Course Descriptions

SOCW 615 Social Work Research Methods (3-0-3), fall. Social Work practice-focused quantitative and qualitative research knowledge and skills.  Includes critical evaluation of empirical literature and basic research methodology including construct operationalization; study design; selection, development, implementation, and evaluation of measures and instruments.  

SOCW 616 Program and Practice Evaluation (3-0-3), spring. Covers analysis of the strengths/limitations of needs assessment and program evaluation methods; the analysis and management of program data using statistical software; and the measurement of program goals/objectives through process and outcome evaluations.  With an emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based practice, students will utilize these skills to perform evaluations in their areas of interest.  Prerequisite: SOCW 615.

SOCW 625 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3-0-3), fall. An examination of the biopsychosocial factors that shape human experience. Social, cultural and spiritual developments across the life span are emphasized.

SOCW 626 Diversity, Power and Oppression (3-0-3), spring.
A foundation for the understanding of the nature, character and consequences of being excluded from available opportunities and services. Although institutional racism and sexism are the main thrust, the course also explores the implications of discrimination for other special populations, including ethnic groups, older persons, and the disabled. Prerequisite: SOCW 625.

SOCW 641 Social Welfare Policy and Services (3-0-3), fall. Provides a historical overview of the development of social welfare policies and the profession of social work. The course also prepares students to analyze social problems systematically and to gain understanding of the social welfare system in the U.S.

SOCW 642 Policy Analysis and Practice (3-0-3), spring. The development, implementation and evaluation of social welfare policy, with special attention to social policies that affect disadvantaged and oppressed groups in society. The role of the economy, politics and culture in policy development and implementation are also examined. Prerequisite: SOCW 641.

SOCW 651 Foundations of Evidence-Based Social Work Practice I (3-0-3), fall. Foundations of evidence-based practice with individuals, families, organizations and communities within a framework of core social work values and practice obligations. Situations are viewed from an ecological perspective, targeting for change all client and community systems that are contributing to client problems. Concurrent enrollment in SOCW 681 required.

SOCW 652 Foundations of Evidence-Based Social Work Practice II (3-0-3), spring. A continuation of SOCW 651. Prerequisite:  Concurrent enrollment in SOCW 682 required.

SOCW 681 Foundation Field Practicum I (1-3-4), fall. Experience in a social service agency applying generalist knowledge and theory and developing practice skills for a beginning level social work practitioner.  Students complete 200 clock hours under the supervision of an agency-based field instructor and attend a field seminar class weekly. Concurrent enrollment in SOCW 651 required.

SOCW 682 Foundation Field Practicum II (1-3-4), spring. Continued experience in the same social service agency applying generalist knowledge and theory and developing practice skills for a beginning level social work practitioner.  Students complete 200 clock hours under the supervision of an agency-based field instructor and attend a field seminar class weekly. Concurrent enrollment in SOCW 652 required.

SOCW 690 Social Services Internship (0-0-6).*

SOCW 702 Integrative Seminar Advanced Standing (6-0-6), summer. This course is intended to supplement the knowledge, skills, and values foundation developed in participants’ BSW programs. Utilizes a case-based learning format to address topics necessary for advanced MSW-level practice and learn the evidence-based model of practice.

SOCW 725 Spirituality and Social Work (3-0-3), fall. Provides a framework for spiritually sensitive social work practice applied to systems of various sizes, including individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Prerequisite: SOCW 652 or SOCW 702.

SOCW 741 Globalization and Social Justice (3-0-3), spring. Examines the dynamics of economic, cultural and political globalization and the resultant impact on the poor, oppressed and vulnerable of the world. Emphasis on the global social justice movement as a means to promote distributive justice for populations at risk.

SOCW 744 Management and Funding of Nonprofit Organizations (3-0-3), fall. Designed to develop a working knowledge of the planning, allocation, and control processes of resources in a social service agency and procedures and techniques of developing and receiving grants and/or contract support and addressing methods of organizational change and community improvement as they relate to social services.

SOCW 745 Administration and Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (3-0-3), spring. Will be directed toward the administration and planning process in social service organizations. The course will also help the student to assess service needs of a target population, to evaluate programs and to develop and implement viable alternatives within the agency structure.

SOCW 748 Psychopathology in Social Work Practice (3-0-3), fall only.  Completion of psychosocial assessments and application of appropriate DSM-IV diagnosis to social work intervention and practice.  Demonstrating understanding of human behavior theories, social work ethics and values, and identify implications.  

SOCW 751 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice Interventions I
(3-0-3), fall. The use of evidence-based practices to develop knowledge and skills necessary for working with children and their families. Students will become familiar with evidence-based practices as a general approach to practice, as well as specific evidence-based interventions to use in direct practice. Prerequisites: SOCW 651 and 652. Concurrent enrollment in SOCW 781 required.

SOCW 752 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice Interventions II (3-0-3), spring. The use of evidence-based practices to develop knowledge and skills necessary for working with community organizations that work with children and families. Students will identify intervention outcomes that reflect effective macro-level practice. Prerequisite: SOCW 751. Concurrent enrollment in SOCW 782 required.

SOCW 781 Advanced Social Work Field Practicum I (0-4-4), fall.  Experience in a social service agency applying evidence-based practice principles and working with client systems on all levels as an advanced social work practitioner.  Students complete 250 clock hours under the supervision of an agency-based field instructor.  Prerequisites: SOCW 652, 681, and 702.  Concurrent enrollment in SOCW 751 and SOCW 799 required.

SOCW 782 Advanced Social Work Field Practicum II (0-4-4), spring.  Continued experience in the same social service agency applying evidence-based practice principles and working with client systems on all levels as an advanced social work practitioner.  Students complete 250 clock hours under the supervision of an agency-based field instructor.  Prerequisites: 781;concurrent enrollment in 752 and 799 required.

SOCW 799 Master's Thesis (0-0-6).*