DSOWK-BA - Social Work, BA

The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) Social Work Program utilizes both the university's institutional admission policies and a program-specific admission process to ensure students are prepared for the rigor and professional expectations of social work education. The Social Work Program does not admit students simultaneously into both the university and the social work program. Students are first admitted to UNT Dallas through the university's undergraduate admission process and may declare Social Work as their intended major at any time. Formal admission into the Social Work Program occurs through a separate, program-specific application and evaluation process, typically during the sophomore or junior year after completion of designated prerequisite coursework.

The Social Work Program adopts the University's admission policies and procedures for first-time undergraduate, transfer, and international student admissions. First-time undergraduate students must satisfy the university's general admission requirements. Transfer students must meet UNT Dallas transfer admission requirements, including the submission of official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. For students transferring social work courses into the program, the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program will accept transfer of credit only for social work courses from CSWE-accredited programs. The program may request a copy of the course syllabi as deemed appropriate. International students are admitted in accordance with UNT Dallas policies governing international admissions and must satisfy all institutional, state, and regional accreditation requirements applicable to international applicants. Admission to the university does not automatically confer admission into the BSW Program.

Students seeking formal admission into the Social Work Program must meet specific program eligibility requirements before submitting an application. Applicants must be core complete or near completion of the university core curriculum, possess sufficient semester credit hours to complete the professional social work curriculum within the prescribed four-semester sequence, and have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Eligible students are advised into the first semester of professional social work coursework, which includes SOWK 2311 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, SOWK 2312 Social Work with Children and Families, SOWK 3323 Diversity and Culturally Competent Practice, and one approved social work elective. Students cannot take any additional courses until they have successfully completed the first three social work courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA. This means, for example, any student who is seeking admission to the social work program can make C’s in two social work courses but must make a B in at least one of the three courses to meet the minimum 2.5 social work GPA requirement. 

Following successful completion of these prerequisite courses, students become eligible to apply for formal admission into the Social Work Program. As part of the program-specific application process, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive personal essay of approximately two to four pages that demonstrates both academic writing proficiency and professional readiness for social work education. The essay is evaluated for completeness, depth of thought, clarity of expression, organization, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and the applicant's ability to thoughtfully reflect on experiences relevant to professional social work practice. The writing sample also provides faculty with an opportunity to evaluate competencies essential for success in the profession, including written communication, critical thinking, leadership, professional behavior, appropriate self-disclosure, and overall quality of work.

The Social Work Program employs a program-specific application evaluation process conducted by the Social Work Program Admissions Committee, which is composed of social work faculty and staff. Applications are reviewed using a standardized evaluation rubric that assesses five scored criteria: writing ability, critical thinking, class participation and appropriate self-disclosure, leadership, and quality of work. Grade point average is also considered during the review process but is not assigned a numerical score within the rubric. While students with stronger academic performance may receive additional consideration, faculty also evaluate demonstrated classroom performance and professional behaviors that indicate readiness for professional social work education. During the review process, the Admissions Committee may also consider patterns of professional conduct observed throughout prerequisite coursework, including attendance, punctuality, completion of assignments, interactions with faculty and peers, and adherence to professional expectations consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics.

The Social Work Program utilizes program-specific admission decision types that are separate from the university's institutional admission decisions. Following committee review, applicants may receive one of three admission decisions: Unconditional Acceptance, Conditional Acceptance, or Denied Admission. Applicants granted unconditional admission have demonstrated satisfactory academic preparation and professional readiness and are assigned a faculty advisor to begin the professional sequence. Applicants offered conditional admission have identified academic or professional deficiencies that are considered remediable and are required to complete an individualized remediation plan developed jointly by the student and faculty before progressing in the program. Applicants denied admission are determined to have deficiencies that are not considered immediately remediable and are informed of the basis for the decision as well as any applicable procedures for future reapplication.

The Social Work Program also utilizes a program-specific admission notification process. Following review by the Admissions Committee, all applicants receive written notification of the admission decision via their official UNT Dallas email account from the Social Work Program Director. Students receiving unconditional admission are provided information regarding faculty advising, course registration, and progression into the professional sequence. Students receiving conditional admission receive written documentation describing the conditions that must be satisfied before full admission is granted, including timelines and expectations for remediation. Students denied admission receive written notification explaining the admission decision and, when appropriate, information regarding future eligibility to reapply.  Upon formal admission, academic advising will advise students on the course corequisites and prerequisites to move forward in the social work program. To remain in good academic standing within the BASW program, students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in their social work courses.   

Information regarding university admission requirements, Social Work Program admission criteria, application procedures, admission decision types, progression requirements, and program expectations is communicated through multiple venues to ensure transparency and accessibility for prospective and current students, faculty, advisors, and transfer partners. These policies and procedures are published in the UNT Dallas Undergraduate Catalog at: https://undergrad.catalog.untdallas.edu/programs/DSOWK-BA/undergraduate-admission-9Vrh3, the Social Work Program Student Handbook, pages 12-13, the Social Work Program Admissions webpage, at: https://www.untdallas.edu/bhhs/undergrad-programs/social-work-bachelors-degree-program.php, Social Work Program orientation materials, and the Social Work Program application packet. In addition, prospective students receive individualized guidance through advising appointments, program orientation sessions, recruitment events, and meetings with program faculty and academic advisors.