Master of Social Work (MSW)
Course Descriptions
SW 600 Human Diversity and Social Work Practice. The purpose of this course is to enhance the student’s understanding of our diverse society. We will examine the often invisible forces (homophobia, racism, sexism, classism, etc.) that operate in this society to profoundly shape and alter the life experiences of large numbers of people. Human worth, dignity, values, and social justice are some of the major themes that will permeate the course materials and lectures. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Program (3).
SW 601 Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Knowledge of reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments are addressed in the course. Theories and knowledge on interactions between and among individuals, families, groups, societies, and economic systems are discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Program (3).
SW 602 Social Work Practice with Individuals. Basic theory, professional values and ethics, and methods of social work practice with individuals along with assessment and planning, communication, intervention, and evaluation skills. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Program (3).
SW 603 Social Work Research Methods. Research methodologies with respect to evolution and application to social work theory and practice are covered. History and philosophies of science; problem formulation; research design; ethics; instrument use and construction; data collection; analysis and reporting; and evaluation and utilization of research. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Program (3).
SW 604 Social Welfare Policies and Programs. Historical perspective on the development of social welfare institutions, programs, and policies are addressed. Students will learn methods of current policy analysis and evaluation of social problems. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Program (3).
SW 615 Practice with Families and Groups. Generalist practice with family and small group systems is the focus of this course. Ecological theory to frame understanding of such systems and their adaptation to environments and various social work roles and intervention strategies pertaining to client systems. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Program (3).
SW 620 Practice with Organizations and Communities. Basic theory, methods, problems, and strategies in implementing planned change within and among larger social systems: task groups, human service organizations, and community systems are taught in the course. Students also learn various practice roles such as planner, program developer, supervisor, administrator, advocate and task group leader. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Program (3).
SW 621 Field Instruction I. This is the first of two foundation internship courses that requires a minimum of 225 hours of directed practicum in an approved social service setting with individuals, families, groups, formal organizations and communities. This course includes a three-hour seminar that will meet monthly. Prerequisites: SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 615, and 620 (3).
SW 622 Field Instruction II. This is the second foundation internship course that requires a minimum of 225 hours of directed practicum experience. This course includes a three-hour seminar that will meet monthly. Prerequisites: SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 615, and 620 (3).
SW 623 Field Instruction III. This is the first of two concentration internship courses providing a minimum of 225 hours of internship experience in a clinical setting. The course includes a three-hour seminar that will meet monthly. Prerequisites: SW 621 and SW 622 or advanced standing and 630, 640, and 650 (3).
SW 624 Field Instruction IV. This course is the second of two concentration internship courses providing a minimum of 225 hours of internship experience in a clinical setting. This course requires a three-hour seminar that will meet monthly. Prerequisites: SW 623 or advanced standing and 683, 686, and 687 (3).
SW 630 Theories and Methods of Family Intervention. Understanding and analyzing family dynamics and patterns of interaction from the perspective of major family therapy models is the focus of this course. Intervention, theories, methods and skills for problem resolution are discussed. Prerequisites: SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 615, and 620 or advanced standing (3).
SW 640 Advanced Practice with Groups. This course covers the theoretical and historical approaches to social work with groups and clinical principles supporting specific types of group-work used in clinical practice and associated leader interventions. Prerequisites: SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 615, and 620 or advanced standing (3).
SW 650 Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for the diagnostic assessment and treatment of adults and youths with psychiatric problems and with information on psychotropic medications utilized in mental health settings. Prerequisites: SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 615, and 620 or advanced standing (3).
SW 660 Clinical Supervision. Interactive and clinical supervisory skills which social workers need for supervision and consultation in the clinical setting are covered. The students will examine the dynamics of the supervisory relationship and supervisor roles. Prerequisites: SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 615, and 620 or advanced standing (3).
SW 670 Leadership and Administration. Management practices and leadership skills required in development and management of human services delivery systems. Issues regarding human resources management, resource allocation, strategic planning, and organizational dynamics are included. Prerequisites: SW 621 and SW 622 or advanced standing and SW 630, 640, and 650 (3).
SW 680 Evaluation Research. This course covers the history, philosophy and issues, conceptual approaches, techniques and methods in practice, and utilization of evaluation research as applied to development and evaluation of social work programs and policies. Prerequisites: SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 615, and 620 or advanced standing (3).
SW 681 Forensic Social Work with Children. This course encompasses forensic social work with children and adolescents. The students will develop skills in court evaluations, court testimony, and the treatment of child/adolescent victims. Prerequisites: SW 621 and SW 622 or advanced standing and 630, 640, and 650 (3).
SW 682 Clinical Practice in Child Welfare. This course is intended to provide students an advanced study of the field of child welfare and the complex and changing practice and policies within this specialized field. Focus will be upon the knowledge, skills, and values required in this area. This course will emphasize child welfare services for a diverse society. Prerequisites: SW 621, 622 or advanced standing and 630, 640, and 650 (3).
SW 683 Theories of Psychotherapy. This course is designed to familiarize students with therapeutic models and related intervention strategies by focusing on the common principles and elements of current psychotherapies, with a special emphasis on cognitive and behavioral therapeutic approaches. Prerequisites: SW 621 or advanced standing and SW 630, SW 640, and 650 (3).
SW 684 Social Work in Health Care Settings. Individual, group, and family approaches to social work practice in health care settings are offered. Special emphasis on cross-cultural practice and ethical/legal issues, including managed care, health care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Prerequisites: SW 621, 622 or advanced standing and 630, 640, and 650 (3).
SW 685 Gerontological Social Work. This seminar provides an introduction to gerontology with a foundation in the biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of aging. Emphasis will be on incorporating current research and experiential components in working with the aging population. Prerequisites: SW 621, 622 or advanced standing and 630, 640, and 650 (3).
SW 686 Traumatic Stress and Crisis Intervention. This course explores the phenomenon of traumatic stress in relation to social work practice. Topics include clinical social work treatment of survivors of traumatic situations, posttraumatic stress disorder, secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma and burnout. Prerequisite: SW 621 and SW 622 or advanced standing and SW 630, 640, and 650 (3).
SW 687 Substance Abuse and Addiction. Survey and analysis of social, cultural, medical, and psychological factors underlying alcoholism, drug abuse, and addiction are covered along with recent research and practice innovations. Prerequisites: SW 621 and SW 622 or advanced standing and SW 630, SW 640, and SW 650 (3).