Rooted in faith.
Grounded in service.
Focused on change.
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.
The Howard Payne University Social Work Program prepares students to serve others through knowledge, faith, and compassionate action. Guided by Christian values, the curriculum is designed to equip students for effective practice in rural and underserved communities, addressing real-world challenges through both rigorous academic study and hands-on field placements. With a diverse student body and strong community partnerships, the department fosters an environment where students grow as ethical, service-oriented professionals who serve with compassion, cultural awareness, and professional integrity; making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and the communities they serve.
At Howard Payne University, the study of social work is more than professional training, it is a formation of the whole person for a life of meaningful service. Students are invited into a learning community that values both intellectual rigor and the cultivation of character, preparing them to engage complex human needs with clarity, humility, and skill.
The program emphasizes a generalist approach grounded in a systems perspective. Students learn to understand individuals within their families, communities, and broader social environments, developing the capacity to assess situations, intervene effectively, and advocate for positive change across multiple levels of practice. Coursework and field experiences work together to build competence in ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness, and collaborative problem-solving.
Through strong local partnerships and a commitment to real-world application, students gain practical experience that bridges classroom insight with the realities of professional practice. The result is graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also reflective practitioners ready to contribute thoughtfully wherever they are called to serve.
Whether students sense a clear vocational direction or are still exploring how best to use their gifts, the Department of Social Work offers a supportive environment in which curiosity, compassion, and professional growth can flourish side by side.
Students who feel called to help others, advocate for justice, and strengthen communities will find a natural home in this program. Social work at HPU offers more than a degree, it offers a pathway to purposeful service. Graduates are prepared for immediate entry-level practice in a wide range of settings and benefit from a streamlined pathway to graduate study through a partnership with Angelo State University’s Master of Social Work program.
In an era of growing need, especially across rural Texas and beyond, the ability to serve with cultural awareness, compassion, and professional competence is both a calling and a career advantage. At Howard Payne, students are challenged and supported to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and contribute to the well-being of those around them.
Rooted in Howard Payne University’s Christ-centered mission, the Department of Social Work challenges students to approach human need, justice, and service with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to ethical practice. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge and skills in ways that strengthen communities—especially rural and underserved ones—illuminate the human experience, and positively impact the lives of others. By combining professional expertise in social work practice, cultural awareness, and hands-on field experience with Christian values, graduates are prepared to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
To learn more about the values that guide the Howard Payne University community, explore our Core Values.
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.
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.
Students interested in graduate studies will have access to a streamlined pathway into Angelo State University's Master of Social Work (MSW), available to eligible Social Work graduates from HPU who meet academic and application requirements. Advanced social work practitioners may go on to careers in healthcare, the justice system and counseling servicing for individuals, groups and families.Â
Program Insights
Teaching Physical
Education & Coaching
Students in HPU’s Social Work Program have a variety of opportunities to deepen their learning beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences. The Student Association of Social Work encourages involvement through volunteer work, education, advocacy and peer connection. Students participate in field practicums, applying generalist practice social work knowledge, values and skills under the supervision of professionals in real-world agency settings. Enriching activities such as the Mission Waco Poverty Simulation and a class trip to the state capitol for Student Day at the Legislature help students better understand the systemic factors that impact the field and the role of advocacy. Courses like Spanish for Law Enforcement and Social World equip students with vital language skills and cultural competence to work effectively with diverse populations. These experiences foster practical learning and prepare students to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Alumni Testimonial
“The Social Work Department at HPU was foundational in my current practice as a social worker. I learned effective ways to serve individuals and populations through the courses I took. Also, my professors helped me recognize how Christianity and social work relate to values!”
Alex Mata ’21
Scholarships
95% of HPU students receive financial aid.
We’re passionate about making your college experience financially accessible. Our dedicated Financial Aid team will work diligently with you to explore every available opportunity and help make your HPU education affordable.
Contact
Director, Social Work Program
Assistant Professor of Social Work
