Curriculum

SWK 500 – Social Welfare: History and Philosophy of Social Welfare (3)

This introductory course in social welfare policy focuses on four major themes: the development of social work as a profession; the emergence of social welfare institutions in the United States; the experience of oppressed populations in the United States; the contributions of social work and social movements to the reduction of oppression; and the changing role of government in social welfare. These themes are examined with an emphasis on the philosophical, economic, social and political forces that shaped the development of social work and social welfare in the United States. The course covers the period of time from the post-bellum or Reconstruction era to the present.

SWK 501 – Issues in Social Welfare II: Inequality, Inequity and Social Justice (3)

This course develops the student’s ability to analyze, design and enact social policies based on an understanding of the factors that contribute to the existence of contemporary social problems, especially economic and social inequality and the oppression of specific population groups. The course focuses on: frameworks for social policy analysis and development; conceptualizing; defining and developing solutions to social problems; the relationship between social constructions of the problems of oppressed groups and the ‘realities’ of their conditions; major political perspectives on the role of government in redressing inequality; the role of social movements in defining and reducing social problems; and how social workers can contribute to the achievement of social justice in the United States. Prerequisite: SWK 500

SWK 510 – Human Behavior Theory for Social Work Practice I (3)

This is the first of two courses that stress critical thinking in regard to theoretical perspectives on human behavior. The course presents the bio-psycho-social perspective with a particular emphasis on multiculturalism, followed by an exploration of the various social systems that impact human behavior. This exploration includes an analysis of a variety of theories and application to the social systems students address in practice. The course introduces theories about and perspectives on the human lifespan and begins a discussion of the life cycle, which is continued in SWK 511, covering conception through middle childhood.

SWK 511 – Human Behavior Theory for Social Work Practice II (3)

This course builds on the foundations acquired in SWK 510 and continues with a multicultural perspective on the human life cycle. It begins with a brief review of the theoretical perspectives covered in SWK 510. It introduces ego psychology and functional and dysfunctional ego mechanisms as well as providing an exploration of concepts relating to stress and coping. It continues the discussion of the human lifespan in SWK 510 in the context of social systems and relevant theory, covering adolescence through death. Prerequisite: SWK 510

SWK 520 – Foundations of Social Work Practice I (3)

This practice course provides foundation knowledge within the context of a generalist intervention model. Knowledge, values and skills for social work practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels will be taught from an integrative practice framework. Students will be introduced to social work values, theoretical concepts and interventive activities common to all social work practice methods.

SWK 521 – Foundations of Social Work Practice II (3)

This course focuses on the theories and skills necessary for social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities as a means of enhancing role performance and social functioning. The development of skills in facilitating the interaction of client systems and environments is emphasized using a systems perspective in relation to problem solving. Crisis intervention, ego support, linking clients to resources and alleviation of environmental stressors are considered. The small group and groups as representative of communities are examined as vehicles of growth, goal attainment and empowerment. Prerequisite: SWK 520

SWK 542 – Oppression, Diversity, and the Struggle for Human Rights (3)

This course emphasizes the systematic nature of oppression and the responsibility of social workers to engage in the struggle for social justice and human rights. The meaning and implications of related concepts such as discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability and aging are discussed. In addition to professional literature, there is an emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to get in touch with their own oppression and the biases they have toward others. Students gain an understanding of the practice principles and skills needed to be effective as change agents with diverse populations at the micro, mezzo and macro level.

SWK 567 – Social Work Research I (3)

This course provides students with the basic tools needed to understand and participate in social work research. It integrates material from epistemology, quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, management and analysis into a coherent view of the social research process. This course further provides students with an introduction to basic statistical techniques used in social work research. The purpose of this course is to prepare graduate students to understand the importance of social work research in the process of their development as professional social workers. This includes helping students to critically evaluate research knowledge and preparing them to use empirical evidence to guide their professional practice, to evaluate their own practice and to evaluate social service programs in which they work. Students will learn the fundamental concepts and operations in statistics that will aid in their ability to understand and use social work research.

SWK 690 – Field Instruction I (4)

SWK 690 comprises the first half of a yearlong, 600-contact-hour field instruction internship completed during the first year of the Online MSW program. The field instruction internship provides the experiential component of social work education in which students work directly with clients in a social agency under professional supervision, with an emphasis on developing foundation skills for work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Students are responsible for completing 21 hours per week of In-Field Placement.

SWK 691 – Field Instruction II (4)

Students are responsible for completing 21 hours per week of In-Field Placement. Prerequisite: SWK 520

SWK 710 – Social Work Assessment and Diagnosis (3)

This course provides an understanding of psychopathology from a social work perspective. Concepts of mental health and mental illness are viewed from a historical and holistic perspective incorporating the impact of socio-economic, gender, racial, ethnic and cultural factors. The course discusses classification of mental illness, for example anxiety states, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, dementia and schizophrenia, as set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (4th edition). Emphasis is placed on the explanatory power of theories to inform practice on behalf of people with mental illness. Prerequisites: SWK 511, SWK 521

SWK 732 – Organizational Context for Professional Practice (3)

This course provides conceptual frameworks for understanding the role of professional social workers in organizational settings and expands students’ capacities to maximize their practice effectiveness in organizations, provide organizational leadership and contribute to constructive organizational change. Drawing on organizational sociology, social administration and students’ practice experiences, the course examines the organizational goals, structures, environments and processes that impact on service strategies, case decisions and the achievement of professional objectives. Prerequisites: SWK 501, SWK 521

SWK 758 – Social Work Research II (3)

This course focuses on using and evaluating the knowledge base of social work practice. It applies concepts learned in Research I to the empirical evaluation of one’s own practice, the analysis and evaluation of empirical-based knowledge and its use in social work practice. The course stresses issues related to the conduct of research in a practice profession, including the relationship between research and practice, the application of principles of critical thinking to both research and practice and the ethical considerations crucial in research development. Prerequisites: SWK 521, SWK 557

SWK 776 – Credentialing and Assessment in Social Work: Licensing Preparation Initiative (3)

Students will gain familiarity with the content areas of the master’s-level licensing exam and be able to connect the purpose of the exam to the MSW curriculum, highlighting points of connection and points where they diverge, with specific examples from required courses in all sequences. Students will identify their own strengths and address the challenges related to taking the exam. Students will apply the information learned which contributes to their ability in passing the licensing exam.

SWK 760 – Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals in Family Contexts (3)

Building on the foundation year, this course focuses on development of the knowledge and skills needed for advanced clinical social work practice with individual clients. Relying on ecological systems theory, the course will present various models for advanced practice, as well as the integration of these models. Teaching of all models will rely on the strengths perspective and be case-based. Prerequisite: SWK 521

SWK 761 – Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups (3)

Students examine group work practice in depth with application to social work within an agency context. The course creates a link with the foundation practices courses taught in the first year, as well as content taught in the foundation human behavior and social environment courses. Emphasis will be on addressing conceptual understanding, analytical process and interactional skills necessary for group work practice. Prerequisite: SWK 521

SWK 792 – Field Instruction III (4)

SWK 790, SWK 791 and SWK 792 comprise a three semester, 900-hour field instruction internship for students in the OYR program. Students are assigned to a field agency or complete a work/study field placement under the auspices of their human service employment during which they engage in supervised advanced direct practice with individuals, couples, families and small groups. Students are responsible for completing 15 hours per week of In-Field Placement. Prerequisite: SWK 521

SWK 791 – Field Instruction IV (4)

SWK 790, SWK 791 and SWK 792 comprise a three semester, 900-hour field instruction internship for students in the OYR program. Students are assigned to a field agency or complete a work/study field placement under the auspices of their human service employment during which they engage in supervised advanced direct practice with individuals, couples, families and small groups. Students are responsible for completing 15 hours per week of In-Field Placement. Prerequisite: SWK 780

SWK 793 – Field Instruction V (4)

SWK 790, SWK 791 and SWK 792 comprise a three semester, 900-hour field instruction internship for students in the OYR program. Students are assigned to a field agency or complete a work/study field placement under the auspices of their human service employment during which they engage in supervised advanced direct practice with individuals, couples, families and small groups. Students are responsible for completing 21 hours per week of In-Field Placement.

SWK 706 – Social Work Practice in Health Care (3)

This course examines critical issues in social work practice in health care. Building on core knowledge common to all fields of practice, the course explores advanced practice skills and strategies for work with individuals, families, groups, interdisciplinary teams and service providers in a variety of health care settings. Social work practice is examined in the context of psychosocial consequences of illness, current health care delivery systems and technological advances, as well as changing regulatory approaches and organizational structures.

SWK 717 – Evidence-Based Practice with Serious Mental Illness: Paths to Recovery (3)

This course is aimed at developing the knowledge and skills necessary for working with individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness, using recovery-oriented, evidence-based practices. It is designed for MSW students and MSW mental health practitioners. Students will become familiar with evidence-based practices within a recovery-oriented paradigm as a general approach to practice. They also will learn about specific evidence-based interventions to use for individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness. Though it is assumed that students will have a basic knowledge of serious mental illness as a prerequisite or corequisite, a review will be provided. Students will learn to examine research literature to determine the various levels of support for specific interventions and essential principles for translating research into practice. Additionally, they will identify the appropriate treatment outcomes that reflect effective, quality mental health practice. Each evidence-based practice presented will also be examined for its utility with diverse groups. Providing assessment and treatment to a diverse group of individuals with a diagnosis of serious mental illness is the focus of this course and will be discussed in detail. The prerequisite for this course is completion of the foundation year in the MSW program or equivalent, along with completion of SWK 710, Social Work Assessment and Diagnosis.

SWK 721 – Practice in End of Life Care (3)

This course investigates the social, psychological and emotional issues of separation and loss and subsequent grieving. It examines the impact that cultural diversity and one’s own values, attitudes and fears have on the grieving process. Legal, political, medical and ethical issues will be analyzed to heighten students’ ability to empower their clients.

SWK 729 – Selected Issues in Social Work Practice with Older Adults (3)

This course examines critical issues related to social work practice with older people and their families. It encompasses individual counseling and therapy, support group, psycho-education, research models, service delivery systems and relevant policies. Topics include biological, psychological, sociological, economic and spiritual perspectives with emphasis on contemporary problems.

SWK 736 – Contemporary Social Work: An Integrative Approach (3)

This course is designed to integrate all aspects of the curriculum in order to prepare students to address practice concerns that are linked to social problems and policies. Students will be able to address these issues in a knowledgeable, professional and rational manner. They will learn to analyze and synthesize theory and research concerning a social problem experienced by their clients. They will be able to utilize both domestic and international information to develop relevant, informed solutions and interventions. This comprehensive process provides a template for students to address any social concern in the same manner, moving from “Case to Cause,” reflecting social work’s most salient mission.

SWK 752 – Stress, Crisis, Trauma and Coping (3)

This course focuses on understanding stress, crisis, trauma and coping as well as their short- and long-term consequences along the life cycle in diverse socio-cultural contexts. Students develop evidence-based knowledge and skills for best practices when working with affected individuals, families and communities.

SWK 759 – Social Work Practice with People Living with Dementia (3)

This course prepares students for effective practice with diverse individuals living with neurocognitive disorder, or dementia, and their families from across practice settings. Students will apply and integrate the competencies necessary for effective clinical social work practice with this population.

SWK 788 – Immigrants and Refugees: Issues and Interventions (3)

This course is designed to prepare students for practice with immigrants and refugees. One in five clients of social workers is likely to be foreign-born or have a foreign-born parent. This is a result of growing trends of relocation and increasing numbers of immigrants, refugees and asylees relocating for political, economic, familial and personal reasons. Social workers are required to be knowledgeable about and capable of developing strategies to address immigration-related issues. Building on knowledge acquired in the foundation-level courses, this course focuses on the application of this knowledge. The theoretical underpinnings of the course are stress, acculturation and trauma theories, the ecological approach and the strength perspective. The nature of immigration is discussed from a global and national perspective, deepening and expanding content on immigration taught in the undergraduate level course on the culture of ethnic and immigrant groups.

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