Social Work Degree Programs in Oklahoma

Earning social work degrees in Oklahoma can lead to fulfilling careers working to improve the lives of citizens through a broad range of assistance programs. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services believes that qualified social service professionals assist citizens to live healthy, safe, productive lives on an independent level. To that end, the Sooner State's universities and colleges have developed rigorous, academic programs that graduate professionals with the competencies expected by employers in public and private social work agencies. Whether helping to arrange utility payments, providing protective services, monitoring disability care or assisting with temporary food benefits, social workers with degrees from accredited programs in Oklahoma are trained to offer care with dignity to citizens nationwide.

Online Social Work Programs For You

East Central University

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Human Resources

Located in eastern Oklahoma, ECU has integrated cultural diversity and societal needs into its programs since its founding in 1909. Students can participate in classes at several locations throughout the state and through distance learning formats. Education at ECU is well regarded by students for its affordability, personalized instruction, safe campus environment and friendly atmosphere. In keeping with ECU's foundations of creating careers that can benefit society, the Department of Human Resources offers a baccalaureate degree in social work.

Social Work Program (Bachelor of Social Work)

The 124-credit, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree develops generalist practice skills designed to prepare graduates for competitive employment in diverse community settings. It encompasses: 45 hours of general education classes; 46 hours of coursework in the social work major; and 33 hours of related studies, acquisition of a minor and approved electives.

A 448-hour internship is also required. This experience provides opportunities for students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world, therapeutic situations. It can be completed in a number of agency settings including: hospitals, local health departments, mental health facilities, family services agencies, tribal agencies or rehabilitation agencies. Students may also opt to participate in the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program which recruits interested candidates to work for public child welfare programs.

Accreditations

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
  • Commission on Accreditation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Contacts
East Central University
Department of Human Resources
1100 East 14th Street
Ada, OK 74820
Carol J. Bridges
(580) 559-5405
[email protected]
Program Website

Northeastern State University

College of Liberal Arts, Department of Social Work

Grounded in the traditions of the Cherokee Nation, NSU seeks to instill a love for life-long learning in students while preparing them for challenging careers in the 21st-century workplace. The university engages business partnerships with the community to foster experiential learning opportunities that enhance curricular programs. Initiatives to work within rural community settings are especially important to aid the growth and development of citizens located there. These initiatives are also further addressed by NSU degrees such as the Bachelor of Social Work which is offered through the College of Liberal Arts at the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses. NSW ranks at #84 nationally for western regional universities in U.S. World & News Report's 2015 compilation of best colleges.

Bachelor of Social Work Program

This Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) includes 124 credits of intensive study and a 440-hour, field experience. The curriculum is based on accreditation standards outlined by the Council on Social Work Education. After completing 67 credits in general education studies, students can begin classes in the major. Topics of social work study include: at-risk populations, social work practices, work values and ethics, social and economic justice, social welfare policy and services, influences of social environment on human behavior, and human diversity. Six hours of social work electives and five hours of upper division courses in social science, psychology, social work or Native American studies round out degree requirements. Interested candidates may also participate in the Child Welfare Traineeship Specialization Program, which encourages students to consider careers working with child welfare agencies.

Accreditations

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
  • Commission on Accreditation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Contacts
Northeastern State University
600 North Grand Avenue
Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464
Susan Burdine
(918) 444-3511
[email protected]
Program Website

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Social Work

NOSU reaches out to serve a diverse population of learners through versatile programming formats. From traditional on-campus instruction to innovative, distance learning curricula, NOSU students can complete degrees designed to suit their career ambitions. For those aspiring to give back to their communities through their careers, the Bachelor of Social Work degree is a good choice to consider. The program builds upon standards set forth by the Council of Social Work Education to develop the competencies that social service professionals must have for the job.

Bachelor of Social Work Program

This BSW degree requires a minimum of 119-credit hours of instruction combined from 54 general education credits, 45 credits from core classes in the major and 20 credits towards completion of a minor. Emphasis of study in major core classes covers: defining social work as a profession; social welfare policies and services; human behavior in a social environment; social diversity; working with individuals, families and groups; and research and evaluation principles. A 420-hour field experience completes the curriculum, providing an opportunity to practice social work competencies in supervised settings. As with other social work programs in Oklahoma, students may opt to participate in the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program.

Accreditations

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
  • Commission on Accreditation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Contacts
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
709 Oklahoma Boulevard
Alva, Oklahoma 73717
Theresa Lemke
Administrative Assistant
Department of Social Work
Jesse Dunn, Room 308
(580) 327-8134
[email protected]
Program Website

Oral Roberts University

College of Science and Engineering

Oral Roberts University promotes the advancement of knowledge and intellectual discovery while developing the body, mind and spirit. Students are encouraged to pursue studies that will enrich not only their own lives but the lives of others. ORU's location in Tulsa also provides unique opportunities for students to connect with the community through dynamic, business and industry relationships. ORU garners recognition for providing an affordable education and has been noted in The Princeton Review as one of the best regional institutions in the West for 2014.

Bachelor of Social Work

A professional degree program, the BSW from ORU follows guidelines from the Council of Social Work Education from a Christian perspective. Graduates of the program often serve clients in church settings, mental health facilities, correctional institutions, family health organizations or child welfare agencies. Completion of the BSW requires taking 128 credits from general education courses, major core classes and approved electives. Additionally, practical internships provide hands-on training opportunities. Study topics include social welfare practices, minority group relations, social welfare policy and the effects of social environments on human behavior.

Accreditations

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
  • The International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA)
  • Commission on Accreditation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Contacts
Oral Roberts University
College of Science and Engineering
7777 South Lewis Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74171
Dr. Lanny Endicott
(918) 495-6543
[email protected]

University of Oklahoma

Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work

Since its inception in 1890, OU has dedicated itself to supplying graduates who can fill the needs of local communities, the state and the nation. The institution consistently ranks among the top national universities as reported by Forbes magazine and U.S. News & World Report. With regard to social work programs, OU's School of Social Work provides some of the Sooner State's most comprehensive degree programs for aspiring social services professionals.

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work

This foundational BSW degree prepares students to enter the work force as generalist practitioners or to continue on with higher levels of graduate education. The curriculum develops competencies in areas such as case management, advocacy, and group work. The total degree requires 120 credits for completion, with 45 credits coming from studies in the major. These studies cover topics such as interviewing techniques; individual, group or family practice; human behavior and diversity; social welfare policy; and social justice. An intensive practicum experience is also required. Graduates will find competitive employment in a broad range of government agencies, healthcare facilities and non-profit organizations.

Master of Social Work

Candidates interested in this masters can choose between a 60-credit program for those with any bachelor's degree or a 33-credit program for those with an undergraduate degree in social work. The MSW offers two concentrations:

-Direct Practice with individuals, families and small groups
-Community Practice with organizations, communities and large groups

Both degrees build upon the generalist training of the bachelor's in social work program and hone skills to work with specified clients. Twelve hours of advanced practicum experience is required that allows for supervised and independent social work practice opportunities. Flexibility in the program means working professionals can take classes full- or part-time as their schedules allow. An MSW degree often gives degree-holders an competitive edge for advancement into administrative and managerial positions.

Accreditations

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
  • Commission on Accreditation, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Contacts
University of Oklahoma
Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work
700 Elm Ave
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
Julie Miller-Kribbs, Ph.D.
Director
(918) 660-3378
[email protected]
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Master of Social Work

Higher education institutions are the force behind the training and education of those who provide critical relief and assistance services to citizens across the country. In the Sooner State, this challenge is being met through the creation of innovative, rigorous academic programs that address society's most critical needs. As a result, aspiring graduates of social work degree programs in Oklahoma will be prepared with the job skills they require to help people and build successful careers.