Hardin-Simmons University Social Work Programs

Students at Hardin-Simmons University Social Work Programs complete 400 hands-on practica hours with organizations of all types before graduation. The program combines academic studies with ground experience. A small 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where students receive tailored attention throughout their educational experience.

The social work program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures your Hardin Simmons social work degree meets the highest educational standards. The university’s endowment of $176.2 million supports student resources, and 199 faculty members serve 1,762 undergraduate students. Hardin-Simmons University degrees prepare students for effective professional practice. The university’s freshman retention rate stands at 64%, showing how satisfied students are with programs like social work.

This piece covers what you should know about becoming a social work professional through Hardin-Simmons University. You’ll learn about available degrees, specializations, career outcomes and unique program features that will help you stand out in the field.

Social Work Degrees Offered at Hardin Simmons

Hardin-Simmons University gives you several social work degree options that align with your career goals. The university’s three distinct educational paths in social work will prepare you for specific roles in the field.

The Bachelor of Behavioral Science (BBS) in Social Work Administration started in 2022. This program blends social work basics with business administration courses. You’ll take 68 credit hours that cover accounting, marketing, management, and human resources along with core social work classes. This unique degree gets you ready for leadership roles in social service organizations while qualifying you for social work licensure.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Work and Psychology, a 4-year old program, creates a perfect foundation for clinical practice and advanced studies. Students complete more than 450 hours of field education with professional supervision. This path is ideal if you want to become a licensed clinical social worker or mental health provider.

These programs share vital benefits:

• You can get your professional social work license in your final semester
• You’ll earn advanced standing credit for Master of Social Work programs
• The program has kept CSWE accreditation since 1985
• Students achieve 100% success on licensing exams
• Every graduate finds employment or enters graduate school

A Social Work minor needs 18 credit hours to complete. The minor has 9 hours of required courses plus 9 hours of electives. This option works well with other majors but doesn’t lead to professional social work practice or licensure.

Students get hands-on experience through service learning all four years. This all-encompassing approach makes HSU social work graduates highly sought after by employers and graduate programs throughout Texas and beyond.

Specializations

Hardin-Simmons University’s social work curriculum creates specialized pathways that lead to targeted career opportunities. The program’s integrated model structures coursework around five key components: Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy and Services, Social Work Practice, Social Work Research, and Field Instruction.

Students can shape their education beyond core requirements through specialized degree tracks. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Psychology combines disciplines to prepare students for clinical practice. The Social Work Administration program gives you leadership skills needed to run social service organizations.

The Human Services Administration program lets students choose from four specialization tracks:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (24 credit hours)
• Preschool & Childcare (21 credit hours) – readies you to manage early childcare centers and pre-kindergarten programs
• Adult Services (18 credit hours) – centers on human service organizations serving clients of all types
• Public Health (18 credit hours) – builds expertise in population health management within public health systems

Special topics courses add depth to your learning experience by exploring specific practice areas:

• School Social Work
• Engaging Diversity and Difference
• Social Work in Mental Health, Military, and Veterans
• Cultural Diversity
• Community Renewal

Many specializations include travel opportunities. Students have worked with Navajo and Hope indigenous tribes in Window Rock, Arizona. They’ve collaborated with Urban Promise Ministries in Camden, New Jersey and joined a Civil Rights Tour across five southern states.

The program’s focused approach yields impressive results. Students achieve a 100% pass rate on the Texas state social work licensure exam, and graduates find 100% placement in professional settings. The program’s interdisciplinary nature creates adaptable professionals ready to work in government offices, nonprofits, corporations, and social service agencies.

Online and Hybrid Options

Hardin-Simmons University puts flexibility first in its social work education through hybrid learning options. The social work administration degree shows this through a hybrid approach that combines administrative training with hands-on field work. Students can take classes from both the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts and the Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies to get a comprehensive education.

The main difference between online and on-campus social work degrees in Abilene comes down to how you can manage your time. Online programs let you complete coursework at your own pace, making education available even with work or family commitments. Many students can balance their studies with internships or part-time jobs at local social service agencies.

Hardin-Simmons’s on-campus programs offer these key advantages:

• Direct interaction with professors and peers that builds a stronger community
• Better networking chances to develop professional relationships
• Local organization placements with more structure

The university offers various courses throughout the year during fall, spring, May Term, Summer 1, and Summer 2 semesters. This variety helps students complete their degree requirements on their own timeline.

Students worried about quality can rest assured – Hardin-Simmons keeps the same academic standards for all formats. The same qualified faculty teach both online and in-person students, though they adapt their methods for each environment.

Your personal situation and learning priorities will guide your choice between online and on-campus formats. Both paths lead to rewarding careers in social work and prepare you to help the Abilene community and beyond. The hybrid approach works especially well for students who want to mix theory with practice throughout their educational trip.

Graduation rates

Social work programs at Hardin-Simmons University stand out with remarkable success metrics. Their educational approach delivers exceptional results that set them apart from other academic paths.

Students in the social work department achieve perfect scores in key areas. The bachelor’s program graduates have a 100% employment rate in professional positions right after graduation. Students who want to continue their studies get accepted into graduate schools at a rate of 100%. Social work students show their expertise with 96% passing their licensing exams.

These program numbers shine compared to the university’s overall performance. Hardin-Simmons University’s six-year graduation rate reached 57.9% for the 2016 group. This rate beats the ten-year average of 52% and surpasses peer institutions’ average of 49%. The same group had a four-year graduation rate of 46.9%.

Latest university completion data shows:

• 2017 group: 67.6% retention rate with 49.6% six-year graduation rate
• 2018 group: 66.7% retention rate with 46.0% six-year graduation rate
• 2023 group: 64.9% first-year retention rate

Social work graduates get advanced standing status for Master of Social Work degrees. They complete these advanced degrees in just three semesters after graduation. Students save time and money compared to regular MSW programs.

Regular undergraduates at Hardin-Simmons finish their bachelor’s degree in 4.28 years. The well-laid-out social work curriculum prepares students for licensure during their final semester. This quick timeline helps achieve perfect employment and graduate school acceptance records.

Career outcomes

Hardin-Simmons University social work students enjoy excellent job prospects after graduation. The program’s impressive career outcomes show how well it prepares competent professionals.

The social work program achieves a 100% employment rate for graduates who land professional roles right after completing their degree. The success extends beyond just jobs – every student who wants to continue their education gets accepted into graduate school. Students also excel at getting licensed, with a remarkable 96% pass rate on their exams.

Licensed graduates enter a promising job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects social work jobs to grow by 12% over the next decade. This growth rate outpaces most other occupations. Texas ranks as one of the top states for social work employment, making it a great place to start your career.

Our graduates work in many settings:

• Mental health and addiction recovery centers
• Children and family services
• Geriatric care facilities
• Schools and educational institutions
• Medical facilities and hospitals
• Government agencies
• Military and veteran services

Many alumni now work at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Abilene Independent School District, and Hardin-Simmons University. Some graduates move into clinical roles as they gain experience. Salaries typically range from $50,000 to $70,000, based on the position, experience, and location.

The program’s CSWE accreditation helps graduates qualify for “advanced standing” status in Master of Social Work programs. This means they can complete their MSW in just three semesters after graduation. Students save both time and money compared to regular MSW programs.

The Hardin-Simmons University social work degree opens doors to stable careers with room for growth. Graduates find personal satisfaction through meaningful service to others while building successful professional lives.

Unique Features about the Social Work Programs at Hardin Simmons

Hardin-Simmons University’s social work programs stand out with features that go beyond just grades and career numbers. The programs create a learning environment that few others can match by blending theory with real-world practice.

Students can join the Social Work Student Association to learn through community service. This group runs volunteer work, advocacy events, and career workshops all year round. Members get hands-on practice and connect with other students who care about social justice.

The program’s 12:1 student-faculty ratio makes it special. Professors do more than teach – they become mentors, research partners, and references for future jobs. Many graduates stay in touch with their faculty mentors throughout their careers.

Hardin-Simmons takes an approach that sets it apart from other Texas social work schools. The program combines Christian values of service and compassion with CSWE accreditation standards. Students learn to help clients with both their practical needs and spiritual concerns in professional settings.

The social work curriculum reaches beyond borders. Students can join service trips or study abroad programs to see social issues from a global viewpoint. Past students have worked on projects on five continents and learned skills needed to work with people from different cultures.

The program’s alumni network helps students succeed professionally. Former students come back as speakers, supervisors, and employers. This community creates natural mentoring relationships and job opportunities that help current students after graduation.

These features work together to create an education that goes far beyond traditional learning. Students get real professional training and build relationships that last throughout their careers.