SOCIAL WORK

instruction in social work knowledge, values, research and service to increase the student understanding of social welfare policy and generalist practice skills in order to address social and economic forms of oppression and discrimination. In accordance with its mission to prepare students as beginning-level generalist professional social work practitioners who are committed to promoting the well-being of all people the effects of injustice and oppression for people living along the border of Texas and Mexico are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Generalist social work practice consists of the use of a common body of knowledge and a common skill base linked by a common set of values that is used in all fields of practice, transcends method of practice and is applied on the macro, mezzo and micro level of practice. Often, the generalist social worker works with all three system levels at the same time with the same client.

Building on a broad liberal arts framework, the BSW curriculum is designed to develop generalist practitioners who have an understanding of the border region, along with knowledge of culture, values, and history of the area in which the practitioner serves and clients live, as well as of social work knowledge, values and the various methods and resources to meet identified needs. This mix then forms the common body of knowledge, skills and values that all social workers working in this region are expected to utilize.

Program Goals

The Bachelor of Social Work Program has the following goals:

1. To prepare students for beginning professional social work practice as generalist practitioners who are committed to practice that includes services to at-risk populations, especially those living along the border, and to promote the social economic justice.

2. To cultivate within students the ethics and values that are the basis of the social work profession.

3. To prepare students for entry level practice as well as for entry into graduate education in social work or other programs.

4. To provide a strong and supportive knowledge, skills (including critical thinking, research and evaluation), and values base for social work majors.

5.  To provide knowledge and experience through service courses and electives for both majors and non majors that contribute to understanding of social problems, discrimination, oppression, power, poverty, culture, the social welfare system and their impact upon at-risk populations, in order to enhance their ability to practice and function as informed citizens who advocate and promote social change. 

---

Bachelor of Social Work Objectives:

Students graduating from the BSW program are expected to demonstrate

1. The ability to integrate theory and professional practice;

2. The ability to internalize and practice the values and ethics of the profession; work effectively with diverse populations especially those living along the border and respect the diversity among individuals including ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation and religion;

3. An understanding of societal forms of oppression and discrimination and the ability to advocate for social and economic justice;

4. The ability to apply critical thinking to effect social change;

5. An understanding of the impact of the environment on populations at risk through course work and participation in field experiences through supervised internships within the community;

6. The ability to attain the required degree and preparation to qualify for state licensure;

7. Professionalism and initiative for life-long learning.

8. An understanding of the biological, psychological, and social and cultural contexts of changing client systems, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and the broader society, and their effects of those contexts on development and behavior.

9. Beginning level competencies in research and evaluation, including the ability to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems.

10. An understanding of the ways social policy is developed, becomes operational through legislative and administrative bodies, and affects client systems along both sides of the border, workers, and agencies; and the roles the social work profession has played and continues to play in promoting social change.

11. The attainment of knowledge and skills that demonstrate the ability to practice effectively with client systems of various sizes and types, including individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities, in a manner that empowers client systems and focuses on their strengths.

Home | TAMIU | College of Arts and Sciences