Social Work Graduate Programs

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/social-work/msw.html

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Mission
MSW Program Description
Accreditation
Licensure
Life Experience
Nondiscrimination
Incompletes
Financial Assistance
Online and Online-Assisted Courses

Mission

The mission of the MSW program at Washburn University is to prepare students to provide inclusive, collaborative, empowering, and ethical clinical social work practice with diverse clients and groups utilizing a person-in-environment framework, critical inquiry, and cultural humility. Cultivated through rigorous curricular alignment to the nine core competencies of the Council on Social Work Education and building on the foundation of the profession’s purpose and core values of service, social justice, integrity, and respect for human diversity, the program fosters a community of collaboration and reciprocity which embraces an anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework enabling students to develop the competence, knowledge, and skills necessary to advocate for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice within clinical practice through a commitment to human rights in a diverse and dynamic world. Students are trained to use scientific inquiry and new and emerging technologies to understand and address the conditions that contribute to inequality and to work toward the elimination of poverty and oppression in the northeast Kansas region and beyond.

MSW Program Description

The aim of Washburn University’s Master of Social Work Program is to prepare graduate students for the competent practice of clinical social work in order to meet the multi-level needs of clients and others served by our graduates.

The MSW Program is committed to providing quality education for students with or without a baccalaureate social work degree. Therefore, the curriculum may include liberal arts components and generalist social work preparation to maximize each student’s readiness for entry into the clinical concentration. In addition, the program focuses on providing a supportive environment for a diverse group of students, including those who may otherwise experience barriers to educational opportunities.

The MSW program has an overarching commitment to ensure that students understand, adhere to, and promote the value base of the social work profession within both generalist and clinical settings. The clinical curriculum emphasizes the extension of critical thinking skills and the expansion of practice skills to the speciﬁc demands of clinical practice. Upon completion of the MSW Program, graduates will be prepared for direct clinical social work services to individuals, families, and groups, with particular emphasis on those who are at-risk, unrepresented or under-represented, and/or historically or currently oppressed.

Accreditation

The MSW program was granted full reaccreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 2019 and has been reaccredited for eight years through 2026. The MSW program has been fully accredited since 1974.

Licensure

All graduates of the MSW program are eligible to pursue licensure at the master’s level in the State of Kansas and in all other states which require social work licensure or registration at the master’s level. Social Work license, registration, certification, and/or credentialing requirements will vary from state to state.

Life Experience

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) specifically prohibits the social work department from granting credit for life experience.

Nondiscrimination

The Washburn University Department of Social Work maintains a policy that assures equal educational opportunity without regard to age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, marital status, national origin, political perspective, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and/or expression.

Incompletes

All assignments must be completed to pass the class. In accordance with the Student Handbook, an Incomplete (I) grade will be given only in extraordinary circumstances, if 75% or more of the coursework has been completed and at the discretion of the instructor. The Incomplete must be approved and the Incomplete Grade Report Form completed and signed before the end of the semester. The student must complete course requirements before the end of the subsequent semester. If the coursework is not completed within the agreed-upon period, the Incomplete (I) grade will automatically convert to an “F.”

Financial Assistance

Applications for ﬁnancial aid are available in the Financial Aid Ofﬁce. Applicants should contact the Financial Aid Ofﬁce at (785) 670-1151; additional information is available on their website: www.washburn.edu/ ﬁnancial-aid (https://www.washburn.edu/ﬁnancial-aid/). Additional scholarships are offered through the School of Applied Studies (SAS), and the application can be found on the SAS webpage www.washburn.edu/sasl (https://www.washburn.edu/ academics/college-schools/applied-studies/). All admissions materials must be completed before a student may access any available scholarship opportunity. A limited number of ﬁeld practicum stipends are available through some of the organizations that serve as ﬁeld practicum settings.

Online and Online-Assisted Courses

Washburn University does not offer a fully online MSW degree option. Some courses are offered only online, others are only offered in person on campus. Some courses are offered with both online and seated options. Students will be required to utilize technology and the university learning management system for all courses.

MSW Admission Requirements

Admission to the MSW Program is competitive and applicants are encouraged to submit their completed applications well in advance of the initial review date (see Application Procedures below). Applicants must demonstrate that they possess the potential for professional development in clinical social work practice. To be admitted to the MSW Program, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, or a comparable accrediting body. Consistent with the importance ascribed to the liberal arts perspective by Washburn University and CSWE, the applicant must present evidence of adequate preparation to engage in graduate study, including the satisfactory completion of undergraduate coursework each of the following areas: the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, English composition, and mathematics. A minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected for admission to the MSW Program. Admission decisions are made by the social work faculty member and MSW Program Director. The faculty weigh all aspects of the completed application, including academic performance, communication skills, commitment to the values underlying the social work profession, and personal qualities necessary for effective clinical social work practice.

MSW Admissions-International Students

International students should contact the Office of International Admissions with any questions regarding the university application process, English language proficiency requirement or immigration-related inquiries. The need to take English courses may delay an applicant’s start in or extend the length of the MSW program.

Advance Standing

Advanced Standing program applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree in social work within the past 10 years from a CSWE-accredited social work program will be granted advanced standing status in the MSW Program at Washburn University. Course and/or credit waivers are dependent on the equivalency of the course content as determined by the MSW Program Director in consultation with the department chairperson and Washburn social work faculty. Applicants may be asked to provide a course syllabus/outline for each course for which a waiver is being requested. Additional supporting materials may be requested.

MSW Application Procedures

Students seeking admission to the MSW program should complete the online graduate/MSW application at the Social Work degree link on the Social Work department website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/social-work/msw.html.

Instructions and deadlines for the MSW application are available, www.washburn.edu/msw. Three letters of reference, and unofficial transcript, and a personal statement of interest must be included when the online application is submitted.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit all required materials for consideration for admission into the MSW Program. The application deadline for summer/fall enrollment is January 15. The application deadline for spring enrollment is October 15. Early submission of applications is encouraged.

Upon confirmed acceptance into the program, all applicants are required to provide an official transcript submitted directly to the University Registrar.

Provisional Status

Individuals whose GPA does not meet the standards for regular admission may be admitted with provisional status. All other requirements must be met, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and evidence of potential for professional development in clinical social work.

Anyone accepted provisionally will be limited to part-time status. Provisional status will be maintained until the student has completed, at a minimum, 12 credit hours or two (2) semesters in the MSW Program.

Non-Degree Seeking Status

Depending on space availability, a person with a baccalaureate degree who is not formally admitted to the graduate social work program may enroll in MSW courses as a non-degree seeking student. Only individuals in the following two categories may be able to take graduate social work courses in the department as non-degree seeking students:

A person who already has an MSW degree and who wants to return to graduate school at Washburn to complete the School Social Work concentration requirements as a non-degree seeking student; or
A master’s level social worker who wants to take a clinical core course or a clinical elective to earn continuing education units (CEUs) to satisfy LMSW or LSCSW license requirements. The Department Chair or the MSW Program Director may grant permission for such enrollment. For more information about this option, contact the Washburn University Department of Social Work (785) 670-1616.

MSW Transfer Credit

Transfer of credits from another MSW program is considered on a case-by-case basis. Only courses taken in a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Master of Social Work program will be eligible for transfer. Typically, transfer credit will only be applied to the generalist portion of the MSW program, which constitutes the ﬁrst 30 credit hours of the MSW degree. The applicant must have received a grade of “B” or better in the course(s) being considered for transfer credit. In addition, each course must be substantially equivalent in content to an existing social work graduate course for which transfer credit is being considered.

All graduate transfer students must complete an application packet (see Application Procedures above). One of the three letters of reference must come from the dean, department chair of the CSWE-accredited program from which the student is transferring. If the student was in a practicum placement while in the other program, a letter of reference from the supervising ﬁeld instructor is also required. All other letters of reference should be from teaching faculty in the host program who have had the student in class.

MSW Student Handbook

This handbook includes detailed information regarding the MSW Program and is available online. Policies for course schedules, grading, graduation requirements, academic retention and dismissal, and practicum determinations are included. Students are expected to carefully read this handbook and comply fully with all of its provisions.

New MSW Student Orientation

As part of the admissions process, students newly admitted into the MSW Program are required to complete an online orientation through the university learning management system. After completion of orientation and attestation, students will be given the name of their academic advisor to begin the advising process.

Academic Advising

Advisors play an important role in helping students select appropriate courses. All students are required to meet each semester with their Social Work faculty academic advisor.

Programs

Certificate Programs

Any applicant who would like to earn a certificate in Addiction Counseling or Trauma and Recovery may do so while working on the MSW degree. These certificate programs are managed by the Department of Family & Human Services at Washburn University. Some coursework in the MSW Program may count toward the certificate, but any waivers can only be approved by the chair of the Department of Family & Human Services. More specific information about certificate programs can be found by contacting the Department of Family & Human Services at (785) 670-2116. Under current State regulations, a person with a licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) may become a licensed addiction counselor (LAC) by passing the national examination. Details on the LAC licensure can be obtained from the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (ksbsrb.ks.gov/professions/addiction-counselors).

Washburn Student Social Work Student Association

The primary purpose of the Washburn Student Social Work Association (WSSWA) is to encourage responsible student participation in the policy and decision-making processes of social work education and to promote student cooperation and welfare. WSSWA seeks to provide its members with activities designed to inform them of the many opportunities in the ﬁeld of social work, to enhance the students’ personal and professional lives, to provide opportunities for association with social work professionals and community providers, and to participate actively in community service. Members commit themselves to the organization by attendance at meetings and involvement in activities. Membership in this organization is open to all enrolled Washburn social work students.

Course Offerings

Department consent, or admission to the MSW program, is required for enrollment in all graduate level courses.

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)

This course focuses on the theoretical concepts and practical skills utilized by social workers within healthcare environments to assist individuals and families with complex decisions. Utilizing case-based learning and online engagement, students will develop knowledge and skills for working within interdisciplinary teams to assess, support, and intervene in dynamic individual, family, and group systems facing health related challenges. Ethical decision-making processes and cultural awareness and humility are emphasized throughout the course. This course is available to admitted MSW students only. Prerequisites: MSW program admission

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.

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