise. The goal is that every major is prepared to become an LBSW or transition into an MSW program for further advancement.
Educational Objectives
- Develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills in all social work aspects
- Develop and apply professional social work ethics and values across all areas of practice
- Distinguish between personal and professional ethics
- Apply social work knowledge, skills, and research to advance social work practice
- Analyze, formulate, design, evaluate, and influence social policies affecting organizations and communities
- Advocate for human rights and social justice within all populations
- Apply theoretical frameworks to assess and evaluate social work interventions
- Provide students the opportunities to serve in social work environments
- Engage, assess, and evaluate individuals, families, groups and organizations within the confines of social work interventions
- Understand and promote opportunities that allow students to work and communicate in diverse environments
- Understand and demonstrate the use of communication channels within organizations and communities
- Identify the various determinants associated with health and well-being
- Use self-awareness, reflection, journaling, and mindfulness to clarify self-values, attitudes and beliefs while working with diverse populations
- Identify and advocate for needed resources for underinsured, uninsured, and low-income clients and patients
All objectives are standard in the generalist social work program.
Admission Requirements
- Junior standing.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a 3.0 in pre-requisite Social Work courses.
- Completion of an Application to the Professional Social Work Program by Fall semester deadline. Application includes: application form, three letters of reference, written responses to questions listed on application form, a 600-word personal statement, and current resume.
- Completion of the following courses: SOCW 2361, SOCW 2362, SOCW 2371, PSYC 1301, BIOL 1301, and MATH 1342. Applicants must complete SOCW 3303 and SOCI 1306 during the Fall semester in which they apply to the Professional Social Work Program.
- Successful completion of interview with Social Work Program Advisory Committee.
- Signed statement of acknowledgement of student’s willingness to abide by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics.
Additional Information
To remain in good standing, a BSW major must maintain a 2.75 GPA.
Documentation of 40 hours of volunteer experience in a social service setting must be completed by the beginning of the fall semester of the senior year.
Degree Requirements
Total Semester Credit Hours = 120
University Core Curriculum (42 hrs.)
Any allowed core course permitted for each area except the following prescribed core courses.
Communication (6 hrs.)
| ENGL 1301 | College Composition I [TCCN: ENGL 1301] | |
| CMST 1315 | Introduction to Public Speaking [TCCN: SPCH 1315] | |
Mathematics (3 hrs.)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 hrs.)
| PSYC 1301 | Introduction to Psychology [TCCN: PSYC 2301] | |
Life and Physical Science (6 hrs.)
| BIOL 1301 | Introduction to Life Sciences I [TCCN: BIOL 1308] | |
| Science (Any Approved - 3 hrs.) | |
Required Courses (57 hrs.)
BSW Program Course Sequence
Year 1 (30 hrs.)
Year 1 - Fall
| SOCW 2361 | Introduction to Social Work [TCCN: SOCW 2361] | |
| ENGL 1301 | College Composition I [TCCN: ENGL 1301] | |
| CMST 1315 | Introduction to Public Speaking [TCCN: SPCH 1315] | |
| | Creative Arts (Core, 3 hrs.) | |
| | American History (Core, 3 hrs.) | |
Year 1 - Spring
| SOCW 2362 | Social Welfare [TCCN: SOCW 2362] | |
| PSYC 1301 | Introduction to Psychology [TCCN: PSYC 2301] | |
| MATH 1342 | Statistics [TCCN: MATH 1342] | |
| | Language, Philosophy and Culture (Core, 3 hrs.) | |
| | American History (Core, 3 hrs.) | |
Year 2 (30 hrs.)
Year 2 - Fall
| BIOL 1301 | Introduction to Life Sciences I [TCCN: BIOL 1308] | |
| POLS 2305 | Introductory American Government [TCCN: GOVT 2305] | |
| | Elective (3 hours) | |
| | Elective (3 hours) | |
| | Elective (3 hours) | |
Year 2 - Spring
| SOCW 2371 | Critical Thinking in Social Work | |
| POLS 2306 | Introductory Texas Politics [TCCN: GOVT 2306] | |
| Science (Any Approved - 3 hrs.) | |
| | Elective (3 hours) | |
| | Elective (3 hours) | |
Year 3 (30 hrs.)
Year 3 - Fall
| SOCW 3303 | Human Behavior Soc Environ I | |
| SOCI 1306 | Contemporary Social Problems [TCCN: SOCI 1306] | |
| | STEM (Core, 3 hrs.) | |
| | Human Expression (Core, 3 hrs.) | |
| | Elective (3 hours) | |
Year 3 - Spring
Year 4 (30 hrs.)
Year 4 - Fall
Year 4 Spring
Elective Courses (21 hrs.)
9 of 21 credit hours to be social work-related courses selected in consultation with Social Work Faculty.