University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Social Work Programs

The Social Work Program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor serves as the core for students who want to make a real difference in people’s lives. UMHB’s social work teaches students how to help individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations that face societal challenges. The program will give you the core skills needed for professional generalist social work practice and build a strong foundation for graduate studies.

The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through 2022. This recognition will give graduates the qualifications they need for state licensure as social workers and lets them pursue Advanced Standing in Master of Social Work programs.

UMHB’s Social Work Program operates within the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice. The department offers three different degree programs in social sciences. Students must meet specific admission requirements including a 2.5 GPA minimum, complete prerequisite courses, and show qualities needed to succeed in the field.

The program’s academic excellence shows in its results. Graduates score from average to well above average on the Foundation Curriculum Assessment Instrument of the Social Work Education Assessment Project. Six out of ten program graduates advance to graduate degree programs.

UMHB stands out through its steadfast dedication to preparing students for ethical, competent entry-level practice in a Christ-centered learning community. Students learn to combine smoothly their knowledge, values, skills, and experiences with diverse client populations in various practice settings.

Graduates find career opportunities in children and family services, school social work, clinical practice, medical settings, mental health care, and military social work. UMHB’s alumni work at leading organizations like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Bell County Mental Health Indigent Defense Program, and The Menninger Clinic in Houston.

Many graduates continue their education at prestigious institutions like Baylor University, University of Texas at Arlington, Abilene Christian University, University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University.

Types of Social Work Degrees Offered at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s social work education pathway gives you well-laid-out academic options to prepare for professional success. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree serves as your gateway to become a generalist practitioner in this field.

UMHB’s BSW program stands out with its CSWE accreditation that confirms the curriculum’s quality and rigor. This accreditation lets you get your social work license right after graduation without any extra coursework.

UMHB’s strong ties with graduate programs throughout Texas and beyond help students who want to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) after their BSW. UMHB graduates can qualify for Advanced Standing status in many MSW programs and complete their master’s degree in just one year instead of two.

The program sits within UMHB’s Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice. This setup creates chances for students to learn and work across disciplines. You’ll develop a point of view that spans traditional boundaries—a valuable skill in today’s social work practice.

The program offers specialized course sequences that match different social work career paths. These educational tracks let you customize your degree based on your interests while mastering core professional competencies. Students learn both theory and practice through supervised field work in community settings.

UMHB’s program gives you excellent preparation for graduate school. Our graduates consistently score above average on the Foundation Curriculum Assessment Instrument. This academic excellence explains why 60% of UMHB’s social work graduates move on to advanced degrees at prominent institutions nationwide.

Degree Specializations

UMHB’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program builds generalist practitioners. Students learn to work with people in a variety of settings instead of focusing on narrow specializations. This creates flexible professionals who can handle different populations and social issues.

The social work program helps students become ethical, competent entry-level practitioners through “integration and application of knowledge, values, skills and experiences relating to diverse client populations, system sizes and practice settings”. Students get a complete foundation in human behavior, policy analysis, research methods, and direct practice skills.

The BSW degree needs 120 minimum hours with 36 upper-level hours. Students must complete 30 hours at UMHB. The core coursework has:

• Human Behavior & Social Environment (two sequential courses)
• Social Work Practice (three progressive courses)
• Case Management
• Human Diversity
• Social Work Research (two courses)
• Policies & Issues in Social Work
• Senior Seminar

The program’s structured field experience sets it apart. Students take two practicum courses totaling 10 credit hours. This gives them supervised ground application of their classroom knowledge.

Graduates can apply for Texas state licensure as a baccalaureate social worker (LBSW). This credential helps them land entry-level positions in many settings:

• Children and family services
• School social work
• Medical social work
• Mental health care
• Military social work

The program’s generalist approach and strategic elective choices help students prepare for specific career paths through practicum placements. UMHB graduates often find positions at respected organizations like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and The Menninger Clinic.

The program maintains high quality standards. Students must earn a ‘C’ or better in all core social work courses. They also need at least a 2.5 GPA in their social work courses. These requirements ensure graduates have the knowledge and skills to work in this challenging yet rewarding field.

Online and Hybrid Options

UMHB’s educational approach centers on flexibility, which lets students access quality instruction whatever their personal circumstances. The innovative “CRUflex” model of hybrid learning adapts to students’ priorities and life situations.

Students can choose how they want to learn with CRUflex’s versatile options. The model lets you attend courses in person with social distancing measures, select fully online learning for the semester, or create a mix of both approaches that fits your needs. Digital learning teams worked with physical plant workers to install cameras and microphones in classrooms throughout campus.

UMHB uses advanced software solutions to deliver content. Students can join live instruction through Zoom and watch recorded lectures via Panopto. Both platforms combine smoothly with the Canvas learning management system.

The university offers many online degree options in various disciplines, though the BSW program isn’t available fully online. These programs come with several benefits:

• 100% online coursework that lets you study on your schedule while keeping your full-time job
• Customized learning experience with small faculty-to-student ratios so instructors understand each student’s learning style
• Convenient academic calendar with multiple start dates throughout the year

Expert faculty members bring diverse industry experience to UMHB’s online education, which emphasizes individual attention through one-on-one success coaching. The university creates a “vibrant community with dynamic learning experiences” even in distance format.

The hybrid options give social work students an ideal balance. They keep the significant face-to-face components needed for interpersonal skills while offering flexibility through digital tools. This approach shows UMHB’s dedication to student success through adaptable, student-centered educational paths.

Graduation Rates

Academic success measurement through completion rates gives significant insights into program effectiveness at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The institution’s mission fulfillment and student achievement reflect directly in graduation rates.

UMHB set a six-year graduation rate goal of 66% for freshmen students. Historical institutional data, IPEDS comparative analysis with peer institutions, and observed growth trends helped determine this target. The actual six-year graduation rate ranges between 41% and 53%, which puts the university in the bottom 45% of institutions nationwide. Students often need additional time to complete their degrees, as shown by the four-year graduation rate of 31-39%.

The university’s retention rates, which track first-year student returns for a second year, range from 62-69%. These numbers place UMHB in the bottom 25% nationally. These rates often predict potential graduation outcomes.

Demographic analysis of graduation rates reveals substantial variations. White students lead with a 57% completion rate, while Hispanic students follow at 46%. International students and Black/African-American students face more challenges, with rates of 29% and 30% respectively.

These statistics need proper context to understand them fully. The university’s consumer information explains that graduation rates only track full-time, first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates who complete within 150% of normal time – six years for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer students, part-time students, and spring semester starters do not factor into this measurement.

Traditional and non-traditional students show different outcomes in the data. First-time/full-time students achieve a 48% six-year graduation rate, while returning full-time students complete at 38%.

Students who transfer to other universities and graduate elsewhere do not count in UMHB’s graduation figures. About 43% of students who don’t complete their UMHB degree successfully transfer to other institutions, suggesting continued educational pursuit through alternative pathways.

Career Outcomes

A social work degree from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor creates opportunities in many professional fields. Your BSW program completion qualifies you to apply for Texas state licensure as a baccalaureate social worker (LBSW). This license opens doors to entry-level positions right away.

UMHB social work graduates can specialize in several areas:

• Children and Family Social Work: Protecting vulnerable children and supporting families in need
• School Social Work: Working with educators to boost student performance
• Therapist/Clinical Social Work: Treating behavioral and emotional issues
• Medical Social Work: Guiding patients through healthcare challenges
• Mental Health Care: Helping individuals with mental illness
• Military Social Work: Supporting service members and their families

UMHB graduates now work at leading organizations across Texas, including:

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center
• Bell County Mental Health Indigent Defense Program
• Bexar County Adult Detention
• Family Abuse Center in Waco
• The Menninger Clinic in Houston

Many graduates choose to continue their education after UMHB. Six out of ten UMHB social work graduates head over to graduate programs at a Texas social work school. Baylor University, University of Texas at Arlington, Abilene Christian University, University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University rank among the top choices for advanced degrees.

UMHB’s Career Services department supports students throughout their academic journey. The department offers tailored assessments, resume reviews, mock interviews, and access to Handshake—an interactive recruiting platform that connects students with employers. Their mission centers on helping current students and alumni develop careers and find jobs.

The Career Center’s core team of three full-time staff members guides your professional growth. Every undergraduate can access individual and group career counseling, interview preparation, resume help, and networking opportunities through an active alumni network.

A UMHB social work degree equips you for immediate employment and a rewarding career that serves communities and tackles critical social needs.

What’s Unique about the Social Work Programs at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s social work programs stand out because of their unique combination of academic excellence and faith-based values. UMHB differs from secular institutions by weaving Christian principles into its social work education. This creates a “Christ-centered learning community” where professional competence and spiritual growth thrive together.

The program’s educational philosophy naturally blends faith throughout its approach. Students learn both theory and practical skills, which gives them intellectual knowledge and hands-on experience. Graduates emerge with technical expertise, ethical awareness, and a compassionate view of their work.

Small class sizes and an excellent faculty-to-student ratio make UMHB’s social work education unique. Students receive personal mentoring opportunities rarely available at bigger universities. Faculty keep their doors open beyond class hours to build meaningful relationships with students throughout their academic experience.

Strategic collaborations with community partners enhance the program’s field education component. Students gain practical experience in various settings across central Texas, which exposes them to different populations and social challenges. These valuable connections often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

Students find additional growth opportunities through active organizations like the Social Work Club and Phi Alpha Honor Society. These groups provide professional development, community service projects, and peer support beyond regular classes.

The program stays true to its mission of accessibility through the innovative CRUflex model. Students can tailor their learning experience to fit their personal needs without compromising on quality. This works especially well for non-traditional students who balance their studies with family or work commitments.

UMHB’s social work programs showcase a unique educational model that combines academic rigor, faith integration, individual attention, community involvement, and adaptable learning methods. This comprehensive approach produces graduates who grow both professionally and personally.