Courses and descriptions

Examines the dynamics of human behavior in society, families and groups, from a wide range of perspectives including biological, psychological, systems and social/environmental. With an emphasis on strengths, focuses on developmental theories and practical knowledge covering populations from birth to young adulthood.

Analyzes bio-psycho-social developmental theories and practical knowledge of people from young adulthood to end of life. Concentrates upon a strengths-oriented perspective of diversity issues impacting individuals, families, groups and society, including race, gender, sexual orientation, class, culture, age and others, and the oppression of minorities and populations at risk. Pre-requisite(s): SOWK 5103.

Promotes competence in micro practice skills with individuals.  Covers engagement at each stage of the intervention process.  Focuses on solution focused, cognitive behavioral and task-centered approaches.  Introduction to assessment of individuals in family and environmental contexts. Pre-requisite(s): formal admission to the MSW program.

Focuses on macro community practice at the foundation level. Integration of theory, skills and techniques in order to intervene with groups, organizations, communities and advance social, economic and environmental justice. Emphasis on strengths-based approaches and participatory models which empower communities. Pre-requisite(s): formal admission to the MSW program.

Focuses on developing knowledge, skills and competency in facilitating small groups in a variety of practice settings. Covers theoretical approaches, each stage of the group process, including group dynamics and impact of member characteristics. Analyzes ethics and confidentiality issues in relation to group practice. Experiential learning includes role-playing and simulation exercises. Pre-requisite(s): SOWK 5203 and SOWK 5213.

Examination of the historical and current development of the social work profession and US social welfare delivery system. Critical analysis of social problems and policy and service responses. Emphasis upon the mutual relationships among policy, practice and research. Investigation of the impact of social policy upon diverse and vulnerable groups. Pre-requisite(s): None.

Introduces foundational knowledge and skills in policy practice, including the policy making process and intervention techniques aimed at impacting and changing social welfare and public policies. Analysis of contemporary social issues, public policy and social welfare programs. Examination of global influences that affect US social policy. Pre-requisite(s): SOWK 5303.

Covers foundational concepts, principles and methods of scientific inquiry, focusing on quantitative and qualitative designs and analysis and use of existing research in practice and policy. Examines evidence-based practice as a process of inquiry. Explores cultural and ethical considerations and the role of research in advocating for under-served and special populations. Pre-requisite(s): none.

The seminar facilitates integration of foundation field practicum and classroom learning through processing and discussion of field issues and situations. Students gain knowledge of and apply models of critical reflective practice, effective use of supervision and ethical decision making. Includes a supervised social work field practicum in a community agency or program related to current course work.  Application to field practicum required. Practice experience and demonstration of foundation social work skills in an applied setting. Requires a minimum of 200 clock hours at the agency. Pre-requisite(s): acceptance into practicum and satisfactory completion of SOWK 5103, SOWK 5203, SOWK 5213, SOWK 5303 and SOWK 5403. Concurrent enrollment in SOWK 5113, SOWK 5223 and SOWK 5313.   

The seminar facilitates integration of foundation field practicum and all foundation level classroom learning through processing and discussion of field issues and situations. Students gain knowledge of and apply evaluation of practice. Includes a supervised social work field practicum in a community agency or program related to foundation course work. Practice experience and demonstration of foundation social work skills in an applied setting. Requires a minimum of 200 clock hours at the agency. Pre-requisite(s): SOWK 5113, SOWK 5223, SOWK 5313 and SOWK 5803.

Focuses on biopsychosocial perspectives about mental health and disorders across the lifespan. Introduces major diagnostic classification systems with a primary focus on the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Includes assessment skills and the diagnostic process utilizing the DSM. Emphasis upon facilitating a holistic multidimensional assessment inclusive of strengths. Analysis of diagnostic systems in relation to social work values and ethics. Pre-requisite(s): formal admission to the program.

Analysis of human diversity in the context of social work practice. Addresses related theoretical frameworks and the negative impact of power, privilege, oppression and stigma upon diverse individuals and groups. Promotes knowledge and skill development to work effectively with diverse populations and protect human and civil rights. Enhances self–awareness to increase sensitive practice. Pre-requisite(s): formal admission to the program.

Advanced practice course that builds on prior course work and presents theory and key practice models of evidence informed social work interventions with diverse individuals and families. Focuses on engagement at each stage of the intervention process. Experiential learning includes participating case simulations and other exercises. Pre-requisite(s): SOWK 5233.

Addresses administration and management leadership across a variety of human service settings with an emphasis on managing competing and limited resources. Examines organizational theory and knowledge and skills for effective administration and management including planning, supervision, developing agency policy and procedure, working with boards, budgeting, fund raising and grant writing. Pre-requisite(s): formal admission to the program.

Builds upon quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis in order to gain knowledge and skills about practice and program accountability and effectiveness. Focuses upon evaluation of social work practice and programs including single system design, needs assessments and process and outcome evaluation. Covers use of logic model in program design and evaluation. Pre-requisite(s): formal admission to the program.

The seminar facilitates integration of advanced field practicum and classroom learning through processing and discussion of field issues and situations. Assignments based upon advanced field social work topics. Supervised social work field practicum in an agency setting.  Includes practice in a community agency or program related to current course work. Practice and demonstration of advanced year social work skills in an applied setting. Requires a minimum of 250 clock hours in the agency. Prerequisite(s): acceptance into practicum.  

Supervised social work field practicum in an agency setting. Includes practice in a community agency or program related to current course work. Practice and demonstration of advanced year social work skills in an applied setting.

The seminar facilitates integration of advanced field practicum and classroom learning through processing and discussion of field issues and situations. Assignments based upon advanced field social work topics. Requires a minimum of 250 clock hours in the agency. Prerequisite(s): acceptance into practicum and satisfactory completion SOWK 5233, SOWK 5243, SOWK 5323, SOWK 5413 and SOWK 5833.

Advanced seminar course in which students integrate concepts from across the curriculum and demonstrate cumulative knowledge gained from all areas of the program in one focused assignment, within the context of the student’s chosen concentration. Pre-requisite(s): SOWK 5833.

Builds upon policy practice skills and knowledge and macro community practice techniques. Presents frameworks for policy research and analysis. Advanced analysis and critique of social welfare policies that affect families and diverse and oppressed populations. Advocacy and intervention techniques aimed at positively impacting social welfare and public policies. Focus upon legislative research and written and verbal persuasion skills. Pre-requisite(s): SOWK 5323.

Examines services for individuals and families experiencing end-of-life issues and addresses concepts and skills for effective practice in a variety of settings. Integration of theory, research and practice in relation to grief processes. Exploration of societal and cultural factors in the practice context. Application of ethical and legal issues to practice. Pre-requisite(s): none.

Addresses theory and research of the etiology and developmental consequences of child maltreatment. Analyses the dynamics of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, neglect and indicators of risk. Covers evidence informed assessment and interventions. Explores the effects of child abuse and neglect across the lifespan. Prerequisite(s): SOWK 5233