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Social Work B.S.W.

Empower Vulnerable Populations in the Community

As our society grows in complexity, the role of social workers becomes more critical. University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Bachelor of Social Work from the College of Human Sciences and Humanities equips you to make a difference in the lives of people in your community. As a social worker, you will help find solutions for individuals and families in need; social workers advance change in social policy and support human well-being.

Be Part of an Innovative, Partnership-Oriented Program

During your course of study, you will develop the knowledge and skills for working with oppressed populations who may have been discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender identity/expression, age, sexual orientation, mental, or physical disability, veteran status or national origin. You will also learn respect for and appreciation of diversity throughout all components of our applied learning environment. Internship opportunities are a required part of the degree and are offered through several regional social service agencies and non-profit organizations. Participation in faculty research projects are encouraged. You may also consider applying to or participating in one of several organizations including Phi Alpha Honor Society, the Social Work Student Organization (SWSO), the National Association of Social Workers and the Social Work Alumni Organization.

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Admission Requirements

Admission into the BSW program begins with starting and completing the undergraduate admission process. However, admission into the BSW program occurs once students have begun their coursework at UHCL. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to the Program Faculty with questions.

  • BSW Admissions Criteria and Policies
  • Criteria
    • Completion of the Texas Core Requirements.
    • Completion of Introduction to Psychology. Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher.
    • Completion of Introduction to Sociology. Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher.
    • Completion of one of the following natural science courses: Human or General Biology; Anatomy & Physiology; Human or General Biology for non science majors; or The Human Body - complete with any associated lab.
    • Completion of SWRK 2361 - Introduction to Social Work with a grade of "C" or higher.
    • Completion of SWRK 3304 - Professional Issues and Ethics in Social Work with a grade of "C": or higher.
    • Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
  • Policy & Procedures

    Contact Dr. Heather Kanenberg (Kanenbergh@uhcl.edu) or Dr. Roberta Leal (LealR@uhcl.edu) for BSW advising as soon as possible.

    How to Apply
    Please review the Application Instructions and Supporting Materials before you begin. A completed application packet must include the following documents and information.

    • Application Form and Checklist
    • An unofficial copy of all college transcripts
    • 3 letters of recommendation from previous instructors or work supervisors (download Letter of Recommendation Form)
    • A 4-6 page autobiographical statement. Applicants should be certain that their autobiographical statement is a strong sample of their ability to express themselves in writing. The statement should include a description of the student's educational, work, and/or life goals, their personal and professional objectives, social work or human service experience, contact, exposure to, or experience with diverse groups and any other information the student believes may be important when considering their application for admission to the program.
    • Student Code of Conduct Form
  • Deadlines

    Applications accepted at any time.
    All materials must be submitted by July 15 for Fall admission and December 15 for Spring admission.


Degree Requirements

Understanding the classes you need to take for your degree at University of Houston-Clear Lake is crucial to planning out your education. The buttons below will allow you to view the full degree requirements and give you an understanding of your academic experience. If you are currently attending a community college in Texas, click on the "Transfer Guide" button to view what classes can be taken at your local community college, and transferred to UHCL to complete your degree.


Social Work, B.S.W.Transfer Guide (PDF)


Cost Information

Investigate the direction of your future with this look into the prospective costs of a degree from UHCL.


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Locations

University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake

2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-283-7600

About UHCL


Accreditations and Distinctions

The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Social Work Competencies and UHCL Students' Performance:


Social Work B.S.W. Faculty

Heather Kanenberg
Heather Kanenberg

Heather Kanenberg

Department Chair of Health, Human, and Biomedical Sciences and Professor of Social Work,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3458
Email: kanenbergh@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou 2617

Heather Kanenberg Faculty Bio

Roberta Leal
Roberta Leal

Roberta Leal

Assistant Professor of Social Work,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3495
Email: LealR@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou 2617

Roberta Leal Faculty Bio

Maria Wilson
Maria Wilson

Maria Wilson

Assistant Professor,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3379
Email: wilsonm@uhcl.edu
Office: B2617

Maria Wilson Faculty Bio