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Social Work Program
Earn your degree in social work in a hands-on program that boasts a 100% employment and graduate school acceptance rate — and become a licensed professional in your graduating semester. When you take home your bachelor’s in social work from Hardin-Simmons University, you’ll be uniquely prepared to help people and communities to solve problems, promote equity and justice, and create positive change.
Social work is a high-demand, fast growing field that involves serving people who are vulnerable, oppressed, or marginalized, and addressing the conditions of society at the very core of injustice. As one of the leading social work programs in the Big Country area of West Central Texas, our students are in high demand by graduate programs and employers throughout the region and across the nation. You’ll also benefit from a supportive, family atmosphere in which faculty and alumni provide personal career advising — both during your time at HSU and after graduation.
Experiential Learning in the Social Work Degree
Hands-on learning is a key part of the bachelor’s in social work at HSU. Our students are highly sought after in the community for a variety of service learning and other field-based projects, and we connect you with experiential opportunities in which you apply academic lessons to real-world challenges.
For example, you’ll complete 30 hours of volunteer experiences as part of your regular coursework. We offer a Community Group Project in which you can work as part of a coalition to identify and address community needs and develop a plan of action. If you’re interested in policy, you can conduct analysis that leads to advocacy work at the local, state, national, and international levels. There’s no limit to what you can do and achieve.
The Social Work Program is accredited at the baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education, consecutively since 1985.
Program Contact
Lauren Cantrell
Department Chair/Director of Field Education/Assistant Professor of Social WorkRequest Information
Why Earn Your Social Work Degree at Hardin-Simmons?
Interactive & Service Learning Experiences
Smaller classes provide a more interactive learning environment, opportunities for enhanced service learning experiences locally (like providing prom dresses for local under-served teens), around Texas, nationally, and even internationally. Our faculty and alumni are here to support you at every step, from help with resume building, to mock interviews, to providing professional references to graduate programs and employers.
Exceptional Preparedness
Graduates of our bachelor’s in social work are accepted to graduate schools (100%), professionally employed (100%), and pass the licensing exam (96%) at exceptionally high rates. Graduates seeking the Master of Social Work degree typically will complete the MSW within three semesters of graduating from HSU due to ‘advanced standing’ status, and all of our social work degree alumni are heavily recruited for graduate schools and employment.
Valuable Connections
Our bachelor’s degree in social work students develop lifelong, close relationships with each other, the faculty, and in the community. Throughout the social work courses, students are developing connections with professional social workers and others in the community through projects, volunteerism, field trips, and field placements.
Amazing Learning Experiences
“I got my degree in social work from HSU in 2012, and while I am now a stay at home mom, my social work classes prepared me more than I could have known at the time, for both my seven years in the field, and through my journey as a foster and adoptive parent. I believe my professors and education had a huge impact in the way I have lived my life and engaged with people over the last decade. Book knowledge has been helpful, but the empathy mixed with passion and compassion, mixed with professionalism are what I learned from my time in the social work program. These are lessons I will carry with me for a lifetime!”
What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?
Social workers engage in many fields of practice: mental health, addiction and recovery, children and families, geriatric care, and more. They work in schools, medical facilities, government agencies, the military, and many other settings. Graduates of our program are employed in places like the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Abilene Independent School District, and here at Hardin-Simmons University.
In addition to the incredible sense of personal fulfillment you can gain through this career, social work is a field that offers excellent opportunity, job security, and potential for professional growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is expected to grow 12% over the next decade, much faster than average. Texas also has one of the highest employment levels for social workers in the nation, so this is an ideal place to begin your career.
Applying for Your Social Work License
You can apply for the social work license in the state of Texas in your graduating semester. Almost all of our students pass the exam. Because our program is accredited by CSWE, students who apply to graduate schools of social work will receive advanced standing, making it possible to obtain a Master of Social Work (MSW) within one year. Alumni of our bachelor’s degree in social work seeking employment upon graduation are employed in their professional field 100% of the time.
Top Jobs for Our Bachelor’s in Social Work Graduates
- Healthcare social worker
- Mental health social worker
- Substance abuse social worker
- Medical and health services manager
- Social and human services specialist
- Teaching assistant
Tailor Your Social Work Degree at HSU and Travel the Country
Our bachelor’s degree in social work program offers special topics courses and travel opportunities, and we will help you assess your specialized interests to develop the best curriculum. Examples of special topic courses have included:
- School Social Work
- Engaging Diversity and Difference
- Social Work in Mental Health, Military, and Veterans
- Cultural Diversity
- Community Renewal
Some of these courses involve travel, which has included trips to Window Rock, Arizona to study and work with the Navajo and Hope indigenous tribes; to Camden, New Jersey to work with Urban Promise Ministries; and a Civil Rights Tour of five southern states to engage our diverse history and its impact on society today.
Program Details
Service Learning Opportunities
Social Work being an engaging and interactive profession, students are provided opportunities to connect and serve in the community through volunteerism and field education internship. Courses requiring service learning hours include:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Social Work Practice I
- Field Education I & II
Highlights
- No academic credit for life or work experience.
- Program is open to all qualified applicants without discrimination.
- Students apply for formal admission to the Social Work program upon completion of the Human Behavior and Social Environment courses in their sophomore year.
- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 and earn a “C” or higher in all Social Work courses to continue in the major.
- In Social Work Practice III, students apply for entrance into Field Education for their senior year.
- Students can apply for the Social Work license in the state of Texas in their graduating semester. 100% of our students pass the exam.
- Graduates of HSU Social Work will receive either a BBS or BS degree. As the program is accredited by CSWE, students who apply to Graduate Schools of Social Work will receive advanced standing, making it possible to obtain a Master’s in Social Work within one year.
- Graduates of HSU Social Work seeking employment upon graduation are employed in the professional field 100% of the time.
CSWE AS4B Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes 2021-2022
Our degree in social work offers numerous awards and scholarships that are awarded each year. Recipients are chosen by the social work and sociology faculty based on the respective award or scholarship criteria. If you have questions, please contact the Social Work department at 325-670-1281. We also encourage you to explore other opportunities for recognition and scholarships outside of HSU, for example NASW, CSWE, and AAUW. Learn more about scholarships at Hardin-Simmons University.
If you’re thinking about a bachelor’s degree in social work, here are other programs available at Hardin-Simmons University you might be interested in learning more about:
Through Knowledge – The Challenge is to Serve
The purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.
HSU – Sigma Beta Chapter
The Sigma Beta Chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work was established in November 2011 in order to provide social work students with additional opportunities to promote humanitarianism, human and civil rights, and social and economic justice through participation in Chapter projects, events, and activities. As members in good standing, our students can apply for Phi Alpha awards and scholarships. This is a student lead organization with student officers and faculty advisors to guide and direct the organization. For more information about Phi Alpha, please go to their website http://phialpha.org/
To apply, complete the Sigma Beta Application and send to Beth Ferguson at beth.ferguson@tpmpq.com
Phi Alpha Sigma Beta Officer’s 2023-24
Amy Shelton – President My name is Amy Shelton, and I am an HSU senior finishing my Social Work Administration degree. I am excited to transition from the Vice President of Sigma Beta to the President. I am also a member and officer in the Social Work Club. I am interning at Abilene ISD in my field placement, learning how generalist practice social work operates in schools. I love being a part of Sigma Beta and finding new ways to serve our school and the community. I am about to celebrate 20 years of marriage to my wonderful husband, Michael. Together, we have two sons, three grandchildren, and a cat. I am dedicated to following the Lord wherever he may lead me. I love to serve others and help make this community a better place for everyone. I am excited and honored to lead Phi Alpha, Sigma Beta in 2023-2024. |
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Sarah Harbison – Vice President Hello! My name is Sarah Harbison and I am honored to serve as the Vice President of Sigma Beta! I am a junior in the program! I am from Shallowater, Texas. I am grateful for the opportunity to see God work through the lives of our students and community as we grow and serve together. Upon graduating, I hope to attend a Physician Assistant program and work in women’s health with the foundation of social work! |
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Cristina Vasquez – Secretary Hello, My name is Cristina Vasquez, and I am a senior in the HSU Social Work program. My field placement is at Hendricks Health System. I am eager to finish my field placement and start my career in the community. I am a member of the Social Work Club on campus and love to help guide and mentor the upcoming students. This is my second year being a member of Sigma Beta. I look forward to starting my journey as the Secretary/Treasurer of Sigma Beta. |
Links
The Purpose of the Social Work Club at HSU
- To facilitate communication and fellowship among the social work majors and faculty
- To promote interest in social work issues; and
- To promote social action and service both within and outside the campus community.
Social Work Club Officers for 2023-24
Sarah Harbison – President Hello! My name is Sarah Harbison and I am honored to serve as the President of Social Work Club! I am a junior in the program! I am from Shallowater, Texas. I am grateful for the opportunity to see God work through the lives of our students and community as we grow and serve together. Upon graduating, I hope to attend a Physician Assistant program and work in women’s health with the foundation of social work! |
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Amy Shelton – Vice President My name is Amy Shelton, and I am an HSU senior finishing my Social Work Administration degree. I am excited to serve as the Vice President of the Social Work Club. I am also a member and the President of the Phi Alpha, Sigma Beta Club, transitioning from being the Vice President last year. I am interning at Abilene ISD in my field placement, learning how generalist practice social work operates in schools. I love being a part of the Social Work Club and finding new ways to serve our school and the community. I am about to celebrate 20 years of marriage to my wonderful husband, Michael. Together, we have two sons, three grandchildren, and a cat. I am dedicated to following the Lord wherever he may lead me. I love to serve others and help make this community a better place for everyone. I am excited and honored to help lead the Social Work Club in 2023-2024. |
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Madison Holland – Secretary Hello, my name is Madison Holland! I am a Senior Social Work student, and I am very excited to serve as your secretary this year. My field placement is at the International Rescue Committee. I am looking forward to what this year has to bring! |
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Emily Stogsdill – Treasurer I’m Emily Stogsdill, a Senior in the Social Work program! I am the Treasurer of the Social Work Club and President of the HGT hiking club. My field placement is at New Horizons. I’m excited to finish out and graduate from this program and continue working toward my clinical license! |
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Raeyes Madrid – Chaplain My name is Raeyes Madrid. I am a senior in the Social Work program. Fun facts about me is I’m chaplain for the Social Work program and I’m part of Sigma Beta, BSM, and chapel band. I enjoy singing and riding horses. |
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Gabe Gallegos – Photographer Gabriel Gallegos is a current senior in the social work program. His hobbies include being part of the Hardin Simmons hiking club, ZOO Zeta Omega Phi Social Club, and Social Work Club. He enjoys hiking, photography, and anything car related. His current field placement is at WTHN, West Texas Homeless Network, where he works with a group of individuals to prevent and end homelessness. He also works at the Boys & Girls Club of Abilene as the director of Special Programs, where he utilizes the Six-Step Model when working with at-risk youth. Being allotted the opportunity to be part of the Social Work Club is such a great opportunity for Gabe; when looking at all of the different community partners HSU SW Club has, it provides excellent opportunities for networking and making change at the mezzo level. Ultimately, being part of SW Club helps in the personal growth of understanding systems, including what it takes to make a difference in the community and preparing us to make significant changes in society; it all starts at the home front of SW Club. |
Social Work Club Newsletter
2023-2024 Social Work Gatherings and Events
Fall 2023
- Social Work Orientation – September 6 at 12 p.m. in Johnson 103
- Breaking Bad Barriers Luncheon and Panel – September 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Hendrick Home for Children
- Social Work Self-Care Event – September 20 at 12 p.m. in Moody 233
- Food Drive with the Speech Language Pathology Department – September 25-December 13
- Lunch & Learn with Libre and SANGRE – October 4 at 11:30 a.m. in Johnson 103
- Candy Drive for Crescent Heights Baptist Church Trunk-or-Treat – October 4-October 25
- NASW Texas State Conference – October 11-October 14
- Lunch & Learn with Judge Shawna Joiner – October 18 at 12 p.m. in Moody 233
- Love Shouldn’t Hurt Event with Office of Counseling and Noah Project – October 25 at 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. in Moody
- Social Work Pumpkin Painting Contest – October 30 at 3 p.m. in Skiles 107
- Blanket Drive and Winter Clothing Drive for Abilene Hope Haven – November 1-November 22
- Veterans Day Event – November 9 at 11 a.m. in Houston Lantrip Center
- Grassroots Leadership Academy – November 10 at 8:30 a.m. in Houston Lantrip Center
- Heartbreak & the Holidays Event – November 14 at 11:30 a.m. in Betty Hardwick Center Boardroom
- Social Work Thanksgiving Dinner – November 20 at 5:30 p.m. in Moody 108
- Social Work Christmas Party – December 5 at 5:30 p.m. in Moody 233
- Destress from Finals Week with Therapy Dogs – December 12 at 10 a.m. in Skiles 107
Spring 2024
- Social Work Orientation – January 23 at 10:30 a.m. in MC 233
- Grassroots Leadership Academy – February 16 at 8:30 a.m. in Houston-Lantrip Center
- Love Shouldn’t Hurt Luncheon and Panel – February 21 at 11:30 a.m. in JB 103
- Field Prep Fair – February 23 at 9 a.m. in MC 233
- Policy Presentations – February 28 at 12 p.m. in MC 108
- National Social Work Month – March
- International Women’s Day Event and Hygiene Drive – March 7 at 4 p.m. in JB 103
- Social Work Advocacy Day – March 21-22 in Austin, Texas
- Champions for Children – April 4-5 at DoubleTree
- Social Work Banquet – April 18 at 6 p.m. in Houston-Lantrip Center
- Field Celebration – April 30 at 4:15 p.m. in MC 233
- Senior Pinning Ceremony – May 9 at 4:30 p.m. in Logsdon Chapel
HSU Social Work Student Resources
Professional Organizations
- Council on Social Work Education(CSWE)
- National Association of Social Workers-Texas Chapter
- National Association of Social Work (NASW)
- North American Christians in Social Work(NACSW)
- International Association of Schools of Social Work
- International Consortium for Social Development
- International Federation of Social Workers
Research
Career Opportunities and Advancement
- Social Work License
- The New Social Worker(Online Magazine)
- Global Resource Clearing House
- NASW Press
- Social Work Examination Services, Inc.
- American Association of Social Work Boards
- Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Directors (BPD)
- Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners
- The Occupational Handbook of the U.S. Department of Labor
Social Work Values and Ethics
- 2-1-1 Texas: A Call For Help
- 2INgage Children and Families
- Abilene Animal Shelter
- Abilene Zoo Volunteer
- Abilene Community Health Center
- Abilene Hope Haven
- Abilene Housing Authority
- Abilene Independent School District
- Abilene Police Department
- Abilene Public Library
- Abilene Recovery Council
- Abilene State Supported Living Center
- Abilene/Taylor County Child Advocacy Center
- Alliance for Women and Children
- American Red Cross
- BCFS Health & Human Services
- Behavioral Health Executive Council – Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
- Ben Richey Boys Ranch
- Betty Hardwick Center (MHMR)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Abilene
- Big Country AIDS Resources (BCAR)
- Big Country CASA
- Bright Pointe at Lytle Lake
- Buckner International
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- Cancer Services Network
- Child Welfare South Africa
- Christian Homes and Family Services
- Christian Service Center of Abilene
- City Square Abilene
- Communities in Schools
- Concerned Veterans for America
- Concerned Veterans for America Foundation
- Cook’s Children’s Specialty Services
- Day Nursery of Abilene
- Disability in Action
- Dyess Air Force Base
- Early Childhood Intervention Program
- First United Methodist Church Abilene
- Faith Works of Abilene
- First United Methodist Church
- Food Bank of West Central Texas
- Fresenius Dialysis Center
- Girls Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains
- Global Samaritan
- Goodwill West Texas
- Harmony Family Services
- Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation
- Hendrick Home for Children
- Hendrick Hospice Care
- Hendrick Hospital
- Hillcrest Church of Christ Ministries
- Hill Resources Disability Services
- Interim Healthcare
- International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Jefferson Center AISD
- Junior League of Abilene
- Kindred at Home Care
- Let Us Breathe
- Level Church
- Love & Care Ministries
- Meals on Wheels
- Methodist Children’s Home
- Mission Arlington
- Motivation, Education & Training, Inc.
- National Association of Social Workers – Texas
- National Association of Social Worker – West Central Texas Branch
- New Horizons Foster Care and Adoption
- Noah Project
- Northern Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Oceans Behavioral Health Center
- Palm House Ministries
- Pregnancy Resources of Abilene
- Region 14 Education Service Center: Center for Young Learners
- Regional Victim Crisis Center
- Rise Church
- Saint Francis Community Services
- Salvation Army
- Serenity House
- Silver Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation
- St Vincent DePaul Thrift Store
- Texas Workforce Commission
- Taylor County Adult Probation Department
- Taylor County 326th District Court
- Taylor County Juvenile Justice Center
- Taylor County Vet Center
- Taylor Jones Humane Society
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services – APS
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services – CPS
- Texas Health and Human Services
- Urban Promise International
- Urban Promise Ministries
- US Department of Veterans Affairs – Abilene Community Based Outpatient Clinic
- Veterans Service Office
- West Central Texas Council of Governments
- West Texas Homeless Network
- West Texas Rehabilitation Center & Hospice of the Big Country
- Willow Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center
- Wisteria Place Retirement Living
- Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas