Department of Social Work
The Department of Social Work offers courses in Social Work (SOCW) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Work. The B.A. in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Unlike many of the departments offering undergraduate degrees at the University that allow students from other disciplines to declare minors therein, this unit does not allow the declaration of a minor in Social Work. Additionally, students pursuing the B.A. in Social Work are not required to declare a minor in a second academic discipline.
The mission of the Department of Social Work is to prepare diverse students for ethical generalist social work practice that builds on strengths, promotes resilience, and utilizes the person in environment framework. The program emphasizes a liberal arts grounded curriculum that focuses on:
• professional social work practice,
• evidence-based assessment, prevention, and intervention with at-risk populations across all system levels to promote human and social wellbeing,
• serving African Americans and other people of color, as well as those most vulnerable to oppression, and discrimination based on race, physical ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, country of origin, language , and age, and,
• advocating for system and policy changes that promote human rights and social and economic justice, to address local and global challenges. The program seeks to eliminate poverty, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all persons, locally and globally.
The Baccalaureate Social Work Program expresses its commitment to social work’s purpose, values and ethics throughout the various components of the curriculum, wherein students are exposed to the values and ethical foundation consistent with that of the social work profession. The knowledge and skills acquired over the course of the program are directly correlated to nine (9) Core Competencies as defined in the 2015 Council on Social Work (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
The liberal arts perspective, social science cognates, and social work courses (core and electives) provide opportunities to learn about and incorporate the ethical and value orientations necessary for effective practice. The faculty is fully aware of the necessity to introduce to students, nurture and facilitate the continual attention to the values and ethical positions of the profession to guide practice actions. Further instruction supports the professional commitment to continuing contributions to the ongoing assessment of these perspectives. Each of the program goals addresses the purpose, values and ethics of the profession to some degree and is derived from its mission in order to:
• prepare students with knowledge of the profession, values, and skills for practice that will further develop the profession, and promote just, more humane, and equitable service delivery
• provide opportunities for students to utilize a variety of tools and approaches to assess, intervene, and evaluate practice with people from backgrounds that do not reflect their own (e.g. race, gender identity, religion, political affiliation, etc.,)
• engage students in culturally competent curriculum to be able to address the unique needs of at-risk and underserved populations, and
• empower students to work collaboratively with inter- and intra-disciplinary teams to effect micro, mezzo, and macro-level change in places and policies where social and economic injustices exist
Students wishing to pursue the undergraduate degree offered through the Department must first gain admission to the University, must satisfy all Texas Success Initiative (TSI) responsibility requirements and eradicate identified deficiencies, and must petition the Department for admission upon successful completion (C or better) of nine semester credit hours of specific social work courses (SOCW 145 Intro Social Welfare, SOCW 246 Social Legislation, and SOCW 340 Sem In Helping). Each student must be admitted by the Department, as a major, before attempting to meet all of the requirements for the degree. As social work is a profession, all pre-majors and majors must demonstrate professional demeanor and integrity in classroom work and field related activities. Students who engage in nonprofessional behaviors, including plagiarism, cheating, disrespectful communications etc. will be reported to the appropriate judicial offices on campus and may be counseled out of the major.
Interested students are asked to contact the Department Office during their freshman year in order to obtain admissions information and procedures. Students returning to the University following an absence of one long semester or more must gain departmental approval before enrolling in Social Work classes if the earned GPA is lower than 2.0. No academic credit is given for prior life experiences.
The overall Social Work major is structured to conform to a “Curriculum Guide” that is available for reference in the Social Work Department. This guide outlines the required sequence of courses that must be completed satisfactorily through the senior year. It also assures the preparedness of students for placement in field education in various community agencies.
A total of 56 credits is required in Social Work for completion of the B.A. degree, in which grades of “C” or better must be earned. Grades of “C-” are unacceptable in core Social Work courses and in cognate courses taken in psychology and sociology. A student who has two (2) unsatisfactory grades in a given core Social Work course will not be permitted to re-enroll for a third time, until a formal, written, appeal to the department has been approved. Therefore, this student must meet with their faculty advisor for further academic guidance.
Social Work majors must complete ENGL 1301 Freshman English I and ENGL 1302 Freshman English II with a grade of C or better. No more than three grades below a “C” may be earned in all other courses. Where courses are part of a liberal arts content area, students may not earn consecutive grades of C- or below in the represented discipline. A grade below a “D” will not be accepted for credit. Transfer students may substitute FS 102 with any college level course to complete the total credit hours required for graduation by their degree plan.
Courses required during the senior year are organized into two blocks: Block I (Fall semester only) and Block II (Spring semester only). In order to proceed to Block, a minimum GPA of 2.5 must be accrued by the end of the junior year. All core and non-elective courses required through the junior year must be completed satisfactorily in order for students to progress to the senior year Block I and the required associated Block I Field Placement. Block I courses (SOCW 440 Generalist Practice I, SOCW 440L Generalist Practice Lab I, SOCW 443 Theories In Socw Prac, SOCW 444 Field Instructions I, SOCW 444S Fld Inst Sem I, and SOCW 450 Social Work Prac Res Eval) must be taken concurrently during the first half of the senior year. Students who earn a C- or lower in SOCW 440 Generalist Practice I, SOCW 440L Generalist Practice Lab I, SOCW 444 Field Instructions I or SOCW 444S Fld Inst Sem I Field Instruction Seminar will not be allowed to proceed to Block II.
Block II courses (SOCW 439 Social Welfare Policy, SOCW 441 Generalist Practice II, SOCW 441L Generalist Practice Lab II, SOCW 446 Field Instruction II, SOCW 446S Field Instruction Seminar II, and a SOCW elective, if applicable) must be taken concurrently during the second half of the senior year. An exit examination is required of graduating seniors. Please note: Social work majors who have criminal backgrounds are encouraged to complete a Professional Licensing and Certification Unit Criminal History Evaluation through the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, to evaluate his/her criminal history to determine eligibility for social work licensure (see https://www.bhec.texas.gov/forms-and-publications/index.html for more information). This notification is stated in compliance with the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53 (see http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/OC/htm/OC.53.htm), effective September 1, 2017.
The Social Work major has specific entrance requirements that must be met before acceptance can be granted. In summary, interested students must first gain admission to the University; must meet all TSI responsibilities; must fulfill prerequisites referenced above; and must petition for admission to the Department. All students interested in Social Work are provided with extensive advisement to ensure proper progression toward graduation. For additional information, questions regarding the Social Work major, department location and parking may be directed to (713) 313-7783.
Social Work Courses
Introduction to Social Welfare (3) Introduction to representative fields, practices, agencies, services, and professional groups engaged in social welfare with particular emphasis on Social Work and required field experience. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory/field experience per week.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Social Welfare Legislation (3) Intensive examination and discussion of selected social legislation. Emphasis on the Social Security Act and other Acts closely related to social welfare services and social work. Required field experience. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: SOCW 145.
Prerequisite(s): (SOCW 145 (may be taken concurrently))
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
This course provides an exploration of the specialty area of group work in social work practice. The course will especially focus on the function, procedures, and dynamics of task groups, treatment groups and educational groups, and enhance knowledge and skills for participating in, as well as facilitating groups. Prerequisite: SOCW 145; Corequisite: SOCW 340.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Violence and Abuse in Families (3) Consideration of selected aspects of violence and abuse: patterns (wife, child), types (physical, emotional, sexual), theories of causation, manifestation, and social service programs. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Service to Children and Youth in Institutional Settings (3) Examines selected representative services for children and youth in terms of their programs, method of service delivery, and needs in settings other than the home. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Seminar in Helping (3) Examination and discussion of motives, value orientations, and approaches used in helping with emphasis on self awareness, interviewing, observation, data management, and integration as key tools in the helping process. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: SOCW 246 or consent of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): (SOCW 246)
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Seminar on Aging (3) Introduction to the aged and aging process. Emphasis on the major concepts related to aging, associated critical issues, and social services. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Human Behavior in the Social Environment (for Health Related Majors ONLY) (3) Emphasis on wholistic approach to understanding human behavior across the lifespan for non-social work majors.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Human Behavior in the Social Environment (for Social Work Majors ONLY) (3) Integrated biological/psychological/sociological approach toward understanding the aspects of behavior. Examines the person-in-environment concept from the systems ecological perspective. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: SOCW 145 and SOCW 246. Corequisite: Enrollment in SOCW 340 or consent of the instructor.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (3) Application of the theoretical framework of systems ecological perspective with emphasis upon families, groups, communities, and organizations. Examines issues of diversity, structure, and outcome of transactions between and within systems. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisites: SOCW 340 and SOCW 346 or consent of the instructor.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Discussions and introductory practice opportunities for case recordings, interviewing, court reporting, information, referral and other required documentation skills. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. 3 credit hour per week.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
the purpose of this course is to increase knoledge and skills in researchin order to become competent in the major social work roles in research as generalist, evidence-bsed practioners: Research consumbers, contributing partners, and creators/disseminators of research. This is a three credit hour course. 3 credit hours per week.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Social Welfare Policy (3) Exploration and assessment of legislative/policy issues with reference to Social Work. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Completion of Block I. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block II.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Generalist Practice I (3) Micro level focuses on the integrated use of a knowledge/value approach for the development of generalist skills in providing interventive strategies of direct services to appropriate client systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: SOCW 340, SOCW 346, and SOCW 347. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block I.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Generalist Practice Laboratory I (2) Practice laboratory to accompany SOCW 440. Two hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block I.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Generalist Practice II (3) Builds upon skills, practice knowledge, and value base of generalist intervention with a primary focus on macro systems (families, groups, communities, and organizations). Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Completion of Block I. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block II.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Generalist Practice Laboratory II (2) Practice laboratory to accompany SOCW 441. Two hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block II.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Seminar on Dying and Death (3) Examination of values and attitudes related to social services during terminal illness, death, and planning with survivors. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Theories in Social Work Practice (3) Critical analysis and evaluation of major selected social work practice theories. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block I.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Field Instruction I (4) An educationally directed field placement for the development and utilization of professional social work practice skills. Sixteen hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Corequisites: Enrollment in Block I and SOCW 444S.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Field Instruction Seminar I (1) Group discussion and integration of field practicum experiences. Accompanies SOCW 444. One hour of lecture per week. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block I.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Field Instruction II (4) Continuation of SOCW 444 with evaluation of practicum experience. Sixteen hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: Completion of Block I. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block II.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Field Instruction Seminar II (1) Continuation of SOCW 444S with discussion and integration of field practicum experience. Accompanies SOCW 446. One hour of lecture per week. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block II.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Independent Study in Social Welfare (3) Selection of topics by students for study and analysis culminating in a paper suitable for publication. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of the instructor.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Topical Seminar in Social Welfare (3) Selected topics in social welfare and/or areas/topics normally not covered in published curricula. Three hours of laboratory/field experience or research per week. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work
Social Work Practice Research and Evaluation (3) Application of empirical measurements to determine the effectiveness of one's own practice and evaluation of practice skills, policy implementation, program service, and self assessment. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory/field experience per week. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Corequisite: Enrollment in Block I.
College/School: Liberal Arts & Behavioral Scie
Department: Dept of Social Work