The School of Social Work

Dean: Santos H. Hernandez, Ph.D.

211 S. Cooper St., Social Work Complex • Box 19129 • 817-272-3647 • www2.uta.edu/ssw • sswbsw@uta.edu

Undergraduate social work education at The University of Texas at Arlington is based on a set of premises including: Responsible citizenship and professional social work practice both recognize and respond positively to the realities of a complex society that is diverse, rapidly changing, and in continual need of constructive social change predicated on social justice and humanitarian philosophy. To this end, social work students are expected to demonstrate the capacity to critically evaluate their cultural environment and, in so doing, to demonstrate analytical skills and understanding both orally and in writing. Students are required to adhere to the Codes of Ethics as currently published by the National Association of Social Workers and the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners in their professional practice and in their coursework. The faculty of the School of Social Work enhances this process through its commitment to teaching excellence, scholarly activities, research, and community and professional service.

The Bachelor of Social Work degree program of the School of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Its primary educational objective is to prepare students for beginning professional social work practice. The sequence of courses, designed to include academic social work and field experience requirements in a liberal arts context, enables the student, upon graduation, to work in a variety of social service agencies and settings. A secondary purpose of the program is preparation for graduate study in social work or another profession or discipline for which baccalaureate social work education would be appropriate.

Requirements for a Bachelor of

Social Work Degree

English Composition

ENGL 1301 and 1302.

Literature

English literature course, 2000 level or above.

Liberal Arts Elective

English literature course, 2000 level or above.

History

HIST 1311 and 1312 (or three hours of American history and three hours of Texas history).

Political Science

POLS 2311 and 2312.

Mathematics

Six hours (level of college algebra or higher). Usually MATH 1302 and 1308 (or 1303).

Natural Science

BIOL 1333, 1334, and 1282. The natural science core requirement was changed just prior to publication of the catalog, and there was not sufficient time for all departments to make corresponding revisions in their degree requirements. In addition to taking the natural science courses listed here, students should refer to the core curriculum requirement on page 38 of this catalog and also consult with their academic advisor.

Social/Cultural Studies

ANTH 1306 or 2322.

Philosophy

PHIL 1310 (suggested) or 1301.

Foreign Language

SPAN 1441, 1442, 2313, 2314. A substitute can be made for SPAN 2314 (though SPAN 2314 is preferred). The substitute must have multicultural content at the 3000 or 4000 level from ANTH, ENGL, HIST, SOCI (or SOCW 3317).

Economics

ECON 2337 (suggested) or 2305.

Psychology

PSYC 1315, and an upper division course such as 3318 (or some other), but not 3310.

Sociology

SOCI 1311, 3305, and 3352.

Social Work

SOCW 2311, 2313, 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304, 3306, 4251, 4451, 4252, 4452.

Electives

Sufficient to give the total number of hours required for the degree.

Total

126 hours, at least 36 of which must be upper division courses (3000/4000 level). In addition to the 126 hours, four semesters of exercise and sport activities (EXSA) are required (ROTC or marching band may be substituted).

Suggested Course Sequence

Please refer to the BSW Degree Plan for more specific information.

First Year

First Semester: ENGL 1301; HIST 1311; BIOL 1333; SOCI 1311; MATH 1302; EXSA, ROTC or Marching Band—Total Credit 16 hours.

Second Semester: ENGL 1302; HIST 1312; BIOL 1334 and 1282; PSYC 1315; MATH 1308 (or 1303); EXSA, ROTC or Marching Band—Total Credit 18 hours.

Second Year

First Semester: English, 3 hours; POLS 2311; SPAN 1441; Philosophy, 3 hours; SOCW 2311; EXSA, ROTC or Marching Band—Total Credit 17 hours.

Second Semester: English, 3 hours; POLS 2312; SPAN 1442; SOCW 2313; SPCH 1301; EXSA, ROTC or Marching Band—Total Credit 17 hours.

Third Year

First Semester: SOCW 3301; SOCW 3303; SPAN 2313; Science Elective; SOCI 3352; PSYC 3318—Total Credit 18 hours.

Second Semester: Anthropology, 3 hours; SOCW 3302; SOCW 3304; SPAN 2314; ECON 2337 (or 2305); SOCI 3305—Total Credit 18 hours.

Fourth Year

First Semester: SOCW 4251 and 4451; SOCW 3306; SOCW 3319 or CSE 1301—Total Credit 15 hours.

Second Semester: SOCW 4252 and 4452; Electives, 8 hours—Total Credit 14 hours.

Students applying for the BSW Program proceed through a two-step process. This allows students to assess their interest in and appropriateness for the social work profession. The process also provides an opportunity for social work faculty to assist students in this decision.

Provisional Admission to the BSW Program

Provisional admission to the BSW program requires:

•Overall GPA of 2.0 or better

•Completion of SOCW 2311 with a grade of C or better

•Completion of 40 hours of courses, including:

English 1301 and 1302

Math 1302 or higher

Psychology 1315

Sociology 1311

Political Science 2311 (United States Government)

•Completion of the BSW Admission Application Form

•Submission of a personal statement

These materials are submitted to the student's Social Work advisor. They will be reviewed by the advisor. The recommendation for or against Provisional Admission will be forwarded to the BSW Program Director. Students will be notified of their status within two weeks of the decision.

Provisional admission allows students to continue in the program and enroll in the following courses: SOCW 2313 and 3301, plus 3302 or 3303.

Application for Full Standing

After the student has completed four social work courses (2311, 2313, 3301, and [3302 or 3303]) but before moving on to the last 21 hours (including 3304), a review should be scheduled with the academic advisor. This will determine the student's readiness to advance to Full Standing in the social work major.

Acceptance as a Full Standing Social Work major requires:

• B average in all social work courses and no grade lower than a C

• 2.25 overall grade point average

• Satisfactory rating from 2313 instructor and volunteer supervisor

• Ability to qualify for state licensure in the state of Texas upon completion of the academic program (i.e. no disqualifying factors) under the Texas Professional Social Worker Act.

Transfer of Credit

BSW student transcripts are evaluated by the Office of Admissions. Courses that meet the liberal arts requirements of the BSW degree are applied to the degree plan. Other courses are designated as electives. The student receives credit for social work courses from CSWE accredited social work programs. The exceptions are SOCW 3304, Direct Practice II, and the practicum courses, SOCW 4251, 4252, 4451, and 4452 which must be completed at U.T. Arlington. No credit is give for life or work experience.

Requirement for Liability Insurance

All social work students enrolling in Field Instruction courses (SOCW 4251, SOCW 4451, SOCW 4252, and SOCW 4452) will be assessed a fee in order to include them in the school's group professional liability insurance policy. Coverage is for a $250,000 limit each claim and $500,000 limit aggregate. Students enrolling in SOCW 2313 are also assessed a fee for coverage by a group malpractice insurance policy while they are completing the 25 hours of required volunteer work.

Field Work Experience

Refer to the BSW Field Policies and Procedures Manual for specific information on the objectives of the Field Program and other more detailed information. The BSW degree requires two semesters of field experience, 240 clock hours each (SOCW 4251, 4451, and 4252, 4452). The field experience consists of working in a human service agency as a social work intern and enrollment in an on-campus seminar. All BSW students have one field placement over two consecutive semesters at one agency. The two field seminars, SOCW 4251 and 4252 (requiring concurrent enrollment in SOCW 4451 and 4452, respectively), are a critical part of the learning experience and help students in integrating curriculum and the field experience. It is in these two-hour weekly seminars that students discuss and explore their efforts in field to make use of the knowledge which they have acquired throughout the curriculum. The field seminars (SOCW 4251 and 4252) receive letter grades and the field practica (SOCW 4451 and 4452) receive a pass/fail grade. A student must enroll in both the field seminar and the field practicum concurrently, e.g., SOCW 4251 and 4451, and SOCW 4252 and 4452. SOCW 4452 is a continuation of SOCW 4451 and must be taken in the semester immediately following SOCW 4451. Should a student fail either the field seminar or the field practicum, then they must repeat both. Those students wishing to begin a field placement in the summer or fall semester will begin the placement process during the previous spring semester. Spring placements are arranged during the fall semester.

The assignment of students to field agencies is the responsibility of the director of field instruction and shall be based on agency instructional offerings and student educational needs. The final decision of whether a particular student is placed in a particular agency rests with the agency. Although every possible effort is made to involve students in the placement process, students do not make the final decision as to where they are placed. All student assignments are tentative and contingent on a professional interview with an agency.

Application for Field

A Field advisory meeting is held early each semester. Students planning to start a field placement the following semester are provided a "Student Application for Field Placement" form, and students are oriented to the placement process and deadlines. Field eligibility requirements are discussed, and other information is shared on the field application process. The application form is used to determine the student's assignment to field and is also used as a means of informing the potential field instructor of the student's background and interest prior to the field placement interview. Prior to submitting the application for field and registering for field, the student is responsible for being advised as to field eligibility by one of the undergraduate Social Work Program (BSW) advisors. The advisor's signature on the form will document the completion of this process. An original and one copy of the application must be submitted to the Department of Field Instruction. Any exceptions to policy in relation to field eligibility or arrangements will be handled through a petition process.

Volunteer Experience

A requirement of Social Work Practice I (SOCW 2313) is 25 hours of volunteer experience in a human service agency. Arrangements for these volunteer experiences are made with the course instructor.

Computer and Oral Competencies

Social Work students will demonstrate competence in computer usage by successful completion of SOCW 3319, Technology Use in Social Work Practice, or PSYC 2352, or a course approved by the academic advisor. Oral communication skills will be demonstrated by successful completion of SPCH 1301, or a suitable substitute.

School of Social Work Faculty

Dean

Professor Hernandez

Undergraduate Program Director

Associate Professor Quinn

Professors

Callicutt, Dangel, Duehn, Elliott, Granvold, Hunter, Jordan, Mayadas, Mindel, Schoech, Watts

Associate Professors

Barrett, Cobb, Hegar, Hoefer, Quinn, Scannapieco, Shannon, Watkins, Yu

Assistant Professors

Corcoran, Lehmann, Rycraft, Simon, Woody

Specialists

Benavides, Murphy, Pratt, Tuck

Adjunct Professor

Woody III

Social Work (SOCW)

Prefix and number in parentheses following the U.T. Arlington course number and title is the Common Course Number designation.

2311. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3-0) 3 hours credit (SOCW 2361). An overview of the social work profession, its fields of practice, methods of social intervention, its historical context, and its relationship to the social welfare system.

2313. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I (3-0) 3 hours credit. Critical evaluation of the value base of the social work profession and basic practice concepts in a framework for understanding a variety of intervention models. Requires a 25-hour volunteer placement in a human service agency. Prerequisite: SOCW 2311. Prospective BSW majors only. $12 course fee.

3301. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I (3-0) 3 hours credit. Examination and analysis of cognitive, affective, behavioral, and moral functioning through the life cycle, using functional vs. dysfunctional adaptation as a framework for analysis.

3302. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II (3-0) 3 hours credit. A systems theory perspective on the person-in-situation configuration, demonstrating the impact of the various levels of social systems on one's orientation to self and others, opportunities for growth, and behavioral adaptations.

3303. SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY AND SERVICES (3-0) 3 hours credit. A critical, analytical examination of policy choices in selected social welfare institutions, programs, and proposals with respect to benefits provided, beneficiaries, delivery strategies, and finances. The significance of social welfare policy for social work practitioners. Prerequisite: SOCW 2311.

3304. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II (3-0) 3 hours credit. Theories and methodologies of social work assessment and intervention at the individual, family, and group levels in diverse settings. Prerequisites: SOCW 2311, SOCW 2313, and SOCW 3301. BSW majors only.

3306. SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE III (3-0) 3 hours credit. The theory and practice of social change at the community level, including a sociological analysis of bureaucracies as collectivities of power, and of the community as a social phenomenon. Three models of community organization—community development, social action, and social planning—will be emphasized including methods of resource delivery and redistribution. Prerequisites: SOCW 2311 and SOCW 2313. BSW majors only.

3317. SOCIAL WORK WITH WOMEN AND MINORITIES (3-0) 3 hours credit. Using history of women and selected minorities in the U.S. to facilitate understanding and development of social work practice. Prerequisites: SOCW 2311 and SOCW 2313.

3319. TECHNOLOGY USE IN SOCIAL WORK (3-0) 3 hours credit. Introduces basic computer concepts, spreadsheets, word processing, assessment and intervention software, graphics packages, and statistical packages and their application in social work.

4251. SOCIAL WORK FIELD SEMINAR I (2-0) 2 hours credit. Integration of theory and practice, based primarily on field instruction experiences. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in SOCW 4451. See the prerequisites listed under SOCW 4451.

4252. SOCIAL WORK FIELD SEMINAR II (2-0) 2 hours credit. Integration of theory and practice, based primarily on field instruction experiences. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in SOCW 4452. See the prerequisites listed under SOCW 4452.

4350. SPECIAL ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK (3-0) 3 hours credit. Relevant social work topics generated and explored in depth according to student and professional needs. The topic will be determined prior to registration. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

4191, 4291, 4391. CONFERENCE COURSE (Variable credit from 1 to 3 semester hours as arranged). Topics assigned on an individual basis covering personal research or study in designated areas. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

4451. SOCIAL WORK FIELD INSTRUCTION I (0-16) 4 hours credit. Supervised social work experience in a local human service agency. Integration of generalist practice concepts into professional practice experiences. The field placement requires a minimum of 240 clock hours in the agency. Prerequisites: SOCW 2311, 2313, 3301, 3302, 3304, and concurrent enrollment in SOCW 4251. P/F grading. BSW majors only. For additional information and requirements, see the BSW Field Policies and Procedures Manual. $12 course fee.

4452. SOCIAL WORK FIELD INSTRUCTION II (0-16) 4 hours credit. Supervised social work experience in a local human service agency. Integration of generalist practice concepts into professional practice experiences. The field placement requires a minimum of 240 clock hours in the agency. Prerequisites: SOCW 3303 or 3306, 4251, 4451; and must be taken in the semester immediately following SOCW 4451. P/F grading. BSW majors only. For additional information and requirements, see the BSE Field Policies and Procedures Manual. $12 course fee.

4453. SOCIAL WORK BLOCK FIELD SEMINAR (4-0) 4 hours credit. Integration of theory and practice, based primarily on field instruction experiences in a Child Protective Services agency. Here, the field requirement is fulfilled in one semester via a CPS placement. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Title IV-W Child Welfare Program, and concurrent enrollment in SOCW 4853.

4853. SOCIAL WORK BLOCK FIELD INSTRUCTION (0-8) 8 hours credit. Supervised social work experience in a Child Protective Services agency. Integration of generalist practice concepts into professional practice experiences. The field placement requires a minimum of 480 clock hours in the agency. Here, the field requirement is fulfilled in one semester via a CPS placement. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Title IV-E Child Welfare Program, concurrent enrollment in SOCW 4453 and completion of SOCW 2311, 2313, 3301, 3302, 3303, 3304, 3306 and SOCI 3305. Concurrent enrollment is allowed (but not encouraged) in either SOCW 3303, or 3306, or SOCI 3305.