Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree

Start Your Path to a Successful Career in Social Work

Make an impacty in the lives of others as a caseworker, service worker, probation officer, human services specialist or mental health assistant. Earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at The University of Texas at Tyler is a 120-credit-hour generalist program and is the first step toward a successful career in social work.

Upon graduating from the UT Tyler BSW program, you will be prepared to successfully:

  • Develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills in all social work aspects.
  • Apply theoretical frameworks to assess and evaluate social work interventions.
  • Analyze, formulate, design, evaluate and influence social policies affecting organizations and communities.
  • Engage, assess and evaluate individuals, families, groups and organizations within the confines of social work interventions.
  • Through unique partnerships and opportunities with the East Texas community, you will gain valuable experience and network prior to graduation to further your professional and personal growth.
  • At its February 2024 meeting, the Board of Accreditation (BOA) of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) reviewed the UT Tyler Social Work Program's Benchmark 3 and Initial Accreditation materials for its baccalaureate program. The BOA decided to 'Grant Initial Accreditation' through February 2032.

Faculty

Chloe Forehand
Chloe Robert Forehand, LCSW
Assistant Professor of Practice and Field Director

Chloe Robert Forehand is an LCSW with experience in private practice, outpatient group therapy, and refugee resettlement. She is excited to server as the Field Director of the Social Work Program and to support both students and the community in growing the field of social work.

Ericka Freeman
Ericka Freeman, LCSW-S
Associate Professor in Practice, Distinguished Teaching Professor

Freeman is a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor who holds experience in child welfare, healthcare social work with children and families, and mental health. She received a UT System Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award (ROTO) for her dedication to undergraduate student success.

Kristin Mycke
Kristin Mycke, LCSW
Assistant Professor of Practice

As a licensed clinical social worker, Professor Mycke has over 20 years of experience working in various settings including medical, criminial justice, school-based, foster/adoption support, international social work and with non-profit entities. I have served in roles ranging from case-management suppor to Executive Director to therapist. This has given me the ability to develop social work skills at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. I am excited to be a part of the UT Tyler Social Work team helping students obtain the skills and confidence necessary to become successful in life and as Social Work practitioners.

Richard Kenney
Rich Kenney, MSSW
Professor of Practice in Social Work and Program Director

Kenney brings with him nearly three decades of direct experience in the special education, healthcare, hospice, homelessness and corrections areas. In addition to contributing commentaries to National Public Radio, he also has written several articles for "The New Social Worker," "Social Work Today" and "Exceptional Parent".

Accreditation

The University of Texas at Tyler Bachelor of Social Work Program earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in February 2024 and is accredited through February 2032.

The accreditation process is a rigorous, multi-year process which requires programs to meet specific benchmarks throughout the candidacy period. During the accreditation process, the CSWE Office of Social Work Accreditation administers a multistep review process including program self-studies, site visits, and reviews.

The mission of the CSWE is to advance excellence and innovation in social work education and research by providing leadership, ensuring quality in teaching and learning, and strengthening the capacity of member insitutions. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

For more information about social work accreditation, you may visit the accreditation website.

Council on Social Work Education - FORM AS 4(B)

University of Texas at Tyler Assessment Data Collected during the Academic Year (2023-2024)

For additional information about the value and benefits of CSWE Accreditation, please visit https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/about/value-benefits/

Learn More About the UT Tyler BSW Program

Division of Social Sciences

Apply to UT Tyler