About the Program

About the Program | Admissions Requirements and Procedures
Coursework and Sequence | Resources

The School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma is dedicated to the enhancement of human well being and to the alleviation of poverty and oppression through its programs of professional education, research, and public service. The School primarily achieves its mission through preparing skilled social work professionals who are committed to practice that includes services to the poor and oppressed, through improving and developing social service programs, and through promoting professionalism in social work in Oklahoma.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work prepares students for generalist social work practice as entry-level professionals in the full range of social service settings. The Council on Social Work Education accredits the undergraduate program. Students completing the Baccalaureate Program will possess a broad spectrum of research- based knowledge, values, and skills which can be comprehensively used to assess needs and conditions to intervene at multiple levels and in a range of situations, and to test professional knowledge.

The School expects graduates of the program to be able to do the following:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice;
2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly; 
3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation; 
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice; 
5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues; 
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes; 
7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities; 
8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies; 
9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions; 
10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities; 
11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice; 
12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.

Students desiring social work as their major are encouraged to contact the School, during their sophomore year (particularly potential transfer students), to discuss their interests. In addition to declaring “pre-social work as their major, students must formally apply to the School of Social Work by obtaining and completing an admissions application packet. Transfer students need to obtain an application packet immediately upon entering the University of Oklahoma. The admissions process involves a competitive review of applications which contain (1) a signed “Application for Admission”, (2) three references; and (3) an admission statement. At the time of application, students should have completed or be enrolled in the supportive prerequisite courses and be on track for completing all general education core courses. All applicants should be aware that the social work major is a highly structured four-semester program of study. Applications to the program should be postmarked or submitted by Friday, February 29, 2008. First priority for Fall 2008 admission will be given to applications received by this date. Applications arriving after February 29th will be held for future consideration. The School Undergraduate Admissions Committee will review and rank each application, and will notify admitted applicants by April 13, 2008. This committee will maintain a waiting list of applicants not admitted in the first ranking, and will contact the next ranked applicants if space in the program becomes available. Additional admissions will be made through August 1, 2008. None will be made after this time. 

Acceptance into the Social Work Program is based upon an assessment of the student's capability in several areas: 1. academic success; 2. possessing a value base consistent with social work values and ethics; 3. interest in and commitment to social work; and, 4. personal characteristics which underpin the ability to work with diverse clients. In order to remain in the Program and to graduate with a BA degree in Social Work, students must maintain a 2.50 overall minimum GPA, a 2.50 minimum GPA in required social work courses, and make at least a grade of C in every required social work course. The student also must maintain a commitment to social work ethics and demonstrate personal characteristics necessary to address social issues that impact the poor, disadvantaged, oppressed, and persons at risk.