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:

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.

Complete BIOL 1543/BIOL 1541L Principles of Biology and Lab or ANTH 1013/ANTH 1011L 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 4333 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 2133 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 4153 Social Welfare Policy and SCWK 4093 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 4093 or SCWK 4153 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 4093 or SCWK 4153) 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:

All courses above must be successfully completed with a "C" or better, with the exception of BIOL 1543 or ANTH 1013.  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 4073 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.

1. 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.
2. A student may repeat a course from which they earned a W no more than one time.
3. 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.
4. 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 4093 may not take SCWK 4103 or SCWK 4333 until SCWK 4093 is completed with a final grade.
5. 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: 

1. 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.   
2. Failure to earn a C or better in a professional social work core course after the second attempt. 
3. 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. 
4. 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.

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 4073 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.

¹

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

ARCH 1003, ARHS 1003, COMM 1003, DANC 1003, LARC 1003, MLIT 1003, MLIT 1003H, MLIT 1013, MLIT 1013H, MLIT 1333, THTR 1003, THTR 1013 orTHTR 1013H.

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:

Requirements for a Minor in Social Work

18 hours including SCWK 2133, SCWK 3193, and SCWK 4153 (required) and any other nine hours of social work electives. A student must notify the department of his or her intent to minor. The social work minor is not preparation for social work practice and is not recognized by the CSWE.

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.

Requirements for a Child Advocacy Studies Training Undergraduate Certificate

The Child Advocacy Studies Training online certificate 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, but not both. Admission requirements for the Child Advocacy Studies Training online certificate program:

• Meet the admission requirements for the University of Arkansas.
• Complete 60 semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Course requirements for an undergraduate certificate in Child Advocacy Studies Training (CHAS) include 9 credit hours:

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 399VH 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, 2021.
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, 2022.
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), Associate Professor, 2015, 2022.
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.
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.