BSW Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Social Work program requires 122 credit-hours of
coursework, 400 clock-hours of supervised practicum internship, and 30 clock-hours of service learning in the community. Students receive the training needed for a meaningful professional career and employment in public and private settings.
Degree Requirements
All students pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University must complete the forty-two-
hour statewide Core Curriculum. For more information on Core Curriculum requirements please
see the Undergraduate Catalog or visit the Core Curriculum requirements website.
Start with the Foundations. Build Toward Practice.
The BSW program is thoughtfully designed to guide students step by step into the field of social
work. Students begin with foundation courses that introduce the values, history, and methods
of the profession while also building critical thinking and communication skills through studies
in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, math, and more.
These early courses lay the groundwork for understanding how social work engages with
individuals, families, and communities and how advocacy is at the heart of the profession.
Courses in the foundation sequence include:
- SW 310 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
- SW 312 Generalist Social Work Practice: Knowledge, Values & Skills
- SW 313 Social Work Research Methods
- SW 318 Social Work Statistics
- SW 325 Foundations of Social Justice
Practice sequence
Upon completion of the foundation courses typically by the second or third year, students transition into the practice sequence, a focused, hands-on part of the curriculum where they apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. This stage deepens their understanding of direct practice, policy, and advocacy, and prepares them to make a meaningful impact in the field.
To move into the practice sequence, students participate in a structured review process, offered once each fall and spring semester, to ensure they are prepared for the next phase of the program.
Students who stay engaged in their coursework, meet academic expectations, and show a strong interest in the field are typically well-prepared to advance.
Practicum: Your Final Step Toward the BSW
BSW majors in the practice sequence take primarily social work courses in their third and fourth years, and complete a supervised practicum internship in the community during the last semester.
Students are expected to complete required courses in three or four long semesters. All BSW degree requirement must be completed prior to starting the practicum internship.
The Steve Hicks School considers students for admission to the practice sequence twice a year, during the fall and spring semesters. Current enrollment in courses during time of application is permitted. Grades will be checked at the end of the semester.
Plan Your BSW Academic Journey
Degree Plans
See requirements to graduate, based on any active catalog that corresponds with any semester/year of your enrollment at UT Austin. Catalogs expire after six years. Speak with your academic advisor to discuss catalog options.
Interactive Degree Audit
An Interactive Degree Audit or IDA is a report of your progress toward your BSW degree. To create a report or view an existing one, go to the IDA website. If viewing an existing report, be sure to click “rerun audit” for the latest updates. Prospective students can generate a report using the BSW degree plan (UT EID required).