Social Work at HPU
Mission Statement
The Department of Social Work at Howard Payne University is committed to being a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to excellence, offering generalist social work education to a diverse student body grounded in faith and the essential knowledge, values and skills of the profession.
Program Goals
Developing purpose-driven social workers grounded in faith, service, and justice.
Our program goals reflect the integration of faith, service, and academic excellence at the heart of Howard Payne University.
The Social Work Program prepares students to serve others with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. Rooted in Christian values, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to create meaningful change in their communities.
Our goals are to:
- Faith & Service: Create a Christ-centered learning community that integrates faith, compassion, service, and integrity into every aspect of social work education.
- Generalist Practice: Prepare students for ethical and effective practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Excellence & Growth: Promote high academic standards, critical thinking, and lifelong learning in a changing world.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Foster an inclusive environment that values human dignity, embraces differences, and promotes fairness and justice.
- Ethics & Integrity: Instill a commitment to Christian values and the NASW Code of Ethics to guide responsible and ethical practice.
- Competence & Justice: Prepare students to engage in policy and advocacy efforts that advance social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
- Research & Collaboration: Encourage the use of research and collaboration to inform effective, innovative practice across communities.
Course Sequence
Your journey to becoming a professional social worker.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at Howard Payne University is designed to help students grow step by step — from understanding human behavior and social environments to applying professional skills in the field. Each course builds on the last, preparing students to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
| Year | Semester | Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Fall |
SWK 1315 |
Introduction to Social Work |
|
2 |
Fall |
SWK 2303 |
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I |
|
2 |
Spring |
SWK 2304 |
Human Behavior and the Social Environment II |
|
3 |
Fall |
SWK 3314 |
Social Work Practice I: Micro Practice |
|
3 |
Fall |
SWK 3342 |
Social Services and Policy in Rural Settings |
|
3 |
Spring |
SWK 3315 |
Social Work Practice II: Mezzo Practice |
|
3 |
Spring |
SWK 3353 |
Social Welfare Policy and Services |
|
4 |
Fall |
SWK 3316 |
Social Work Practice III: Macro Practice |
|
4 |
Fall |
SWK 4429 |
Field Education I |
|
4 |
Spring |
SWK 3350 |
Research Methods in Social Work |
|
4 |
Spring |
SWK 4539 |
Field Education II |
Note: Course sequence may vary slightly based on transfer credits or course availability. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their faculty advisor to stay on track for graduation.
Field Practicum
Where learning meets practice.
The Field Practicum is the heart of your senior year in the Social Work Program at Howard Payne University.
This two-semester experience gives you the chance to take everything you have learned in the classroom and put it into real-world practice.
Students complete 500 total hours in their field placements — 250 hours in the fall semester and 250 hours in the spring — while also attending a weekly two-hour seminar. The seminar provides support, guidance, and a space to connect classroom concepts with hands-on learning in the field.
By the time students enter field, they have completed all coursework through the junior year and are in their final year before graduation.
During the practicum, students gain professional experience, grow in confidence, and demonstrate that they are ready to begin their careers as competent, compassionate generalist social work practitioners.