Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Social Work, B.A.


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About the Social Work Bachelor’s Program


The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the corresponding national exam with the Association of Social Work Boards, one requirement for licensing in Texas and many other states. The curriculum is based on the generalist social work model, which is intended to prepare graduates for entry-level work in a wide variety of social work settings with diverse populations. For those interested in pursuing their social work education at the master’s level, the bachelor’s in social work provides the advantage of making the student eligible for advanced standing in most graduate programs.

Social Work Major. Social work majors are expected to complete the core curriculum requirements of the university, the General Degree Requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, 30 hours of structured social work classes (SW 1300 , SW 2301 , SW 3311 , SW 3312 , SW 3331 , SW 3332 , SW 3333 , SW 3339 , SW 4311 , SW 4340 ), the 6-hour social work field placement (SW 4611 ), an 18-hour minor, and the following adjunct requirements:

Freshmen can refer to the sample curriculum table for the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work for an example of course sequencing, while more advanced students interested in the degree should keep in mind that at least four long semesters are required to complete the social work curriculum.

Candidacy in the Social Work Program. A student must apply and be approved for candidacy to be able to take social work practice courses (SW 3332 , SW 3333 , SW 4340 , and SW 4611 ). Applications for candidacy will be reviewed by the social work faculty to ensure that the student is in good standing (refer to the section below) and has completed SW 1300 , SW 2301 , SW 3311  and SW 3312  with a grade of C or better in each and at least a 2.5 GPA in SW classes.

Good Standing. Students may continue as social work majors as long as they remain in good standing. To remain in good standing, the student must:

  • Demonstrate compatibility with the social work profession. Compatibility is reflected in respect for social work ethical standards and values.
  • Demonstrate potential for success in the social work profession. Potential for success is reflected in the ability to retain social work knowledge and perform social work skills at a level appropriate for progress in the program.
  • Demonstrate a high level of engagement in social work classes. A highly engaged student misses class rarely, pays attention to the class lecture and activities, participates in discussion and group work, completes all readings, and spends an appropriate level of effort and length of time on assignments.
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in social work (SW) courses.

These behaviors demonstrate to the faculty (the profession’s gatekeepers) the level of a student’s interest and dedication to social work, as well as professionalism. Failure to remain in good standing may prevent a student from progressing further in the program, as well as applying for scholarships or filling student positions within the program.

Social Work Field Placement. The field experience allows students to demonstrate their abilities to assess client systems and to apply generalist skills with populations at risk across micro, mezzo, and macro systems. It is a 400-hour, closely supervised individual experience in a social agency selected and certified by the social work program.

An Application for Field Experience must be completed prior to the field placement. Some field sites may have additional requirements, such as background checks or medical testing. Students should refer to the Social Work Student Handbook for additional details about the placement process. Professional liability insurance is required during the field placement and payment is the responsibility of the student.

Transfer Students and Transfer Credit. Under the Texas Common Course Numbering System, the College of Arts and Sciences and the social work program typically accept the equivalent of SW 2301 , SW 3311 , and SW 3312  for transfer, especially if from a CSWE-accredited program. However, transfer credit for SW 3332 , SW 3333 SW 4340 , and SW 4611  will not be accepted. Requests for transfer credit for all other social work courses will be considered on an individual basis. It is the intention of the social work program to avoid repetition of foundational courses taken through CSWE-approved programs. The program will typically accept up to 9 hours of transfer credit for social work courses.

No Credit for Life Experience. The social work program does not give credit for work or other life experiences.

Recommended Sample Curriculum


First Year


Fall


Total: 16

Spring


Total: 16

Second Year


Fall


Total: 17

Spring


Total: 17

Third Year


Fall


Total: 15

Spring


Total: 15

Fourth Year


Fall


Total: 12

Total: 12

Total Hours: 120


* Select from the university’s core curriculum .
** Select from Arts and Sciences General Degree Requirements .

Math


MATH 2300  must be completed before SW 3339 . Either PSY 2400  or SOC 3391  may be taken in lieu of MATH 2300 ; of these courses, only MATH 2300  and PSY 2400  also provide mathematics credit in the General Degree Requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Foreign Language


A student must complete 6 hours at the sophomore level or above in a single language. The prerequisite for all sophomore language courses is credit for the freshman level. This credit can be determined through credit by examination. The score attained on the exam will determine whether the student is placed in a second-year course, a 5-hour review course, or in some cases the first or second semester of a beginning (first-year) language course. See Arts and Sciences General Degree Requirements  for further explanation.

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