School of Social Work

The School of Social Work offers the degrees of bachelor of social work, master of social work and doctor of philosophy.

• Major
  • Social Work, BSW
• Minor
  • Social Welfare

General Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 hours for the degree with a Social Work GPA of 2.5 and an overall GPA of 2.25. 

Hours of Study for the Minor in Social Welfare

Students in other divisions of the University may earn minors in social welfare by completing 18 hours of social work courses. Course requirements are listed under the Minor in Social Welfare section.

Independent Study

Independent study is usually arranged in order for the student to pursue a special area of interest in social work or social welfare that is not covered in courses regularly offered. To arrange an independent study course, the student should obtain permission from his or her adviser, work out the goals and objectives of the course with the supervising instructor and secure a recommendation from the program chair and approval from the assistant dean for educational programs and student services. Independent study must be approved no later than the last day of class of the semester preceding the semester of the course. Such courses may be dropped according to University policy.

Course Substitution

Occasionally, a student may wish to substitute another course for a required course. All such requests should first be presented to the student’s adviser, who will weigh the merits of course substitution and determine whether the content of the proposed course is appropriate as a substitute. Decisions on social work course substitutions are made by the program chairperson.

Transient Enrollment

A student who wishes to take courses at another college or university during a summer or regular semester should, after talking with his or her adviser, check with the School of Social Work registrar’s office to determine whether the courses will transfer to the School of Social Work. Prior approval must be received in order for transfer credit to be accepted toward degree requirements.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

A student with a bachelor’s degree in a major other than social work may take courses leading to a bachelor’s degree in social work as a second degree. To qualify for enrollment in social work courses as a major, the student is expected to meet all requirements for admission (i.e., 2.25 cumulative GPA and 2.5 GPA or higher in social work courses and a completed application for admission). The student is also expected to complete, in residence and with the required overall and social work GPAs, the specified social work courses for the BSW degree. The student is also expected to take other courses common to social work majors, such as 4 hours of biological sciences. Students interested in a second degree should also refer to the University’s requirements listed under the Second Bachelor's Degree section of this catalog under Academic Records and Policies/Multiple Degrees and Multiple Majors.

Students entering the School of Social Work as freshmen are required to meet the admissions standards of the University set forth in the Admissions section of this catalog. The University accepts transferred credit from accredited associate of arts programs (see Undergraduate Transfer Admission section of this catalog). The School of Social Work also accepts those hours, but requires that all students meet the course requirements for the bachelor of social work degree. An evaluation of each transferred course is made by the University’s Academic Records office or the registrar of the School of Social Work. Any transfer credit of a social work course must be approved by the program chair. No academic credit, course waivers, or credit for field practicum shall be granted for life experience or for previous work experience.

Transfer credit from four-year institutions is accepted as long as the specified requirements for the BSW degree are met. Credit for 400-level social work courses can be granted only for such courses taken in a CSWE-accredited social work program. Social work courses below the 400-level taken in programs without CSWE accreditation are evaluated for transfer credit on a course-by-course basis. Because of the number of social work courses required of junior- and senior-level students, it is difficult for a transfer student to enter the School of Social Work after the first semester of the junior year and complete the program within an additional two-year period, unless the general education requirements have been completed during the first two years of study. Most transfer students attend at least one summer session.

Any University of Alabama student who has completed 45 semester hours or more of academic work and wishes to transfer from any other UA division into the School of Social Work must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 for all college work.

Admission into the Professional Program

The priority deadline for application to enter the upper division (professional program) in social work is February 15 of each year for admission the following fall semester and September 15 for admission the following spring semester. The application link is sent to eligible students from the BSW Program office.

Each applicant for the professional program should have completed:

* Proctored exam may be required for online sections of this course. Additional charges may be incurred for proctoring services. The student is responsible for any proctoring costs. 

A student who has completed at least two of those courses may apply if he or she is enrolled in the other course at the time of application. An applicant also must have qualified for UA core curriculum–level math courses either by placement score or by having earned a C or higher in MATH 100 Intermediate Algebra . To be considered for admission, the student must have completed at least 45 hours toward the degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25 and a social work GPA of at least 2.5.

Spaces for students in the upper division are limited. Two faculty readers score each application. Depending on the number of applications and spaces available, some applicants who meet minimum admissions requirements may be placed on a waiting list. Students who are conditionally admitted must maintain cumulative grade point averages of at least 2.25 (and 2.5 in social work courses) or the offer of admission will be withdrawn.

After the completion of approximately 54 hours toward the social work degree, with the required cumulative and social work grade point averages, students who have been admitted into the professional program begin taking the professional courses, which are the 400-level social work courses listed in the School of Social Work Program Requirements section of this catalog.

Performance and Retention Policies

To continue in the social work professional program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Students must earn minimum grades of C in all required social work courses, including two social work electives.
• Students must earn minimum grades of C in all other courses required in the major:

  Code and Title		Hours
  PY 101 or	Intro To Psychology	3
  PY 105	Honors Intro Psychology
  PY 352	Developmental Psych	3
  PY 358	Psychopathology	3
  PY 372 or	Social Psychology	3
  SOC 205	Social Psychology
  SOC 101	Intro To Sociology	3
  BER 345 or	Educational Statistics	3
  CJ 381 or	Statistics
  PY 211 or	Elem Statistical Methods
  ST 260	Statistical Data Analysis

•  Optional Writing Assessment

  Students under any catalog before the 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog are eligible to take an optional writing assessment to test out of SW 310 Professional Writing Seminar. Students must earn a minimum grade of B- on the optional writing assessment in SW 101 Orientation to Social Work to test out of SW 310. Students who have not earned a “B-” or better on the writing assessment will be required to enroll in SW 310, Professional Writing Seminar, prior to applying for the Professional Program. Students enrolled under the 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog or later are not eligible to take the Optional Writing Assessment and must take SW 310. There are no options for testing out of SW 310 for these students.

Practicum Education

SW 490 Practicum Education , a 9-credit-hour course, is a four-day-per-week learning experience course taken during the senior year. The Social Work Practicum Education course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and develop professional skills in real-world social work settings. This course includes supervised field placement in a social service agency, where students engage in practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and policy. Students are guided by experienced practicum instructors who have an MSW with at least 2 years of experience and supported by a practicum faculty liaison to integrate classroom learning with practical experience.  To complete practicum education requirements, students must make arrangements for transportation to and from their practicum education site. During this semester, students also must be enrolled in SW 443 Integrated Seminar in Generalist Practice.

To be eligible for their practicum education placement, students must maintain cumulative grade point averages of 2.25 or higher and 2.5 or higher GPAs in social work courses. Students on probation and/or holding grades of I in any social work courses will not be admitted to practicum education.

B. Practicum 

Practicum is the signature pedagogy of social work education. Expectations for practicum are rather demanding in terms of placement duties and hours of commitment. This is the culminating experience for BSW students. This generally occurs in their final semester of school. Students complete a 9-credit practicum class in which they complete all 450 hours.  The variable option is also available, where students complete the 450 hours over two corresponding semesters. Students employed in full-time work should anticipate meeting this challenge. Employment-based practicums are available if the student’s specific agency of employment meets the standards set by the Council on Social Work Education and the School of Social Work for practicum education sites. Employment placements have enabled many students to complete their education while remaining employed. Students and their work supervisors must complete a thorough application if requesting this. 

Placement. Practicum Education Placement Service Area

The primary service area of The University of Alabama School of Social Work is the state of Alabama. The School commits itself to providing education for students located throughout the state, as well as nationally and internationally, and to developing and utilizing qualified practicum agencies as practicum educational sites. Both main campus and distance learning students can explore the Washington DC Practicum program and global placements.  However, to be eligible for national placements (outside of the Washington DC program), the student must be a distance learner living in the state where they are seeking placement. It is expected that main campus students will be placed in the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham area. The Practicum Education Program initiates all placements. Students within the state of Alabama should not contact agencies to inquire about placement opportunities. Students who reside out of state will be responsible for helping secure potential practicum placement locations. The Practicum Program will contact out-of-state students at the appropriate time to begin the process and will provide more information about the Placement Exploration Tool (PET) form at that time. The Practicum Education Program cannot guarantee a practicum placement in the town in which you are living. We will make every effort to place you close to home; however, the Practicum Education Program’s priority is making an educationally sound placement. Students need to be prepared to drive at least 60 miles away from their primary geographic location to accommodate placement It is important to note that changing geographic preferences once the practicum application has been submitted is only considered as an exception. Exceptions will be considered by the Director on a case-by-case basis. Please do acknowledge that changing your location preference may delay your entry to your practicum placement and may impact your graduation timeline.

Background Checks:

ALL students MUST have a background check on file in the Practicum Education Program before entering the Practicum Education. The background information and instructions are provided to the BSW students during their enrollment in SW 444 Leadership and Professional Development. ALL background checks, regardless of whether students are in-state or out of state, should be completed via Castle Branch, a DISA Healthcare company.

Student responsibilities. Practicum courses are restricted to students who have met the appropriate prerequisites for the practicum they are applying for and to those who have completed the application process. To plan for the practicum, the student is responsible for completing the following:

• Practicum application, to be accompanied by a current résumé

• Background Check

• Practicum Education Orientation

• Appropriate Practicum Forms

The student is responsible for follow-through on utilization of practicum information sources provided by the School; for example, discussions with Practicum Coordinators, and information available through the Practicum Education Program. The student is responsible for conveying sufficient information to the Practicum Education Program about personal needs, goals, interests, constraints, and/or special circumstances regarding the placement site. Once a student receives an email assigning them to a specific agency, the student is responsible for contacting the agency within 72 hours for a confirmation interview. This will allow the student to participate in a confirmation interview with the practicum instructor to ensure quality of fit between the student and the agency. In the event that the confirmation interview raises serious questions in the student’s mind about the viability of the placement, they are responsible for immediately raising those issues with their designated Practicum Coordinator. Throughout the practicum, the student is held accountable to all School and agency policies. Most importantly, the student is responsible for her/his own learning.

Documentation. Interns are responsible for retaining cumulative documentation of all internship activities. The program requires completion of a supervised internship in the student’s designated program area of 500 clock hours, begun after successful completion of the practicum. The internship is intended to reflect the comprehensive work experience of a professional social worker.

Each student’s practicum includes all of the following:

Required Standards for Interns:

• After successful completion of each practicum, students complete 450 hours of supervised internship in roles and settings deemed appropriate by the Practicum Education Team.
• Students are to co-decide on which competency-supported activities indicated on the Learning Contract they will complete over the course of the practicum with their task supervisors, practicum instructors, and faculty liaisons.
• Students must document all hours and all learning in the Intern Placement Tool (IPT). Hours and learning associated with the 9 CSWE competencies must be documented daily.
• Throughout the duration of the internship, each student receives individual and/or group supervision on a regular schedule that averages one hour a week by the Practicum Supervisor.

Internship Evaluation. Students enrolled in all practicum education courses will be given both a midterm grade and a final grade. Students are graded according to mastery of the 9 CSWE Social Work Competencies on the Learning Contract in the online tool Intern Placement Tool (IPT). Grades will be recommended by the Practicum Instructor and will be issued by the Faculty Liaison. For the midterm evaluation, Practicum Instructors, students, and Faculty Liaisons will make contact to evaluate the students' practicum performance. If the student is performing in a satisfactory way, the Practicum Instructor will complete the midterm grade on the learning contract and will provide feedback to the Faculty Liaison. If the student is performing in a marginal or unsatisfactory way at midterms, a practicum staffing and corrective action plan should be initiated. All learning competencies will be graded on a point scale, but the learning contract is graded on a Pass/Fail scale. Whenever there is a rating of 1 or 2 at midterm, the student, the student, Practicum Instructor and Faculty Liaison should modify the learning contract to promote student improvement; whenever there is a “NO” (No Opportunity) at midterm, plans should be made to ensure there will be an opportunity for the student to exhibit the behavior before the conclusion of the practicum education placement. There must be no “NOs” at the final. A student who receives a 1 or 2 at the final for any competency-supported activity does not pass this practicum education class.

Practicum Staffing Process: At the earliest indication of difficulties in practicum, a discussion should occur, and if not resolved, the practicum staffing should be called.  The Faculty Liaison, Practicum Instructor, Director of OEPCP, and Practicum Coordinator each have the authority to temporarily suspend the practicum until a Practicum staffing is convened and an outcome determined. The Director of OEPCP Program or Practicum Coordinator will officially notify the student of the suspension as soon as possible and provide the date of the practicum staffing.

Reasons for Review: Some difficulties in the practicum may necessitate practicum staffing. The practicum staffing is designed to resolve problems and reach appropriate outcomes in the best interest of all involved parties. Below are some reasons that may prompt consideration of practicum staffing.

The student is not adequately prepared for the practicum. A practicum staffing may be called for if there is reason to believe that the student is not adequately prepared for the practicum experience.

Student fails to meet the expected standards for ethical professional practice. Students are expected to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct and to adhere to the practicum agency’s policies and procedures, as long as said policies and procedures are not in conflict with the NASW Code of Ethics.

Student health condition or impairment. In the event the student experiences a health condition or other impairment that affects his or her ability to participate in the practicum placement.

 The agency is unable to provide an appropriate educational opportunity. An OEPCP team member may question whether the agency is able to provide the expected learning experiences and/or appropriate supervision, or to meet any of the expectations identified in the Affiliation Agreement

Agency requests termination of placement. The agency maintains the right to terminate the practicum placement pursuant to the terms of the affiliation agreement.

Possible Outcomes:

A typical practicum staffing will include one or more meetings between the practicum coordinator, practicum instructor, faculty liaison, and student. The practicum staffing is designed to solve problems and determine appropriate outcomes.

No change. In some cases, a practicum staffing results in no change to the practicum placement, and the student will be expected to return to his or her position as of the date of reinstatement.

Voluntary Student Suspension of Placement. A student may decide that it is in his or her best interest to suspend the placement. This outcome will require a timeline from the student, including the date of reinstatement, that must be approved by the Practicum Education Program.

Corrective Action Plan. A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is created by the Director of OEPCP and/or Practicum Coordinator when a practicum staffing concludes that the student is not satisfactorily meeting competencies in practicum. The CAP will be used to (a) highlight the specific competencies not being performed; (b) identify specific tasks that will need to be completed in order to adequately improve the competency(s); (c) provide a target date for reevaluation; (d) outline the responsibilities of the student, practicum instructor, and faculty liaison; and (e) provide other information that may be deemed necessary to a student in successfully completing the practicum placement. A student’s inability to satisfactorily complete the CAP requirements, as determined in the discretion of the assigned professional social work supervisor, and/or Practicum Coordinator, Director of OEPCP, will result in an “F” for practicum.

Termination of current practicum placement and change of practicum placement. In some cases, a practicum staffing may reveal that the student’s continued participation in the internship would not be in the best interest of the parties, or a practicum agency may decide to terminate a student’s participation in the internship. If an initial internship is terminated prior to completion, the Practicum Coordinator will, in most cases, work to assign the student to a second practicum placement. Assignment to a second internship is contingent on disclosure of the reasons for the termination of the initial placement and the sharing of the last Practicum evaluation form to the new potential practicum instructor/agency. Assignment to a second placement is contingent on the availability of placements. Students should be aware that there could be a potential delay in finding a suitable placement. If a student’s initial internship is terminated based on unsatisfactory performance related to educational competencies, professional behavior, misconduct, or other behavior that does not coincide with the standards, values, and expectations of the practicum agency, the Practicum Coordinator will not work to assign the student to a second placement setting until the student has successfully completed a corrective action plan. This plan will be created by the Practicum Coordinator in consultation with the Director of OEPCP. This WILL delay the reentry into the practicum experience and will impact the graduation timeline. If the student is assigned to a new internship following a practicum staffing, the student will normally be required to complete the full number of hours required for the course during his or her time in the new internship. In exceptional circumstances, the Practicum Coordinator may negotiate with the student to determine “hours credited” from the first internship. In either case, the student will not need to reregister for the course.

If the student is terminated from a second internship, the student will receive an “F” for practicum, and the practicum office will refer the student for an Academic and Professional Assessment Review (APAR). If the student disagrees with the practicum staffing outcomes reached pursuant to the outcomes above, the student may make use of the student-Initiated Review Process or the University-wide Academic Grievance Policy.

Site Supervisors Requirements for Practicum

All students will be supervised for one hour weekly by a Practicum Instructor. Practicum Instructors are individuals who hold an MSW degree with two years of post-experience. It is ideal for the practicum instructor to work within the agency where the student is placed. However, some areas in Alabama and surrounding states have an undersupply of qualified social workers. In such cases, an experienced staff member will be asked to serve as a Task Supervisor to monitor the student’s performance of agency policies and daily responsibilities. In this circumstance, a Practicum Instructor from outside the agency will work with the student and Task Supervisor to oversee the practicum experience.  They will also provide the one hour weekly supervision.

Student Insurance.  The University of Alabama provides professional liability insurance for students. However, if a student would like to purchase professional liability insurance above and beyond the University’s coverage, NASW provides a reasonably priced policy for student members; application forms for NASW membership and Professional Liability Insurance through NASW.

Academic and Professional Assessment Review

Academic and Professional Assessment Review (APAR) ensures that students in The University of Alabama School of Social Social Work Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program meet the academic, ethical, and professional standards required for successful completion of the program and effective social work practice. The review process is designed to assess students' alignment with the core competencies, values, and ethical standards of social work dictated by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. This policy applies to all students enrolled in the BSW Program who are undergoing academic progression reviews, practicum placement assessments, or demonstrating concerns regarding fitness for social work practice.

Definition of Preparedness for Professional Practice

Preparedness for social work practice refers to the combination of the following competencies:

• Academic Performance: The ability to meet academic requirements and demonstrate proficiency in social work knowledge, skills, and theory.
  • Including but not limited to: Class Attendance, Class Participation & Engagement, Quality of Coursework, Grades, etc.
• Professional Conduct: The demonstration of ethical behavior, professionalism, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Core Competencies and Accreditation standards
  • Including but not limited to: Punctuality, Preparedness, Communication, Self-Regulation, Openness to feedback, Professional appearance, behavior, cooperation, conflict resolution, etc.
• Emotional and Behavioral Suitability: The capacity to manage personal issues in a way that does not interfere with professional responsibilities, including emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness.
• Cultural Competency/Humility: The ability to engage with diverse populations in a manner that is respectful, nonjudgmental, and culturally responsive.

Review Process

1. Referral for Review: A student may be referred for a fitness review based on concerns regarding academic performance, professional conduct, or other issues that may impair their ability to succeed in the program or practice effectively as a social worker. Such concerns may arise from: 

• Faculty evaluations or concerns
• Practicum placement assessments or concerns
• Peer feedback
• Self-reports by the student
• Other relevant factors that may affect the student's ability to meet program requirements or ethical standards

2. Initial Evaluation: Once a student is referred, an initial review will be conducted by a designated Faculty Review Committee (FRC). The committee will consist of the specific program director, the Director of Experiential Programs and Community Partnerships, the corresponding academic advisor, two additional program committee faculty members, and may include a practicum education coordinator and other relevant professionals.

• The student will be notified of the review process and given the opportunity to provide input, including any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted their performance or conduct.
• The committee will review relevant documentation, including academic records and faculty correspondence, practicum evaluations and practicum staffing notes, and any other pertinent information.

3. Review Meeting: The student will be invited to meet with the Faculty Review Committee. During this meeting, the student will have the opportunity to discuss the concerns raised, provide any additional context, and outline plans for addressing the issues. The committee will also offer feedback and clarify expectations for continued enrollment in the program.

4. Assessment of Preparedness for Professional Practice: The Faculty Review Committee will assess whether the student demonstrates the necessary academic, professional, and personal competencies to continue in the program. In making this determination, the committee will consider:

• Whether the student is capable of safely and effectively performing social work responsibilities in academic and field settings.
• Any accommodations or support services that might assist the student in meeting the program's requirements.

Possible Outcomes: After the review meeting, the Faculty Review Committee may recommend one of the following outcomes:

1. Continuation with Support: If the committee determines that the student is capable of meeting the program’s requirements with additional support or interventions, the student may be allowed to continue in the program under specific conditions. These conditions may include:

• Completion of a remediation plan or corrective action plan(e.g., additional coursework, counseling, or mentoring).
• Ongoing monitoring of progress through periodic check-ins or evaluations.
• Participation in support services (e.g., academic tutoring, professional development, or emotional regulation programs).

2. Conditional Continuation: If the committee finds that the student may benefit from specific conditions or restrictions (e.g., additional supervision, additional projects or assignments, or restricted participation in certain program activities), the student may be allowed to continue under conditional terms.

3. Probation: In cases where the student’s preparedness for practice is significantly in question, the committee may place the student on probation. During the probationary period, the student will be required to meet additional academic, behavioral, or professional standards. The student’s progress will be closely monitored, and failure to meet probation conditions will result in dismissal from the program.

4. Dismissal from the Program: If the committee determines that the student is unable to meet the academic, ethical, or professional standards required for social work practice, or if the student’s behavior or performance presents a risk to clients, peers, or the public, the student may be dismissed from the program. Dismissal may occur for reasons such as:

• Persistent failure to meet academic standards.
• Repeated violations of professional ethics or conduct.
• Inability to demonstrate emotional and behavioral suitability for social work practice.
• Inability to engage in culturally competent practice.

Appeal Process: Students who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the review process may appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within ten (10) business days of receiving the decision. The appeal must include:

• A clear explanation of the reasons for the appeal.
• Any new information or evidence that was not available at the time of the review.
• A request for a re-evaluation of the decision.

An appeals committee, consisting of the Associate Dean and two program faculty who were not involved in the initial review, will evaluate the appeal and make a final determination. The 
decision of the appeals committee will be communicated to the student in writing.

Confidentiality: All information related to the review process will be treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with university and professional standards. Only those directly involved in the review will have access to the student's records and information.

The School of Social Work was established in 1965, when an act of the Alabama Legislature created a graduate school of social work, the first graduate social work program in the state. The undergraduate program began in 1970, and a doctoral program was added in 1975. The undergraduate program is the only one in the state offered within a comprehensive school of social work.

Social work is a challenging and rewarding profession that has as its goal helping people live satisfying lives within their families and their communities. The profession’s focus is on action to help people affect positive changes in their lives.

At the bachelor’s and master’s levels, the School of Social Work prepares social workers to plan, administer, deliver, and evaluate social services for citizens of the state, region, and nation. The bachelor of social work degree prepares the graduate to begin generalist practice in a variety of settings. The master of social work degree prepares the graduate for advanced, specialized practice. The doctor of philosophy degree prepares graduates to develop and impart knowledge to advance the profession. The faculty engage in research and professional activities designed to enrich educational programs, improve social conditions, and meet the special needs of the state, region, and nation.

The undergraduate program leads to the bachelor of social work degree. The primary objective of the undergraduate program in social work is the preparation of students for effective practice of professional social work in beginning-level positions. The graduate is prepared as a social work generalist with skills to assist individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in achieving goals, solving problems, and bringing about change where it is needed. Additionally, this program prepares students to enter graduate study in social work or related fields. It also provides interested persons with knowledge of social welfare needs and the means of providing for those needs. These objectives, however, are secondary to the primary objective of preparation for practice.

Five basic requirements of the BSW program prepare the student for practice as a generalist social worker: required liberal arts courses, elective courses, required social work courses, elective social work courses, and supervised social work practicum education.

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