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Social Work Degree Program

East Central University offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program, which has been in existence since 1972. It was initially accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1984, and its accreditation reaffirmed by CSWE in 1988, 1995, 2003, 2011, and 2019, it was named one of the Most Affordable programs in the country!

The Program's mission is consistent with the profession's purpose of promoting human and community well-being, which is guided by a person and environment construct, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge, based on scientific inquiry. The mission of the Program further reflects and advances the profession's values and the quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons.

Social Work Admission Requirements

Students who major in Social Work are required to apply for admission after completion of the following courses: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare; Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare; General Biology or other approved human biology course; General Psychology; Introduction to Sociology; and Freshman Composition I and II, with at least a minimum grade of "C"; and have a minimum 2.25 GPA. Applications for Admission, which includes letters of recommendation, are accepted in the fall and spring semesters. After admission, with the Social Work advisor, a Plan of Study is developed with the student, which will guide the student's academic program at ECU.sw fACULTY

 

 

 

Social Work Minor Requirements

For Majors in Human Resources Fields - 500A
SOWK 2273 - Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare
SOWK 2521 - Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare
SOWK 3613 - Social Welfare Policies and Services
SOWK 4423 - Human Behavior and Social Environment II
Eight hours of electives approved by Social Work faculty
Minimum Total - 18 Hours
The Juvenile Justice major must select, with Social Work faculty approval, an additional Social Work course to substitute for SOWK 4423.

For Majors Not in Human Resources Fields - 500B
HURES 2103 - Interviewing Techniques
HURES 3183 - Case Management Practice
SOWK 2273 - Intro to Social Work & Social Welfare
SOWK 2521 - Professional Skills for Social Work and Social Welfare
SOWK 3613 - Social Welfare Policy & Services
Five hours of electives approved by Social Work faculty
Minimum Total - 18 Hours


Social Work Program Scholarships

 

Bridges/Burke Social Work Scholarship 

This scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior student in the Social Work program who has maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must have completed at least 12 hours in this program for consideration. Both Dr. Bridges and Dr. Burke were long-time members of the ECU faculty and this scholarship has been established by friends, former students, and colleagues to honor their dedication to teaching.
Application

Dr. Burke & Judge Kilgore Social Work Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to full-time students with a declared major of social work.  The recipient must be classified as a junior or senior, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and have completed at least 12 hours at East Central University in the social work program with a 3.0 GPA.  This scholarship was established to honor Dr. Jim Burke and Judge Martha Kilgore by their family, friends and colleagues.

Benita Wallace Erwin Memorial Social Work Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a student that has completed at least 75 credit hours, has maintained at least a 3.0 GPA, and has been accepted into the Social Work Program with 12 hours of completed work at ECU.  The recipient should demonstrate interest and commitment to social justice, social change, and advocacy.  The recipient should possess leadership qualities to have a positive impact in the social work profession.  This scholarship will be awarded during the spring semester each academic year as funds are available.  This scholarship was established by Benita's family to honor her legacy as a helping professional and servant. 


Department of Professional Programs in Human Services Scholarships

 (available to social work majors):

All scholarships require full-time attendance (12 hours for undergraduate; 6 hours for graduate) unless indicated otherwise.
All scholarships require a 3.0 cumulative GPA unless indicated otherwise.
All scholarships are for fall and/or spring semester only (summer not included) unless indicated otherwise.
All scholarship recipients are recommended by the department, with final approval by the ECU Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Any exceptions must be approved by the department chair and the Foundation Scholarship Committee.

Dr. Richard Baumgartner Memorial Scholarship (Undergraduate)

This scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior student who has maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA, who has exhibited leadership qualities, and who shows the potential to make a positive and lasting impact in a human services profession. Dr. Baumgartner was a long-time faculty member in the Human Resources department and this scholarship was established in his memory by family, friends, and colleagues.
Application

Briles Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded based on need and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Originally established as a part of the Federal Student Loan Program, this scholarship was transferred to the ECU Foundation in 1995.

Gillette Conn Scholarship

Jack Conn established this scholarship in memory of his wife Gillette. This scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior who has maintained a 3.0 GPA or above. The recipient will have a declared major within the Human Services Department. This scholarship is also awarded to a student with a declared major of Political Science or Legal Studies.

Lowell Green Human Resources Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior student who has maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA and who has a major in within the Department of PPHS, preferably in the Rehabilitation Counseling area. Preference will be given to a student with a disability.
Application

CONTACT

Dr. Johnie Fredman
Department of Professional Programs and Human Services, Chair

Dr. Amy Ward
Department of Professional Programs and Human Services

Departmental Brochure

Degree Program

Check Sheet forDegree Requirements

Four Year Degree Plan