Department of Social Work
Welcome
Rooted in faith. Grounded in service. Focused on change.
The Howard Payne University Social Work Program prepares students to serve others through knowledge, faith, and compassionate action. Guided by Christian values, the program equips students to become ethical, service-oriented professionals who make a meaningful difference in their communities.Â
Program 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.
Apply to the BSW Program
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Howard Payne University prepares students for ethical and professional social work practice. Students must be admitted to Howard Payne University before applying to the BSW program. Admission to the BSW program is required before enrolling in upper-division social work courses.
Application Process
Students must be admitted to Howard Payne University before applying to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.
Application links:
Apply to Howard Payne University
Apply to the BSW Program
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program must:
• Be admitted to Howard Payne University
• Complete Introduction to Social Work with a grade of C or higher
• Meet program GPA requirements
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
Advising & Contact
For questions about the application process or readiness for the BSW program, please contact the Social Work Program Director at soplotnik@hputx.edu.
Field Education
Field Education is the signature pedagogy of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Howard Payne University. It provides students with supervised, hands-on experience that connects classroom learning with real-world social work practice.
Field Practicum
Students complete their field education in approved community agencies where they apply social work knowledge, values, and skills with diverse populations. Each student is supervised by a qualified Field Instructor and supported by the University’s Field Education Director to ensure ethical, professional, and competency-based learning.
Field education emphasizes:
• Generalist social work practice
• Ethical and professional behavior
• CSWE core competencies
• Supervised, real-world learning
• Generalist Intervention Model (GIM)
500-Hour Requirement
Field education is completed over two semesters:
• SWK 4429 – Field Education I (Fall): 250 hours
• SWK 4539 – Field Education II (Spring): 250 hours
Students complete 500 total supervised hours, typically at the same agency, and receive weekly supervision from a qualified professional.
Field Seminar
Students are enrolled in Field Seminar during both semesters. Seminar supports students as they:
• Transition into field placement
• Connect coursework with field experiences
• Develop a Field Learning Plan
• Reflect on professional growth
Journals, reflections, evaluations, and required field documents are reviewed by the Field Education Director to monitor student progress and competency development.
Field Education Manual
Detailed policies and procedures for field education are outlined in the BSW Field Education Manual.
View the Field Education Manual
Field Forms
Students apply for field education using the Field Education Application.
Curriculum & Courses
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at Howard Payne University prepares students for generalist social work practice through a Christ-centered, liberal arts education. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, professional behavior, cultural humility, and social justice while integrating classroom learning with supervised field experiences.
Course Sequence
The BSW curriculum follows a prescribed course sequence designed to support progressive learning and competency development. Students complete foundational coursework before advancing to practice, policy, research, and field education courses.
Required Social Work Courses include:
Year 1
• SWK 1315 – Introduction to Social Work
Year 2
• SWK 2303 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
• SWK 2304 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
Year 3
• SWK 3314 – Social Work Practice I (Micro)
• SWK 3315 – Social Work Practice II (Mezzo)
• SWK 3342 – Social Services and Policy in Rural Settings
•SWK 3350 – Social & Behavioral Science Research Theory & Methods
•SWK 3353 – Social Welfare Programs, Policies, and IssuesÂ
Year 4
• SWK 4316 – Social Work Practice III (Macro)
• SWK 4429 – Field Education I
• SWK 4539 – Field Education II
Field education is completed during the senior year and consists of 500 total supervised hours across two semesters.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at Howard Payne University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through its Commission on Accreditation. This accreditation confirms that the program meets national standards for social work education and prepares graduates for professional practice, licensure, and advanced study.
Degree Plan
Students follow the official BSW degree plan outlined in the Howard Payne University Undergraduate Catalog and the Social Work Program Student Handbook. Academic advising is provided each semester to ensure students remain on track for graduation.
Student Resources
Resources for current Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students at Howard Payne University
Student Handbook
The BSW Student Handbook outlines program expectations, academic standards, professional conduct, and student responsibilities.
Student Outcomes
Information on program outcomes and continuous improvement is available for students and other stakeholders.
Careers in Social Work
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) prepares students for entry-level, generalist social work practice in a variety of community and human service settings. Graduates are prepared to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities while upholding professional values, ethical standards, and a commitment to service.
Career Paths
Graduates of the BSW program may pursue entry-level positions in settings such as:
• Healthcare
• Education
• Justice
• Vulnerable Populations
• Policy & Research
• Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Specific roles, responsibilities, and titles vary by agency, setting, and state regulations.
MSW Preparation
The BSW program provides a strong foundation for students planning to pursue graduate education in social work.
Through coursework and supervised field education, students develop:
• A generalist practice framework (micro, mezzo, and macro levels)
• Professional communication and documentation skills
• Ethical decision-making grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics
• Experience integrating classroom learning with agency-based practice
Graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs may be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing MSW programs, depending on institutional requirements.
Graduate Pathway Partnership
Howard Payne University maintains a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Angelo State University (ASU) to support students interested in pursuing graduate education in social work. This partnership is designed to promote continuity, advising support, and awareness of MSW opportunities for qualified BSW graduates.
Admission to ASU’s MSW program is not guaranteed and remains subject to ASU’s admissions requirements and review processes.
Read more about the partnership
Licensure Readiness
Licensure requirements vary by state. In Texas, the BSW prepares students to pursue LBSW credentials. LMSW credentials require completion of an MSW. Students should verify state requirements and consult with an advisor.
News & Engagement
The Social Work Program at Howard Payne University values student involvement, community partnership, and ongoing connection with alumni.
Student Association of Social Work (SASW)
The Student Association of Social Work (SASW) is a student-led organization that supports the professional development, leadership growth, and community engagement of social work students. SASW provides opportunities for students to connect with peers, engage in service and advocacy, and deepen their understanding of the social work profession beyond the classroom.
SASW operates in alignment with the mission and values of the Social Work Program and supports student engagement as part of the program’s implicit curriculum.
SASW Executive Team
Academic Year: 2025–2026
President: Alexis Uribe
Vice President: Baylee Burns
Chaplain: Crystal Winn
Faculty Advisor: Ciera Ray, LCSW
SASW Meetings
Day/Time: Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
Location: 229 Newman
Scheduled Meeting Dates
February 13, 2026
March 6, 2026
April 10, 2026
May 8, 2026
Community Advisory Board
The Social Work Community Advisory Board includes community professionals, alumni, and stakeholders who provide guidance on curriculum relevance, field education partnerships, and program improvement. The board supports continuous evaluation and helps ensure the program remains responsive to community and professional needs.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is integrated throughout the Social Work Program through service-learning activities, field education partnerships, and collaboration with local agencies and organizations.
Connect With Us
Stay up to date with program news, events, and student highlights.
Follow the Howard Payne University Social Work Program on Facebook for photos, announcements, and community stories that celebrate our students and partners.
Shantel R. Oplotnik, LMSW
Program Director of Social Work; Assistant Professor of Social Work
325-649-8097
soplotnik@hputx.edu
Ciera Ray, LCSW
Field Director of Social Work; Assistant Professor of Social Work
325-649-8098
cray@hputx.edu
