1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog College of Health and Social Services - Social Work

Professor Christine Marlow, department head

Professors Marlow, Sallee; Associate Professors Peralta, Sandau-Beckler; Assistant Professors Anderson, Chornesky, de la Rosa, DeRoos, Hilbert, Yribia; College Associate Professor Vaughn; College Assistant Professor Lucero

(505) 646-2143

DEGREE: Bachelor of Social Work

The B.S.W. degree allows a student to join an increasingly vital profession dedicated to helping people in personal and social situations. As a unique and challenging field, social work continually addresses the complexity of human behavior and the ever-present needs and potential of people. From rural communities to inner cities, social workers are at work in social service agencies, hospitals, schools, neighborhood organizations, probation offices, and private agencies--just about anywhere there are people. Social work roles are varied and flexible. Social workers practice in areas such as child abuse, community organization, direct services with individuals and families, mental health, group work, administration, planning and development of social programs. With each consumer group and in every agency setting, social workers help to correct the causes or alleviate the results of poverty, racism, poor health, mental illness or any condition that prohibits people from reaching their potential.

The B.S.W. program prepares students for a beginning professional level of generalist social work practice with an understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the Southwest.

To be admitted as a B.S.W. candidate, students must formally apply for admission to the program. Consult pre-social work major advisers located in the Dean's Office of the College of Health and Social Services. Deadline for submitting application, January 29, 1999. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and all students have access to copies of the Curriculum Policy Statement.

General Education Requirements

Students must meet the university general education requirements before being accepted to the social work program.

General education requirements for the School of Social Work follow those outlined by the university in this catalog. The following courses are required by the school prior to entry: BIOL111G, SOC 101G, PSY 201G, SWK221 and two semesters of a foreign language. Once accepted into the program, students can choose one of three tracks totaling a minimum of six (6) credit hours:

1. two additional semesters of language, including sign language, or
2. an approved language immersion program, or
3. two approved upper-level courses with a multicultural emphasis.

Pre-entry electives highly recommended include courses in social work, sociology, history, Spanish, psychology, family life, child development, English, philosophy, anthropology, computer science, government, and economics. Consult pre-social work major advisers located in the Dean's Office of the College of Health and Social Services for recommended electives. Electives must be sufficient to bring total credits to 128, including 55 upper-division credits, for graduation.

Departmental Requirements

Preparation for entry level professional social work requires a thorough knowledge of theory and skills; therefore the high number (51) of core social work credits is mandated. The courses are designed to be completed in two years by full-time students.

Freshman Year (32 credits)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Sophomore Year (32 credits)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

NOTE: Student must be accepted into program in order to take junior or senior year courses.

Junior Year (33 credits)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Senior Year (33 credits)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

NOTE: A grade of C or better is required for all social work courses.

Three-Year Bachelor of Social Work Program

For those students working full-time or with family obligations, the program may be completed in three years. Following formal application to the program, courses are to be taken as follows:

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Senior Fifth Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester