Introduction to Social Work familiarizes students with the multi-level field of generalist social work practice. The social work profession involves active participation in a process of change to improve social, cultural, psychological, and larger systems conditions that affect individuals, families, groups, populations, and communities. Principles of social inclusion and human rights are woven into social work practices across settings and with diverse populations. Through lecture, interactive exercises, and opportunities to learn firsthand from workers and stakeholders, students will be exposed to the foundations of practice and to the essential principles that guide direct service and community-based social work practice.

Human Behavior and Social Work Theory I introduces students to essential tenets and theories of the social work profession and is guided by values found in our vision and mission statements. Lectures, discussions and readings encourage students to examine their knowledge and invite critical thinking aimed at a deeper understanding of the ways that class, culture, and social identity, including class, gender, race, ethnicity, age, faith, sexuality, dis/ability, and legal status influence the health of individuals, populations, environments, and communities. Course content explores: 1) the impact and meaning of inequality and inequity; 2) the function of social norms and service delivery systems; 3) the influence of social, cultural and personal perspectives and assumptions; and 4) how early and ongoing experiences affect short and long term physical, behavioral, and functional health.

Social Work Practice in the Rural Landscape will present students with an opportunity to examine the experience of rurality and how these communities utilize their strengths to meet the challenges associated with rural living. The variability and issues specific to rural areas will be covered. Students will examine social policies and programs, their effect on rural communities, whether they may or may not serve people as intended in rural areas. The second part of this course will introduce students to the role of "generalized practitioner" and inter-professional practice and they will acquire a variety of micro, mezzo and macro intervention skills that are unique to practicing in rural areas.

Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy I is designed to advance students' understanding of the relationship between social welfare policy and social work practice. This course begins with a historical overview of Social Work and its roots in community action as well as its emergence as a profession. The impact of social movements, social protest, and political action on social welfare policy will be discussed as will the essential role of professional social workers to engage in social advocacy and promotion of social inclusion in their work settings and communities. Examined as well is the potential for the profession to be seen as a modality for social control. The course further explores the conditions and circumstances that influence social welfare policy development and how these play out at the federal, state, municipal, and community levels.

Human Behavior and Social Work Theory II explores a range of social-relational theories that contribute to deeper understanding of whether and how people, populations, and communities have a voice in decisions which affect their lives and enjoy equal access to social, material, and decision-making resources. Theories of human behavior studied in the course focus on complex interactions between biological, psychological, environmental, social, relational, economic, and spiritual dimensions of human experience. Students examine these theories through a critical lens with particular attention to how effectively they address factors of social inclusion, human rights, and cultural responsiveness.

This course provides knowledge and insight on the nature and types of violence prevalent in society today, including sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence child abuse, elder abuse, and violence that targets communities.  Utilizing a social work perspective students explore theories that attempt to explain hostility, aggression and violence; investigate the psychosocial impact of violence on individuals, families, groups, and communities; and learn preventive measures and strategies for addressing violence in our communities, including the role of bystanders.  Practices for responding to victims of crimes will be explored; prevention strategies will be discussed; and the impact of policy and community action will be covered.

Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy II offers students opportunities to advance, analyze, and apply their knowledge in SWPA I through community-based projects and activities. Project focus includes but is not exclusive to: how social welfare policies affect individuals, populations, organizations, and communities; economics and funding impacts; advocacy methods; and the intersection of human services, environmental health, and public welfare. At teh conclusion of Policy I & II, students will have: 1) understanding of the critical relationship between social welfare policy and social work practice; 2) ability to critically assess social welfare policies; 3) skills to develop and engage in advocacy and social action; 4) appreciation for collaboration and cross-institutional partnerships.

Introduction to Social Work Field Practicum is an exciting interactive course designed to familiarize students with field education. Field education is the signature pedagogy of Social Work. As such, the field practicum experience will provide students opportunities to practice in the field what is being learned in the classroom. Through support and interaction, the course modules guide students in a step by step process to prepare for field planning with the field advisor beginning in spring semester. Readings, videos and experiential exercises will be used to enhance each student’s ability to identify, interview, and select the best agency fit for BSW senior field practicum experience. Orientation to Field Education is designed to guide students through the field planning process. Each module familiarizes the student with the important steps in that process and provides them with the tools to find the field site that meets their educational goals and preferences.

Ethics in Social Work Practice offers students an overview of guiding social work values including those advanced by the National Association of Social Work and those promoted by the International Federation of Social Work. Capacity and commitment to act in an ethical manner is essential to effective social work service. Core social work ethics embrace respect for every person's right to human dignity, social participation, and treatment as a whole person with strengths and purpose. Because social work practitioners at every level encounter ethical quandaries in their day-to-day practice, this course introduces students to ethical decision-making strategies, guiding principles for ethical conduct, and methods to demonstrate and maintain professional behavior.

This elective focuses on integrating, expanding and applying social work knowledge and skills to practice with children and families. Course content includes the influence of early childhood experiences and brain development on outcomes for children from birth to adolescence. Students examine factors that contribute to health-promoting outcomes for children and their families, including social and institutional policies and the distribution and access to social resources. Methods for building therapeutic relationships with children and adolescents across settings are examined as are specific child-centered techniques. The interdependency of children and families is used as a framework for students to explore the world of childhood through multiple lenses.

Advanced Social Work Methods I introduces students to generalist social work, a practice that utilizes collaborative and empowering methods to engage clients and systems in shared problem-solving and decision-making. Generalist practitioners work with diverse individuals, families, groups, populations, communities and organizations across a range of settings. Theories advanced in this course are based in relational-cultural and empowering methods for practice. Students apply their knowledge of human behavior and social work theory along with skills for self-reflection and cultural humility to develop mutually determined goals based on strengths, needs, and challenges.

Field Practicum I is the first of two sequenced courses designed to provide students with a supervised foundation practice experience in a social service agency/organization. The field practicum includes experiential learning in social work skills for multi-level and multi-sector practice in a specialized setting. Students complete 400 hours in the agency/organization field practicum setting over the two-semester academic year. A minimum of 175 hours must be completed in this class to receive a passing grade. Each student receives a minimum of 1 hour of weekly, individual field supervision from a BSW or MSW field instructor who has at least 2 years’ experience post degree. Students use the Integrating Seminar to monitor their learning experience and progress in attaining their professional goals with respect to people’s membership in groups and communities (urban, regional and rural) distinguished by class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and culture while honoring each person’s individuality.

Advanced Social Work Methods II advances students' understanding of generalist social work, applying evidence-based theory and practice knowledge to assessment and planned change strategies with larger systems, agencies, and organizations. Theoretical frameworks and core values guiding Methods II are based in relational social work and organizational change theories. Emphasized as well are social work values of self-determination, respect for diversity and human dignity; cultural humility and social inclusion, all of which are tenets of ethical and just practice.

This interdisciplinary course covers content on grief, loss, and dying exploring the complex nature of death and non-death loss experiences, care of the dying and bereavement across ages, cultures, and settings. It additionally examines the interpersonal dynamics of loss and how families, friends, and communities are affected. Students learn about professional skills, interventions, expressive techniques, and personal characteristics that contribute to effective practice with grievers and the dying. Stigma and avoidance related to death is also examined. Students will reflect upon their assumptions, beliefs, and values that may impact their work with grief, loss, and end of life.

Field Practicum Il is the second of two sequenced courses designed to provide students with a supervised foundation practice experience in a social service agency/organization. The field practicum includes experiential learning in social work skills for multi-level and multi-sector practice in a specialized setting. Students must complete 400 hours of field practicum over the two-semester academic year to receive a passing grade in this class. Each student receives a minimum of 1 hour of weekly, individual field supervision from a BSW or MSW field instructor who has at least 2 years experience post degree. Students use the Integrating Seminar to monitor their own learning experience and their progress in attaining their professional goals with respect to people’s membership in groups and communities (urban, regional and rural) distinguished by class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and culture while honoring each person’s individuality.

This course introduces students to the collective power of groups and communities to create social change and promote social inclusion. Emphasizing the integration of micro, mezzo, and macro level skills and knowledge, students will be exposed to the continuum of group formats and develop an understanding of the social, spatial, and political dimensions that define a community. Course content highlights theories that influence group work and community practice. Group dynamics and group development will be reviewed, with attention to agency, community and cultural contexts.

This course is open to all MSW students, foundation and specialization year, and is considered a clinical elective for licensing requirements. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has long been recognized as an evidenced-based treatment for trauma and a wide range of psychological and behavioral health issues. Most CBT training programs are developed by psychologists, specifically for psychology students. What makes this course unique is it has been developed by clinical social workers, specifically for clinical social work students. Classic CBT theory and interventions have been adapted and re-framed to provide a strengths-based perspective, taking into consideration "person-in-environment" and the effects of trauma on human health and wellness. Upon completion of this course, MSW students will have the knowledge and skills to integrate a CBT approach in clinical practice, in a way that aligns with social work principles and values and trauma-informed systems of care.

This is a practice class that will help the student explore the following areas: 1. Cultural competency as a systemic theoretical orientation. 2. Historical perspectives on the experience of people of color including: African American, Native American, Asian American and Latino American, multi-racial and immigrant communities. 3. Political perspectives on the experience of people of color. 4. Unique characteristics of the value systems of people of color. 5. Communication barriers that may hinder communication between people of color and white people. 6. Strategies for providing effective culturally sensitive practice with people of color. 7. Understanding and eliminating white racism. 8. Racial Identity theory. Must be enrolled in: Master of Social Work.

This course focuses on basic legal and ethical concepts as they apply to human services policies and practices with vulnerable populations. Students are introduced to: 1) historical overview of the relationship between law and practice; 2) issues pertaining to confidentiality, due process, and other common agency/ worker liability and malpractice issues; 3) legal regulation of practice; 4) case record keeping; and 5) preparing for and testifying in court. Must be enrolled in: Master of Social Work.