300 Level Courses
SOCW 311: Building Professional Social Work Skills. 3 credits.
Apply basic social work concepts and the planned change process to beginning-level professional generalist practice. Develop a professional sense of self, and how to work In a social work setting. Practice course material In an agency setting through a 40 hour service learning experience. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 312: Knowledge Building for Helping Professionals. 3 credits.
Integrates critical thinking skills with an understanding of how knowledge is created and associated with the scientific paradigms that are used to study and understand individuals in the context of the environment. Examines ways of knowing used in the social sciences and social work by being actively engaged in exercises and activities. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 357: Methods of Social Work Intervention I. 3 credits.
Social work practice from systems perspective. Particular emphasis on problem-solving activities with microsystems. Analyzes common core of knowledge, values, and skills essential to social work practice to gain insight into social work functions and role of social worker as change agent. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 358: Methods of Social Work Intervention II. 3 credits.
Continues generic problem-solving model, focusing on group and macro intervention systems, settings, and skills. Emphasizes working with both treatment and task groups. Group processes, such as goal formulation, contract setting, composition, and termination necessary for effective worker intervention, are part of knowledge base. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 359: Junior Seminar. 1 credit.
Provides opportunity to integrate theory, research, and practice in area of group work. Time is allotted to process successes and obstacles, and to share issues, knowledge, and skills learned in service-learning site. Notes: Forty hours of service learning are required. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to
SOCW 362.
SOCW 361: Methods of Social Work Intervention I: Laboratory. 2 credits.
Develop proficiency in social work and communication skills. Increase competency in practice knowledge and behaviors through experiential learning in the classroom laboratory. Apply knowledge of biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural influences to those who need and those who give help. Examine personal behavioral and learning patterns, values, ethics, and attitudes to increase ability to understand and help clients. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 362: Methods of Social Work Intervention II: Laboratory. 2 credits.
Provides students the opportunity to integrate theory, research, and practice in the area of group work and family interventions. Classroom simulation of group skills and how to work with families will occur. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 375: Human Behavior and the Family Life Course. 3 credits.
This course utilizes an integrative ecological approach to understanding individual human behavior In the context of the family and the transitions over the life course. The family life course perspective recognizes the interdependent nature of life course experiences and highlights the impact of life events, transitions and change, timing, and historical and social context. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 380: Changing Social Policies and Systems. 3 credits.
Equips students with basic macro social work practice skills necessary to create change that will result in a more socially and economically just society. Examines the historical development, central concepts, and institutional nature of current social policies and systems and how to create change at various levels. Applies practice skills to developing strategies for change. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 390: Analytic Methods for Social Work Research. 3 credits.
Provides a basic introduction to quantitative and qualitative analytic methods for the social worker. The course will emphasize a conceptual understanding of analyses so that students will be able to engage in social debates with the ability to both support their assertions with rigorously generated analyses, as well as question the generalizability and utility of others' analyses. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
400 Level Courses
SOCW 400: Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services. 3 credits.
Overview of ethical and legal issues related to human services professions. Topics include responsibility, competence, duty to warn, confidentiality, professional relationships, and research. Emphasizes models of ethical decision making and critical thinking. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 410: Alcohol and Substance Abuse: Policies and Programs. 3 credits.
Primary issues related to alcoholism and drug abuse including key concepts, theories, policies, and research regarding use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Emphasizes impact of policies and programs on well-being of ethnic minority and disadvantaged service populations. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 415: Child and Family Welfare. 3 credits.
Emphasizes viewing human development and child and family welfare services critically, holistically, and contextually. Integrates ecological systems, human rights, and empowerment perspectives for understanding delivery systems and persons in relation to their environment across levels from individual to global. Provides overview of existing child welfare system with focus on current issues, challenges, and at-risk populations. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 435: Introduction to Gerontology. 3 credits.
Surveys issues related to working with older adults, their families, and care providers. Studies biological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of aging, and unique problems with service delivery to older persons. Examines forces that impinge on an older person, and explores critical issues related to extended life span, family changes, institutionalization, and role of older persons in society. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 445: Social Determinants of Health. 3 credits.
Examine the social determinants of health and the application of this framework to social work and public health policy and practice interventions. Explore the many social justice factors that affect health and consider which community systems and social change approaches may decrease or eliminate health inequities. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to
GCH 445.
SOCW 471: Research in Social Work. 3 credits.
Principles and theory underlying scientific inquiry. Emphasizes use of research in social work practice, steps in conducting research, and research efforts in developing and evaluating social work knowledge and skills. Notes: Must be completed with minimum grade of C. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 472: RS: Integrative Methods in Social Action and Social Change. 3 credits.
Uses generalist social work practice concepts with large systems and provides students with a hands-on opportunity to apply concepts and principles of intervention with large systems. Students will work with organizations and communities on a local, national, or global level to promote social action and social change. The course will also focus on evaluating interventions addressing the social justice needs of diverse, at-risk, and oppressed populations. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to SOCW 417.
SOCW 475: Selected Topics in Social Work Policy. 3 credits.
In-depth study of special areas of social work of interest to students, faculty, and social work community. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
Social Work. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
SOCW 480: Research Internship in Health and Human Services. 3 credits.
The student works as a member of a team engaged in health and human services research and attends a bi-weekly research seminar. Under direction of the course seminar leader and the faculty research mentor, the student will acquire selected research skills and develop introductory research writing and presentation skills. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to
HAP 480,
HHS 480.
SOCW 483: Selected Approaches to Social Work Intervention. 3 credits.
Opportunity to examine personal use of different approaches to social work intervention currently employed in practice settings. Students use technical skills with clients that these approaches require. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
Social Work. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
SOCW 495: Field Practicum and Seminar I. 5 credits.
Under supervisory instruction provided by field agencies and faculty liaisons, students are involved two days per week in a social work field practicum, which provides entry level generalist social work training. Both the field practicum and the associated seminar provide learning activities designed to facilitate the demonstration of competencies identified by the Council on Social Work Education. Requires faculty-agency visits. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to SOCW 452, SOCW 453.
SOCW 496: Field Practicum and Seminar II. 5 credits.
Continuation of supervised instruction begun in
SOCW 495. Students continue to spend two days per week in a social work field practicum, which provides entry level generalist social work training. Both the field practicum and the associated seminar provide learning activities designed to facilitate the demonstration of competencies identified by the Council on Social Work Education. Requires faculty-agency visits. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to SOCW 454, SOCW 456.
SOCW 499: Independent Study in Social Work. 1-3 credits.
Investigates research problem in field of social work. Offered by
Social Work. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 3 credits.
600 Level Courses
SOCW 623: Human Behavior and Social Systems I. 3 credits.
Ecological approach to behavior of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Integrates and applies theories from psychology, sociology, biology, and anthropology to study of infants, children, and adolescents. Emphasizes human diversity. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 624: Human Behavior and Social Systems II. 3 credits.
Continues study of human behavior and diversity by exploring application of development theory and ecological principles to those in young adulthood, middle adulthood, and older adulthood. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 630: Forensic Social Work Practice. 3 credits.
Explores the social work role in legal processes relating to such issues as family violence, child custody, behavioral health, disabilities, aging, and juvenile/criminal justice. Apply skills in forensic interviewing, risk assessment, expert testimony, mitigation, mediation, treatment, victim advocacy, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 640: Advanced Clinical Practice. 3 credits.
Prepares students at the advanced level to apply diagnostic, assessment, prevention, treatment, and intervention skills with individuals, families, and groups in clinical mental health and health settings. Trains students in differential diagnosis and assessment using the Revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV-TR). Currently accepted treatment interventions within the context of contemporary social work theory are also presented. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 645: Community-Centered Clinical Practice. 3 credits.
Students use an ecosystems framework for assessment, risk-reduction, prevention, and intervention with communities in a local, national, or international context. Possible areas of exploration include violence prevention and intervention, suicide prevention and intervention, emergency response efforts, and behavioral health or wellness interventions at the community level. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 651: Social Policies, Programs, and Services. 3 credits.
History of American social welfare policy and social work profession. Explores political, economic, social, cultural, and ideological influences on policy making with emphasis on consequences for populations at risk. Introduces historical policy analysis. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 652: Influencing Social Policy. 3 credits.
Introduces students to the knowledge, skills, and values needed to influence policy outcomes. Explores the role of social workers in electoral politics and policy advocacy. Students gain skills in legislative research, coalition building, testifying, constituent organizing, and lobbying, while developing strategies for promoting social justice through policy change. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 653: Immigration Policy. 3 credits.
Prepares students for advocacy on behalf of immigrants from a human rights and social justice perspective. Explores policies, economic forces and historical precedence abetting global migration. Abets development of an in-depth knowledge of national and local policies as they pertain to immigrants, and how issues relate to social work advocacy. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 654: Social Policy for Children and Youth. 3 credits.
Examines social policies, programs, and services on behalf of children and youth with implications for social work; including child welfare, child and adolescent health and mental health, juvenile justice, and school social work. Explores how societal norms regarding family and definitions of children's well-being influenced these policies over time. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 655: Aging Programs and Policies. 3 credits.
Analyzes the evidence-based benefits and challenges of social welfare and health care policy at the local, state, and federal levels on programs and services for older persons and their families. Fosters an understanding of the context of administrative structures, and legislative context of social policy and aging with attention to diversity and ethics. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 657: Direct Social Work Practice I. 3 credits.
Introduces role of social workers as change agents and the core knowledge, values, and skills that guide social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 658: Direct Social Work Practice II. 3 credits.
Continuation of social work theory and practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Emphasizes intervention, evaluation, follow-up, and termination, with attention to incorporating social work knowledge, values, and skills. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 663: Global Human Rights Policy. 3 credits.
Examines meaning and benefits of transforming social work policy practice to a global perspective and focus on a human rights-based rather than a needs-based approach. Demonstrates how human rights can serve as conceptual framework for policy practice to effect social change promoting human development and social and economic justice across levels, from the micro through macro and local through global. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 664: Art Therapy and Social Work. 3 credits.
Explores the principles and techniques of art therapy for social work practice, examining assessment, intervention and evaluation strategies that supplement traditional social work treatment. Course covers theory, research, and interventions applied to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Notes: Previous training in the visual arts and/or artistic ability is not required. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 665: Integrated Behavioral Health Policy. 3 credits.
Examines policy concerns and strategies for implementing integrated behavioral health care models. Identifies practice models that integrate substance abuse and mental health with primary health care. Provides an overview of the U.S. health care system, including legislation, financing, and health care disparities. Students will develop an understanding of access to health care as a social justice concern. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 670: Social Work Program Planning, Communications, and Technology. 3 credits.
Studies various forms of written communication pertinent to social work practice. Examines impact of audience, status, culture, and purpose on effective professional writing. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 671: Research Methods for Social Workers. 3 credits.
Examines role of scientific inquiry in social work. Emphasizes construction and use of measurement instruments, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and application of computer technologies relevant to social work practice. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 672: Generalist Field Practicum and Seminar I. 3 credits.
Provides supervised social work learning experience in human service agencies. Students complete 16 hours per week in field practicum, and attend bimonthly seminar in which they share learning and integrate theory with practice. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 673: Generalist Field Practicum and Seminar II. 3 credits.
Continues the supervised social work learning experience begun in
SOCW 672. Students spend 16 hours per week in field practicum, and attend bimonthly seminar in which they share learning, process experiences, and integrate theory with practice. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 674: Psychopathology. 3 credits.
Overview of adult and child psychopathology presented within the contexts of the lives of people experiencing mental disorders and the social contexts that can have a bearing on symptom maintenance. Learn to formulate competency-based assessments and DSM IV-TR-based differential diagnoses. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 675: Selected Topics in Clinical Practice. 3 credits.
In-depth study of special topics related to clinical social work practice at the individual, family, small group, or community level. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
Social Work. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
SOCW 676: Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change. 3 credits.
Critical examination of special topics related to understanding and improving community and societal conditions through policy practice, program development, and social action. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
Social Work. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
SOCW 677: Family Therapy. 3 credits.
Examines research and theory relevant for assessment and intervention with families. Students will learn to conduct a family assessment, taking cultural diversity, non-traditional family structures including single-parent and GLBTQ families, and socioeconomic factors into account. Students will develop skills in implementing an intervention based on the family's strengths and challenges. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 678: Trauma and Recovery. 3 credits.
Explores complex traumatic stress disorders, the process of recovery, and the etiology of healing in contemporary North American Culture. Diagnostic criteria, assessment strategies and evidence-based treatment options for complex traumatic stress disorders across diverse populations including sexual trauma, war, early childhood trauma and natural disasters will be addressed. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 679: Military Social Work. 3 credits.
Examines research and theory relevant for social work practice with service members, veterans, and their families. The course addresses the military as a workplace culture, evidence-based approaches for post-traumatic stress and co-morbid conditions, clinical practice with military families, preventive care and the service delivery system in military and civilian settings. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 682: Substance Abuse Interventions. 3 credits.
Develops knowledge and skills for direct practice in the field of addictions. The course covers the knowledge base regarding evidence-based interventions at all stages in the process of intervention with individuals, families, and groups that promote recovery from addiction to drug and alcohol abuse. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 684: Social Work and the Law. 3 credits.
Students engage in close analysis of judicial opinions to explore the role of the courts in creating public policy. Areas of inquiry include the role of social workers in the legal system, the nature of legal proceedings, and how the law shapes policy in relation to issues affecting children, youth, families, older adults, women, minorities, people in poverty, and other vulnerable populations. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 685: Organizational Leadership for Social Workers. 3 credits.
Examines functions and structure of human service organizations in context of service delivery. Development of theoretical knowledge, professional ethics, and skills in administration, leadership, management, organization, and supervision. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 687: Empowering Communities for Change. 3 credits.
Explores social work interventions at community level, including organization, planning, and development. Strategies for mobilizing community members, using community organizations, formulating coalitions, engaging in participatory planning, and social and economic development. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 688: Program Evaluation for Social Workers. 3 credits.
Explores social work intervention research, needs assessment, formative and summative program evaluation, and cost analyses. Discusses applications of systematic inquiry at the practice, organizational, and policy levels. Addresses ethical, pragmatic, and political considerations; qualitative approaches; quality performance; evidence from empirical research; and evaluation design. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 689: Clinical Practice with Older Adults. 3 credits.
Examines age-associated changes and challenges faced by older adults. Focus is strengthening assessment and intervention skills with older adults, their family members and caregivers within the community and long-term care facilities, determining the best standardized instruments to use, and developing effective questions for assessment. Attention is given to the resilience of elders, ethical issues and diversity. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 692: Specialist Clinical Field Practicum and Seminar I. 3 credits.
Students participate in a supervised clinical social work field practicum for 20 hours per week. The clinical field seminar accompanies the clinical concentration year practicum. The seminar is designed to assist the student in critically analyzing their field experiences in the application of mental health assessment, risk reduction and interventions working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 693: Specialist Clinical Field Practicum and Seminar II. 3 credits.
Students participate in a supervised clinical social work field practicum for 20 hours per week. The clinical field seminar accompanies the clinical concentration year practicum. The seminar is designed to assist the student in critically analyzing their field experiences in the application of mental health assessment, risk reduction and interventions working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Notes: This is a continuation of
SOCW 692 taken in the Fall semester. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 694: Specialist Social Change Field Practicum and Seminar I. 3 credits.
Students participate in a supervised clinical social work field practicum for 20 hours per week. The clinical field seminar accompanies the concentration year practicum. The seminar is designed to assist students in processing their field experiences and analyzing their successes and challenges. Students are expected to apply social work knowledge, values, and skills from across the curriculum. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 695: Specialist Social Change Field Practicum and Seminar II. 3 credits.
Students continue to work in a supervised social work field practicum for 20 hours per week. At the end of this semester students will have completed 300 hours of field work to meet the total number of 600 hours required for the concentration year practicum. The field seminar accompanies the concentration year practicum. The seminar is designed to assist students in processing their field experiences and analyzing their successes and challenges. Students are expected to apply social work knowledge, values, and skills from across the curriculum. Notes: Continuation of
SOCW 693 from the Fall semester. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 697: Thesis Project Seminar. 3 credits.
Provides structured opportunity for students to work with each other and faculty in developing their final MSW thesis projects. Integrates and applies learning from all previous course work, emphasizing knowledge, skills, and values related to research, clinical practice, policy, community practice, and organizational leadership. Social work ethics, empowerment of populations at risk, and systems transformation will be explored. In addition to group meetings, students will meet individually with their faculty mentors. Offered by
Social Work. May not be repeated for credit.
SOCW 699: Independent Study in Social Work. 1-3 credits.
Investigates research problem in field of social work. Offered by
Social Work. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 4 credits.
