Plan of Study – Social Work

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Social Work: Cert Comp

Social Work: Certificate of Completion

Certificate Courses (Minimum of 15 semester hours required.)

SW 2310 Introduction to Social Work (3 s.h.)

Introduces the profession of Social Work, the roles of the generalist social work practitioner, and the profession’s Code of Ethics. Emphasizes client systems from a strengths perspective and the positive value of diversity and difference. Explores the profession’s historical development, commitment to human rights and social and economic justice, current trends, and acquaints students with fields of practice. Stresses self-assessment and critical thinking skills to determine suitability for a career in social work.

SW 3400 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3 s.h.)

First of two courses examining biological, social, cultural, psychological, spiritual perspectives of human behavior, emphasizing interaction of these dimensions as they impact social functioning within the ecological systems framework. Introduces concepts of context and environment, diversity and difference, oppression, poverty, marginalization and alienation, privilege and power, as they shape human experience and identity. Includes reflection on developmental influences affecting student’s own values, world view, and professional development. Prerequisites: BIO 1010 or BIO 2250; SOC 1020.

SW 3410 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (3 s.h.)

Second of two courses examining dimensions of human behavior and the social environment. Builds upon theories and approaches presented in SW 3400: HBSE I, with a focus on human behavior development across the life course and the social system’s role in promoting or deterring health and well-being. Further explores intersection of diversity and difference, social justice and oppression as relates to a person’s life experiences. Stresses positive value of human diversity in social work practice. Prerequisite: SW 3400; prerequisite or corequisite: PSY 1010 and SW 2300.

Certificate electives (Minimum of 6 semester hours required. Choose from: SOC 4930, SW 3450, SW 3750, SW 3960, SW 4260, and SW 4500.)

SOC 4930 Sociology Internship (2 s.h.)

Professionally supervised practical experience (75 hours) in an approved setting, focusing on behavior of the individual, small groups, and community. Extends the student's sociological knowledge and skill base and provides an opportunity for students to synthesize theory with practice while gaining practical work experience. To be taken in the final academic year of the program.

SW 3450 Practice Methods I: Individuals (3 s.h.)

First in a sequence of four methods courses grounded in the generalist model of social work practice. Orients to the application of engagement, assessment, evidence-based intervention, and evaluation with individuals. Focuses on diversity, difference, and the utilization of knowledge, skills, and values in social work with individuals. Prerequisites or corequisites: SW 2310 and SW 3400.

SW 3750 Practice Methods II: Groups and Families (3 s.h.)

Second in a sequence of four methods courses grounded in the generalist model of social work practice. Applies knowledge, skills, and values in working with families and groups. Interprets human behavior within the context of a family’s or group’s culture, ethnicity, worldview, strengths, developmental stages, and challenges within a systems theory framework. Develops practice skills and methods of engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating with families and groups. Prerequisite: SW 3450 with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

SW 3960 Social Research Methods (4 s.h.)

Prepares students to become educated consumers of evidence-based social work and social science research to inform and improve practice, policy, and social service delivery. Orients to scientific and ethical approaches to building knowledge through the use of quantitative and qualitative research processes. Emphasizes importance of understanding ethical considerations when conducting research with human subjects. Prerequisite: SW 2300.

SW 4260 Social Welfare History and Policy (4 s.h.)

Explores the profession’s social welfare system from a philosophical and historical basis and examines the characteristics of contemporary social welfare policy in the United States. Critically analyzes major social policies and identifies how international, federal, state, local, and agency-based policy influences social work practice and delivery. Examines strategies for changing policy with particular emphasis on social justice, human rights, and vulnerable populations. The course includes a mandatory policy-focused field day. Prerequisites: PSC 1510 and admission to the Social Work Program.

SW 4500 Practice Methods III Organizations (3 s.h.)

Methods course grounded in the generalist model of social work practice. Analyzes organizational characteristics and behavior in preparation for advancing effective service delivery. Develops practice skills and methods for engaging, assessing, and intervening in organizations, agencies and communities. Examines macro level perspectives focusing on oppression, discrimination, poverty, marginalization, alienation, factors of diversity and difference as well as being sources of privilege and power as they impact social wellbeing. Focuses on effective, ethical, and professional practice within human service agencies, organizations and at the community level. Prerequisites: SW 3410, SW 3750, and admission to the Social Work Program.