Texas Women’s University Social Work Programs
Texas Woman’s University’s social work program is one of the state’s trailblazing educational paths, established in 1946 as one of the first accredited programs in Texas. The Orien Levy Woolf Division of Social Work leads the program by blending academic excellence with community service. TWU social work students made a significant impact last year. They dedicated over 20,000 hours to help vulnerable populations, including children, elderly individuals, domestic violence victims, and marginalized groups.
The program champions academic excellence, ethics, diversity, and social justice for everyone. These values align with social work’s long-standing dedication to human rights, cultural complexity, and social, economic, and environmental justice. The curriculum gives you the knowledge and skills to work effectively as a generalist social worker and become a leader in your field.
Students can choose between undergraduate and graduate paths at TWU. The Bachelor of Social Work covers five key areas: human behavior and social environment, social welfare and policy, intervention methods, research, and field experience. The Master of Social Work program has two options: a 60-credit Generalist Program if you don’t have a social work bachelor’s degree, and a 30-credit Advanced Standing Program for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs.
BSW graduates from the last seven years can complete their MSW in just one year through the Advanced Standing option. The program accommodates different schedules with full-time and part-time options.
Advanced Generalist Practice forms the core of the MSW curriculum. This concentration area grows faster than any other MSW program nationwide. Students learn advanced skills in multilevel, multimethod approaches to handle complex work environments.
Your career prospects look promising after graduation. The social work field shows strong growth potential. The labor statistics indicate employment will grow 7% through 2032, outpacing the average across all occupations.
Social Work Degrees Offered at Texas Women’s University
TWU provides two social work degree paths that get you ready for professional practice in settings of all types. The social work programs have accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures high-quality education meeting national standards.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at TWU started in 1946, making it one of the first accredited social work programs in Texas. Students need 120 semester credit hours to graduate, with 52 hours focused on social work courses. The program’s curriculum covers five core areas: human behavior and the social environment, social welfare and policy, intervention methods and skills, research, and field experience. Students must also complete at least 416 hours of supervised field placement with qualified social workers at social service agencies.
TWU’s Master of Social Work (MSW) comes with two distinct tracks. The Generalist Program needs 60 credits and works great for students who have bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Students take 30 credit hours of foundation courses in their first year and another 30 hours of advanced coursework in the second year.
The Advanced Standing Program requires 30 credits and welcomes graduates from CSWE-accredited BSW programs who finished within the last seven years. Students can earn their MSW in just one year because the program skips the first-year Generalist curriculum.
Both MSW tracks emphasize Advanced Generalist Practice, which is now the fastest-growing concentration area for MSW programs nationwide. This approach gives you the skills to handle complex situations at multiple levels using various methods. Field experience plays a big role – Generalist students complete at least 900 hours of practicum, while Advanced Standing students need 500 hours minimum.
The programs give you a solid foundation for professional licensure. BSW graduates can apply for state social work licensure and qualify for advanced standing in most MSW programs.
Specializations
Texas Women’s University’s MSW program prepares versatile social work professionals through its Advanced Generalist Practice curriculum. This concentration area has become the fastest-growing option for MSW programs across the country. Students learn advanced competency in multilevel, multimethod approaches that work in complex environments.
TWU’s MSW program combines rigorous academics with flexible elective options. Students can shape their education based on their career interests. The program structure lets students explore specialized areas through coursework and field placement experiences.
Advanced studies students must complete six required courses in advanced practice, policy analysis, and administration. Students can then choose from several specialized electives:
- Death, Dying and Bereavement
- Practice in Mental Health
- Theories and Interventions with Children
- Child Maltreatment: Assessment and Intervention
- Foster Care, Adoption and Permanency Planning
- Special Topics courses that address emerging issues
These specialized electives prepare students for diverse career paths in social work. Graduates can work in geriatrics, mental health, medical social work, community organizing, child protective services, social service administration, school social work, case management, policy development, program evaluation, emergency services, adult protective services, and adolescent services.
The BSW program takes a different approach. It provides generalist education through theoretical concepts, values, and skills taught in classrooms, laboratories, and field settings. Students can start their professional practice right after graduation or continue with specialized graduate studies.
The division’s programs create diverse, ethical, and competent social workers. These professionals think critically and use evidence-based approaches. They serve culturally diverse populations as practitioners, leaders, and social justice advocates.
Online and Hybrid Options
Texas Woman’s University’s MSW program features a flexible hybrid online model that combines remote learning convenience with valuable in-person experiences. Students can better manage their personal and professional responsibilities through this approach that makes education more available.
The program divides coursework nearly equally between online and in-person formats. Students complete about half their courses online through both immediate and self-paced teaching methods. They attend the remaining courses on campus once weekly. Practice-oriented classes usually happen in person, while theoretical courses take place online.
Students need to visit campus just once a week for in-person sessions. TWU schedules some classes during evening hours to help working professionals. This thoughtful arrangement lets students balance their education with other commitments.
Students can check the Generalist Degree Two-Year Plan where courses marked with an asterisk (*) show online delivery. This clear system helps students plan ahead effectively.
TWU’s MSW program qualifies as a hybrid program under the university’s guidelines, with students completing 50% or more (but not 100%) of credit hours through distance education. Unlike fully online programs at other Texas social work schools, TWU’s approach creates a deliberate balance between flexibility and hands-on learning.
The program offers full-time and part-time enrollment options to accommodate different student situations. This scheduling flexibility becomes invaluable when students need to maintain their jobs or family commitments during graduate studies.
This hybrid model showcases TWU’s steadfast dedication to inclusive education. It prioritizes personal and professional growth while making advanced social work education available to qualified students from various backgrounds.
Graduation rates
Recent data from Texas Woman’s University shows the school’s steadfast dedication to student success in social work education. TWU’s overall graduation rate stands at 48%. The university aims to boost this number to 50% for first-time-in-college students by 2028.
Social work program numbers tell an interesting story. TWU awarded 45 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022. The master’s program in social work produced 20 graduates in 2022. This places TWU as the 273rd most popular choice for social work master’s degrees in the country.
Student retention at TWU reaches about 72%. The university uses the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS) standard to track graduation rates, and the numbers have improved over the last several years.
The data reveals notable differences between student groups. Asian students lead with a 64.5% six-year graduation rate, while White students follow at 53.8%. Hispanic students complete their degrees at 43.9%, and Black students graduate at 37%.
Money matters affect these outcomes clearly. Students who qualify for Pell grants graduate at 41.9%, compared to 53.2% for those who don’t qualify. In spite of that, the university has narrowed this gap since 2009.
Transfer students show stronger results than those who start as freshmen. Full-time transfers graduate at 68%, while first-time, full-time students graduate at 44%. These numbers prove TWU’s success in supporting students with previous college experience.
The results vary across different student groups, but TWU social work graduates enjoy an impressive 87% job placement rate within 6 months after graduation.
Career outcomes
TWU’s social work graduates have amazing job prospects in a variety of practice settings. The numbers tell an impressive story – 87% of graduates find jobs within six months of finishing their degree. The success continues as 84% of TWU graduates either start working or begin graduate school within their first year after graduation. These numbers are higher than other Texas universities.
The employment rates are even better for specific programs. Recent data shows clinical mental health and school counseling graduates reached an incredible 100% employment rate within six months. Two-thirds of these graduates landed jobs right away, while the rest worked toward their LPC-Associates licensure.
A TWU social work degree opens doors to many rewarding careers. Here’s where our graduates work:
- Family and children’s services, including Department of Family and Protective Services
- Youth work and community mental health
- Public welfare services
- Elderly care programs
- Women’s shelters
- Hospital or medical social work
TWU’s steadfast dedication to student success doesn’t end at graduation. Alumni get free lifetime access to Career Connections Center services. They can schedule one-on-one career coaching sessions in person, by phone, or through video chat. The university also provides access to career fairs, webinars, and TWU Connect/Handshake – a platform packed with job postings and events.
The Pioneer Network platform helps alumni build strong professional relationships. Members can find job listings, check event calendars, and connect with mentors. This platform makes career advancement easier and more accessible.
TWU’s educational programs make a significant economic difference in Texas. 81% of alumni stay in the state, which helps generate $1.84 billion in economic value.
Unique Features about the Social Work Programs at Texas Women’s University
Texas Woman’s University’s social work programs offer a unique educational experience that blends traditional values with modern practices. This 77-year-old program has grown while keeping its innovative spirit through several distinctive features that make it different from other schools.
TWU’s social work education stands out because it combines community service with classroom learning. Students dedicate more than 20,000 hours yearly to help vulnerable populations across Texas. This practical approach lets students apply their theoretical knowledge right away in real-world situations.
The programs are designed to be accessible to everyone. Students can pursue advanced degrees through a flexible hybrid format that works around their professional and personal commitments. They need to be on campus just once a week, with evening classes available for working professionals.
Advanced Generalist Practice is one of the program’s key features. Instead of narrow specialization, students become versatile practitioners with skills that work in any setting. This complete preparation helps TWU graduates find jobs quickly.
Field experience is central to TWU’s approach. BSW students complete at least 416 supervised hours while MSW students gain between 500-900 hours based on their track. This is a big deal as it means that students get more hands-on experience than many other schools require.
TWU gives lifelong career support through its Career Connections Center, which provides professional development resources well after graduation. The Pioneer Network platform makes shared mentorship and professional networking easier among alumni.
These elements create an education that develops ethical, competent social workers. Graduates are ready for immediate practice and equipped for career growth in a field expected to expand 7% through 2032.