Social Work (SW)

SW 802 - Aging and Society

Credits: 3

This course is designed to formalize students with biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives of aging and social services and policies for older people. This course covers a broad range of theories and contemporary issues in the field of aging. It also focuses on the strengths and limitations of existing programs and policies such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and other community services. Comparisons to developments in other countries will be made throughout the course to provide a broader context for understanding aging and programs/policies in the U.S.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 803 - Social Work and Spirituality

Credits: 3

Spirituality has recently begun to emerge as a critical anchor of a holistic approach to social work which views individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities in a bio-psycho- social-spiritual context. This course provides a framework of knowledge, values, skills and experiences for spirituality sensitive social work. Students will develop skills and insight in responding competently and ethically to diverse spiritual and religious perspectives in social work settings. Utilizing psychodynamic and narrative frameworks, this course will address ways of assessing and working with an individual's spiritual belief systems and attending to the ways in which spiritual beliefs and practices provide a window into a client's inner world. Consideration regarding the impact of spiritual and religious systems in relation to diversity (e.g. by gender, social class, ethnicity and culture, and sexual orientation) will be included.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 804 - Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges

Credits: 3

This course focuses on the characteristics and needs of youth with emotional and behavioral challenges based upon socio-cultural and ecological theories, and provides exposure to family- and youth-driven practices and approaches that represent System of Care values and principles.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 805 - Child and Adolescent Risks and Resiliency: Program, Policy and Practice

Credits: 3

Major social work policy and program questions in the field of child welfare introduced. The relationship between child welfare and the rest of the social work profession analyzed. Various types of child welfare services, some aspects of social and child welfare policy studied, as well as current research and practice issues in child welfare services.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW #806 - Social Action in the Dominican Republic

Credits: 3

This course examines issues of culture, poverty, social development and social justice in the Dominican Republic through both service learning work and through preparatory and reflective class sessions and discussions. Students will examine social and economic development issues within a global framework and will explore efforts to improve conditions on this island nation. The service learning component includes working on a designated construction project and volunteering in a local elementary school. Students will also collaborate with community leaders to learn more about social, cultural and historical issues and will engage in a variety of cross-cultural activities. Students will engage with the local Haitian immigrant community, tour local schools and orphanages, and visit historical areas including the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo. The primary part of the class with take place during March spring break.

Co-requisite: INCO 589

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 807 - Child Maltreatment

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to advanced concepts in child welfare with an emphasis on child maltreatment assessment and child protective services. The course addresses emerging assessment practices, data informed child protective service provision, the role of technology in child welfare practice, and workforce development.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 808 - Mental Health Aspects of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Credits: 3

Students will 1) develop an understanding of the mental health aspects of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD), 2) understand the challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in people with IDD, 3) understand specific clinical presentations as well as treatment and support adaptations for mental health problems in individuals with IDD, 4) gain insight into the application and adaptation of evidence based and evidence informed practices when working with individuals with IDD and co-occuring mental health conditions and their systems of support and 5) understand the role of social work in supporting individuals with IDD and mental health conditions in various practice contexts.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 809 - First Responders

Credits: 3

First responders hold a special status in our society. Society looks to first responders to protect our lives, provide for our safety and medical assistance. First responders are not always seen, but we expect them to be there to resolve any crisis. But what impact does this have on the mental health of first responders? This course will look at the role of first responders and the potential mental health impacts of this job. How do first responders navigate these issues and what can we do to help?.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 810 - SW and the Digital Age

Credits: 3

This course focuses on the ever-changing landscape of technology as it relates to the Social Work field. Students will explore topics such as telehealth, online communities, assistive technology as well as digital advocacy. Ethical implications of the integration of technology into Social Work will be explored throughout the course. Students will work independently or collaboratively at a distance to create a multi-media project focused on a topic of interest within Digital Social Work.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 812 - Understanding Developmental Disabilities

Credits: 3

Analysis of the complex social contexts of people with developmental disabilities. Explores and questions traditional approaches and the current service system. Examines family and community services and resources.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 813 - School Social Work

Credits: 3

The course examines the school as a social institution that serves to educate and socialize children into US society and the role of the social worker in the school setting. Readings, activities, and discussions provide practical skills and theory for school social work practice. The course content addresses the history of school social work, integrating social work values into a school setting, systemic needs within school settings, the importance of networking and professional collaboration, and working with diverse and at-risk youth and their families. Students also examine the role of social workers in helping students, schools, and families adjust to and cope with trauma, special education needs, and related topics.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW #814 - Introduction to Addiction: Assessment and Intervention

Credits: 3

Information and skills necessary to address issues of substance abuse with individuals, families and communities. Overview of the dynamics of addiction; the treatment and recovery process; and the role of social work professionals in the identification and treatment of addiction. Special populations (women, adolescents, elderly, gay/lesbian/ bisexual/transgendered, ethnic/racial groups) discussed. Treatment approaches explored.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 815 - Affirming Practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ People

Credits: 3

This course addresses the task of clinical practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, intersex, two-spirit, genderqueer, pansexual, and beyond (LGBTQ+) people on both personal and professional levels for the social worker. The class makes use of personal narratives, as well as theoretical and clinical practice readings. Students are expected to explore and examine their own attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions about LGBTQ+ people.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 816 - Addiction Assessment

Credits: 3

This course focuses on the screening, assessment, and diagnosis of addictions and co-occurring disorders. Topics covered include: substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders; including clinical evaluation, screening, assessment, barriers to assessment, and differential diagnosis of co-occurring disorders, motivational interviewing, engagement in the assessment process, assessing from a strengths perspective, DSM diagnosis, trauma informed practice, culturally competent counseling, documentation and treatment planning, policy effecting engagement from a town/city, state and national perspective, and service coordination and referral.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 817 - Understanding Suicide

Credits: 3

The focus of this course is to better understand the public health problem of suicide, with particular emphasis on prevention, intervention and postvention approaches. Students will gain an understanding of suicide epidemiology and underlying theory, as well as risk and protective factors for suicide. In addition, this course will outline public health approaches and evidence-based practices for suicide prevention. Students will develop skills in assessment and management of suicide risk, intervention and treatment techniques with suicidal individuals as well as postvention approaches to dealing with suicide loss.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 818 - SW & Creative Arts

Credits: 3

This course will focus on the uses and potential uses of many forms of art in social work practice. Students will learn how to apply art forms such as music, theater, literature, art, poetry, movement, and dance into practice through exploring A. self-awareness and personal growth of the professional social worker, B. a strengths approach to practice with individual clients, and C. social awareness and social change. This course will be an advanced generalist elective. Students will have the opportunity to develop an art portfolio, completing a new project each week, having the opportunity to reflect personally as well as professionally on the application of these methodologies to practice.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 819 - Addiction Treatment

Credits: 3

This course focuses on treatment for addictions and co-occurring disorders. Topics covered include: interventions, pharmacology, treatment outcomes, treatment with specific populations, trauma informed practice, group practice, working with mandated individuals, cognitive behavioral therapy, barriers to treatment, documentation with an emphasis on treatment planning, resource development, and policy effecting treatment outcomes from a town/city, state and national perspective.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 820 - Social Welfare Policy I

Credits: 3

The aim of this course is to prepare students to act as informed human service professionals through a better understanding of social problems, social welfare policy, and the American social welfare system. Students are provided with an overview of the origins and development of social welfare policy in the United States, the political processes in our federal and state systems, and the values and ethics which shape our present social welfare system. The course also helps students examine ways they can influence policy formulation while advocating for human rights and social/economic justice.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 821 - International Social Work

Credits: 3

This course introduces the growing field of international social work. It addresses the impact of globalization on social work practice, provides an overview of the social work profession around the world, and considers current challenges and suggested ways social workers can contribute to solutions. Human rights and globalization are dominant themes underlying international social work and serve as unifying concepts for examining various global issues. The focus of the course is on global social issues with particular attention to human rights, development, racism, status of women and children, climate change, immigrants and refugees, HIV/AIDS, and aging populations. Linkages between international and domestic social work practice are emphasized, making the course relevant to all students and their future practice.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 824 - Positive Youth Development Through Sport Social Work and Recreation

Credits: 3

Grounded in critical positive youth development and experiential learning theory, this course focuses on how to promote the healthy youth development through the use of sport, recreation, and adventure-based activities. Students will develop knowledge to enhance their skills related to designing, implementing, facilitating, and evaluating sport-based programming and practices to promote the development of normative life skills (e.g., emotional regulation, social skills, teamwork) and social justice life skills (e.g., antiracism, LGBTQ+ allyship, mental health help-seeking behaviors).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 830 - Social Work Practice I

Credits: 3

Basic concepts, theories, and skills of social work practice. Lectures and discussions, readings and written exercises, and laboratory and practice sessions. Students use the experiential parts of the course (laboratory and interview simulations) to apply the conceptual and theoretical knowledge.

Co-requisite: SW 880

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 831 - Social Work Practice II: Practice in Small Groups and Community Organizations

Credits: 3

Continuation of Social Work Practice I with the further aim of introducing students to social work with groups and communities as models of social work practice.

Co-requisite: SW 881

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 840 - Implications of Race, Culture, and Oppression for Social Work Practice

Credits: 3

This foundation course is designed to increase students awareness of historical, social, political, economic and cultural aspects of micro- and macro-level oppression directed at minorities. Course materials focus on insidious societal forces that shape and profoundly alter life experiences of large numbers of people, with special attention to social relationships that promote the welfare of some, while limiting opportunities and choices for others, including racial and ethnic minorities, children, women, the poor, persons with disabilities, GLBTQ individuals, and others. Students consider practice issues in multicultural SW.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 850 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

Credits: 3

In this course, students learn about behavior and development and its context across the lifecycle. The semester addresses growth and development from the prenatal period through the end of life using social systems theory/person-in-the-environment as a conceptual framework. The different systems that impact individual development including family, community, and larger systems are examined. Human worth and social justice themes permeate course materials, class discussions, and activities.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 851 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

Credits: 3

In this course, students learn about behavior and development and its context across the life cycle from a macro systems perspective. The macrosystems that impact individual development are examined. Societal forces that are often invisible shape and profoundly alter life experiences of larger numbers of people. HSBE II pays special attention to social relationships that promote welfare of some while limiting opportunities and choices for others. The semester explores the influence of class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, and other aspects of diversity on development and behavior of larger systems.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 860 - Research Methods in Social Work

Credits: 3

Designed to acquaint degree students with the concepts and skills necessary to carry out research in social work practice. Particular emphasis placed on methodological issues related to research in a variety of practice contexts. Although the skills necessary to review research critically are examined, the primary emphasis is on preparing the student to carry out research related to practice.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 865 - Adventure Therapy: Facilitation and Processing of the Experience

Credits: 3

This class will familiarize students with a variety of active assessment facilitation and processing skills which can be used with clients when engaging in adventure therapy. Students will be given multiple opportunities to practice these skills to gain a better understanding of their own facilitation and processing skills, and how to use adventure activities as a therapeutic tool in the clinical practice. Active participation required. Open to both social work and non-social work graduate students.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 870 - Intimate Partner Violence

Credits: 3

This course examines intimate partner violence or domestic violence from its historical roots to the present. In accordance with an historical and contextual approach, we examine theories that explain and describe the phenomenon, research that attempts to define it, as well as social policies , social movements, and intervention from a social work perspective. Intimate partner violence *IPV) also known as domestic violence, cuts across racial, ethnic, and class boundaries and impedes victim's well-being and social participation. IPV includes many physical assault, sexual assault, emotional, verbal, and economic abuse and coercive control.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 871 - Trauma-Informed Practice in School Settings

Credits: 3

This course introduced students to the core concepts that inform evidence-based assessment and intervention for traumatized children, adolescents, adults and their families in school settings. Strength-based practice is highlighted with a focus on the identification of protective and promotive factors that foster resiliency and post-traumatic growth. The course highlights the role of development.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 880 - Field Internship I

Credits: 3

This two-semester requirement provides supervised learning and practice within social work programs in a wide range of program settings. Students spend 16 hours per week in the field. Individual field placements arranged with each student by the field coordinator. In order to receive credit, students must satisfactorily complete both SW 880 and SW 881. A concurrent integrative seminar is required. In this weekly seminar attention is given to the development of basic social work skills and techniques, legal and ethical issues, and the development of appropriate professional relationships. A primary goal is to integrate classroom learning with the field experience.

Co-requisite: SW 830

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 881 - Field Internship II

Credits: 3

This course is a continuation of SW 880, Field Internship I. Students must satisfactorily complete both field experience semesters to receive credit.

Co-requisite: SW 831

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

SW 885 - Study Abroad

Credits: 3

Students in this course examine the historical development of social welfare in another country including an analysis of the underlying values and attitudes that dictate practice and policy decisions. The course includes agency site visits, lectures, themed readings and visits to important cultural sites. Only open to first and second year MSW students.

Co-requisite: INCO 889

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 897 - Special Topics in Social Work and Social Welfare

Credits: 2 or 3

Seminar for graduate students. Topics may include: A) Drugs and Chemical Dependency; B) Intimate Partner Violence C) Social Action in Education Settings D) Social Action in the Dominican Republic. May be repeated for different topics.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 899 - Master's Thesis

Credits: 1-6

Each student carries out original research that culminates in a master's thesis. Students may enroll in 1 to 6 credits per semester.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

SW 900 - Advanced Standing Practice and Field Seminar

Credits: 3

Weekly seminar held concurrently with field placement designed to orient and adequately prepare advanced standing students for advanced practice and field courses. Bridges the undergraduate and graduate curriculum and reviews foundation year concepts, theories, and skills of social work practice and field. Exploration of social work identity and professional relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and agencies. Primary focus on social work values and ethics and the development of ethical decision-making skills including the importance of culturally competent practice. Only offered to advanced standing MSW students.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

SW 901 - Field Continuation

Credits: 0

This course represents the continuation of the online Master of Social Work fieldwork courses (SW 880, SW 881, SW 982, SW 983). SW students who are registered for one of the four required Fieldwork courses are also registered for SW 901 and are considered full-time. The grade for each course is awarded upon completion of the internship experience.

Grade Mode: Not graded

SW 926 - Social Welfare Policy II

Credits: 3

This course is an extension of Social Welfare Policy I. Both courses view social welfare policy as the framework in which social work services are developed and delivered. That is, policies provide the context for direct practice. Social Welfare Policy II examines policy analysis as a process with underlying theory and methodology. This process emphasizes political advocacy in the pursuit of human rights, and social and economic justice. The course integrates policy and practice, in part, through student research and analysis of specific social problems and client populations relevant to the student's volunteer, work, and/or field internship experience.

Prerequisite(s): SW 820 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 930 - Advanced General Practice III: Clinical Assessment and Intervention

Credits: 3

Advanced generalist practice with individuals, families and groups is the first of the two required advanced practice classes. The major objective of the advanced generalist practice curriculum is to educate practitioners to work towards the restoration and enhancement of human functioning and prevention of maladaptive functioning. This course emphasizes a deepened understanding of the differential treatment process and an expanded knowledge of intervention approaches. The aim of the course is to further deepen knowledge and skills, particularly with a concentration on evidence based practices, interdisciplinary work and ethical practice.

Co-requisite: SW 982

Prerequisite(s): SW 831 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 931 - Advanced Generalist Practice IV: Community and Administrative Practice

Credits: 3

This macro social work course utilizes foundation year curriculum content to provide an advanced examination of social work practice in larger systems. Students develop knowledge, values, and skills in areas of community analysis, community organization, community capital, empowerment and the use of power, sustainable communities, evaluation of community interventions. Strategies of cultivation, mobilization and sustaining resources that empower underserved constituent groups are studied. Course content is rooted in both historical and current contexts in providing administrative and technological tools to undertake change efforts across organizational and community systems.

Co-requisite: SW 983

Prerequisite(s): SW 930 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 952 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment III

Credits: 3

Designed to acquaint master's degree students with the epidemiology, classification, and etiology of the major mental illnesses; with a primary objective to develop the student's diagnostic skills in the field of psychopathology. Students become familiar with historical and current mental health policy issues. At course conclusion students have an effective working knowledge of the bio-psycho-social basis of the major mental disorders, the behavioral symptomology that characterizes them, the use of psychotropic medication in treatment, and their classification according to the current DSM system.

Prerequisite(s): SW 850 with a minimum grade of D- and SW 851 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 957 - Fund Development and Grantwriting

Credits: 3

This course is designed to introduce students to various fundraising strategies to support nonprofit health and human service organizations. Students are provided with an overview of philanthropy and nonprofit organizations in the United States, effective fundraising and individual donor strategies, and ethical and legal issues related to fundraising. Student use a case-study approach for planning, developing, and writing successful grant proposals to fund health and human services programming.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 962 - Data Analysis and Statistics

Credits: 3

Social science statistics is a set of methods used to organize and analyze data for the purpose of either answering research questions or testing social science theories with data. Course provides practical, data-oriented introduction to the methods of modern statistical analysis with a focus on understanding and interpretation rather than the details of calculation. Students learn more about the role of data analysis in research informed social work practice as well as practice informed research.

Prerequisite(s): SW 860 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 965 - Program and Practice Evaluation

Credits: 3

A one semester course, basic introduction to evaluation methods in the context of social work practice and social welfare. Students develop and conduct evaluations of practice, programs, and policies. Course provides skills required for practice and program evaluation.

Prerequisite(s): SW 962 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 974 - Social Work Supervision

Credits: 3

Prepares students for a supervisory role in human service agencies. Basic principles of administrative, supportive and educational supervision are reviewed and related to the student's own experiences in supervision or as a supervisor.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 975 - Theory and Practice of Family Therapy

Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the theory and practice of family therapy. Major approaches to be examined include structural, strategic, systemic, brief, narrative family therapy, and social constructionism. Students have an opportunity to present cases they are currently working with in their internships and are able to practice family therapy techniques with the use of a team coaching them from behind a one-way mirror.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 979 - Social Work and the Law

Credits: 3

Social work practitioners routinely encounter and interact with the legal system in their work. The course provides knowledge of, and learning about, the differences between the legal and social service networks, the realities of work involving the law, and legal issues, as well as an understanding of those aspects of the legal system most likely to impact clients and their families.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

SW 982 - Field Internship III

Credits: 4

This two semester requirement provides advanced practice experience in a wide range of social work settings. Students spend 24 hours per week in the field. Individual field placements are arranged with each student by the field coordinator. In order to receive course credit, students must satisfactorily complete both semesters(SW 982 and SW 983). A concurrent integrative seminar is also required. The goal of the weekly seminar is to assist students in conceptualizing and integrating the multiple theoretical issues and practice concepts of course work and the practicum. Students are expected to take major responsibility for the semester, using the instructor as a resource.

Co-requisite: SW 930

Prerequisite(s): SW 881 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

Special Fee: Yes

SW 983 - Field Internship IV

Credits: 4

This two semester requirement provides advanced practice experience in a wide range of social work settings. Students spend 24 hours per week in the field. Individual field placements are arranged with each student by the field coordinator. In order to receive course credit, students must satisfactorily complete both semesters. A concurrent integrative seminar is also required. The goal of the workshop-style weekly seminar is to assist students in conceptualizing and integrating the multiple theoretical issues and practice concepts of course work and the practicum. Students are expected to take major responsibility for the semester, using the instructor as a resource.

Co-requisite: SW 931

Prerequisite(s): SW 982 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

SW 992 - Special Projects and Independent Study

Credits: 1-3

Projects, research and reading programs in areas of concentration. Sixty days advance approval of the student's plan of study by adviser and proposed instructor required. 24 credits in social work coursework required.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes