Department of Social Work
Master of Social Work Courses
SWRK 510 (3-3-0) Social Welfare Policy and Services
This course is an advanced study of the historical development of social welfare and the evolution of social work values and ethics. Emphasis is placed on the major fields of social work such as children and family services, mental health, health care, income maintenance, and corrections. Analytic frameworks with regard to social welfare policies and services are introduced. Frameworks identify strengths and weaknesses in the social welfare system with respect to multiculturalism and diversity. Policy at the national, state, and local levels, with emphasis on poverty, inequality, social and economic justice is addressed. Pre-requisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 515 (3-3-0) Forensic Social Work in the Criminal Justice System
This course introduces students to forensic social work. Students develop an understanding of social work practice with criminals in clinics, prisons, juvenile and adult services, and psychiatric hospitals for defendants being evaluated and treated on issues of responsibilities and competence to stand trial. Attention will be given to issues concerning families of offenders. Students become familiar with the adversary process and challenges social workers confront in the civil and criminal justice system. Pre-requisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 516 Social Work Practice with Black Families
This course examines the past and current status of Black families and alert students to specific knowledge, skills, values and strategies required to work successfully and culturally with the target group. It incorporates the study and analysis of problems and issues faced by social workers in working effectively with Black families, including the integration of theory, cultural factors, social work policy, human behavior and social work practice. A particular emphasis is placed upon greater understanding of the challenges and dynamics affecting practice with Black families, including economic and social justice, empowerment, and oppression. Additionally, from an empowerment and strengths perspective, this course will examine historically the capabilities and strengths of Black families and how such capabilities and strengths can be used in effective social work practice with Black families. Pre-requisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 520 (3-3-0) Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
This course focuses on the physiological, cognitive, intellectual and emotional development of individuals. Theoretical explanations of human development over the lifespan are explored. Major social issues relating to human growth and development, ecological systems, culture, race, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic forces as applied to the analysis of individuals, families, small groups, organizations and communities are addressed. Focus will be given to oppression, privilege, and discrimination, and factors that help individuals and small social systems to change.
Pre-requisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 525 (3-3-0) Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
The course emphasizes social processes that transcend the individual, aiming to increase students' conceptual sophistication about the social context of human action and social work intervention. Within the person-in-environment framework, this course presents social theories and concepts that become tools for students' critical analysis of society, communities, social institutions and organizations, populations, and social structures, and cultures is a main component of the course. Special attention is given to human diversity and social inequalities. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work and SWRK 520
SWRK 530 (3-3-0) Social Work Statistical & Data Analysis
This course is designed to develop understanding of probabilistic analysis, quantitative reasoning, inferential statistics. Students are provided opportunities to do data analysis on the computer and concentrate on research and policy applications. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 540 (3-3-0) Social Work Intervention with Individuals and Families
This course will introduce students to content on theories of assessment, intervention, diversity, evaluation and termination. Specific attention is given to the development of skills in communication, rapport building, interviewing, and the utilization of professional self in working with individuals and families. Multigenerational family life cycle is explored. Models of family therapy and other intervention approaches are reviewed. Challenges and concerns encountered by vulnerable families, low-income families, families of color, and nontraditional families are reviewed. The dynamics of small groups are emphasized. Students develop an understanding of how values and ethics impact social work practice. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 560 (3-3-0) Applied Social Work Research Methods
Students apply quantitative and qualitative research to promote understanding of scientific, analytic, and ethical approaches to building knowledge for practice. Students learn to develop, use, and effectively communicate empirically based knowledge, including evidenced-based knowledge. The content prepares students to utilize research to provide high quality services, initiate change, improve practice, policy, and service delivery systems as well as evaluate their own practice. Major research designs are reviewed, and students develop skills in collecting, analyzing and using data. Sampling methods, data collection techniques, and statistical and graphical approaches to data analysis are emphasized. The course integrates themes related to multiculturalism, social justice, social change, prevention, intervention and treatment.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 570 (3-3-0) Social Work Intervention with Groups, Communities, and Organizations
Social work practice with small groups, communities, and organizations are emphasized. Group membership, group goals and culture, group development stages, leadership roles and decision-making processes are explored. Theories and strategies for community and community organization development are examined. Students develop an understanding of the definitions, concepts, and roles of communities and community organizations. Major topics include community based planning, advocacy, governance, and residence participation. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 574 (3-3-0) Multicultural Practice with Diverse Populations
This course promotes understanding, affirmation and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students learn to recognize diversity within and between groups and gain understanding on how diversity may influence assessment, planning, intervention, treatment, and research. Students develop skills in defining, designing, and implementing strategies for effective practice with individuals from diverse backgrounds with respect to race, class, gender, color, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, and equality. The course integrates knowledge of cultures with particular emphasis on rural, urban, and military communities. Students analyze their own abilities to function as effective social work professionals in working with diverse populations. Attention is given to oppressed populations and social and economic injustice. Strategies for combating discrimination, oppression, and economic deprivation are addressed. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 580 (4-1-4) Social Work Field Instruction I
This course is one of two courses that constitute the foundation field placement. The foundation placement is intended to help students develop basic knowledge and skills that provide the groundwork for their area of concentration. During this foundation placement students are in the field for 230 clock hours per semester. This amounts to two full days a week. Students are assigned to social service agencies and are supervised by experienced professionals. The field placement provides students the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills within an agency setting and community context. Students will have experiences in working with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. The field placement is offered concurrently with seminar classes. Seminar will provide students an opportunity to enhance placement learning experiences by helping student further develop understanding of knowledge, skills, self awareness and professional use of self in advanced social work practice. Students may select rural or urban settings. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work
SWRK 585 (4-1-4) Social Work Field Instruction II
This course is two of two courses that constitute the foundation field placement. The foundation placement is intended to help students develop basic knowledge and skills that provide the groundwork for their area of concentration. During this foundation placement students are in the field for 230 clock hours. This amounts to two full days a week. Students are assigned to social service agencies and are supervised by experienced professionals. The field placement provides students the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills within an agency setting and community context. The field placement is offered concurrently with seminar classes. Seminar classes enhance placement learning experiences by helping student further develop understanding of knowledge, skills, self awareness and professional use of self. The field placement in conjunction with the seminar will provide students a series of assignments and tasks selected to complement foundation academic courses and provide a basis for generalist practice. Students may select rural or urban settings. Prerequisite: SWRK 580
SWRK 602 (3-3-0) School Social Work
This course is designed to give students an in depth knowledge and understanding of social work practice in schools. The multiple roles of the school social worker will be explored with special emphasis on practice with populations at risk and culturally diverse groups. The course will examine the many issues facing children, families, and schools using a policy-practice perspective. Course content will prepare students to work collaboratively with diverse children, families, school staff, and community partners to build effective, culturally responsive early childhood and K-12 learning environments. (This is a course elective)
SWRK 602 (3-3-0) Independent Study
Individual study under the supervision of a member of the Social Work Program faculty. Prerequisite: Consent of Social Work Program Director, Department Chairperson, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Dean of Graduate Studies.
SWRK 605 (2-2-0) Special Topics
This is an advanced course providing the students the opportunity to study new or advanced topics in social work. This course will vary according to the individual instructor and may be repeated under different subtitles.
SWRK 606 (3-3-0) Social Work Practice Seminar
This course presents content on theories of assessment, intervention, diversity, evaluation, and termination. specific attention is given to the development of skills in communication, rapport building, interviewing, and the utilization of professional self in working with individuals and families. Multigenerational family life cycle is explored. Models of family therapy and other intervention approaches are reviewed. Challenges and concerns encountered by vulnerable families, low-income families, families of color and nontraditional families are reviewed. Content on social work practice with small groups, communities, and organizations are emphasized. This course is designed to supplement and complement the training and experiences the student has as a student of an accredited bachelor of social work program. This course will prepare the student for entry into advanced standing of the master of social work program. Pre-requisite: Approved for Advanced Standing in social work.
SWRK 608 (3-3-0) Statistics and Research Seminar
This course provides a review of basic research methods and an introduction to basic statistics for social work. Students apply quantitative and qualitative research to promote understanding of scientific, analytic, and ethical approaches to building knowledge for practice. The content prepares students to utilize research to provide high quality services, initiate change, improve practice, policy, and service delivery systems as well as evaluate their own practice. Themes relating to multiculturalism, social justice, social change, prevention, intervention and treatment are integrated. Major research designs are reviewed, such as single system designs, and students develop skills in collecting, analyzing and using data. Sampling methods, data collection techniques, and statistical and graphical approaches to data analysis are emphasized. Students develop an understanding of probabilistic analysis, quantitative reasoning, and inferential statistics. Students are provided opportunities to do data analysis on microcomputers. This course prepares students for entry into advanced standing of the Master of Social Work Program. Pre-requisite: Approved for Advanced Standing in social work.
SWRK 610 (3-3-0) Social Work Practice with Families
This course critically evaluates methods used for assessing families of diverse, social, economic, cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Students develop a knowledge base of theory, and models of family intervention. Family constellations are examined to include single parent families, extended and blended families, adoptive and foster care families, and gay and lesbian families.
Prerequisite: SWRK 540
SWRK 615 (3-3-0) Social Work Practice in Mental Health
This advanced course focuses on social work practice with persons who have mental illness, and the impact mental illness has on families and society. Primary focus is on therapeutic relationships, assessments, treatment planning, interventions, psychotropic medication, and case management. Students develop an understanding of the classification and diagnosis of DSM-IV. Prerequisite: SWRK 540
SWRK 620 (3-3-0) Social Work Practice with Children & Adolescents
This course focuses on multiculturally competent social work practice with children and adolescents living in diverse family arrangements. The continuum of services and resources available to children and adolescents and the roles and functions of the social worker in these settings are examined. Economic, social, and psychological concerns of vulnerable children are identified, and intervention strategies that will effectively meet these needs will be addressed. Students are presented with specialized knowledge and skills essential for working with children and adolescents. Prerequisite: SWRK 540
SWRK 621 (3-3-0) Social Work Practice with Military Families
Social work as it is practiced in the various branches of military service to include Army, Air Force, and Navy is examined. The history and role transitions of social work over the years with military families are explored. Ethical concerns that emerge from social work practice with military families are addressed. Military social workers’ roles in mental health programs, medical settings, military operations, substance abuse programs, family advocacy, program administration, policy-making are examined. Students compare and contrast civilian social work practice and military social work practice. (This is an elective course)
SWRK 625 (3-3-0) Social Work with Chemically Dependent Families
Students study theory and knowledge on drugs and substance abuse as it relates to practice in social work settings. Dynamics of the chemically dependent family are assessed and culturally competent intervention approaches for working with the family system and subsystems are addressed. Changing definitions of use, misuse, dependency, and the socio-legal history of use patterns will be discussed. Attention will be given to issues arising at different stages in the life cycle including recognition of signs of misuse. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work and SWRK 540
SWRK 626 (3-3-0) Substance Abuse Intervention
This course facilitates students’ understanding of the diverse needs of clients with substance abuse addictions. Students receive an overview of the dynamics of alcohol and other psychoactive drug addictions. Additionally, students evaluate the motivation and behavior patterns of substance abusers in a broad social context. Risk factors, education, and prevention are explored. Substance abuse assessment, intervention, relapse prevention are addressed. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work and SWRK 540
SWRK 630 (3-3-0) Assessment of Mental Disorders
Theories and concepts of mental health and illness are examined. Students are introduced to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students study the etiology, symptomology, and treatment of mental disorders. The development of environmental, interpersonal, psychosocial and stress factors in human behavioral dynamics is explored. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work and SWRK 540
SWRK 635 (3-3-0) Management of Human Service Organizations
This course focuses on management and leadership theories, administrative decision-making processes and organizational communication. Students develop ability for application of administrative concepts, theories and management principles in social work practice settings. Program planning and development, budget preparation, organizational development, and program evaluation, fund-raising and grant-writing are emphasized. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work and SWRK 570
SWRK 640 (3-3-0) Professional Writing for Social Work
Students will learn about scholarly writing through modeling the writing of published authors. This course will introduce students to why social work requires them to write using the American Psychological Association (APA) style. The ethics of writing, indicating the acceptable forms and practices of recognizing the ideas and intellectual properties of others will be explored in this course. The course will explore the concept of plagiarism. The course contains general conventions, such as how to refer to the work of others in the body of a paper and tips for avoiding sexist language. The course will provide the students the opportunity to avoid grammatical and punctuation errors commonly found in social work papers. The course will provide students the opportunity to participate in proofreading exercises that will direct them to their PC's to detect areas of potential problems. This course will provide students with a real-world option for communicating scholarly thinking and findings. The course will address the importance of the use of the Internet and the information it provides in writing research papers. The course will also offer suggestions for using computer technology effectively at various stages of the research process. The course and its assignments will encourage students to use resources outside the library, such as conducting interviews, surveys, and using media such as radio and television. Much of the course will take place in the library where students will review the literature and develop their proposals and complete the writing of their literature review. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work. (This is a course elective)
SWRK 650-01 (4-1-4) Social Work Field Instruction III
This course is one of two courses that constitute the advanced placement in students’ area of concentration. The advanced placement is intended to help students develop expanded knowledge and skills in their area of concentration. During the foundation placement students are in the field for 360 clock hours. This amounts to three full days a week. Students are assigned to social services agencies and supervised by experienced professionals. The field placement is offered concurrently with seminar classes. The field placement, seminar classes, and assignments are consistent with students’ chosen area of concentrations. Students will have the opportunity to use advanced practice skills with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Students may select rural or urban settings. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work and SWRK 585
SWRK 655-01 (4-1-4) Social Work Field Instruction IV
This course is two of two courses that constitute the advanced placement in students’ area of concentration. The advanced placement is intended to help students develop expanded knowledge and skills in their area of concentration. During the foundation placement students are in the field for 360 clock hours. This amounts to three full days a week. Students are assigned to social services agencies and supervised by experienced professionals. The field placement is offered concurrently with seminar classes. The field placement, seminar classes, and assignments are consistent with students’ chosen area of concentrations. Students will have the opportunity to use advanced practice skills with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Students may select rural or urban settings. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in social work and SWRK 585