Social Work, BSW

Bachelor of Social Work

Dawn McCarty, Ph.D., LMSW, Program Director
Room C345, 713-221-2729

Social Work Academic Advisor
Justin Burton, MSW

Faculty

Mission and Objectives

The Mission of UHD’s Bachelor of Social Work Program is to prepare entry-level social workers for evidence-based, justice-oriented, generalist practice in an urban environment.

The Vision of the Program is to prepare Social Workers to address 21st century issues in the global environment.

The BSW program at UHD focuses on preparing a generalist social worker so that upon graduation the student is prepared to work with clients in a variety of settings. Social workers operate in school, hospital, mental health, juvenile justice settings, and more performing tasks such as case management, client advocacy, and counseling.

The program goals are:

1. To provide access to social work education to students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic statuses, and prepare students for future professional development and graduate study.
2. To educate entry-level practitioners to the social work profession with an emphasis on its unique history, values, and ethical base
3. To prepare baccalaureate-level social workers for culturally-sensitive, generalist practice in an interconnected world
4. To promote understanding of urban and global social problems while preparing professional workers to empower, advocate, and otherwise meet the needs of marginalized populations and work for organizational and social change

Accreditation

The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Program Competencies

Graduates who earn a BSW will be able to:

• Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
• Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
• 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, and Communities
• Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Social Work requires a minimum of 120 hours. For degree completion, at least 30 hours in the degree must be completed in residence at UHD.  A minimum grade point average of 2.5 both at UHD and in the Social Major, and a grade of C or better in all Social Work courses are required for graduation. Students accepted into the program must meet with the Social Work advisor during the first semester, and at least once each semester thereafter, to develop and review her/ his official Degree Plan. Students should note that many Social Work courses must be taken in sequence and may not be available every semester.