Jax State, Calhoun Community College Create New Pathways for Social Work Students

09/04/2026

MOU SigningPhoto Credit: Calhoun Community College

Two agreements provide streamlined transfer routes into Jax State’s Bachelor of Social Work program 

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Jacksonville State University and Calhoun Community College strengthened opportunities for future social workers Thursday, Sept. 3, by signing two articulation agreements designed to provide Calhoun students with streamlined pathways to complete a Bachelor of Social Work at Jax State. 

Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., and Calhoun Community College President Dr. Jimmy Hodges celebrated the agreements during a signing ceremony on Calhoun’s campus. 

The agreements establish transfer pathways for students completing Calhoun’s Associate in Science in General Studies–Social Work and Associate in Applied Science in Social Work Technician programs. Under the agreements, qualifying coursework completed at Calhoun can be applied toward Jax State’s Bachelor of Social Work degree, helping students transition between the two institutions while making progress toward a four-year degree.  

“This partnership is ultimately about giving students a clear path to a profession where they can make an immediate difference in the lives of others,” Killingsworth said. “We need more social workers in our communities, and by working with Calhoun, we can help students build on the education they have already earned and continue toward a bachelor’s degree and a meaningful career. We are grateful to Dr. Hodges and everyone at Calhoun for partnering with Jax State to create that opportunity.” 

The partnership is designed to make the transition from Calhoun to Jax State as seamless as possible. Students can begin preparing for the transition while still enrolled at Calhoun, including taking Jax State’s Introduction to Social Work course as part of their transfer preparation. The agreements outline how coursework from each Calhoun program applies toward the BSW and provide students with a defined academic path for completing their remaining requirements at Jax State.  

Jax State also plans to offer a schedule that allows participating students to complete their remaining BSW coursework on campus two days each week, providing additional flexibility for students transferring from Calhoun. 

After completing the BSW, students may continue their education through Jax State’s Master of Social Work program, where eligible students may also have access to the University’s Rural Behavioral Health Scholarship. 

The partnership will extend beyond the classroom. Members of Jax State’s Social Work Club attended Thursday’s signing, and the organizations at Jax State and Calhoun plan to collaborate, giving students opportunities to build connections before transferring. 

The agreements strengthen an existing relationship between Jax State and Calhoun while addressing a growing regional need for trained social work professionals.