BSW Admissions Process

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

Students submit a formal application for admission to Phase II. Application materials are due to the School of Social Work office by 5:00 p.m. on the third Monday of November for spring admission to the major or the third Monday in April for fall admission to the major. 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

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 Field Office. Students must take the Phase II Competency Exam and meet all Field Office 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. 

The School prefers that students take SOWK 4374 and SOWK 4975 during the same semester, which requires that the student limit his/her enrollment that semester to field placement, totaling 12 hours. Under exceptional circumstances, students may request permission from the Field Coordinator to take SOWK 4374 and SOWK 4975 over two consecutive semesters (6 hours each semester).