Refer to the “University Core Curriculum” section of the catalog and the “Curriculum Guide, Major in Social Work.”
Accreditation
The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The principal educational objective of the program is to prepare students for employment as beginning, entry-level generalist practitioners. Preparation of students for graduate education is a secondary objective. Social work majors are urged to consult closely with program advisers to assure proper sequencing of courses and in selection of appropriate electives.
What is social work?
Organized work intended to advance the social conditions of a community, and especially of the disadvantaged, by providing psychological counseling, guidance, and assistance, especially in the form of social services.
Social Work Program Requirements
46 semester hours, including SOCW 2361, 2315, 3301, 3380, 3381, 4383, 4688(6), 4310, 4121, 4341, 4362, 4698(6) and six semester hours from SOCW 4303, 4305, 4320, 4335, 4345, 4375, 4376, and 4395.
Required Courses from Other Areas
PSYC 2301.
SOCI 1301, 4321.
SOCW 3362 or PSYC 3310.
BIOL 1406, 1407, or 2401, 2402.
Three hours of upper-division non-SOCW elective hours from CRIJ, ECON, SCOM, SOCI, POSC, PSYC, or another department by advisement.
For other electives, students should consult faculty advisers.
Criteria for Admission into the Social Work Program
All students registering as social work majors will be considered pre-majors before they are officially admitted into the social work program. Criteria for admission into the social work program are*:
Completion of the University’s core curriculum courses, including BIOL 1406 and 1407.
Completion of the beginning-level social work courses— SOCW 2361, 2315 and 3301. A student must have earned a grade of “C” or better in the above three courses.
An overall cumulative grade point of 2.25 or higher.
An application for admission to the social work program accompanied by (1) at least two letters of reference from people who can attest to the student’s desire and commitment to helping people, and (2) the student’s latest transcripts.
Filing of a degree plan with the dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences.
*Exceptions to these criteria will be considered on an individual basis. A letter must be written explaining the request and submitted with the program application to be considered by the program committee.
Prerequisite for Advanced Work
SOCW 2361, 2315 and 3301 or permission of instructor is required for all advanced work. An overall grade point average of 2.25 or higher is a prerequisite for admission into field instruction courses, SOCW 4688 and 4698. See individual course descriptions for additional prerequisite.
To view the Program Application click the link above.
Experiential Learning
The West Texas Family and Community Services program provides experiential learning for social work students.
Social Work Advisory Council
The primary function of the Council is to provide advice and guidance to the Social Work Program in matters relating to the profession of social work. For more information about the Social Work Advisory Council click here.
