BSW Program Information and FAQs
The Social Work degree at Texas State is completed in phases. Below you will find information on Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III along with frequently asked questions which should provide a comprehensive overview of the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Texas State.
Phase I: Entry Level Social Work Courses and Specified General Education Core Curriculum Courses
Any undergraduate student admitted to Texas State University may declare a Social Work major and may enroll in SOWK 1350, SOWK 2375, as well as SOWK elective courses. Social work students should complete most of the following general education core curriculum and liberal arts courses before applying to Phase II of the Social Work major. They must complete at least 45 credit hours, including the following:
Code |
Title |
Hours |
Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 1 |
3 |
|
Life and Physical Sciences Component Code 030 1 |
3 |
|
Fundamentals of Human Communication (Component Area Option Code 090/091) |
3 |
|
College Writing I (Communication Component Code 010) |
3 |
|
College Writing II (Communication Component Code 010) |
3 |
|
Technical Writing |
3 |
|
or ENG 3304 |
Professional Writing |
|
History of the United States to 1877 (American History Component Code 060) 3 |
3 |
|
or HIST 2327 |
History of Mexican America to 1865 |
|
or HIST 2381 |
African American History to 1877 |
|
History of the United States, 1877 to Date (American History Component Code 060) 3 |
3 |
|
or HIST 2328 |
History of Mexican America from 1865 |
|
or HIST 2382 |
African American History from 1877 |
|
College Algebra (Mathematics Component Code 020) 2 |
3 |
|
or MATH 1316 |
Survey of Contemporary Mathematics |
|
Philosophy and Critical Thinking (Language, Philosophy, and Culture Component Code 040) |
3 |
|
or PHIL 1320 |
Ethics and Society |
|
Introduction to Social Work |
3 |
|
Social Services in the Community |
3 |
|
University Seminar (if required) |
1 |
|
Total Hours |
37 |
|
Course List |
1
ANTH 2301, BIO 1320, BIO 1330, BIO 1331, BIO 1321, CHEM 1310, CHEM 1330, CHEM 1341, CHEM 1342, GEO 1305, GEOL 1410, GEOL 1420, PHYS 1310, PHYS 1315, PHYS 1320, PHYS 1325, PHYS 1340, PHYS 1350, PHYS 1430, PHYS 2425
* Students will not receive general education core curriculum credit for both CHEM 1310 and CHEM 1341. Students will not receive general education core curriculum credit for both PHYS 1325 and PHYS 2425.
2
Math options include MATH 1315, MATH 1316, or MATH 1319.
3
History options for HIST 1310 include HIST 2327 or HIST 2381; options for HIST 1320 include HIST 2328 or HIST 2382.
A minimum 2.50 overall GPA (at the time that final grades post during the semester within which applications are received) is required for the application for Phase II to be fully considered.
Students interested in Social Work must contact the College of Applied Arts Academic Advising Center for advisement.
Phase II: Social Work Major (full-major status)
Students submit a formal application for admission to Phase II. Web-based application process opens each long Fall and Spring semester for admission into the program the following long Fall and/or Spring semester. On the application students select either the online cohort or the on-campus cohort. Dates and information for open and closing of applications are posted on the BSW Admissions Process website. An Admissions Committee screens applicants, considering academic record and suitability for social work practice, and informs applicants in writing of their decision to admit to full major status, conditionally admit to full major status, or deny admission to full major status. Students admitted to Phase II must attend a mandatory orientation to the major prior to beginning Phase II of the degree program. Information regarding the orientation is provided in the written notification of admission to Phase II of the major. When students are admitted to Phase II, they are eligible to register for the first semester of full major courses.
Admission into Phase II does not guarantee permission to remain in the degree program, nor does it guarantee advancement to Phase III of the major which is Field Placement. Social Work faculty will continuously assess a student’s progress. To be retained, the student must maintain the required minimum Texas State GPA of 2.50. Students must also earn a minimum grade of “C” in each social work course and each supportive course. The School of Social Work outlines academic progress and advancement to graduation requirement, including policies on retaking major courses and sequencing in the Student Handbook. To remain in Phase II, students must agree to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics, and demonstrate emotional and behavioral stability, competent communication skills, effective interpersonal relationship skills, and high levels of self-awareness.
Phase III: Field Placement/Practicum/Internship
Students who have completed all required courses for the BSW, excluding SOWK 4374 and SOWK 4975, demonstrate emotional and behavioral stability, and who have met all the requirements noted above may apply for field placement. Students apply for field placement with the School of Social Work's Office of Field Education. Students must meet all Office of Field Education requirements prior to full advancement into Phase III Field Placement.
BSW students complete one block internship with 420 contact hours in a field placement in one semester.
Note:
Additional academic credit hours will not be approved during the Phase III Field semester.
Students must take SOWK 4374 and SOWK 4975 during the same semester, which requires that the student limit their enrollment that semester to field placement, totaling 12 academic credit hours.
Important:
Online students may take the Phase III (Field Education) Field Seminar SOWK 4374 fully online, and the additional required co-requisite course SOWK 4975 Field Internship/Placement will be completed fully face-to-face within a human service organization or social service agency.
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What does the acronym BSW mean?
The acronym B.S.W. stands for Bachelor of Social Work.
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Is the Texas State University BSW Program offered 100% online?
- No. General Core Education courses (Phase I), and other General Core Education courses that are not part of (Phase I), degree support courses, and/or interdisciplinary electives, and a few social work electives may require a student to attend course(s) on the Texas State campus.
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Is there an online cohort option for Phase II (full-major status)?
Yes. The BSW Phase II online courses are primarily taught in an asynchronous format. However, faculty may include synchronous class sessions to provide class sessions for students to ask questions, to provide students with opportunities to discuss/learn more about specific course content, etc.
‘Online’ does not apply to all SOWK electives (offered ‘online’ mostly during summer semesters), Interdisciplinary electives from other departments/disciplines, Minor courses, or other additional courses required for degree plan completion that are offered ‘On-Campus’ only.
Please note that online students may take the Phase III (Field Education) SOWK 4374 Field Seminar fully online, and the additional required co-requisite course SOWK 4975 Field Internship/ Placement will be completed fully face-to-face within a human service organization or social service agency.
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Is the Program accredited?
- Yes. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at Texas State is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
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Why does accreditation matter/What does it mean?
- In the State of Texas Licensure is required if you identify yourself as a social worker by using titles or initials that create the impression that you are qualified or authorized to practice social work. This includes using any title containing the words "Social Worker" or initials such as LBSW, or LMSW.
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I applied and was accepted to Texas State. Why do I have to apply to the BSW Program?
The BSW Phase II application process is a CSWE accreditation program requirement.
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How long will it take to complete the Program?
- Upon submission of application material and acceptance to Phase II (full-major status) a student completes three long semesters (fall/spring) before applying for Phase III Field Placement. (Example of sequencing provided below).
- 1st semester – SOWK 3305, 3420, 4310
- 2nd semester – SOWK 3425, 4305, 4355
- 3rd semester – SOWK 3340, 4356, 4425
- Phase III Field Placement only occurs spring or fall semester and requires a formal application process.
- Upon submission of application material and acceptance to Phase II (full-major status) a student completes three long semesters (fall/spring) before applying for Phase III Field Placement. (Example of sequencing provided below).
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How much is tuition/what is the cost of attending Texas State?
- Tuition and fees are subject to change by legislative or Board of Regents action; changes become effective on the date of enactment, and thus a flat cost of attending cannot be provided.
- On the Tuition and Fees table, an online student does not pay items with a number one (1) in parenthesis. However, online courses at Texas State charge a $50.00 per credit hour fee; therefore, a three (3) hour course would have an online fee of $150.00 in addition to tuition and fees.
Undergraduate Tuition Rates : Student Business Services : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
Note: On the Undergraduate Tuition Rate (resident or non-resident) table the numbers at the top of the chart are the credit hours. Using the BSW Degree Plan you can view how the courses are offered/taken in a specific semester. The second number of the course is the credit hours associated with the course.
An example: A full-time Phase II admitted student BSW course sequence is ten (10) academic credit hours in their first semester. The courses are SOWK 3305 – the number 3 identifies a course as a junior level undergraduate course and the second number is the credit hour; in this case the course is three (3) credit hours. The next course is SOWK 3420, which is four (4) academic credit hour course, and SOWK 4310, which is also a three (3) hour course, for a total of ten (10) academic credit hours in the first semester. Using this information, you would use the corresponding table (resident or non-resident) and find the nine at the top of the table, then scroll down to the total, to view the tuition and fees associated with the ten academic credit hours for the semester.
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When do I need to apply for Phase II (full-major status)?
- It is recommended that a student apply for Phase II once they have successfully completed all Phase I requirements (if transfer coursework is to be utilized, the coursework must be reflected on the Texas State transcript prior to applying). A student may also apply in the semester in which they anticipate successful completion of Phase I requirements.
- The BSW Program accepts applications twice a year for a spring or fall Phase II start. The application deadlines are posted on the School of Social Work web site BSW Admissions Process : School of Social Work : Texas State University (txstate.edu). An incomplete application packet will not be reviewed.
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How do I submit my application?
- The BSW Phase II application is a web-based process. The application can be found https://www.socialwork.txstate.edu/undergraduate/BSWadmissions.html ‘BSW Application’
- The application packet must be submitted through the web-based portal.
- Texas State University student ID (A0---) and active NetID are required to access the application portal.
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What is the Phase II admissions/application process for applying to the social work major?
The application process for Phase II takes place each Fall and Spring semester, with admitted students beginning the next long semester (i.e.: students complete application process in fall semester, if admitted into the Program begin BSW Phase II the following spring semester).
- The BSW Phase II application process is a highly competitive process where each completed application packet is reviewed by the BSW Advisory Committee for admission decision.
- Students may apply to the BSW Program (Phase II) up to three times.
Review the Checklist & Tips - Steps to BSW Phase II Application Process.pdf (txstate.edu) for BSW Phase II application completion process.
- Complete the BSW application
- Complete Narrative Responses
- Complete Social Problem Essay
- Complete Pre-Major Performance Evaluations
- You are responsible for ensuring that the Pre-Major Performance Evaluations are received by the School of Social Work by the application deadline. Missing evaluations forms will render your application incomplete, meaning it will NOT be reviewed by the admissions committee.
- If you completed SOWK 1350 and SOWK 2375 at another institution and your instructor is no longer available, or you cannot locate your volunteer supervisor, or have other problems with this procedure, review the ‘Checklist & Tips’ document for options or contact BSW Associate Program Director via email rb1217@txstate.edu.
- Interview – only completed application packets will receive invitation to schedule an interview.
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How/When do I learn that a decision has been made?
- Upon successful completion of the BSW application process, attendance of scheduled interview, the BSW Advisory Committee convenes to review all completed application packets.
- Decisions of admission or decline will be entered into the application system.
- Applicants are notified via their Texas State email account of the decision of the BSW Advisory Committee.
- Please note the application process takes time therefore, it is highly recommended that applicants refrain from contacting the School of Social Work, as all applicants that submitted a completed application packet and attended an interview will be notified of a decision.
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What happens if I am not accepted to Phase II (full-major status)?
- If an applicant is not accepted to Phase II, it is recommended that they schedule an advising appointment with a College of Applied Arts Academic Advisor to review their options.
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How to do I change my major to Social Work?
- Once admitted to Texas State to change your major to social work, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in the College of Applied Arts Advising Center. To schedule an appointment, call 512-245-1490.
- A student cannot change their major via email.
- A student cannot change their major by contacting the School of Social Work.
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Do I need a minor?
- No. A minor is not required to earn the BSW degree.
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Are there any social work scholarships available?
- Yes. Scholarships offered by the School of Social Work can be found on the Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS).
Apply - BOSS : Financial Aid and Scholarships : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
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Is there tuition assistance available for current or former members of the foster care system?
- Tuition Waivers & Exemptions information can be found on the Student Business Services web site.
Tuition Waivers & Exemptions : Student Business Services : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
- If after reviewing the information on their web site, and you have additional questions contact Student Business Services directly.
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Is there an internship/practicum requirement for the social work degree?
- Yes. The internship/practicum is the signature pedagogy in social work education. The internship/practicum provides students the opportunity to draw upon the theories and practice skills they learn in the classroom and apply them to the practice setting.
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Where do I find information on/about potential internship sites/agencies?
The Office of Field Education coordinates all Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) internships/practicums. Students are not expected to secure their own internships and are not encouraged to reach out to partner agencies. The Office of Field Education secures all agency placements for social work students. We place students in many states and countries where social service agencies are available.
Office of Field Education : School of Social Work : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
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Where do I go for academic advising?
Academic advising for the social work major is coordinated by the College of Applied Arts Academic Advising Center. Their physical location is the Agriculture Building, Room 201.To schedule an academic advising appointment, please call 512-245-1490. You can also review their web site for other pertinent information related to academic advising.
College of Applied Arts Advising Center : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
Walking Times Between Buildings Walking Times Between Buildings : Office of the University Registrar : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
Campus map Texas State University (concept3d.com)
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How do I know what classes to take each semester once I am accepted to the BSW Program?
There are several resources to help you discern the sequencing of courses, the prerequisite, etc.
- Your academic advisor is an invaluable resource, and it is encouraged that you schedule an advising appointment every semester to make sure you are on target to meet all degree requirements and your anticipated graduation date.
- Degree Audit report
Students may view their degree audit report (audit) online, by visiting Self-Service Catsweb. Students should log in using their Texas State User ID and password. If there are any questions about how courses should count, or if students would like clarification on what requirements are remaining, they should contact the College of Applied Arts Academic Advising Center to schedule an advising appointment.
3. Undergraduate Degree Outline School of Social Work : College of Applied Arts Advising Center : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
4.Undergraduate Catalog Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Major in Social Work | Texas State University (txstate.edu)
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Am I able to complete/attend the BSW Program part-time?
No. Once admitted to Phase II the SOWK course sequence equates to 10 academic hours. The student then ‘adds’ any other required academic courses that have not been successfully completed to create a ‘full-time’ schedule, if applicable.
-
- 1st semester – SOWK 3305, 3420, 4310
- 2nd semester – SOWK 3425, 4305, 4355
- 3rd semester – SOWK 3340, 4356, 4425
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I am a prospective/future transfer student to Texas State University, am I able to talk to someone before I apply?
- Prospective/future Texas State applicants can schedule an appointment with an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor. During your visit you can inquire about the majors offered at Texas State, transfer planning, answering application questions, application deadlines, submitting application documents, etc.
Book an appointment https://www.admissions.txstate.edu/contact/book-an-appointment.html
Find Your Counselor : Undergraduate Admissions : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
You can also call 512-245-2364 or email admissions@txstate.edu
- To meet with a College of Applied Arts Academic Advisor to discuss the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program, please call 512-245-1490 to schedule an appointment. Their physical location is the Agriculture Building, Room 201.You can also review their web site for other pertinent information related to academic advising.
College of Applied Arts Advising Center : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
Walking Times Between Buildings Walking Times Between Buildings : Office of the University Registrar : Texas State University (txstate.edu)
Campus map Texas State University (concept3d.com)
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I am a prospective/future student, and I would like to visit the campus. Where do I go?
- To schedule a campus tour (San Marcos campus) Welcome Center; Visit Campus
- To schedule a virtual campus tour (San Marcos campus)
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I am a prospective transfer student to Texas State University, am I able to apply to the BSW program before I am accepted to the University?
Yes. The BSW application requires a Texas State student ID number (A#) and NetID, which is assigned/created when an applicant starts their ApplyTexas application.
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Is there a place where I can check how my academic courses transfer to Texas State University?
Yes. Students can see how their course work will transfer by using the Transfer Course Equivalency System. The System provides transfer credit equivalencies for commonly transferred courses. The information available on the system is drawn from the same course equivalency database that is used when information is posted to your official Texas State transcript.
Transfer Course Equivalency System > Transfer Course Equivalency System Home (txstate.edu)
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Is there a formal Orientation for the BSW Program once I am accepted to Phase II?
Yes. There is a formal BSW Orientation and students are expected to make arrangements to attend. Orientation is synchronous online, or in-person on the Texas State campus (depending on COVID-19 trends), meaning all students are expected to be in attendance, undistracted and engaging in the day’s discussions and activities.
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I did not attend Texas State for one (fall/spring) semester do I need to reapply to Texas State?
Yes. Returning student must reapply for admission to Texas. For guidance on how to reapply, including deadlines, refer to the steps below. For more information, contact Anni Judkins, Assistant Director.
- Academic Suspension
- If you were asked to leave due to academic suspension, you may return after complying with the terms of the university’s suspension policy and by following the readmission criteria outlined below.
- Military
- If you are student who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard and you withdrew from Texas State as a result of a call to active duty, you are eligible to return without paying the application fee, if you return within a year of being released from active duty. Please submit the Returning Military Information Form along with your DD214 form with release information or a letter from the Commander with release information.
- Personal Leave
- If you left Texas State for personal reasons, and were gone for one long semester or more, you may return by following the readmission steps outlined below.
- Readmission Standards
- Returning students who have taken transferable course work since last enrolled must be eligible to return to all previous institutions and have a minimum 2.25 GPA in that work.
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If I live in a different state or country, can I apply to and complete the BSW program at Texas State?
- Yes. You may apply to and complete the BSW program if you live in a different state or country. This is most applicable to being admitted into the online program. Texas State can accept students from all states for online/distance education programs, with the exception of Kentucky.
- Texas State University participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). For more information about state oversight of postsecondary distance education, please visit: https://www.distancelearning.txstate.edu/state-authorization.html
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I was recently readmitted back to Texas State, and I was previously a BSW Phase II student, do I need to reapply to the BSW Program?
Yes. You must reapply for Phase II consideration if you have not attended Texas State for two long semesters (a spring and fall semester or fall and spring semester). The Phase II admissions/application process for applying to the social work major is listed above.
No. You do not need to reapply for Phase II consideration if you sat out one long semester (a spring or a fall semester).
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I work for a social service agency can I use my job/experience to earn college credit?
No. The BSW Program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
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Does the School do criminal background checks on applicants?
- The School does not require a background check for applicants to be admitted to the BSW Program.
- However, Field/Practicum agencies may require a student to have a background check to ensure that the student is appropriate to work with the agency’s clients.
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Does the BSW Program at Texas State prepare students for the state licensing exam? How do I pursue licensure?
- Students often do take the Bachelor’s Social Worker licensing exam prior to or after their official graduation with an BSW degree.
- The BSW Program prepares students to engage in entry-level social work practice. Students seeking licensure are expected to prepare on their own for the licensing exam using available resources from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), their intended state of licensure (e.g., Texas and the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council), and the Texas State University Library. See examples of information and resources from ASWB below:
- Getting Ready (Links to an external site) for the Exam
- Candidate Handbook
- Online Exam Registration
- Registration Frequently Asked Questions (Links to an external site.)
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Still have questions?
Contact us at bswprogram@txstate.edu