Social Work (SW)

This course trains entry-level, generalist social work professionals to write for audiences that include individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will practice written communication, learn documentation, and write social policies. The educational experience involves knowing and understanding the NASW Code of Ethics for Social Workers, developing self-awareness in professional practice, recognizing and respecting diverse populations, and adhering to the provision of socially and economically just service delivery systems.

This course gives the student the opportunity for intensive study of a pertinent area or problem in social work generally not covered by the outlined curriculum. The topic is announced prior to the semester the class is offered. Topics may include Spirituality of Self, Grant Writing, Forensic Social Work, Religion and Spirituality, Disaster Response, or Spanish for Specialized Work Settings. This course is repeatable for additional credit if the special topic is different.

This course integrates theory and practice involved with group, organization, and community intervention. Students will develop generalist skills that contribute to group interaction, motivation, and overall development. Students will investigate the processes of working with policy and program implementation, coordination of volunteers, fundraising, grant-writing, legislative testimony, marketing, working with community stakeholders and advisory boards, and needs assessments of program/agencies. Cultural competence and ethics will be integrated throughout the course.

Social Work Practice II is a continuation of Social Work Practice I (SW630) and builds upon the knowledge, values, and skills needed to understand and apply theoretical approaches to micro and mezzo practices with individuals, families, and small groups. Students will focus on advocacy, service delivery, and accountability to the above populations. Using empirically based interventions, students will implement the planned change process, apply ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions, and practice the methods for promoting social and economic justice (analyzing, advocating, and offering leadership for policy and services). Using social systems theory, students will emphasize the client systems’ strengths and resources. The integration of human behavior, diversity, and populations at risk will be infused within the content.

This course covers social welfare programing and policy by focusing on organized public and private social services for the assistance of disadvantaged groups. Students will study an historical overview of what social issues precipitated the need for social welfare and programs and then discover current social programs to learn their purposes within a social construct. This course will discuss pivotal programs throughout history and what changes have led them to be what they are today. This course gives the student the opportunity for intensive study of social welfare and programs.

This course explores developmental processes from conception through adolescence. Students will learn various theoretical perspectives relative to each stage of development. The impact of biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems will be explored as they affect and are affected by human behavior. Understanding the multiple systems that impact development and behavior will be explored, and students will learn to examine human challenges within an environmental context.

This course is a continuation of SW550 and explores developmental processes from young adulthood through old age. Students will learn various theoretical perspectives relative to each stage of development. The impact of biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems will be explored as they affect and are affected by human behavior. Understanding the multiple systems that impact development and behavior will be explored, and students will learn to examine human challenges within an environmental context.

In this course students will investigate marginalization and oppression by studying descriptions of the characteristics and groups most affected. Students will analyze and discover the correlation between social work core values, empowerment, and the impact of prolonged and unjust treatment of marginalized individuals and groups. Students will be immersed in discovering what marginalization and oppression look like in their everyday lives. Emphasis will be placed on applying the social work core values to address marginalization and oppression within the macro, mezzo, and micro systems. Also, students will examine how oppression affects service delivery. Finally, students will learn how individuals and groups who have been marginalized by poverty, racism, ableism, homophobia—amongst other forms of marginalization and oppression—are empowered.

With the primary goal of understanding how the interconnection of major powers results in social decline, this course is designed to encourage and teach students to investigate a series of problems using a social work perspective. Throughout the semester, a social work analysis on the modern social issues plaguing a contemporary society will be developed concerning how the organization of society both produces and thrives upon these social problems, as well as the manner in which our agency can be used to promote change through: a) the critical study of social issues with a social-work-awareness lens; b) the consideration of contextualized systems within a society that has built major structures and patterns that intrinsically and extrinsically motivate behavior; c) the recognition of how systems of power interact to cause social issues; and d) the need for students to see themselves as capable social actors who are cognizant of the ways they can serve as transformational leaders.

This course examines research methodology and the scientific, analytical approach to gaining knowledge. Evidence-based practice will be examined, so students will employ critical thinking skills when analyzing research and practice. The use of computers and statistical packages will also be demonstrated. Instruction will focus on qualitative methods, quantitative methods, secondary data research, program evaluation, and single systems design.

This course is part of the MSW capstone experience. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in this advanced field practicum. Students will integrate and apply the material learned in the classroom by demonstrating all nine practice competencies and behaviors in their field internship. Students will address questions and challenges experienced in the social work agency field placement and integrate practice, policy, and research. Students will develop their capacity as leaders in the field and contribute to the welfare of the agency through the integration of advanced practice methods. A weekly integration seminar will be held in conjunction with the field placement. Students will discuss practical experience and develop advanced social work skills. The measure of achievement will be determined by the student’s ability to demonstrate (through field work of 200 hours and seminar) their ability to apply, integrate, and execute this foundation into an active practice for clients. It is expected that the students’ dialogue will become more overtly professional indicating critical thinking and assessment regarding interventions and strategies for clients, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Class meetings, seminar assignments, and field learning assignments will provide opportunities to reflect this level of mastery. The course is the first part of a year-long field experience.

This course is part of the MSW capstone experience. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in this advanced field practicum. Students will integrate and apply the material learned in the classroom by demonstrating all nine practice competencies and behaviors in their field internship. Students will address questions and challenges experienced in the social work agency field placement and integrate practice, policy, and research. Students will develop their capacity as leaders in the field and contribute to the welfare of the agency through the integration of advanced practice methods. A weekly integration seminar will be held in conjunction with the field placement. Students will discuss practical experience and develop advanced social work skills. The measure of achievement will be determined by the student’s ability to demonstrate (through field work of 200 hours and seminar) their ability to apply, integrate, and execute this foundation into an active practice for clients. It is expected that the students’ dialogue will become more overtly professional indicating critical thinking and assessment regarding interventions and strategies for clients, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Class meetings, seminar assignments, and field learning assignments will provide opportunities to reflect this level of mastery. The course is the second part of a year-long field experience.

In a globally integrated society, the client population is composed of people from a variety of racial, religious, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. The understanding and integration of ethics is thus integral to social work practice. This course explores the ethical and cultural considerations related to serving various parts of society, as well as the behaviors, attitudes and skills that enable nurses, educators, administrators, and social change agents to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. It is essential that social workers demonstrate an appreciation of their own cultural identities and those of others. Students will examine how culture influences the health of individuals, families, and communities and how different people respond to health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management strategies. Over the course of the semester, students will come to recognize the impact of social systems, policies, practices, and programs on multicultural client populations. Students will engage in discussion advocating for, with, and on behalf of multicultural clients and client populations whenever appropriate.

The course prepares students for leadership roles in activism, advocacy, and community organizing. Community-based intervention is often a matter of social justice and self-determination; therefore, social workers must have in-depth knowledge of the needs and goals of the communities they work with. Students will learn techniques for “powering with” constituents as well as community organizing and advocacy. This course examines theoretical perspectives regarding effective advocacy and community organizing. Students will learn how to put theory into action, so they will be introduced to the ethical and legal obligations that guide social work practice with organizations and communities.

This is an advanced-level course that prepares students for direct practice with families and groups. Students will learn theories, knowledge, and fundamental skills necessary to work successfully with families and groups. Students will implement the phases of practice with groups utilizing engagement skills, treatment modalities, and assessment of interventions. Students will integrate and apply the use of empowerment and culturally competent practices necessary for working with families and groups. Students will explore the ethical and legal responsibilities that guide social work practice with families and groups.

Prerequisite(s): Advanced standing, or both SW530 and SW536. Prerequisite(s): SW620.

This course prepares students for leadership and management positions in human service organizations. Students will learn to engage in leadership and advocacy consistent with the core values of social work. Course content will include facilitating a positive organizational culture, conducting needs assessments, developing data driven interventions, managing employees and interns, building external relationships, writing grants, developing sustainable budgets, facilitating a climate of respect, and maintaining fidelity to social work’s ethical responsibilities.

This course introduces students to international social policymaking. This course will introduce the major players within global policy making: non-government organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and community organizations. Instruction will focus on common and unique socio-economic and political dynamics driving and stifling transformation on an international scale. Students will explore the different approaches within multi-level governance frameworks (including governments, individuals, companies, third-sector organizations, international organizations, and advocacy groups) and will tackle social and public issues (e.g., climate change, welfare state reforms, and public diplomacy). As areas of social policy, social work research and practice continue to increase, so students benefit from the examination of the impact of globalization on social policy. This course will attempt to deepen understanding and knowledge of core global concerns.

This course examines the skills, knowledge, and values needed to provide clinical assessments for individuals and families. Examination of the etiology and identification of mental health disorders utilizing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5TR) will be a focus in this course. Students will be introduced to the process of providing a clinical assessment, while allowing the use of self-awareness, the relationship between the mental illness, risk resilience, cultural determinants, and evidence-based supported treatments for mental disorders. Utilizing a strengths perspective, this course will highlight the use of a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment for intervention and treatment.

This course provides the foundation for advanced social work practice with individuals and families in setting and contracting goals, planning and implementing change strategies, utilizing evidence-based practice research, studying interdisciplinary collaboration, providing advocacy, and developing resources. Students will become knowledgeable of the principles and practice of clinical diagnosis and the development of treatment plans using the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Consideration will be given to ethical, relational, multicultural, and systemic issues important in intervention and treatment planning. Students will become familiar with effective treatment strategies and evidence-based practices for the most common psychological disorders.

This seminar course is the specialization thesis experience for students. With the guidance of the instructor, students will develop a thesis project, conduct research, and present findings in written and verbal form prior to the conclusion of the semester. The student will develop the thesis project according to their chosen specialization: Direct Practice or Community Partnership. While cultivating practice and research knowledge and skills, the thesis experience supports students in becoming specialists in their chosen context of social work practice.

Prerequisite(s): SW690.

This course is part of the MSW capstone experience. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in this advanced field practicum. Students will integrate and apply the material learned in the classroom by demonstrating all nine practice competencies and behaviors in their field internship. Students will address questions and challenges experienced in the social work agency field placement, and integrate practice, policy, and research. Students will develop their capacity as leaders in the field and contribute to the welfare of the agency through the integration of advanced practice methods. A weekly integration seminar will be held in conjunction with the field placement completing 250 field hours. Students will discuss practical experience and develop advanced social work skills. The measure of achievement will be determined by the student’s ability to demonstrate (through field work and seminar) their ability to apply, integrate, and execute this foundation into an active practice for clients. It is expected that the students’ dialogue will become more overtly professional indicating critical thinking and assessment regarding interventions and strategies for clients, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Class meetings, seminar assignments and field learning assignments will provide opportunities to reflect this level of mastery. The course is the first part of a year-long field experience.

Prerequisite(s): Advanced Standing, or both SW590 and SW592.

This course is part of the MSW capstone experience. Students will apply their knowledge and skills in this advanced field practicum. Students will integrate and apply the material learned in the classroom by demonstrating all nine practice competencies and behaviors in their field internship. Students will address questions and challenges experienced in the social work agency field placement, and integrate practice, policy, and research. Students will develop their capacity as leaders in the field and contribute to the welfare of the agency through the integration of advanced practice methods. A weekly integration seminar will be held in conjunction with the field placement completing 250 field hours. Students will discuss practical experience and develop advanced social work skills. The measure of achievement will be determined by the student’s ability to demonstrate (through field work and seminar) their ability to apply, integrate, and execute this foundation into an active practice for clients. It is expected that the students’ dialogue will become more overtly professional indicating critical thinking and assessment regarding interventions and strategies for clients, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Class meetings, seminar assignments and field learning assignments will provide opportunities to reflect this level of mastery. The course is the second part of a year-long field experience.

Prerequisite(s): SW690.