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 2311 , 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:
The six upper level social work courses including and beyond SW 3332 comprise the communication literacy plan for the degree program, which encompasses the learning outcomes of analysis and critical thinking, written and spoken communication.
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.
Admission to the Practice Course Sequence. At a midpoint in the social work curriculum, social work majors’ progress is evaluated and a determination is made about whether they appear compatible with the profession and have been adequately prepared by the foundation curriculum to enter the sequence of social work practice specific courses (SW 3332 , SW 3333 , SW 4340 , and SW 4611 ). At that point, students should have a good sense of what social work is all about and how they might fit in. The application is due mid-semester before enrollment in SW 3332 for the next long semester. Students should refer to the BASW Student Handbook for additional details about this process.
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 BASW 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 2311 , 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.
Communication Literacy Requirement. Students attending Texas Tech University for the first time in the Fall 2017 term or later will complete a Communication Literacy requirement in their program(s) of study.
Texas Tech University’s transition from the Writing Intensive requirement to the Communication Literacy requirement signals the university’s awareness that in addition to the fundamental role that writing plays in enabling students to explore, develop, focus, and organize a message, other types of communication must also be taught as appropriate for a student’s discipline. Throughout each program of study, then, students must be given ample opportunity to develop their skills in forms of communication central to that program. Communication Literacy courses for the Social Work major include: SW 3332 , SW 3333 , SW 3339 , SW 4311 , SW 4340 , and SW 4611 .
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