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Social Work B.S.W.

Empower Vulnerable Populations in the Community

As our society grows in complexity, the role of social workers becomes more critical. University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Bachelor of Social Work from the College of Human Sciences and Humanities equips you to make a difference in the lives of people in your community. As a social worker, you will help find solutions for individuals and families in need; social workers advance change in social policy and support human well-being.

Be Part of an Innovative, Partnership-Oriented Program

During your course of study, you will develop the knowledge and skills for working with oppressed populations who may have been discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender identity/expression, age, sexual orientation, mental, or physical disability, veteran status or national origin. You will also learn respect for and appreciation of diversity throughout all components of our applied learning environment. Internship opportunities are a required part of the degree and are offered through several regional social service agencies and non-profit organizations. Participation in faculty research projects are encouraged. You may also consider applying to or participating in one of several organizations including Phi Alpha Honor Society, the Social Work Student Organization (SWSO), the National Association of Social Workers and the Social Work Alumni Organization.

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Admission Requirements

Admission to the BSW major begins with taking the first step: Starting and completing the undergraduate application process. Once enrolled and engaged in UHCL coursework, students become eligible to apply for Secondary Admission into the BSW Program. Throughout this journey, Program Faculty stand ready to guide, support, and answer any questions you may have.

BSW Secondary Admission Criteria and Policies
Secondary Admission Criteria and Prerequisites
Students may declare Social Work as their major at any point in time. However, students must apply for Secondary Admission and be accepted into the BSW Program in order to complete the curriculum and earn a Bachelor of Social Work.

Before applying for Secondary Admission into the BSW Program, students must have completed the criteria and prerequisites listed below.
- Current UHCL Student
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
- Completion of the Texas Core Requirements.
- Prerequisites: Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher.
  - Introduction to Psychology – PSYC 2301
  - Introduction to Sociology – SOCI 1301
  - Introduction to Social Work - SWRK 2361
  - Professional Issues and Ethics in Social Work - SWRK 3304
  - Natural Science Courses (complete one of the following): Human or General Biology; Anatomy & Physiology; Human or General Biology for non-science majors; or The Human Body.
Application and Required Documents
We encourage students to apply throughout the year. Admission into the BSW program is given on a rolling basis. Please review the Application Instructions and Supporting Materials before you begin. A completed application packet must include the following documents and information.
- Application Form and Checklist
- An unofficial copy of all college transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation from previous instructors or work supervisors
- A 4–6-page autobiographical statement. Applicants should be certain that their autobiographical statement is a strong sample of their ability to express themselves in writing. Instructions for the statement can be found on the Application Form and Checklist.
- Student Code of Conduct Form
Fall Registration Important Note: To gain access to BSW advanced curriculum in the fall, students must apply to the program by July 15.

Contact Dr. Heather Kanenberg (KanenbergH@uhcl.edu), Dr. Roberta Leal (LealR@uhcl.edu), or Dr. Maria Wilson (WilsonM@uhcl.edu) for BSW advising as soon as possible.

Important Notice: We are currently working to make our application forms accessible. Please contact Dr. Heather Kanenberg to obtain the needed application documents.
Admission Review Process
Students are highly encouraged to attend a BSW Program Orientation, offered every semester.
- Complete admission packets are reviewed by all full-time and/or part-time faculty.
- Students receive admission decisions within 30 days emailed to their UHCL email address.
- Students with a GPA lower than 2.5 may still be admitted to the BSW Program, if faculty determines other admission criteria are suitably strong.
- Applicants should also note that a personal interview may be required as part of the admissions process.
UHCL BSW Program Orientations are offered every semester. Students are highly encouraged to attend an orientation during their first semester at UHCL.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students may declare Social Work as their major at any point in time. However, students must apply for secondary admission and be accepted into the BSW Program in order to complete the curriculum and earn a Bachelor of Social Work.

Degree Requirements

Understanding the classes you need to take for your degree at University of Houston-Clear Lake is crucial to planning out your education. The buttons below will allow you to view the full degree requirements and give you an understanding of your academic experience. If you are currently attending a community college in Texas, click on the "Transfer Guide" button to view what classes can be taken at your local community college, and transferred to UHCL to complete your degree.

Social Work, B.S.W.Transfer Guide (PDF)