Social Work (SCWK)

Yvette Murphy-Erby, Director of the School of Social Work
Sara Collie, Graduate Program Director
Carly Franklin, Undergraduate Program Director
Ananda Rosa, Field Education Program Director

106 SCSW
479-575-5039
School of Social Work Website

The School of Social Work offers an undergraduate major leading to a Bachelor of Social Work degree. The principal objective of the undergraduate social work program is to prepare students for beginning generalist social work practice.

Social work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to this goal. Social work is a gratifying career for people who care about others, want to relieve human suffering, like a challenge, and want their work to make a difference in the world. The profession is dedicated to assisting individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in reaching their full potential.

Social work is particularly concerned with achieving social and economic justice for vulnerable populations and respecting and valuing human diversity. The School of Social Work at the University of Arkansas reflects the profession's fundamental concerns in its educational goals and objectives. In order to achieve its basic purposes, the school faculty, students, staff, and agency field instructors are involved in a variety of teaching, research, and outreach activities.

Accreditation

The social work program is fully accredited at the baccalaureate and graduate level by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Requirements for B.S.W. in Social Work

Pre-Social Work (PSCWK)

The pre-social work program identifies that a student has declared social work as a major but has not yet been accepted into the professional social work core. Students classified as pre-social work are completing the course requirements necessary to qualify for admission into the professional social work core. As members of the School of Social Work, pre-social work students are encouraged to participate in events, opportunities and activities sponsored the School of Social Work in accordance with the student’s progress in the program. Once a student is accepted into professional social work core, the student’s designation will change to Social Work major.

Criteria for Admission to B.S.W. Program and Professional Social Work Core

Students may declare themselves as pre-social work at any point, however formal admission to the professional core is required before a student is allowed to take the following courses that comprise the professional social work core:

SCWK 40703	Social Work Research and Technology I	3
SCWK 41003	Human Behavior and the Social Environment II	3
SCWK 43303	Social Work Practice I	3
SCWK 43403	Social Work Practice II	3
SCWK 47303	Social Work Practice III	3
SCWK 44304	Social Work Internship I	4
SCWK 44102	Field Seminar I	2
SCWK 44404	Social Work Internship II	4
SCWK 44202	Field Seminar II	2

Each student must meet the following minimum academic course requirements and complete the application process outlined below.

Minimum Academic Course Requirements

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Complete the following 9 courses, each with a grade of “C” or better.

SPCH 10003	Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003)	3
ENGL 10103	Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013)	3
PLSC 20003	American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003)	3
PSYC 20003	General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)	3
SCWK 21303	Introduction to Social Work	3
SCWK 31903	Human Diversity and Social Work	3
SCWK 40903	Human Behavior and the Social Environment I	3
SCWK 41503	Social Welfare Policy	3
SOCI 10103	General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)	3

Complete BIOL 10103/BIOL 10101 Principles of Biology and Lab or ANTH 10143/ANTH 10141 Biological Anthropology and Lab with a grade of “D” or better.

Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA in the 10 courses listed above.

Application Process

The application process must be completed by the announced application deadline prior to the semester in which the student will enroll in SCWK 43303 Social Work Practice I. The application packet includes the following materials:

Application Form. This form becomes the cover sheet for the application packet. Application forms are available from the online B.S.W. Student Handbook or from the social work webpage.

Volunteer/Work Experience Form. This form provides documentation of satisfactory completion of the volunteer experience assignment in SCWK 21303 Introduction to Social Work or equivalent and submission of a positive “Supervisor’s Reference Form” from the supervisor of the experience. A minimum of 30 hours of work or volunteer experience are required for admission to the Social Work Professional Core. (See appendices of B.S.W. Student Handbook for forms).

Personal Statement. This narrative statement should include: motivation for becoming a social worker; relevant work, volunteer or life experiences; strengths and limitations for effective social work practice; personal commitment and agreement to abide by the values and ethics of the social work profession; career goals and indication of fields of practice preference or areas where one would not feel comfortable working.

Ethical Principles/Guidelines for University of Arkansas Social Work Students. By signing this statement you are acknowledging that you have read, understand and agree to abide by and behave in accordance with the “Ethical Principles/Guidelines for Social Work Students.” This statement is contained in the admissions packet, and is available from the online B.S.W. Student Handbook (see appendices) or from the social work office. A copy of this signed statement will be included in the student's advising file.

Professional Habits Reference Form. This form must be completed by two Social Work professors. These references need to be from SCWK 41503 Social Welfare Policy and SCWK 40903 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (HBSE I) unless both courses were taken online. If this is the case, the student will choose another Social Work professor they have had in a face-to-face class along with their choice of either their SCWK 40903 or SCWK 41503 professor. If the student has had all Social Work courses in person, they will use both their Policy and HBSE I professors as references. It is the student’s responsibility to request the reference from the professors via email. The email should include the student’s full name and student ID#. The instructor will submit the form directly to the B.S.W. Director. If one or both of these courses (SCWK 40903 or SCWK 41503) were successfully completed at another institution, please see the B.S.W. Director for further instructions. In addition, students should be aware that feedback from other faculty will be taken into account during the admission process. Students may view the professional habits reference form in the online B.S.W. Student Handbook (see appendices).

Documentation of Completion of Pre-Professional Courses. Students applying to the professional core must have completed the following courses:

BIOL 10103	Principles of Biology (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lecture)	3
or ANTH 10143	Introduction to Biological Anthropology
SPCH 10003	Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003)	3
ENGL 10103	Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013)	3
PLSC 20003	American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003)	3
PSYC 20003	General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)	3
SCWK 21303	Introduction to Social Work	3
SCWK 31903	Human Diversity and Social Work	3
SCWK 40903	Human Behavior and the Social Environment I	3
SCWK 41503	Social Welfare Policy	3
SOCI 10103	General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)	3

All courses above must be successfully completed with a "C" or better, with the exception of BIOL 10103 or ANTH 10143. Note: Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA in the pre-professional courses listed above.

There are University and College requirements for general education and the Social Work degree in addition to those listed in Items 5 above. Consult your University Catalog, Social Work Student Handbook or your adviser if you have questions about these. The statistics requirement must be taken prior or during SCWK 40703 Social Work Research and Technology I.

Copy of current transcript documenting the minimum academic course requirements listed above.

The above materials are submitted to the B.S.W. Program Director and reviewed by the B.S.W. Admission Committee. If the Admissions Committee has any questions concerning the content of the materials, the student may be asked to interview with a faculty member to resolve any questions or to provide additional information.

Upon completion of the materials review and interview (if necessary), the student will be informed in writing by the B.S.W. Program Director of his or her admission status.

There are three possible admission decisions:

Unconditional Admission: These students have demonstrated through their application materials (and interview, if required) that they have the motivation and potential for competent professional social work practice and that they agree to uphold and conduct themselves in accordance with the values and ethics of professional social work practice. In addition, these students have at least a 2.5 GPA in the pre-professional courses and have an overall GPA of 2.5.

Conditional Admission: Students with deficiencies related to the admission criteria may be granted conditional admission to the major. Students must resolve any pending issues within the time frame identified by the admission committee. Students will receive a letter that outlines the deficiencies and a plan to resolve the concerns. The letter will include specific deadlines and must be signed by both the student and the B.S.W. director. The student will be unconditionally admitted once they have met the conditions outlined by the plan. Conditional admission may be granted for low GPA or non-GPA concerns such as writing skills, assertiveness, stress management, or working with diverse populations.

Non-acceptance: A decision of non-acceptance will be made when the student is found to be unsuited for professional social work practice. There are two criteria for non-acceptance: 1) the lack of acceptable academic performance necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the social work program, and/or 2) the inability to demonstrate commitment to social work values and ethics as they are reflected in the “Ethical Principles and Guidelines for UA Social Work Students” document that is available on-line in the B.S.W. Student Handbook and included with the forms for applying to the professional social work core (see Appendices). A decision of non-acceptance will result in the student’s inability to progress in the social work program. In the event of non-acceptance, assistance with a transfer to another major will be provided upon request.

Criteria for Retention and Continuation

In addition to the admission process, the B.S.W. Program also has requirements for retention and continuation in the major.

Retention

Maintenance of an overall GPA of 2.5.

Maintenance of a 2.5 GPA in social work courses.

Students must abide by and behave in accordance with the “Ethical Principles/Guidelines for UA Social Work Students”.

Social work students should not engage in any activity or behavior which, according to university policy or regulations, would result in dismissal from the university community. Such activity or behavior includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, physical or sexual assault, and academic dishonesty. (See Undergraduate Studies Catalog for description of Academic Dishonesty, and Undergraduate Studies Catalog, Appendix C: Student Handbook for details).

Continuation and Grading Policies

A grade of C or better must be earned in all social work courses. If a student receives a grade of D or F in one of the professional social work core courses, the course must be retaken with a grade of C or better prior to taking the course for which that course serves as a prerequisite.

Once matriculated into the B.S.W. program, B.S.W. students who earn a D or F will be allowed to repeat this course one time. Students can repeat up to two different social work courses.
A student may repeat a course from which they earned a W no more than one time.
Any professional social work core course in which the student receives a grade of I (Incomplete) must be satisfactorily completed (with a grade of C or better) prior to entering the course for which the course receiving the Incomplete is a prerequisite.
Any core social work course in which the student receives a grade of ‘I’ (Incomplete) must be satisfactorily completed (with a grade of C or better) prior to entering the course for which the course receiving the Incomplete is a prerequisite. For example, a student receiving an ‘I’ in SCWK 40903 may not take SCWK 41003 or SCWK 43303 until SCWK 40903 is completed with a final grade.
If the student's core and/or overall GPA falls below the 2.5 GPA required for retention, the student may remain in the B.S.W. program and take up to an additional 15 credit hours to raise their GPA to the required level. Failure to do so within these parameters will result in dismissal from the B.S.W. program. Students will be referred to the Fulbright Advising Center to change their major course of study.

Criteria for Termination

Students may be terminated from the B.S.W. Program for the following reasons:

Failure to maintain minimum GPA requirements (2.5 cumulative overall, 2.5 for all social work courses). See item 5 under Continuation and grading policies.
Failure to earn a C or better in a professional social work core course after the second attempt.
Engaging in any activity or behavior which, according to university policy or regulations, would result in dismissal from the university community. Such activity or behavior includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, physical or sexual assault, and academic dishonesty.
Engaging in any activity or behavior incompatible with the “Standards for Social Work Education” via the process outlined in the Three Levels of Review (Section 3.2 of “Standards for Social Work Education”).

Students engaging in any activity or behavior incompatible with the “Standards for Social Work Education” (available online and with the materials for application to the professional social work core; see Appendices) will result in a review by the School of Social Work’s Student Retention and Success Committee. Details of the referral process for a review by the Student Retention and Success Committee can be found online in the B.S.W. Student Handbook and in the Standards for Social Work Education document.

The School of Social Work utilizes a level system to address student activity and behaviors that constitute a violation of the “Standards for Social Work Education.” A Level 1 referral includes an intervention provided by an individual instructor. A Level 2 referral is made if continued issues arise after a Level 1 referral or if a student’s actions take place outside of the classroom setting. Level 2 referrals require a remediation plan to address concerns and a meeting with the appropriate Program Director (B.S.W. or Field Directors). A Level 3 referral is made in cases in which a remediation plan has not been successful, or the action/behavior constitutes a serious violation. A Level 3 referral is reviewed by the Student Retention and Success Committee. If a referral is made to the Student Retention and Success Committee, this may result in termination by the School of Social Work or a decision that continuation is contingent upon completion of a corrective action plan specified by the School.

Students who disagree with these decisions may appeal. Procedures for this entire process are found in the Standards for Social Work Education. Students in the field program are governed by the UA School of Social Work Field Manual and the UA student handbook. Note: Students that have been terminated from the B.S.W. Program as a result of the having engaged in any activity or behavior incompatible with the “Standards for Social Work Education” are not eligible to re-apply for admission to the program.

Requirements for a Major in Social Work

In addition to the state minimum core and the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements, the following cognate and major course requirements must be met. Bolded courses from the list below may be applied to portions of the state minimum core requirements.

BIOL 10103 & BIOL 10101	Principles of Biology (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lecture) and Principles of Biology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lab)	4
or ANTH 10143 & ANTH 10141	Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Introduction to Biological Anthropology Laboratory
SPCH 10003	Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003)	3
ENGL 20003	Advanced Composition	3
or ENGL 20133	Essay Writing
HIST 11193	Institutions and Ideas of World Civilizations I (ACTS Equivalency = HIST 1113)	3
HIST 11293	Institutions and Ideas of World Civilizations II (ACTS Equivalency = HIST 1123)	3
PHIL 20003	Introduction to Philosophy (ACTS Equivalency = PHIL 1103)	3
or PHIL 21003	Introduction to Ethics (ACTS Equivalency = PHIL 1003)
PLSC 20003	American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003)	3
PSYC 20003	General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)	3
SOCI 10103	General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)	3
One Statistics Course		3
Six hours of 3000- or 4000-level courses from AAST, ANTH, COMM, GEOS, HESC, PLSC, PSYC, SOCI and courses applicable to gender studies as approved by the School of Social Work		6
Six hours of a single world language beginning at the 1013 Elementary II level or higher. ¹		6
And 45 semester hours of social work courses including:
SCWK 21303	Introduction to Social Work	3
SCWK 31903	Human Diversity and Social Work	3
SCWK 40703	Social Work Research and Technology I	3
SCWK 40903	Human Behavior and the Social Environment I	3
SCWK 41003	Human Behavior and the Social Environment II	3
SCWK 41503	Social Welfare Policy	3
SCWK 43303	Social Work Practice I	3
SCWK 43403	Social Work Practice II	3
SCWK 44102	Field Seminar I	2
SCWK 44202	Field Seminar II	2
SCWK 44304	Social Work Internship I	4
SCWK 44404	Social Work Internship II	4
SCWK 47303	Social Work Practice III	3
Two Social Work Electives		6

¹: World language courses at the 1003 Elementary I level cannot be used to satisfy any part of the social work major's six-hour world language requirement.

Students must adhere to requirements cited for each social work course. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all core social work courses. If a student receives a grade of “D” in a core social work course, the course must be retaken with a grade of “C” or better prior to taking the course for which that course serves as a prerequisite.

Writing Requirement: Social work students complete the research/analytical writing requirement by passing SCWK 40703 with a C or better.

Social Work B.S.W.

Eight-Semester Degree Program

Students wishing to follow the eight-semester degree plan should see the Eight-Semester Degree Policy for university requirements of the program. State minimum core hours may vary by individual, based on placement and previous credit granted. Once all core requirements are met, students may substitute a three-hour (or more) general elective in place of a core area.

First Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
ENGL 10103 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)	3
Satisfies General Education Outcome 2.1:
MATH 11003 College Algebra (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1103) (either math 11003 or Math 11103) or MATH 11103 Quantitative Reasoning (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1113)	3
Select one of the following (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3):	3
PLSC 20003 American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003)
PSYC 20003 General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)
SOCI 10103 General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)
State Minimum Core Fine Arts Course (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1)¹	3
1013 Elementary II World Language Course (or higher level, depending on placement)	3
ENGL 10203 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) (Satisfies General Education Outcome 1.1)		3
Select one of the following (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4):		4
BIOL 10103 Principles of Biology (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lecture) & BIOL 10101 Principles of Biology Laboratory (ACTS Equivalency = BIOL 1014 Lab)
ANTH 10143 Introduction to Biological Anthropology & ANTH 10141 Introduction to Biological Anthropology Laboratory
Select one of the following as needed (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3):		3
PSYC 20003 General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)
SOCI 10103 General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)
PLSC 20003 American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003)
SPCH 10003 Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 1.2 and 5.1)		3
2003 Intermediate I World Language Course (or higher level)		3
Year Total:	15	16

Second Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
Select one of the following as needed (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3):	3
SOCI 10103 General Sociology (ACTS Equivalency = SOCI 1013)
PLSC 20003 American National Government (ACTS Equivalency = PLSC 2003)
PSYC 20003 General Psychology (ACTS Equivalency = PSYC 1103)
SCWK 21303 Introduction to Social Work	3
ENGL 20003 Advanced Composition or ENGL 20133 Essay Writing	3
HIST 11193 Institutions and Ideas of World Civilizations I (ACTS Equivalency = HIST 1113) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 3.2, 3.3, and 4.1)	3
State Minimum Core Social Sciences requirement (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.3)	3
General Elective		3
Science State State Minimum Core Lecture with Corequisite Lab requirement (Satisfies General Education Outcome 3.4)		4
SCWK 31903 Human Diversity and Social Work (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 4.1 and 4.2)^{2, 3}		3
Statistics (SOCI, STAT, etc) (4 Hours if SOCI)		3-4
HIST 11293 Institutions and Ideas of World Civilizations II (ACTS Equivalency = HIST 1123) (Satisfies General Education Outcomes 3.2, 3.3, and 4.1)		3
Year Total:	15	16

Third Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
SCWK 40903 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I^{2, 3}	3
SCWK 41503 Social Welfare Policy^{2, 3}	3
SCWK Elective^{2, 3}	3
Satisfies General Education Outcomes 3.2 and 5.1:
PHIL 20003 Introduction to Philosophy (ACTS Equivalency = PHIL 1103) or PHIL 21003 Introduction to Ethics (ACTS Equivalency = PHIL 1003)	3
Upper Level Social Science^{2, 3, 4}	3
SCWK 40703 Social Work Research and Technology I (Satisfies General Education Outcome 6.1)^{2, 3}		3
SCWK 43303 Social Work Practice I^{2, 3}		3
SCWK 41003 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II^{2, 3}		3
SCWK Elective^{2, 3}		3
General Elective		3
Year Total:	15	15

Fourth Year	Units
	Fall	Spring
SCWK 43403 Social Work Practice II^{2, 3}	3
SCWK 47303 Social Work Practice III^{2, 3}	3
SCWK 44304 Social Work Internship I^{2, 3}	4
SCWK 44102 Field Seminar I^{2, 3}	2
General Electives	3
SCWK 44404 Social Work Internship II³		4
SCWK 44202 Field Seminar II³		2
Upper Level Social Science^{2, 3, 4}		3
General Electives (as needed to total 120 degree credit hours)		3-4
Year Total:	15	13

Total Units in Sequence:		120

¹

The Fine Arts Elective courses which satisfies General Education Outcome 3.1 include:

ARCH 10003, ARHS 10003, COMM 10003, DANC 10003, LARC 10003, MUSC 10003, MUSC 100H3, MUSC 10103, MUSC 101H3, MUSC 13303, THTR 10003, THTR 10103 orTHTR 101H3.

²

Meets 40-hour advanced credit hour requirement. See College Academic Regulations.

³

Meets 24-hour rule (24 hours of 3000-4000 level courses in Fulbright College), in addition to meeting the 40-hour rule. See College Academic Regulations.

⁴

3000-4000 level social science electives to be selected from Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Gender Studies, Political Science, Communictions, Geosciences, African and African American Studies, or Human Environmental Sciences.

Requirements for a Minor in Child Advocacy Studies Training

The Child Advocacy Studies Training online minor program is designed to better prepare future child protection workers, law enforcement officers, and other child-serving professionals in child welfare. Students may only receive credit for the minor or the certificate below, but not both.

18 hours are required for the minor:

SCWK 30103	Child Advocacy I: Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy	3
SCWK 40103	Child Advocacy II: Professional and System Responses to Child Maltreatment	3
SCWK 40203	Child Advocacy III: Responding to the Survivor of Child Abuse	3
Choose three from the following courses:		9
SCWK 31603	On Death and Dying
SCWK 32303	Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice
SCWK 41403	Addiction and the Family
SCWK 41503	Social Welfare Policy
SCWK 36303	Child Welfare: 21st Century Perspectives
SCWK 46403	Child Advocacy IV: Global Issues in Child Welfare
Total Hours		18

Requirements for a Minor in Substance Use Disorders

The minor in substance use disorders is designed to educate students in various aspects of substance use disorders. Students must notify the School of Social Work of intention to pursue this minor.

18 hours are required for the minor.

Students must pass the following three courses with a C or better:
SCWK 41403	Addiction and the Family	3
SCWK 42103	The Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders	3
SCWK 42403	Impact of Policy on Addiction	3
Choose three of the following courses and pass each one with a C or better:		9
SCWK 31603	On Death and Dying
SCWK 32303	Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice
SCWK 30103	Child Advocacy I: Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy
SCWK 40103	Child Advocacy II: Professional and System Responses to Child Maltreatment
SCWK 40203	Child Advocacy III: Responding to the Survivor of Child Abuse
SCWK 40903	Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
SCWK 41503	Social Welfare Policy
SCWK 36303	Child Welfare: 21st Century Perspectives
SCWK 31903	Human Diversity and Social Work
Total Hours		18

Requirements for Departmental Honors in Social Work: The Departmental Honors Program in Social Work is an upper-division course of study with an independent investigation on a topic in social work. Students work closely with an adviser of their choice to define the goals of an honors project and to develop it to completion. They must take 12 hours (which may include 6 hours of thesis) in Honors Studies. In developing the project, students are encouraged to take honors courses, participate in honors colloquia, and do extensive background reading. The honors thesis may entail a library research project, a social work intervention project to be conducted in the field, or a policy analysis project. A research study that requires original data collection and analysis is preferred. In any case, the honors work is a serious long-term undertaking that should have direct value in supplementing the student’s regular departmental academic program. Enrollment in SCWK 399HV takes place after the student has done background reading and has actually begun a project. Students normally enroll in this course for three hours of credit. The course may be repeated for an additional 3 hours of credit if the student’s project is an extensive one. Regardless of the type of project, it is presented in written form and defended at an oral examination before an Honors Council Committee. Projects of extraordinarily high quality may be designated High Honors by the Committee. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Social Work Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Faculty

Allbright, Sara, M.S.W (University of Arkansas), B.S. (John Brown University), Lecturer, 2018.
Atwood, Casey, B.S.W. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2013.
Barnett, Tracey, PhD. (University of Texas at Arlington), M.S.W. (University of Alabama), Assistant Professor, 2018.
Bennett, Marion, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), M.S.W. (University of Pennsylvania), B.S.W (Hampton University), Assistant Professor, 2023.
Bostian-Neal, Elisabeth, M.S.W., B.S.W. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2020.
Bryson, Sarah J., M.S.W. (Colorado State University), Lecturer, 2014.
Christy, Kameri, Ph.D., M.S.W. (University of Kansas), B.A. (University of Missouri-Kansas City), Professor, 2003, 2013.
Clingan, Shelley Diane, M.S.W. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), Lecturer, 2014.
Collie, Sara J., M.S.W. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), B.A. (University of Arkansas), Associate Professor, 2011.
Dickson, Ernestine, M.S.W. (Florida State University), B.S.W. (University of Florida), Lecturer, 2020.
Elliot, Jonathan, M.S.W. (University of Texas at Austin), B.S.W. (University of Alabama), Lecturer, 2019.
Ferguson, Alishia Juanelle, Ph.D., M.S., B.A. (University of Texas Arlington), Clinical Associate Professor, 2008, 2022.
Fields, Lashawnda, Ph.D., M.S.W. (Washington University), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Franklin, Carly T.S., M.S.W. (University of Arkansas), Clinical Associate Professor, 2014, 2022.
Freeman, Katherine, M.S.W. (University of Georgia), B.A. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2017.
Gallagher, John M., Ph.D., M.S.W. (Arizona State University), B.A. (State University of New York at Plattsburgh), Associate Professor, 2016, 2022.
Hurd, Debra, Ph.D., M.P.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Clinical Professor, 1992, 2012.
Long, Christiane, Ph.D. (Our Lady of the Lake University-San Antonio), M.S.W. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), B.S. (University of Central Arkansas), Assistant Professor, 2022.
Moore, Brian, M.S.W, B.S.W (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2004.
Murphy-Erby, Yvette, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina at Greensboro), M.S.W. (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), B.A. (University of North Carolina, Charlotte), Professor, 2004, 2013.
Nolen, Erin, Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin), M.S.W., B.S.W. (Baylor University), Assistant Professor, 2023.
Page, Patricia, J.D. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), M.S.W. (Florida State University), B.S.W. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2014.
Parker, Betty, M.S.W., B.S.W. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2013, 2017.
Payne, Whitney, M.S.W (University of Arkansas), B.S.W (University of Alaska–Anchorage), Clinical Assistant Professor, 2013, 2014.
Plassmeyer, Mark P., Ph.D. (University of Denver), M.S.W. (University of Pittsburg), B.A (Fort Lewis College), Assistant Professor, 2019.
Rosa, Ananda, M.S.W. (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), B.A. (University of Arkansas), Clinical Associate Professor, 2010, 2022.
Scott, Adrienne R., M.S.W. (University of Texas, Arlington), B.A. (University of Arkansas), Clinical Assistant Professor, 2014, 2023.
Shobe, Marcia A., Ph.D. (University of Kansas), M.S.W. (University of Hawaii at Manoa), B.A. (State University of New York at Plattsburgh), Professor, 2007, 2012.
Spears, Kari R., M.S.W., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Instructor, 2016.
Stauss, Kim, Ph.D. (University of Utah), M.S.W. (California State University at Sacramento), B.S. (Stephen F. Austin State University), Associate Professor, 2006, 2012.
Stephens, Mary Paige, M.S.W., B.A. (University of Missouri–Columbia), Lecturer, 2013.
Thomas, Johanna, Ph.D., M.S.W. (Louisiana State University), B.A. (University of Akron), Assistant Professor, 2015.
Thomas, Stephanie, M.S.W. (University of Maryland at Baltimore), B.S. (Old Dominion University), Lecturer, 2017.
Torres, Maria, M.S.W., B.S.W. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2020.
Tyler, Susan, M.S.W., B.S.W (University of Arkansas), Clinical Assistant Professor, 2018, 2023.
Valandra, Ph.D., M.S.W. (University of Minnesota), M.B.A., B.S. (University of Nebraska at Omaha), Associate Professor, 2013, 2019.
Woodruff, Emily, M.S.W., B.S. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Clinical Assistant Professor, 2022.

Courses

SCWK 21303. Introduction to Social Work. 3 Hours.

Introduction to social work as a profession and to social welfare institutions from the perspective of the generalist, entry level social worker. Emphasis on empowerment function of social work. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 30103. Child Advocacy I: Perspectives on Child Maltreatment and Child Advocacy. 3 Hours.

Introductory course in child advocacy studies training. Covers the history, comparative perspectives, legal framework, responses to child maltreatment, skills necessary to do the work, other pertinent issues pertaining to child maltreatment and child advocacy. (Typically offered: Fall)

SCWK 31603. On Death and Dying. 3 Hours.

Reviews the theory and humanistic importance of the concepts of death and dying in society. An experimental option and interdisciplinary faculty presenters will be part of the format. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SCWK 31903. Human Diversity and Social Work. 3 Hours.

An introduction to information basic concepts related to human diversity and social work. Provides content on differences and similarities in the experiences, needs, and beliefs of people distinguished by race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical or mental ability, age or national origin. Prerequisite: On-campus sections for Social Work major, minor, or Pre-SCWK students only; Online sections are open to all majors. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 32303. Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice. 3 Hours.

This course is designed as a discussion of contemporary issues in juvenile justice. The focus is on the child and family system, including various theories related to underlying causes for involvement in the juvenile courts. This course will also describe the current workings of the juvenile court system and implications for the future. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 36303. Child Welfare: 21st Century Perspectives. 3 Hours.

Study of the needs of deprived children with some attention to methods and standards of care. Cultural competence and family-centered practice are emphasized. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SCWK 399HV. Honors Course. 1-18 Hour.

Honors course. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

SCWK 40103. Child Advocacy II: Professional and System Responses to Child Maltreatment. 3 Hours.

Continuation of Child Advocacy Studies I. Focuses on the responses of professionals to allegations of child maltreatment. Covers competency-based skills training including forensic interviewing and documentation. Prerequisite: SCWK 30103. (Typically offered: Spring)

SCWK 40203. Child Advocacy III: Responding to the Survivor of Child Abuse. 3 Hours.

Continuation of Child Advocacy Studies II. Provides training to recognize the effects of child maltreatment and to develop intervention strategies for children and their families. Outside experiential activities for this course involve court room observations. Prerequisite: SCWK 30103 and SCWK 40103. (Typically offered: Summer)

SCWK 4050V. Special Topics in Social Work. 1-6 Hour.

Comprehensive study of various topics of importance in contemporary social welfare and social work practice. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

SCWK 40703. Social Work Research and Technology I. 3 Hours.

An overview of forms and sources of social work research including existing social data, techniques for collecting original social data, and techniques of organization, interpretation, and presentation of data. Students will also become proficient in the use of current technology for social work research and practice. Pre- or Corequisite: One of the following: MATH 21003, SOCI 33003 and SOCI 33001, PSYC 20103, or ESRM 24003. Prerequisite: SCWK 40903 and SCWK 41503. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 40903. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I. 3 Hours.

Provides a conceptual framework for knowledge of human behavior and the social environment with a focus on individuals. Social systems, life-course, assets, and resiliency-based approaches are presented. Special attention is given to the impact of discrimination and oppression on the ability to reach or maintain optimal health and well-being. Prerequisite: SPCH 10003, PSYC 20003, SOCI 10103, SCWK 21303, and SCWK 31903 and (BIOL 10103 and BIOL 10101, or ANTH 10143 and ANTH 10141). (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 41003. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II. 3 Hours.

This course applies the basic framework for creating and organizing knowledge of human behavior and the social environment acquired in HBSE I to the understanding of family, group, organizational, community, and global systems. Attention is given to discrimination, oppression, the impact of technology, and poverty at each system level. Prerequisite: SCWK 40903 and SCWK 41503. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 41403. Addiction and the Family. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the biophysical basis of chemical and behavior compulsions with special focus on family impacts. Childhood development within addictive families is also examined. Social work intervention with substance abusing families is highlighted. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SCWK 41503. Social Welfare Policy. 3 Hours.

Describes and analyzes the policies and services rendered by local, state, regional, national, and international agencies as well as the policy implications for social work practice. Students prepare to advocate social policy changes designed to improve social conditions, promote social and economic justice, and to empower at-risk populations. Prerequisite: SPCH 10003, PLSC 20003, SCWK 21303, and SCWK 31903. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 41603. African American Perspectives of Trauma, Loss, and Recovery. 3 Hours.

Explores dimensions of trauma, loss, and recovery within the lived experiences of African American individuals, families, and communities in the United States. Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 41603.

SCWK 41703. Social Work with African American Families. 3 Hours.

An overview of historical and contemporary issues of African American families using culturally competent and strengths based frameworks. Focuses on the Black family as a social institution. Covers current trends affecting Black families, historical influences, evaluation of social policies, and programs of today. Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 41703.

SCWK 41803. Social Work With Elders. 3 Hours.

Survey of theories of gerontology, service programs and unmet needs of the aging citizen. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SCWK 42103. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. 3 Hours.

Explores the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol with an emphasis on evidence-based treatment approaches to help engage and treat chemically dependent clients. Best practices to be reviewed will include Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), harm reduction approaches, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 42403. Impact of Policy on Addiction. 3 Hours.

Explores the history of drug policy in the United States, focusing on the relationship between people, drugs, and the criminalization of certain substances. Examines how other countries have developed and utilized harm reduction and decriminalization approaches and policies. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 42503. Spirituality and Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.

This course prepares students to respond competently and ethically to diverse spiritual and religious perspectives. Utilizing social work ethics and values as a guide, students will develop a comparative, critically reflective approach to practice. Prerequisite: SCWK 31903 or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 43303. Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.

This is the first in the sequence of practice courses introducing students to the generalist approach to micro social work. This course focuses on developing a solid foundation for practice with individuals, including learning basic communication and helping skills, values, principles, and the connection of theory to practice. Pre- or Corequisite: SCWK 41003. Prerequisite: SCWK 40903 and SCWK 41503. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 43403. Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.

This is the second course in the social work practice sequence, emphasizing theories, models, and techniques related to generalist practice with families and groups. The course elaborates on system theory as it impacts groups and families, and use of experiential teaching methods. Prerequisite: SCWK 41003 and SCWK 43303. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 44102. Field Seminar I. 2 Hours.

An integrative seminar to assist students in comparing their practice experiences, integrating knowledge acquired in the classroom, and expanding knowledge beyond the scope of the practicum setting. Corequisite: SCWK 44304 and social work majors only. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 44202. Field Seminar II. 2 Hours.

An integrative seminar to assist students in comparing their practice experiences, integrating knowledge acquired in the classroom, and expanding knowledge beyond the scope of the practicum setting. Corequisite: SCWK 44404. Prerequisite: Social Work majors only. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 44304. Social Work Internship I. 4 Hours.

Arranged in connection with social service agencies. Credit is based on completion of all course objectives, including a minimum of 220 hours of field work under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Corequisite: SCWK 44102. Prerequisite: Social work major, SCWK 40703, SCWK 41003, and SCWK 43303. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 44404. Social Work Internship II. 4 Hours.

Arranged in connection with social service agencies. Credit is based on completion of all course objectives, including a minimum of 220 hours of field work under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Corequisite: SCWK 44202. Prerequisite: SCWK majors only, SCWK 43403, SCWK 47303 and SCWK 44304. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 45203. Ethics and Aging. 3 Hours.

Explores the complexities of aging and ethical decision making with older adult clients. Students learn to identify ethical dilemmas and to appreciate structured ethical decision making, generalizing the information learned across all populations served. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SCWK 46403. Child Advocacy IV: Global Issues in Child Welfare. 3 Hours.

Prepares students to identify, assess, and respond to the various historical and contemporary factors impacting the welfare of children around the world and focuses on factors such as health, maltreatment, culture, policy, education, and social advocacy. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

SCWK 47303. Social Work Practice III. 3 Hours.

Students acquire and practice the skills, knowledge, and values necessary for culturally competent generalist social work practice with organizations and communities. Special attention is given to the implications of discrimination and oppression for attaining social and economic justice. Pre- or Corequisite: SCWK 41003 and SCWK 43403. Prerequisite: SCWK 43303. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

SCWK 47503. Grantwriting. 3 Hours.

Provides advanced theoretical and practical approaches to program planning and development in order to write grant applications. Emphasis is placed on the importance of developing the practice skills of program planning, understanding program performance, identifying funders, responding to requests for proposals and writing successful grant proposals. (Typically offered: Irregular)

SCWK 4960V. Independent Study. 1-6 Hour.

Independent Study designed to meet the particular needs of individual students. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.