Bachelor of Social Work
https://www.tamuct.edu/degrees/undergraduate/social-work.html
Overview
Social Work is a professional degree program in which courses are sequenced and built upon the successful completion of prerequisites. Eligibility to take some courses is based on formal admission to the Social Work major, which requires meeting requirements over and above those required for admission to the University.
Negotiating the Social Work program requirements for an on-time graduation is a complex process that is best done with the help of an academic advisor. Please contact the Social Work Department for an appointment with one of our advisors as soon as you enter the University to map out a plan of study.
The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Program Level Student Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior.
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice..
- Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice.
- Engage in Policy Practice.
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
Entry Requirements
Applying to the A&M-Central Texas B.S.W. Program
Students enrolling and declaring a major in the A&M-Central Texas B.S.W. Program may apply and gain acceptance for admission once they have completed specific criteria, as follows:
Applying to the Major
A&M-Central Texas B.S.W. students must follow a clear application process to apply for admission to the program. The process includes:
- Admission to A&M-Central Texas;
- Declaration of social work as their major, which includes initial advisement with a faculty advisor;
- Enrollment in or completion of the three Foundation Level courses: SOWK 3301 Methods and Skills of Interviewing, SOWK 3300 Introduction to Social Work, and SOWK 3303 Social Work with Diverse Populations;
- Have a 2.5 overall GPA
- Have a C or better in all social work courses
- Must attend the New Social Work Student Orientation (held the first Friday of every semester), at which they receive the Social Work Student Handbook and appropriate forms to complete;
- Have scores of three (3) or higher on the Rubric for Assessing Professional Behaviors or demonstrating the ability to attain scores of three (3) or higher throughout the program.
- Submit all materials by April 10, July 10, or November 10.
Please pay close attention to the deadlines. Materials submitted after the 10th will be placed with the next semester's applications.
Social Work Program Admission Requirements
Nondiscrimination Policy
All social work majors must apply for acceptance into the B.S.W. Program. No person shall be discriminated against for reasons of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, (dis)ability, citizenship, veteran status, gender identity/expression, or sexual orientation. The B.S.W. Program is committed to having a diverse student population.
Acceptance to the Major
Once the application criteria are met, to be accepted into the B.S.W. Program, students must:
- Complete the three Foundation Level sequence courses;
- Have a 2.5 overall GPA;
- Have a "C" or better in all social work courses;
- Attend the New Social Work Student Orientation (held the first Friday of every semester), at which time they will receive and review the Bachelor of Social Work Program Student Handbook and appropriate forms for completion;
- Demonstrate the ability to attain high academic and professional standards as outlined in the B.S.W. Program Student Handbook, which includes
- having an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher and having a grade of "C" or better in all social work courses, and
- having scores of 3 or higher on the Rubric for Assessing Professional Behaviors (RAPB; see Appendix E) or demonstrating the ability to attain scores of 3 or higher throughout the program;
- Be willing to discuss with faculty any legal or other concerns that may impede the student's successful placement at a field agency (such as a legal or criminal background) and, if necessary, complete a Corrective Action Agreement (see the B.S.W. Program field manual for more information on field admission procedures).
Once students demonstrate eligibility to apply to the major, they compile all components for submission as outlined in the application procedures. Students have the ability to work with the program's administrative assistant to ensure all documents are submitted appropriately. All department faculty members review the application for eligibility.
Once each faculty member reviews the application, they have the option of providing one of these recommendations:
- Admit Unconditionally
- Interview Needed
- Deny Admission.
The category of Admit Unconditionally provides a student with immediate admission to the program without conditions, as all criteria have been met. The Conditional Admission decision is n is indicated when students still have requirements to complete, and the admission letter will indicate what those requirements are. Failure to complete the requirements may result in suspension from the major until completion. Code of Conduct, any scores below 3 (average) on the Rubric for Assessing Professional Behaviors, or concerns have been identified in the application. The faculty conduct interviews with the student in order to make a determination regarding program admission and any steps to address concerns. Students denied admission may reapply for admission once the criteria are met
NOTE: The applicant is considered on the basis of academic performance and commitment to and suitability for generalist social work practice. Emotional and professional readiness are prerequisites. These include demonstrated emotional maturity and self-awareness in areas such as the ability to effectively manage current life stressors, the ability to reflect on personal strengths and areas for growth/development, and willingness to receive feedback and supervision in a positive manner throughout enrollment in the program.
Students must also demonstrate the following professional behaviors, including but not limited to:
- Fitting well within the social work profession and the generalist framework for undergraduate social work education;
- Upholding ethical principles as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics, Texas social work licensing criteria, the A&M-Central Texas B.S.W. Program Code of Conduct, A&M-Central Texas student rights and responsibilities delineated in the University Student Handbook;
- Advocating for themselves and others in a professional manner;
- Using proper channels for conflict resolution;
- Demonstrating respect for the confidentiality and rights of others;
- Demonstrating accountability in turning in assignments on time and maintaining a good attendance record in classes.
