Accredited by:
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
MSW Application Packet
School of Social Work
P. O. Box 6104, SFA Station
420 East Starr Avenue
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-6104
Phone: (936) 468-4020
Fax: (936) 468-7201
swk@sfasu.edu
Dr. Freddie L. Avant, School Director
Prof. Wilma Cordova, MSW Program Interim Coordinator
Frances Garcia-Reyes, MSW Administrative Assistant
MSW PROGRAM
APPLICATION PROCESS
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all required documentation to the School
of Social Work and Graduate School offices. Submit the MSW application materials to
the School of Social Work via email to [email protected], mail to P.O. Box 6104 SFA
Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, or fax to (936) 468-7201.
The application to the Graduate School must be submitted online using the SFA Apply
(www.sfasu.edu/apply) Application for Admission along with a $50 application fee and
official transcripts.
The application process will proceed as follows:
1. Once the Graduate School office has received all required application
materials, that office will forward a notice of admission to the School of
Social Work for review by the MSW Admissions Committee.
2. When the School of Social Work has received all MSW application
materials, Graduate School notice of admissions, and the recommendations
for admission, the student’s file will be forwarded to the MSW Admissions
Committee for review.
3. The MSW Admission Committee will review the student file and make a
recommendation to the MSW director. The director will complete the notice
of admission, and the form will be returned to the Graduate School’s office
immediately. In certain situations, the applicant will be interviewed by the
MSW director and the chair of the MSW Admissions Committee.
4. The Graduate School will complete a Graduate School Admission Notice
based on the recommendation from the MSW Admission Committee.
5. If the student is to be admitted, the Graduate School will email a copy of the
Graduate School Admission Notice to the student or a letter on admission
status.
6. The Graduate School is responsible for admitting the student into the
Student Information System. This may take several days for completion.
7. Once the Graduate School has admitted the student into the Student
Information System, the student must attend a new student orientation, be
advised and register for courses.
For more information, contact the School of Social Work.
(Please keep this page for your records)
Admission
In order to be considered for admission to the MSW program, applications must submit:
(1) a SFA Graduate School application, (2) official transcripts to the Graduate School, (3)
three letters of recommendation using the attached form (or a letter on letterhead
providing the same information), (4) supplemental application for the MSW program, (5)
a written statement of interest in social work, and (6) a résumé.
Nonadvanced Standing
To be considered for clear non-advanced standing admission, applications should present
an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 hours. Applicants who
demonstrate outstanding qualifications on other admission criteria may be admitted on a
probationary basis with an overall GPA of 2.5 and 2.8 GPA for the last 60 hours.
Advanced Standing
To be considered for advanced standing, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s
degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Applicants admitted on a probationary status are not eligible for advanced standing.
To receive advanced standing, an applicant must have made a minimum GPA of 3.0 in
the last 60 credits of undergraduate course work and a 2.5 GPA overall.
The MSW program director will make decisions on course equivalency credit. Advanced
placement credit may be awarded for SOCW 5301, SOCW 5302, SOCW 5307 and SOCW
5312. Advanced standing credit is not automatic and students may be required to submit
course equivalency information or successfully complete a competency examination
before receiving credit for a course. All students who receive advanced standing must
complete a minimum of 35 credit hours in order to receive the MSW.
(Please keep this page for your records)
MSW PROGRAM ADMISSION CRITERIA
It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all required documentation to the
School of Social Work and Graduate School offices.
☐ SFA Apply Application for Admission for SFA Graduate School
☐ $50 application fee payable online through SFA Apply Application or
payable to Stephen F. Austin State University Business Office (The
application must be received by the Graduate School prior to making
the payment to the university)
☐ Official transcripts from all post-secondary education sent to the
Admissions Office (except for SFA graduates)
☐ MSW Supplemental Application
☐ Statement of Interest in Social Work (Written in an essay
form, about two pages, double-spaced answering the
questions on page 6.)
☐ Résumé
☐ Three letter of recommendation forms from:
a. a supervisor from a work or volunteer setting, preferably a
professional setting
b. **a professor or dean from an educational setting, and
c. professional (not personal) reference.
☐ Student Information Contact Form
☐ Signed copy of Criminal History Notification Form
☐ Signed copy of the MSW Academic and Professional Integrity Code
All MSW application documents must be submitted to Frances Garcia-Reyes
via email to swk@sfasu.edu, mail to P.O. Box 6104 SFA Station,
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-6104, or fax to (936) 468-7201
*BSW students seeking advanced standing should
include a letter from their program director or field
coordinator in lieu of their professor or dean.
(Please keep this page for your records)
MSW PROGRAM
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
MSW PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
Please Print
Name: _________________________________________________________________
E-mail: _________________________________________________________________
Address:
Address City State Zip
Phone: Cell:
Application for Admission: Fall________ Spring ____ Summer ______ Year _____
Applying for: Full-time admission _________ Part-time admission ____
Advanced Standing (Must have BSW degree) _________ Non-advanced Standing ________
Class location preference (if available): Nacogdoches ______ Online ______ (Must be Advanced)
I understand to be eligible for the MSW online program I must reside in one of the following
states: Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Louisiana Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A ☐
Are you fluent in any language other than English? Yes ____ No ______
If yes, what language?_____________________________________________________
Are you a Child Protective Services employee? Yes ____ No ______
Have you successfully completed undergraduate course work in the following?
Social Statistics: Yes ____ No _____ If yes, course number and year __________________
Multiculturalism Yes ____ No ____ If yes, course number and year ______________________
(race/minority relations)
Have you successfully completed a minimum of 18 credit hours in Liberal Arts course work?
(i.e., English, political science, history, economics, sociology, psychology, etc.) Yes ____ No ______
Have you been arrested, charged or convicted of a criminal offense? Yes ____ No ______
If yes, please explain __________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
If you have ever been convicted of a felony, it may affect your ability to obtain a Social Work License in the
State of Texas. Contact the Texas State Board of Social Worker
Examiners for more information at 1-800-821-3205.
Submit to [email protected]
MSW PROGRAM
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
As part of your application, please enclose a statement (written in an essay form,
about two pages, double-spaced) about your interest in social work addressing the
three questions below.
1. How did you become interested in pursuing a professional career
in social work?
2. What qualities or abilities do you possess that would
make you an asset to the social work profession?
3. How would the MSW program's specialized practice at
SFA help to meet your goals for your professional career in
social work?
(Please keep this page of your records)
MSW PROGRAM
STUDENT INFORMATION
Last Name: _____________________________________________________
First Name: _____________________________________________________
Middle Name/Initial: _______________________________________________
Preferred Name: __________________________________________________
Preferred Pronoun: ____________________ Student ID Number: _______________
Address (while attending SFA): ___________________________________________
City/Town: _____________ State: ____________ Zip Code:___________
City & State Field Placement Preference: ___________________________________
Home Telephone Number: ____________________________________________
Work Telephone Number: ___________________________________________
Cell Telephone Number: ____________________________________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Person(s): ___________________________________________
Contact Person(s) Telephone Number: ____________________________________
Additional Information: _____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Submit to swk@sfasu.edu
Stephen F. Austin State University - School of Social Work
P.O. Box 6104, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962-6104
(936) 468-4020
MSW PROGRAM
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Applicant’s Name: _________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
Under the federal Family Education and Privacy Act of 1974, students are entitled to review
their record, including letters of recommendation. However, persons who serve as a
reference may feel more comfortable in fully addressing all issues if they know that their
recommendations will remain confidential. You have the option of waiving the right to review
your recommendation. Please indicate your choice concerning this right.
Applicant’s Signature: ___________________________________________________
TO THE PERSON COMPLETING THIS RECOMMENDATION:
You have been selected by the person named above to evaluate his or her ability and
readiness to enter a graduate program in social work. Your appraisal of this individual will
help the Admission Committee make a decision about the applicant’s capacity to benefit
from this program.
KNOWLEDGE OF APPLICANT
1. What is the nature of your contact with this applicant?
2. Approximately how long have you known this applicant?
3. How well do you know the applicant?
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Slightly Well
Moderately
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Very Well
Extremely Well
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the applicant’s chances of success in an MSW
program?
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Terrible
Poor
Average Good
Excellent
☐ I waive my right to review this recommendation.
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I do not waive my right to review this recommendation.
5. Please complete the following based on your experience with the candidate:
Poor
Below Average
Average
Above Average
Outstanding
ability
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ability
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ability
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solving
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for others
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6. What are the applicant’s primary strengths?
7. What are the applicant’s weaknesses?
8. What would the applicant contribute to the profession?
9. Would you recommend this applicant for admission to this MSW program?
With serious reservations: Yes: _______ No: _______
Signature: ________________________ Name (printed): ________________________
Title: ____________________________ Institution: ____________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________ Email: _______________________________
Submit to swk@sfasu.edu
www.sfasu.edu
Master of Social Work Program
Curriculum
Nonadvanced Standing Part-Time (3 years plan of study)
MSW Grad Bulletin
Spring Semester #1
SOCW 5304 Introduction to Rurality 3
SOCW 5300 Applied Research Methods 3
SOCW 5307 Social Welfare Policy & Services 3
9
Fall Semester #1
SOCW 5301 Introduction to the Social Work Profession 3
SOCW 5302 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I 3
SOCW 5305 Generalist Practice I 3
SOCW 5419 Field Instruction I 4
13
Spring Semester #2
SOCW 5312 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II 3
SOCW 5315 Generalist Practice II 3
SOCW 5317 Rural Social Policy Analysis 3
SOCW 5429 Field Instruction II 4
13
Fall Semester #2
SOCW 5320 Social Work Research Process 3
SOCW 5358 Advanced Practice with Groups 3
6
Spring Semester #3
SOCW 5330 Research Practicum 3
Elective 3
6
Fall Semester #3
SOCW 5325 Advanced Generalist Practice 3
SOCW 5335 Seminar in Advanced Rural Practice 3
6
Spring Semester #4
SOCW 5339 Field Instruction III 3
SOCW 5440 Field Instruction IV 4
SOCW 5441 Field Instruction V 4
11
Social Statistics SOCW 3372 (Spring 2023) Total Credits 64
*Thesis: Yes ____ No ____ If yes: SOCW 5389 ______ SOCW 5390 _____
Student Name: _______________________________ SID: _____________________________
Student Signature: __________________________________ Date: _____________________
Faculty Advisor Name: ___________________________________________________________
Faculty Advisor Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________________
I understand that I have agreed to take courses:
____ FACE-TO-FACE NACOGDOCHES CAMPUS
__ I have been informed that the MSW Handbook is available online on the MSW program homepage.
* If selected, will increase the number of credit hours required to graduate – thesis option adds three credit hours for a total of 67.
www.sfasu.edu
Master of Social Work Program
Curriculum
Non-Advanced Standing Full-time (two-year plan of study)
MSW Grad Bulletin
Fall Semester #1
SOCW 5301 Introduction to the Social Work Profession 3
SOCW 5302 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I 3
SOCW 5304 Introduction to Rurality 3
SOCW 5305 Generalist Practice I 3
SOCW 5419 Field Instruction I 4
16
Spring Semester #1
SOCW 5300 Applied Research Methods 3
SOCW 5307 Social Welfare Policy & Services 3
SOCW 5312 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II 3
SOCW 5315 Generalist Practice II 3
SOCW 5429 Field Instruction II 4
16
Fall Semester #2
SOCW 5317 Rural Social Policy Analysis 3
SOCW 5320 Social Work Research Process 3
SOCW 5325 Advanced Generalist Practice 3
SOCW 5335 Seminar in Advanced Rural Practice 3
SOCW 5358 Advanced Practice with Groups 3
15
Spring Semester #2
SOCW 5330 Research Practicum 3
SOCW 5339 Field Instruction III 3
SOCW 5440 Field Instruction IV 4
SOCW 5441 Field Instruction V 4
Elective 3
17
Social Statistics __ Total Credits 64
*Thesis: Yes ____ No ____ If yes: SOCW 5389 ______ SOCW 5390 _____
Student Name: __________________________________ SID: _________________________
Student Signature: __________________________________ Date: _____________________
Faculty Advisor Name: ___________________________________________________________
Faculty Advisor Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________________
I understand that I have agreed to take courses:
____ FACE-TO-FACE NACOGDOCHES CAMPUS
__ I have been informed that the MSW Handbook is available online on the MSW program homepage.
* If selected, will increase the number of credit hours required to graduate – thesis option adds three credit hours for a total of 67.
www.sfasu.edu
Master of Social Work Program
Curriculum
Advanced Standing Part-time (2 year plan of study)
MSW Grad Bulletin
Summer Session II
SOCW 5304 Introduction to Rurality 3
3
Fall Semester
SOCW 5317 Rural Social Policy Analysis 3
SOCW 5320 Social Work Research Process 3
SOCW 5335 Seminar in Advanced Rural Practice 3
SOCW 5358 Advanced Social Work with Groups 3
12
Spring Semester
SOCW 5325 Advanced Generalist Practice 3
SOCW 5330 Research Practicum 3
6
Fall Semester
SOCW 5549 Advanced Field Instruction I 5
5
Spring Semester
Elective 3
SOCW 5659 Advanced Field Instruction II 6
9
Total Credits 35
*Thesis: Yes __ No ___ If yes: SOCW 5389 ____ SOCW 5390 ___
Student Name: ________________________________ SID: ___________________________
Student Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________________
Faculty Advisor Name: ___________________________________________________________
Faculty Advisor Signature: __________________________ Date: _______________________
I understand that I have agreed to take courses:
____ ONLINE
____ FACE-TO-FACE NACOGDOCHES
__ I have been informed that the MSW Handbook is available online on the MSW program homepage.
* If selected, will increase the number of credit hours required to graduate – thesis option adds three credit hours for a total of 38.
*Revised and Effective: 11/2022
www.sfasu.edu
Master of Social Work Program
Curriculum
Advanced Standing Full-time (10-month plan of study)
MSW Grad Bulletin
Summer Session II
SOCW 5304 Introduction to Rurality 3
3
Fall Semester
SOCW 5317 Rural Social Policy Analysis 3
SOCW 5320 Social Work Research Process 3
SOCW 5325 Advanced Generalist Practice 3
SOCW 5335 Seminar in Advanced Rural Practice 3
SOCW 5358 Advanced Social Work with Groups 3
15
Spring Semester
SOCW 5330 Research Practicum 3
SOCW 5339 Field Instruction III 3
SOCW 5440 Field Instruction IV 4
SOCW 5441 Field Instruction V 4
Elective 3
17
Total Credits 35
*Thesis: Yes __ No ___ If yes: SOCW 5389 ____ SOCW 5390 ___
Student Name: ________________________________ SID: ___________________________
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________________
Faculty Advisor Name: ___________________________________________________________
Faculty Advisor Signature: _______________________ Date: __________________________
I understand that I have agreed to take courses:
____ ONLINE
____ FACE-TO-FACE NACOGDOCHES
__ I have been informed that the MSW Handbook is available online on the MSW program homepage.
* If selected, will increase the number of credit hours required to graduate – thesis option adds three credit hours for a total of 67.
www.sfasu.edu
Academic and Professional Integrity Code
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU)
MSW Social Work Program
Social work is a profession in which members are required to maintain strict standards of
professional integrity. Integrity is the quality of trustworthiness and incorruptibility in the
standards of one’s profession.
The mission of the MSW program is to prepare competent and effective professional social workers
committed to advanced generalist practice, able to respond to the needs of rural communities and to the
challenges faced by people with rural lifestyles. MSW students are prepared to become leaders in the
practice. Students must act in a professional manner, which reflects the knowledge, values and skills of
the social work profession. Students must possess the emotional and mental health required for full
utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the prompt completion of all
responsibilities related to services to clients/consumers. This includes being able to function under
stressful situations and to adapt to changing environments. Students must be able to perform their duties
with compassion, integrity and concern for others.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS),
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and the Statement of Ethical Principles
developed by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Association of
Schools of Social Work (IASSW) establish behavioral expectations for professional social workers and
students. As an MSW student, adherence to these codes of ethics is important; you must fully understand
and appreciate the importance of the provisions of these codes and apply them to your educational
experience, as a condition to your continued status as a social work student in the program.
1. The MSW social work student is expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and
act in accordance with the highest standards of integrity.
2. The MSW social work student is expected to uphold high standards of academic integrity.
3. The MSW social work student will be committed to becoming a leader in the social work
profession. The commitment must be reflected in course work, assignments, class participation,
field placements and all professional interactions.
4. The MSW social work student will represent the SFA School of Social Work in a professional
manner at agencies, in the community and professional events.
5. The MSW social work student will portray professionalism and active participation in class,
regardless if held face-to-face, livestream or online. This includes limiting distractions by others in
household and maintaining a professional demeanor and presence while attending class.
6. The MSW social work student will familiarize themselves with the CSWE accreditation standards,
competencies and foundation and specialized practice behaviors.
7. The MSW social work student will familiarize themselves with the relevant Codes of Ethics
including NASW and IASSW.
8. The MSW social work student will adhere to SFA Academic Integrity policies.
9. The MSW social work student, while engaged in study and research, must be guided by the
conventions of scholarly inquiry.
www.sfasu.edu
10. The MSW social work student, while engaged in service delivery, will focus on the needs of
clients/consumers.
11. The MSW social work student must strictly respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence
all information obtained in the course of professional service.
12. The MSW social work student will respect and maintain confidentiality requirements during class,
regardless if held face-to-face, livestream or online. This includes minimizing the listening and
observing of discussions by others in the household. This allows all students to participate honestly
and keeps sensitive materials from being discussed in front of non-social work students.
13. The MSW social work student is expected to treat fellow students, faculty, supervisors and staff
with respect, honesty, courtesy, fairness and good faith. This includes all types of communication
including texts, phone conversations and emails.
14. The MSW social work student will uphold and advance the values, ethics and mission of the
social work profession.
15. The MSW social work student must not participate in, condone or be associated with dishonesty,
fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.
16. The MSW social work student understands that engaging in criminal behavior and/or convictions
may prevent their licensing and practicing of social work.
17. The MSW social work student must not engage in any form of inappropriate discrimination based
on an individual’s race, ethnicity, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or other
personal characteristic, belief, status or condition.
18. The MSW social work student will be responsible for responding to their standard SFA jacks e-
mail address in a timely and respectful manner.
19. The MSW social work student will use Brightspace in a responsible way to enhance learning.
Brightspace will not be used to communicate information about fellow students, faculty, supervisors
and staff.
20. The MSW social work student will use all social media in a responsible and ethical way. Social
media should not be used to communicate information about clients, fellow students, faculty, staff
and colleagues at agencies. Social media will not be used to communicate with clients.
21. The MSW social work student will use appropriate policies and information in syllabi and the
MSW Student Handbook to address problems related to specific courses. Students will represent
themselves and should not speak for or discuss fellow students with faculty.
22. The MSW social work student will continue their professional development through regular self-
assessment of academic and professional aptitude and performance.
Student Name: ________________________________________ Date: _______________________________
Signature __________________________________________________________________________________
Academic Advisor _____________________________________ Date: _______________________________
www.sfasu.edu
Criminal History Notification Form
Date: __________________________
Student Name: ______________________________________
I have been informed about the mandated state policy related to criminal history.
Required notification:
Students are hereby notified of the following:
1. An individual who has been convicted of an offense is potentially ineligible for issuance of an occupational
license on completion of the educational program;
2. The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners has determined the following felonies and misdemeanors
directly relate to the duties and responsibilities of a licensed social worker:
a) Offenses listed in Article 42A.054 of the Code of Criminal Procedure;
b) A sexually violent offense, as defined by Article 62.001 of the Code of Criminal Procedure;
c) Any felony offense wherein the judgment reflects an affirmative finding regarding the use or exhibition of a
deadly weapon;
d) Any criminal violation of Chapter 505 (Social Work Practices Act) of the Occupations Code;
e) Any criminal violation of Chapter 35 (Insurance Fraud) or Chapter 35A (Medicaid Fraud) of the Penal Code;
f) Any criminal violation involving a federal health care program, including 42 USC Section 1320a-7b (Criminal
penalties for acts involving Federal health care programs);
g) Any offense involving the failure to report abuse or neglect;
h) Any state or federal offense not otherwise listed herein, committed by a licensee while engaged in the
practice of social work;
i) Any criminal violation of Section 22.041 (abandoning or endangering a child) of the Penal Code;
j) Any criminal violation of Section 21.15 (invasive visual recording) of the Penal Code;
k) Any criminal violation of Section 43.26 (possession of child pornography) of the Penal Code;
l) Any criminal violation of 22.04 (injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual) of the Penal Code;
m) Three or more drug or alcohol related convictions within the last 10 years, evidencing possible addiction that
will have an effect on the licensee’s ability to provide competent services; and
n) Any attempt solicitation, or conspiracy to commit an offense listed herein.
This information is subject to change by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners. Any changes should be
published in Rule 781.420, Title 22, of the Texas Administrative Code;
3. There may be other state or local restrictions or guidelines used by the licensing authority to determine the
eligibility of an individual who has been convicted of an offense for an occupational license issued by the licensing
authority; and
4. The right of an individual to request a criminal history evaluation letter (See Texas Occupations Code, Sec.
53.102).
www.sfasu.edu
An individual may request a licensing authority to issue a criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person's
eligibility for a license issued by that authority if the person:
(1) is enrolled or planning to enroll in an educational program that prepares a person for an initial license or is
planning to take an examination for an initial license; and
(2) has reason to believe that the person is ineligible for the license due to a conviction or deferred
adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.
The request must state the basis for the person's potential ineligibility.
Social work majors and those interested in social work should visit the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
website for more information on criminal history evaluation for social workers. Those majoring or interested in social
work should also review the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and Texas State Board of Social Work
Examiners Rules.
Criminal History Evaluation in Texas
The purpose of the criminal history evaluation is to establish procedures to evaluate, upon request, the criminal
history of potential applicants to determine if they are ineligible to hold a license for health professions that include
social workers.
In accordance with Occupations Code, Chapter 53, the board is required, if requested in writing and accompanied
by a fee, to perform licensure evaluations for prospective applicants who have a criminal history. This process
requires that an individual who has a criminal history present all related information to the board, board staff, or
appropriate board committee in order to obtain a written predetermination of whether the existing criminal history
would bar the individual from becoming licensed, if all other minimum requirements are met in the future and there
has been no subsequent changes related to criminal history or fitness for licensure.
More information can be
obtained at this website:
https://www.bhec.texas.gov/applying-for-a-license/index.html. Additional information may
also be found in the Best Practices Guide: Applying for an Occupational License After Conviction or Deferred
Adjudication, published by the Texas State Auditor’s Office.
Please sign indicating you have read and has been informed of this policy.
Student Print Name: ___________________________________ Date: __________
Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: __________
Revised 6/28/2021
SFASU General Counsel- DD
www.sfasu.edu
Stephen F. Austin State University
School of Social Work
P. O. Box 6104, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6104
Office (936) 468-4020 Fax (936) 468-7201
FAQ
1.
What can I do with an MSW degree after I graduate?
The social work profession has its own body of knowledge, Code of Ethics, practice standards,
credentials, state licensing and a nationwide and International system of accredited education
programs that equip professional social workers to combine the desire to help others with the
knowledge, skill and ethics needed to provide that help. MSW social workers typically work in
leadership or advanced positions as managers, supervisors and administrators in a wide variety of
settings. Examples include private and public agencies, hospitals, schools, private practice,
international organizations and courts. Social workers are committed to the process of planned
change and may work directly with individuals or groups; help communities or groups provide or
improve social and health services; and participate in relevant legislative processes that affect quality
of life for all people.
2.
Why should I pursue a MSW from SFA?
The School of Social Work at SFA has a commitment to excellence in the preparation of students as
professional social workers. The undergraduate social work program has been accredited by the
Council on Social Work Education since 1979. The graduate program was accredited by CSWE in
1998. The school has several locations – Tyler (BSW only), Nacogdoches (BSW & MSW), and an
online program (MSW, Advanced standing only).
3.
What are my options for study toward a MSW?
•
Full-time Advanced Standing – one-year plan
•
Part-time Advanced Standing – two-year plan
•
Full-time Nonadvanced Standing – two-year plan
•
Part-time Nonadvanced Standing – three-year plan
4.
What practice areas are offered?
Upon completion of the program, students will have gained the advanced knowledge, skills and
values to work with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations in a variety of
settings in rural areas and with people who are impacted by rural lifestyles. Although the program’s
specialized practice primarily focuses on the rural context of practice, the knowledge, values and
skills that students learn are readily transferable to other settings.
5.
What are the admission requirements for the MSW program?
In order to be considered for admission to the MSW program, applicants must submit:
• A completed SFA Graduate School application
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• A supplemental application for the MSW program
• A written statement of interest in social work
• Résumé
• Student information sheet
• Criminal History Notification Form
• Academic and Professional Integrity Code
www.sfasu.edu
To be considered for clear admission, applicants should have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a
GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 hours. Applicants who demonstrate outstanding qualifications on other
admission criteria may be admitted on a probationary basis with an overall GPA of 2.5 and 2.8 GPA
for the last 60 hours.
Students with a BSW may be admitted to the Advanced standing program. To be considered for this
program, applicants must have earned a BSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social
Work Education. Applicants admitted on probationary status are not eligible for advanced standing.
To receive advanced standing status, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60
credits of undergraduate study and GPA of 2.5 overall.
6.
Can I transfer credits from other graduate programs?
Up to 12 credit hours with a grade of an A or B from an MSW program accredited by the Council on
Social Work Education may be accepted for transfer credit. Elective courses taken in areas other
than social work are not accepted for transfer credit.
7.
At what locations is the program offered?
Offering courses at other sites depends on the number of students interested in attending classes at
a distant site and the availability of program resources. We currently offer the program at
Nacogdoches and online.
8.
Do you offer online courses in social work?
All of the Specialized Practice courses are offered online.
9.
What are the requirements for international applicants?
International applicants must meet the same requirements for admission as a student from the
United States. Visit the Office of International Programs for more information. Applicants whose
native language is not English may be required to comply with the English proficiency requirement.
10.
What if I do not have an undergraduate degree in social work?
Any undergraduate degree is accepted however, additional coursework in human biology, social
statistics, and/or multicultural studies may be required.
11.
What is the MSW program application deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted as early as possible prior to the
upcoming semester.
12.
Does SFA provide financial aid?
Yes. Financial aid programs in which SFA participates include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Leveraging Educational Assistance Program,
Texas Grant Program, Texas Public Educational Grant, Federal Work-Study Program, Federal
Perkins Loan, Federal Family Educational Loan Program (Stafford Loan) and the Hinson-Hazelwood
Student Loan Program. Consideration for these programs requires need analysis. Unsubsidized
Stafford Loans, Federal Parent Loans, short-term emergency loans and university scholarships may
be available to students who do not demonstrate financial need. Information regarding student aid
can be found at the Graduate School and/or Admissions & Financial Aid. A limited number of
graduate assistantships and specific scholarships such as the Elisabeth Kenny Memorial Scholarship
and the Ima Hogg Mental Health Foundation Scholarship are also available.
www.sfasu.edu
13.
Are there any specialized stipend programs?
The Child Welfare Professional Development Project in the School of Social Work at SFA receives
federal funds (Title IV-E, Social Security Act) from the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services. The purpose of the funds is to prepare undergraduate and graduate students for work in
public child welfare and to provide a needed pool of trained social workers in the field of child
protection. CWPDP stipends are offered to MSW students, both Child Protective Services
employees and non-CPS employees. Interested students should contact Ms. Diane Sizemore at
(936) 468-1808 or sizemore@sfasu.edu or Ms. Carol Levine at (936) 468-5105 or at
clevine@sfasu.edu for more information.
14.
Is student housing available?
Rooms and apartments are provided for approximately 5,000 students on campus. Application forms
can be found at Residence Life.
15.
Will I be able to pursue social work licensure after graduation?
Yes, students graduating from the SFA School of Social Work are qualified to sit for the licensure
examination in the state of Texas. For more information about application for licensure, students may
contact the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council at (800) 821-3205 or visit the Texas State
Board of Social Work Examiners.
16.
Whom do I call for additional information?
You may contact the MSW Program Office at (936) 468-4020 or via email at swk@sfasu.edu.