Angelo State University Social Work Degrees
Angelo State University’s social work degree programs rank #10 in Texas and #212 nationwide. These rankings show what you can expect from the university’s quality education. The program has grown significantly, with the number of bachelor’s degrees in social work jumping 32% in the 2021-2022 academic year.
The university added a Doctor of Social Work program to its offerings. This program stands out as one of just six social work doctoral programs in Texas and remains the only D.S.W. focused on clinical social work.
Students love the program’s affordability, with in-state tuition at $8,319. The Master’s program fits different schedules by offering both in-person and online options. These programs help students move smoothly from their studies to successful careers, whether they’re fresh undergraduates or experienced professionals looking to advance.
Social Work Degrees Offered at Angelo State University
Angelo State University’s social work programs give you a clear path to a rewarding career through its complete degree offerings. The Department of Social Work helps students earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees that build skilled professionals who make a difference in communities of all types.
The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program stands as the foundation of the university’s social work school. This degree prepares you to become a generalist social work practitioner who can promote change and solve problems for individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. You’ll learn the biopsychosocial approach to client care and get practical experience with human behavior theories, assessment methods, and intervention skills that today’s outcome-based social services need.
The B.S.W. program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. After graduating, you can take the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners Licensing Exam. The program requires you to keep a minimum “C” grade in all social work courses and maintain at least a 2.50 GPA in your social work classes.
The program offers great flexibility with both in-person and online classes. The B.S.W. online program has earned recognition as one of the best in the United States.
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program takes you deeper into social issues and practice settings. You can complete this graduate program entirely on campus or 100% online based on your priorities and schedule. The M.S.W. lets you specialize in Advanced Generalist Practice or Clinical Practice, setting you up to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Students with a B.S.W. can take advantage of the Advanced Standing track. If you have a B.S.W. from a CSWE-accredited program, you could finish your M.S.W. degree in just 12 months. Both traditional and Advanced Standing tracks come with flexible study options:
- Advanced Standing: Full-time (36 credit hours in one year) or part-time (36 credit hours in two years)
- Traditional Track: Full-time (66 credit hours in two years) or part-time (66 credit hours in four years)
The university also offers a Social Work Minor that needs 18 semester credit hours and 9 hours from any Social Work advanced electives. This minor helps students understand people who might need social services while exploring the social work profession.
Angelo State University offers a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program designed for experienced practitioners seeking to enhance their leadership and clinical skills. This advanced degree focuses on developing innovative solutions to complex social issues, preparing graduates for high-level roles in various settings. With a commitment to social justice and community engagement, the DSW program equips students to make a significant impact in the field of social work.
Angelo State University’s social work department has adapted its programs to meet growing job market demands. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that social worker jobs will grow steadily through 2033, creating over 60,000 new positions. The Health Resources and Service Administration expects a 30% increase in master’s and doctoral-level social workers through 2030.
Whether you choose undergraduate or graduate studies in social work at Angelo State University, you’ll develop the skills to promote change for people of all ages and cultures who face social, mental, or physical challenges.
Specializations
Angelo State University’s social work degree programs give you specialized educational paths that match different career goals. Most programs only teach general practice, but Angelo State has distinct specialization options at every degree level.
The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) teaches you to become a generalist social work practitioner. You can build specialized skills in several areas through strategic course picks and internship placements. These areas match the faculty’s expertise: children, adolescents, and families; criminal justice/corrections; gerontology/aging; health/mental health; and social/community development. This integrated approach will give a complete understanding of human behavior theories, assessment methods, and intervention skills you need in today’s outcome-based social service environment.
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program has two distinct specialization tracks:
Advanced Generalist Practice specialization blends micro-level skills with mezzo and macro abilities. You’ll learn to deliver culturally-adapted interventions to individuals and families while developing skills in organization, administration, policy development, and community practice. The program has courses in case management, administration, program evaluation, and advanced practice with different populations. Students need to complete 500 hours of field education (for Advanced Standing) or 900 hours (for Traditional Track).
Clinical Social Work specialization helps you master direct practice skills for therapeutic interventions. You’ll take specialized courses in clinical assessment, psychopathology, clinical theory, healthcare organization, and mental health treatment. The program covers clinical health policy and treatment approaches for various groups including children, adults, and people with addiction or mental health challenges.
Angelo State also offers a Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) in Clinical Social Work program. This prepares you for advanced clinical practice, higher education roles, and leadership positions in health and human services.
Your practicum experiences depend on your chosen specialization. Advanced Generalist students work in schools, nonprofits, residential treatment facilities, government agencies, community behavioral health organizations, and hospitals. Clinical specialization students focus on placements that boost direct practice skills in medical, behavioral health, and specialized treatment settings.
These specialization options create unique career paths. Advanced Generalist graduates often work in case management, family social work, community development, criminal justice, public health, school social work, and social services administration. Clinical specialization graduates typically focus on therapeutic interventions and mental health services in healthcare settings.
Angelo State University’s social work department helps you prepare for the specific area of social work that matches your professional goals.
Online and Hybrid Options
Flexibility is the life-blood of Angelo State University’s social work degree programs. The Department of Social Work accepts new ideas in distance education and offers every degree level in multiple formats to meet student needs.
Students can complete the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) program fully online or through traditional in-person classes. This adaptable approach has earned national recognition, and the online B.S.W. program consistently ranks among the nation’s top programs. The online B.S.W. has achieved several impressive top-10 national rankings:
- #3 among “Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Work Programs”
- #5 among “Top 10 Best Online Programs in Social Work”
- #5 among “Most Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs“
- #6 among “Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Programs in Social Work”
Graduate students enjoy similar flexibility with the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree, available on campus or 100% online. Students get detailed instruction in social issues and practice settings of all types. The online M.S.W.’s quality shows in its ranking among the “Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs” for 2023.
The department’s commitment to flexibility extends to all programs. Students can complete the Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) in Clinical Social Work online or in-person. The Bachelor of Science in Sociology comes in multiple formats: online, in-person, or hybrid.
Angelo State supports its online students extensively. Students can complete coursework at their own pace while enjoying all benefits of the “Ram Family”. The university’s partnership with San Antonio College helps students complete ASU bachelor’s degrees entirely online, breaking down geographic barriers.
These programs continue to attract national attention because they combine quality, affordability, and flexibility effectively.
Graduation rates
Let’s take a closer look at the Angelo State University social work degree graduation metrics that show how well the program works. These completion rates can help you assess your chances of success in this academic path.
Angelo State University’s graduation statistics paint an encouraging picture. The university achieves a 45% overall graduation rate, which ranks in the bottom 30% nationally. Students complete their degrees at different rates – 31% graduate in four years, while 41% finish within six years. These numbers serve as key measures for anyone interested in the angelo state university social work program.
The university shows steady progress that goes beyond basic statistics. Over the last several years, four-year graduation rates have jumped from 21% to 40%. Six-year graduation rates have also improved from 31% to 50%. These improvements point to better educational delivery and student support systems in the angelo state university social work department.
Student retention rates tell us about early success and satisfaction levels. The current retention rate of 69% places the university in the bottom 40% nationally. While this ranking leaves room for improvement, both retention and graduation rates remain key indicators of student achievement at Angelo State.
Hispanic students’ graduation rates showcase remarkable growth from 25% to 45% during the measured timeframe. This improvement highlights the angelo state social work program’s steadfast dedication to supporting students from different backgrounds.
The university tracks first and second-year retention along with four and six-year graduation rates for new freshmen. These measurements help the program improve student success initiatives effectively.
The angelo state university social work degree’s rising completion rates signal positive momentum, though national averages suggest room for growth. These statistics offer clear insights into student outcomes that can guide your educational choices. Recent improvements in graduation metrics demonstrate the university’s ongoing work to boost student success in social work education.
Career outcomes
Angelo State University social work degree graduates have excellent career opportunities in a variety of settings. Their Bachelor’s degree holders earn a median salary of $38,771, which surpasses the national average of $37,334 for BSW graduates.
The career landscape looks bright for Angelo State social work program alumni. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts social worker employment will grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing most other occupations. The Health Resources and Service Administration expects a 30% rise in demand for master’s and doctoral-level social workers through 2030.
Your degree will prepare you for various professional paths. The Angelo State University social work department readies graduates for roles in:
- Case management in hospitals, clinics, and social service agencies
- Child, adolescent, and family social work
- Community development and administration
- Corrections and criminal justice settings
- Gerontology and aging services
- Medical social work and public health
- Mental health and substance abuse counseling
All but one of these social workers ended up working in government agencies. Your degree level shapes your career growth—a Bachelor’s degree opens entry-level direct practice positions, while a Master’s degree leads to therapy roles and supervisory positions. Doctoral graduates often become teachers, researchers, administrators, or specialized clinical mental health service providers.
The Angelo State University social work program’s strong alumni network serves communities worldwide. Many alumni have become leaders, working as program administrators in clinical settings or educators who shape future social workers.
Your education gives you the skills to enhance social functioning at every level—from individuals to families, groups, and communities. Social work’s focus on both people and their environments makes it uniquely suited to tackle society’s complex challenges.
Unique Features about the Social Work Programs at Angelo State University
The Angelo State social work degree distinguishes itself with unique elements that improve educational quality beyond basic curriculum requirements. These programs excel at balancing academic excellence with hands-on experience.
Small class sizes help students build meaningful connections with faculty members. Professors can provide individual mentorship that aligns with each student’s career goals. Their extensive field experience connects theoretical concepts with ground applications.
The social work program’s field education makes it exceptional. Students complete supervised field placements before graduation. This hands-on experience builds professional networks and often leads to jobs after graduation.
The program builds strong ties with local and regional agencies. Students can apply their classroom knowledge to solve real community problems through service-learning projects. These strategic collaborations create valuable learning opportunities that address community needs.
There’s another reason why this program stands out – its focus on rural social work practice. San Angelo’s surrounding communities are mostly rural or underserved. The curriculum prepares students to help these populations, which gives graduates an edge in rural employment settings.
The Angelo State University social work department provides comprehensive student support. Dedicated academic advisors guide students through social work career paths effectively. Students join an active Social Work Club that organizes professional development activities and networking events with alumni and employers.
The program’s steadfast dedication to innovation helps graduates succeed in evolving social service fields. Regular curriculum updates based on new trends and evidence-based practices equip students with skills that today’s employers need.