Social Work (SW)
SW 100 Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare (3)
The purpose of the course is to introduce interested students to the basic mission, values and ethics, knowledge base, methods, and services of the social work profession. An overview of the United States’ historical response to human needs and the current status of public social welfare policy will be explored. Prerequisite: None.
SW 250 Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work (3)
This course presents an overview of concepts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and social justice, in the context of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will practice self-awareness of their personal biases and values, and strategies for managing their influence on working with diverse clients and constituencies.
SW 325 Person In Environment I: Individuals & Families (3)
The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge about human behavioral interactions, using a person-in-environment perspective. Bio-psycho-social aspects of individual and family interactions will be emphasized. This course will provide the foundation for developing direct social work practice skills. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.
SW 326 Person In Environment II: Groups, Organizations, & Communities (3)
The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge about human interactions relevant to groups, organizations, communities, cultures, societies, and other, larger systems. The emphasis will be to build upon the person-in-environment perspective, and to expand this model to encompass the effects of larger systems on individual functioning. This course will provide the foundation for developing social work macro-level practice skills. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.
SW 350 Social Policy and Programs (3)
SW 352 Micro Social Work Practice (3)
The major purpose of this course is to prepare social work students for their field practicum work. The emphasis is on the development of working knowledge of the generalist practice model, interactional theories, and methods of facilitating change. In addition, there will be an emphasis placed on developing skills for providing social work services. For social work majors only. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.
SW 353 Macro Social Work Practice (3)
This second practice course will emphasize more advanced theoretical material, and the application of the generalist practice model to more complex systems. Skill development will be emphasized for assessment of client systems, and delivery of social work services. For social work majors only. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.
SW 354 Seminar & Field Education I (6)
This course integrates the Field education component and the Practice Seminar. Students will spend 16 hours per week in their field education placements, with direct supervision by a licensed professional social worker. Opportunities for engaging in generalist social work practice at micro, mezzo and macro levels will be provided. In addition, students will attend a three-hour seminar each week. The seminar will emphasize the integration of their field experiences with the generalist practice model, and theories of change. Students must make application for the field in their junior year by the posted deadlines. Concurrent enrollment in SW 425 BSW Field Education Workshop is required. The culmination of the BSW program is the Field Education Placement. Two consecutive field education/seminar courses are required and constitute this culminating educational experience. Prerequisites: SW 100, SW 250, SW 325, SW 326, SW 352, SW 353, and a 2.5 cumulative grade point average; admission to the BSW program; and a field education-director-approved field education placement.
SW 355 Seminar & Field Education II (6)
This is the second semester of the field education experience and seminar required for social work majors. The culmination of the BSW program is the field education placement. This field education placement requires summative reflection, serving as a culminating experience for Bachelor's degree students. Two consecutive field education/seminar courses are required and constitute this culminating educational experience. Prerequisites: SW 100, SW 250, SW 325, SW 326, SW 352, SW 353, SW 354; admission to the BSW program; and a field education director- approved placement in a field education agency.
SW 356 Social Work Practice in Healthcare (3)
This course introduces students to generalist social work practice in healthcare settings, including the technological, social, political, ethical, and financial factors impacting patient care. This course emphasizes the relevant theories and models for healthcare practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Prerequisite: None.
SW 357 Inclusive and Competent Social Work Practice in Healthcare (3)
The purpose of this course is to prepare social workers for generalist healthcare practice with clients with diverse backgrounds. The emphasis is on inclusive and culturally competent social work practice, to include the development of cultural awareness, humility, and knowledge about health and healthcare, as well as issues that can affect inclusive access, such as language and literacy, physical and cognitive ability, gender and sexuality, and macro, policy, and legal factors. Prerequisite: None.
SW 358 Family Decisions in Healthcare (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide overall theoretical information about how families function and communicate during the process of health and long-term care decision-making. This course will provide overall generalist social work application skills and addresses interdisciplinary communication skills critical for working in a variety of healthcare settings. Prerequisite: None.
SW 359 Human Sexuality and Social Work Practice (3)
The major purpose of this course is to prepare social work students to explore the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural variables associated with sexual identify, sexual orientation, sexual behavior, as well as to introduce a variety of theories explaining sexual behavior, development of sexual norms, and gender fluidity. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of all aspects of human sexual behavior. Prerequisite: None.
SW 360 Geriatric Social Work Practice (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of gerontological social work in generalist practice with an emphasis on the principles of practice, the application of research, and the formulation of policies as they relate to older adults. The course will define the role of the social worker from a gerontological perspective and will introduce considerations for special populations that are most vulnerable: aging people of color, the disabled, and gay and lesbian aged. Prerequisite: None.
SW 361 Independent Study (1-3)
Social Work majors may pursue an independent research project approved by the BSW Program Director in consultation with the Department Chair. Independent Study may not be used in place of any courses required of the social work major. Independent Study courses must meet equivalencies to Federal definition of a credit hour. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.
SW 362 Generalist Quantitative Research (3)
Introduces students to the basic principles of generalist quantitative social work research, including ethics, problem formulation, and quantitative research designs and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on becoming a responsible consumer of quantitative research as well as exploring quantitative evaluation of programs and outcomes of practice. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.
SW 363 Generalist Qualitative Research (3)
Introduces students to the basic principles of generalist qualitative social work research, including ethics, problem formulation, and qualitative research designs and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on becoming a responsible consumer of qualitative research as well as exploring qualitative evaluation of programs and outcomes of practice. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.
SW 372 Social Work Practice in Child Welfare (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of child welfare services from a historical, theoretical, and social work practice perspective. This course will examine specific types of child endangerment through the lens of social and racial justice, including the etiology of the maltreatment, provision of services, how the consumer views the services, as well as the influence of bias, power, and personal values on client outcomes.
SW 373 Case Management in Social Work Practice (3)
This course provides students with an overview of generalist case management, including the contexts in which services are delivered, with clients from diverse backgrounds. An emphasis is placed on social work knowledge and skills regarding assessment, goal setting and monitoring, and coordination of services; knowledge of person-in- environment and other culturally responsive frameworks; and cultural humility and
respect for client self- determination.
SW 374 Social Work Practice with Survivors (3)
This course introduces social work practice with children and adults who have experienced sexual assault/abuse, interpersonal/family
violence, human trafficking, or violent crime. An emphasis is placed on: person-in-environment and empowerment theories; social work
assessment, intervention, and advocacy practices; related policies and laws and their connection with social work practice; intersections
with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics; managing affective reactions, vicarious traumatization, and self-care; and
intersections with anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prerequisites: SWK major or minor only.
SW 390 Contemporary Issues in Social Work (3)
A series of courses are designed to supplement the core curriculum. Each of these four required elective courses will focus on a contemporary issue, and will emphasize the integration of core social work values and ethics, the generalist practice model, and theories of human interactions and change. Specific courses taught under this course number include, among other courses: Child Welfare, Social Work and the Law, Multicultural Social Work, Case Management, and Social Work Policy Practice.
SW 395 Social Work International Service (3)
This course uses an international lens to provide BSW students the opportunity to learn about social work practice, including the effects of historical, social, psychological, physical, and environmental conditions on well-being at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The course will emphasize ways that culture and diversity intersect with social work practice. A portion of this course includes international travel.
SW 425 BSW Field Education Workshop (0)
In this mandatory one-day workshop, BSW students will be oriented to the field education program, expectations regarding professional comportment, duties/responsibilities in completing tasks, required field education program paperwork, and other aspects of the field education experience. Concurrent enrollment in SW 354 Seminar and Field Education I is required. Prerequisites: SW 100, SW 250, SW 325, SW 326, SW 352, SW 353, and a 2.5 grade point average overall; admission to the BSW program; and a field education-director-approved placement in a field education agency.
SW 606 Person in Environment I: Individuals & Families (3)
Presents a bio-psycho-social perspective on the developmental processes of human personality and behavior. It also examines human interactions within the social environment, concentrating on interactions between individuals and families, while emphasizing the ecological perspective. Fall semester only. Prerequisite: Admitted MSW students only or consent.
SW 607 Person in Environment II: Groups, Organizations, & Communities (3)
Students are exposed to concepts and substantive information about persons-in-environment transactions. Emphasis is placed on the structure and dynamic processes of organizations, communities and societies. Spring semester only. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only or consent.
SW 608 Foundations of Social Policy (3)
The major purpose of this course is to prepare social work students as social work practitioners to serve as knowledgeable and committed participants in efforts to achieve social and economic justice through social policies and social programs. An important element of this course is the development of a conceptual map to focus the student's ability to critically analyze social policies and develop broad understanding of the dynamics of social policy formulation. In addition, some course content will focus on developing familiarity with the practice skills involved in policy analysis and advocacy. Throughout the course, significant consideration is placed on the actual delivery of social services and social work practice in micro, mezzo, and macro dimensions. Fall semester only. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only.
SW 621 Quantitative Social Work Research (3)
Introduces students to the basic principles of quantitative social work research, including ethics, problem formulation, and quantitative research designs and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on teaching students to become critical thinkers and responsible consumers of quantitative research. In addition, students will learn how to utilize various quantitative research strategies and methodologies to evaluate social service programs and practice outcomes. Fall semester only. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only or consent.
SW 622 Qualitative Social Work Research (3)
Introduces students to the basic principles of qualitative social work research, including ethics, problem formulation, and qualitative research designs and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on teaching students to become critical thinkers and responsible consumers of qualitative research. In addition, students will learn how to utilize various qualitative research strategies and methodologies to evaluate social service programs and practice outcomes. Spring semester only. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only or consent.
SW 640 Fundamentals of Social Work Practice (3)
This practice course focuses on the development of core social work skills at the generalist level with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, and in preparation for clinical study at the advanced level. Client concerns and case conceptualization throughout the course will be explored through the lenses of person-in-environment, social justice and human rights, trauma-informed practice, systems theory, and the strengths perspective. Students will be introduced to the history of social work and the current contexts in which social workers practice. Students will reflect on professional use of self as a necessary component of competent and ethical practice. This experiential, action-driven course provides students the opportunity to investigate the reciprocity between academic learning, skill development, and social work practice in the field education setting. MSW students are expected to take this course concurrently with SW 690 and SW 691. Fall semester only. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only. Corequisites: SW 690 and SW 691
SW 641 Fundamentals of Social Work Practice II (3)
This practice course builds on social work skills gained in SW 640 Fundamentals of Social Work Practice at the generalist level with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in preparation for clinical study at the advanced level. Students will be expected to develop skills in generalist social work case conceptualization and treatment planning of diverse populations at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels with particular emphasis on inclusive, anti-oppressive practices that build on the resiliency and strengths of human beings. Students will be expected to demonstrate an integration of academic learning, skill development, and social work practice in the field education setting. Prerequisites: MSW students are expected to take this course concurrently with SW 693. Spring semester only. Admitted MSW students only. SW 640, SW 691. Corequisites: SW 693
SW 680 Clinical Social Work Practice in Healthcare (3)
This course introduces students to clinical social work practice in healthcare settings, including the technological, social, political, ethical, and financial factors impacting patient care. This course emphasizes the relevant theories and models for healthcare practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Prerequisite: Enrolled MSW students only.
SW 681 Inclusive and Competent Social Work Practice in Healthcare (3)
The purpose of this course is to prepare social workers for clinical health care practice with clients with diverse backgrounds. The emphasis is on inclusive and culturally competent social work practice, to include the development of cultural awareness, humility, and knowledge about health and healthcare, as well as issues that can affect inclusive access, such as language and literacy, physical and cognitive ability, gender and sexuality, and macro, policy, and legal factors.
SW 682 Family Decisions in Healthcare (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide overall theoretical information and application about how families function and communicate during the process of health and long term care decision-making. This course allows students to develop clinical skills that assist families in making these difficult end of life and healthcare decisions. This course also addresses interdisciplinary communication skills and how these skills are necessary for working with others who have different professional backgrounds in a variety of healthcare settings.
SW 683 Human Sexuality and Social Work Practice (3)
The major purpose of this course is to provide a theoretical background for social work students to explore the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural variables associated with sexual identify, sexual orientation, sexual behavior, as well as introducing a variety of theories explaining sexual behavior, development of sexual norms, and gender fluidity. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of all aspects of human sexual behavior, and will then also learn theoretically-based clinical skills that they can apply in a wide variety of social work settings.
SW 685 Diversity and Justice in Social Work (3)
This course presents an overview of key concepts and theories related to oppression, diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, human rights, and justice, in the context of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will develop self-awareness of their personal biases and values in the context of cultural humility, and practice strategies for managing their influence on working with diverse clients and constituencies. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only or consent. Required of all regular standing MSW students who have not taken an introductory course to social work and social welfare at the undergraduate or graduate level.
SW 690 Generalist Field Education Workshop (0)
In this mandatory one day workshop, regular standing MSW students will be oriented to generalist field education, expectations regarding professional comportment, duties/responsibilities in completing tasks, required field education program paperwork, and other aspects of the field education experience. Concurrent enrollment in SW 691 and SW 640 is required. Fall semester only. Prerequisite: Admitted MSW students only and a field education-director-approved field education placement.
SW 691 Generalist Field Education I (3)
Students will gain supervised generalist level social work experience in selected community agencies. A minimum of 16 hours per week (240 clock hours) will be spent in mastering the knowledge and skills for multi-level client assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation. Fall semester only. Prerequisite: Admitted MSW students only and a field education-director-approved field education placement. Concurrent enrollment in SW 690 and SW 640 is required.
SW 693 Generalist Field Education II (3)
This Generalist field education placement provides the student further opportunities to gain supervised social work experience in selected community organizations and programs for a minimum of 20 hours per week (160 clock hours). The focus is on refining generalist practice skills, and applying them to more complex social work situations, with multi-level systems. Concurrent enrollment in SW 641 is required. Spring semester only. Prerequisite: Admitted MSW students only and completion of SW 640, SW 690, and SW 691. Corequisites: SW 641
SW 700 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis (3)
Presents an in-depth analysis of assessment techniques and diagnostic tools, including the DSM-IV, guided by social work values and ethics. Focus is on developing the knowledge and skills for competent, multi-cultural assessment of client functioning, within societal and environmental contexts. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only and completion of all MSW foundation coursework or consent.
SW 705 Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
Students are expected to develop an understanding of theories, and development of skills, relevant to assessment and intervention with individuals, consistent with social work values and ethics. Special consideration is given to developing cultural competency and providing services to individuals who are vulnerable and/or oppressed. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only and completion of all MSW foundation coursework.
SW 706 Clinical Social Work Practice with Families (3)
Students are expected to develop an understanding of theories, and development of skills, relevant to assessment and intervention with families, consistent with social work values and ethics. Special consideration is given to developing cultural competency and providing services to family units who are vulnerable and/or oppressed. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only and completion of all MSW foundation coursework.
SW 707 Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups (3)
Students are expected to develop an understanding of theories and development of skills relevant to assessment and facilitation of small group interactions, consistent with social work values and ethics. Special consideration is given to developing cultural competency and providing services to vulnerable populations. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only and completion of all MSW foundation coursework.
SW 777 Continuous Enrollment (1-3)
This course is to allow students additional time to complete Capstone, Thesis or Practicum requirements. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission
SW 779 Independent Study (1-3)
This opportunity for study is designed for students wishing to complete an in-depth project in a specific area. The study must be approved by and coordinated with an individual member of the core social work faculty.
SW 780 Special Topics (1-3)
Using a (1-3) credit hour format, a variety of clinical social work electives may be offered. These are meant to introduce a specific topic or intervention skill to students. Elective courses that are currently listed under the special topics number include but are not limited to: Applied Behavior Analysis, Multisystemic Family Therapy, Adult Mental Health, Play Therapy, and Social Work Policy Practice. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only and completion of MSW foundation coursework.
SW 781 Clinical Social Work Practice with the Exceptional Child (3)
In this elective clinical course within the MSW program, students are expected to develop an understanding of the historical and current social work practices relating to the educational characteristics, needs, and placement alternatives for exceptional learners. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW Students only, completion of all MSW foundation coursework, and a practicum-director-approved placement in a clinical field practicum.
SW 782 Clinical Social Work Practice in the Educational Environment (3)
Students in this content-driven course are expected to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for school social work practice or other forms of social work practice that might be influenced by the educational setting. In this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the history, philosophy, and issues/trends of the American educational system. Students will be provided with an opportunity to critically analyze and discuss various historical, philosophical, and current trends in the education system, all the while juxtaposing social work philosophy, ethics, and practice principles against their findings. Prerequisites: Admitted MSW students only, completion of all MSW foundation coursework, and a practicum-director-approved placement in a clinical field practicum.
SW 783 Clinical Social Work Practice in Schools (3)
Students in this course are expected to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective practice of school social work. An emphasis on the impact of policies for student and family functioning is included. Concurrent placement in a school-based clinical practicum is suggested.
SW 784 Psychopharmacology (3)
Students in this course are expected to develop the conceptual background needed to understand current pharmacological interventions used with clients. An emphasis is placed on the social worker's role in direct service with the client, the family, and other providers. Ethical issues involved with medications and medication compliance are stressed.
SW 786 Clinical Social Work Practice with Trauma (3)
Students in this course are expected to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective clinical or systemic interventions for children, adolescents, and adults who have survived a traumatic event.
SW 787 Geriatric Social Work in Clinical Practice (3)
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of gerontological social work in clinical practice with an emphasis on the principles of practice, the application of research, and the formulation of policies as they relate to older adults. The course will define the role of the social worker from a gerontological perspective. It will introduce the student to special populations that are most vulnerable: aging people of color, the disabled, and gay and lesbian aged.
SW 788 Multicultural Social Work in Clinical Practice (3)
Students in this course are expected to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effective assessment and treatment of ethnic minorities, women, and other disenfranchised groups. The psychological and sociological implications of discrimination are examined from a local, national and international framework, as well as the development of specific skills, including advocacy and empowerment, in working with disadvantaged groups.
SW 789 International Social Work (3)
This course is designed to provide clinical social work students with an overview of international aspects of social work and its global context. This course covers working with migration, refugees, natural disasters, terrorism, and human rights issues. It will look at the role of humanitarian groups worldwide. This course will challenge students to explore the various ways that different cultures perceive the role of social work and social workers. Students will learn to analyze social development and policy issues. The course will define the role of the social worker from a global perspective, and introduce the student to special populations worldwide with an emphasis on the most vulnerable.
SW 790 Clinical Field Education Workshop (0)
In this mandatory one day workshop, MSW students will be oriented to clinical field education, expectations regarding professional comportment, duties/responsibilities in completing tasks, required field education program paperwork, and other aspects of the field education experience. Fall semester only. Concurrent enrollment in SW 791 and SW 792 is required. Prerequisite: Admitted MSW students only; completion of all MSW foundation coursework, and a field education-director-approved field education placement.
SW 791 Clinical Field Education I (3)
This first semester of Clinical Field Education is taken concurrently with SW 792 Clinical Seminar. In this semester, students begin their professional development in community agencies. Small case load and close supervision is expected. Concurrent enrollment in SW 790 and SW 792 is required. Fall semester only. Prerequisite: Admitted MSW students only; completion of all MSW foundation coursework, and a field education-director-approved field education placement.
SW 792 Clinical Practice Seminar I (3)
In this seminar, taken concurrently with the Clinical Practicum I, students are expected to integrate academic course work, including values and ethics, with the practice of clinical social work, and to analyze and evaluate their effectiveness with clients. Concurrent enrollment in SW 790 and SW 791 is required. Fall semester only.
SW 793 Clinical Field Education II (3)
This field experience is a continuation of Clinical Field Education I. Students are expected to further develop their clinical skills for assessment and intervention with individuals, families, and groups. Spring semester only. Prerequisite: SW 791.
SW 794 Clinical Practice Seminar II (3)
Clinical Seminar II must be taken concurrently with Clinical Practicum II. This online seminar/online course provides students with further opportunity to integrate academic course work, including values and ethics, with the actual practice of clinical social work, and to think critically about their clinical work with clients. The seminar/online course allows students to continue with peer clinical case consultation format. In addition, the seminar/online course permits students to focus on creating a portfolio that will be reviewed by peers and the instructor at the end of the semester. Spring semester only.
SW 795 Social Work International Service (3)
This course uses an international lens to provide MSW students the opportunity to learn about social work practice, including the effects of historical, social, psychological, physical, and environmental conditions on well-being at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The course will emphasize ways that culture and diversity intersect with social work practice. A portion of this course includes international travel.