Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Social Work


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Satyanarayana Ayinagadda, Chair (Centennial Hall 450D)
Professor: Ayinagadda
Associate Professors: Arumugham
Assistant Professor: Earley
Professors Emeriti: Bisbee, Walker

Mission Statement for the Social Work Program

In agreement with the mission of Midwestern State University and the mission of the Robert D. and Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services, the Social Work Program strives to prepare students to be generalist social work practitioners who serve as ethical social workers and leaders in the community in a wide variety of settings. The program is dedicated to educating students to practice without discrimination and to advocate for diverse populations, oppressed populations, or economically disadvantaged populations through leadership activities, research, service, and a commitment to professional growth.

A Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) prepares a student for entry level practice as a generalist practitioner. The Social Work Program at MSU offers (1) a broad liberal arts foundation; (2) grounding in knowledge from the behavioral and social sciences concerning the characteristics and behavior of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; (3) the opportunity to integrate and apply the components of social work education in a rigorous field practicum; and (4) content and experiences relative to values and ethics as applied to special populations and self. Generalist practice uses an ecological approach to integrate both treatment and growth through conceptualizing transactions between people and their physical and psychosocial systems in the environment. The program supports individual and social change predicated on a humanitarian and social justice philosophy.

The Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the baccalaureate level. There is no minor offered with the BSW degree and no social work credit is awarded for life experience. Graduates from the program are prepared for graduate study in social work or other disciplines where the baccalaureate degree would be appropriate preparation. BSW graduates are eligible to take the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners test for Licensed Social Worker (LBSW).

Admission to the Social Work Program

Students must have completed 24 semester hours before applying for admission to the Social Work Program. This total includes the following courses:  ENGL 1123  and 3 additional hours from Communication core component ; PSYC 1103 ; SOCL 1133 ; HIST 1133  and HIST 1233 ; and POLS 1333  and POLS 1433 .

Students desiring to major in social work should complete the Social Work Application for Admission form during the semester they take Introduction to Social Work. Other students (transfers, etc.) should complete this form immediately upon admission to the University. The Social Work Admissions Committee reviews the application and notifies students by letter about acceptance or non-acceptance to the program. A personal interview with a social work faculty member to discuss educational needs and expectations of the Social Work Program should be scheduled as soon as possible after completion of the form. In addition to general undergraduate requirements, students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and demonstrate suitability for professional social work practice with knowledge and adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics.

Programs and Courses

Programs

    Major

    Courses

      Social Work

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