Social Work
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
The mission of the Bachelor of Arts degree in social work is to prepare students for entrance into the profession of social work as generalist practitioners.
Degree Requirements
Progression to the major of social work with a school social work concentration will occur only after the student successfully completes the following courses with a minimum grade of "C-". ·
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SWRK 2010 Introduction to Social Work ·
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SWRK 2011 Writing for Social Work
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SWRK 3011 Professionalism in Social Work
For more detailed information on how to apply for the Social Work Program, visit the Undergraduate Apply Now page
Social Work Concentrations
The B.A. program in Social Work is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entrance into the profession of scocial work as beginning level generalist practioniners. Program obsjectives for a B.A. in SOcial Work are: (a)apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice; (b) understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and prnciples, and practice accordingly; (c) practice without discrimination to needs of diverse clientele; (d) apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice. Many social work courses have self-learning requirements, and an internship is required.
Starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, all social work majors are required to have a concentration. Admission to the University and completion of social work core courses do not guarantee placement in a concentration. Students must be competitively admitted in the concentration based on an application completed in SWRK 3011. Professionalism and Social Work Careers.
The generalist concentratiuon prepares students for licensure at the Licensed Baccalaureate Soial Wrker (LBSW) in the State of Tennessee. Students wishing to practice in other states should check specific state requirements.
Child Welfare Concentration
The Child Welfare concentratoin prepares students for the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in the State of Tennessee and for Child Welfare Certification through the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. Students wishing to practice in other states should check specific state requirements. To be eligible for Tennessee Child Welfare Certification, students must meet the following requirements in addition to the concentration requirements.
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Obtain an overall GPA of 2.6
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Undergo a background check and fingerprinting
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Be a US Citizen of eligible to work in the United States
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Possess a valid driver's license
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Complete SWRK 4830 and SWRK 4831 at the TN Department of Children's Services
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Earn a B- or higher in SWRK 4934 and SWRK 4935
School Social Work Concentration
All social work majors are required to have a concentration. Admissions to the University and completion of social work core courses do not guarantee placement in a concentration. Students must be competitively admitted into the concentration based on an application completed in SWRK 3011: Professionalism and Social Work Careers.
The School Social Work Concentration prepares students for llicensure as a Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW) at the baccalaureate level and for the Licensensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in the State of Tennessee. In addition to completeing the 41 hours, students must compete their field practice sequence in a school-based setting and complete Teacher Education Program (TEP) admissions for the LSSW credential. Students wishing to receive licensure in another state should check state specific requirements.
BA School Social Work License
In addition to the BA Social Work major requirements for the University of Memphis, students can also seek the School Social Work license at the BA level.
Click here for BA School Social Work Licensure requirements
BA in Social Work Curriculum
Please click here for a sample degree plan.
For detailed information about the BA program, including policies, course names and descriptions, visit the Undergraduate Catalog
View here for more information BASW Student Handbook
Tuition and Fees
For the most current information regarding tuition, visit the University & Student Business Services.
Financial Aid and Scholarships can be found here.
Contact Us
The social work office is located in 208 McCord Hall. The general contact information for administrators of the program is as follows:
| School Chair | Susan Elswick | 901.678.3438 | selswick@memphis.edu | |
| Program Coordinator | Kenya Anderson | 901.678.3400 | kconley@memphis.edu | |
| Field Director | Danielle Seemann | 901.493.3676 | dswatson@memphis.edu | |
| Academic Advisor Memphis Campus | Kenya Anderson | 901-678-3400 | kconley@memphis.edu | |
| Academic Advisor UMGlobal | Tracy Humphrey | 901-614-3891 | tlhmphr1@memphis.edu | |
| Administrative Assistant | 901.678.2616 |