Course Descriptions

SOWK 6203. Human Behavior in the Social Environment. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the program. A study of micro and macro theories and perspectives on the behavior of individuals, members of families, groups, organizations, and communities within the context of the social environment.

 

SOWK 6204. Diversity. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the Program. A survey of differences between individuals, marginalized populations and the dominant culture. The course explores concepts of intersectionality, human rights, and civil rights, and emphasizes application of self-reflection for the purpose of identifying personal perceptions and values in regard to differences. 

 

 SOWK 6301. Generalist Practice I: Individuals and Families. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the program. An introduction to social work values, ethics, and the planned intervention process with individuals and families within the ecological systems framework. 

 

 SOWK 6302. Generalist Practice II: Organizations and Communities. 3 Hours. 

 Prerequisite: Admission to the program. An introduction to the problem-solving approach with work groups, organizations, and communities with the ecological systems framework.

 

SOWK 6310. Models of Intervention. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: Admissions to the Program. An examination of selected treatment approaches as foundation for advanced direct practice. The course includes models base on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and social systems theories and their influence on practice decisions with client populations, using assessment, intervention and evaluation skills. There is emphasis on implications for populations at risk of marginalization due to the intersectionality of multiple factors. 

 

SOWK 6400. Social Welfare Policy and Services. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Program. A history of the social work profession and current patterns of the provision of social services. The course focuses on policy formulation process, policy analysis, and change.

 

SOWK 6500. Generalist Practice in Research and Evaluation Methods in Social Work. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the Program. Principles, methodologies, technologies and statistical approaches of human service research are introduced. Beginning capabilities in evaluation of social work practice and skill development regarding use of published research are emphasized.

  

SOWK 6800. Field Practicum and Seminar I. 3 Hours.

Supervised practice in field settings with accompanying seminar in which students will integrate classroom learning, social work theory and practice, and discuss field experiences.

 

SOWK 6900. Field Practicum and Seminar II. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: SOWK 6800. Supervised practice in field settings with seminar in which students will integrate classroom learning, social work theory and practice, and discuss field experiences.

 

SOWK 7000. Independent Study in Social Work. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Must have permission of division head. Independent study in social work.

 

SOWK 7001. Special Topics in Social Work. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor and Department Head. Advanced study of emerging areas and forms of social work practice. Topics may change each time the course is offered. Course may be taken three times for credit, with permission of the Department head.

 

SOWK 7400. Advanced Practice in Social Welfare Policy and Practice. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the program. Promotes the development of research skills for advanced policy analysis as well as an in-depth examination of where social work and law intersect.

 

SOWK 7500. Advanced Practice in Research and Program Evaluation. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the program. Emphasizes the integration of research and advanced generalist social work through analysis and evaluation of programs and program components. Emphasis is on program evaluation as a form of direct practice. Both qualitative and quantitative methods and evaluation are emphasized.

 

SOWK 7611. Advanced Social Work Practicum I. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission into the program and Concentration Status. The first of two concentration practica designed to prepare students for advanced generalist social work practice.

 

SOWK 7612. Advanced Social Work Practicum II. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 7611 and admission into the program. The second of two concentration practica designed to prepare students for advanced generalist social work practice.

 

SOWK 7613. Advanced Practicum Seminar. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 7611 and Advanced Status. An integrative seminar to demonstrate readiness to practice as a master's professional social worker in the student's area of specialization and facilitate the students transition to social work practice.

 

SOWK 7775. Social Work and Trauma. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: SOWK 6301 and Admission to the program. A study of theories of primary and secondary trauma and intervention approaches as they apply to practice with survivors of primary trauma as well as care of secondary traumatic stress. The course assessment, intervention, and evaluation on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice, diversity and use of social work ethics and values.

 

SOWK 7776. Military Social Work. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 6203 and Admission to the program. An overview and approaches for working with active-duty military personnel, and veterans and their families.

 

SOWK 7800. Social Work Practice in Health Settings. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: SOWK 6301. Admission to the program. Prepares for advanced practice across a variety of traditional and emerging inpatient and outpatient health care delivery systems.

 

SOWK 7820. Issues in Substance Use. 3 Hours.

Prerequisite: Admission to the Program or permission of instructor for Advanced Standing status. Examination of Alcohol and substance use issues are examined from the perspective of their individual and cultural impact. Strategies for prevention and treatment are introduced with an emphasis on Bio-Psycho-Social approaches.

 

SOWK 7840. Seminar on Loss and Bereavement. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 6301 or permission of instructor. A seminar focused on a multidisciplinary perspective for helping clients deal with significant losses, using practical interventions at the individual and family level.

 

SOWK 7850. Social Work Practice in Schools. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the program and SOWK 6301. A study on the issues and laws related to social work practice in the school.

 

SOWK 7860. Grant Writing and Program Development for Human Services. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: Concentration Status for SOWK students or permission of department head for other graduate students. Provides knowledge, skills, and process grant writing with an emphasis on human services.

 

SOWK 7861. Human Services Organization Management. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program and Advanced status. A study of effective management in human services organizations, including program and organizational design, human resources, supervision, and financial and information systems management.

 

SOWK 7870. Working with Victims and Perpetrators of Abuse and Neglect. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 6310 or permission of instructor or Advanced Standing status. An advanced seminar in working with victims and perpetrators of abuse and neglect. Content includes current knowledge about causes, dynamics, and interventions related to abuse and neglect.

 

SOWK 7871. Advanced Direct Practice with Children and Adolescents. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 6310 or Advanced Standing Status. A study of direct social work practice with children, adolescents, and their families. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based intervention strategies to ameliorate detrimental environmental effects for children and families.

 

SOWK 7890. Spirituality in Social Work Practice. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 6301 or permission of instructor. A framework of knowledge, values, skills, and experiences for spiritually sensitive social work practice and subsequent social justice ramifications.

 

SOWK 7910. Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 3 Hours. 

Prerequisite: SOWK 6310 or Advanced Standing Status. Co-requisite: SOWK 7612. An overview of cognitive behavioral models and there application in treatment with individuals, families, and groups. The course emphasis is on assessment procedures and intervention strategies, monitoring and evaluating client progress.