Full Course Description List:

SOCW Courses

5 credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the social work profession. Students in the course explore the history of the profession, the characteristics of generalist practice, social work practice settings, and professional values and ethics. Students also develop knowledge of current issues and directions for the profession, and the requirements and challenges of being a professional social worker.

5 credits

This course is designed to develop the basic practice skills necessary for BSW students to begin professional social work practice. Students in the course receive an overview of the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics that a generalist social worker must possess to work effectively with a client. Concepts underlying social work practice, such as the helping process—intake and assessment; basic interviewing skills for the beginning social work professional; engagement; and best practices—are addressed. The practice content to be explored includes understanding self-awareness, confidentiality, and documentation. While the major emphasis of the course is on basic interviewing skills, concepts surrounding theory and diversity are also incorporated into the course.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001

5 credits

This course introduces students to the concepts, history, and development of social welfare, social welfare institutions, and social policy within the United States. This course will provide students with a historical overview of the development of social welfare and the social work profession. The course is also designed to prepare students to examine social problems and to gain understanding of the social welfare system in the U.S. The historical progress of social work is explored in the context of social policies developed to address social problems in our civil society.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001

5 credits

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to multicultural social work practice and the importance of cultural competence. During the course, students are encouraged to assess their own level of self-awareness and their ability to engage in critical thinking on the issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Grounded within the professional Code of Ethics, students explore concepts and theory related to social, economic, and environmental justice. In this course, students analyze and reflect on the impact of oppression and discrimination on diverse groups. They practice advocating on behalf of others, particularly vulnerable populations. Throughout the course, students engage with various cultural groups and apply their learning to a different population each week. By the end of the course, students will have explored foundational knowledge and skills for social work practice with culturally diverse and vulnerable populations.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002

5 credits

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the intersection between the social environment and the healthy lifespan development of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Throughout this course, students enhance their understanding of how the environment and social context serve to mediate or intersect with the healthy development of each individual, family, group, or community. Students are introduced to the ways gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and disability impact human development. Students also explore human behavior through the lens of human development, environment, and social context.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002

5 credits

This course is designed to prepare students for social work practice that reflects an advanced understanding of lifespan development and sociopsychological identity development in individuals, families, groups, and communities. Throughout this course, students will use their learning around lifespan development and sociopsychological identity development to understand human behavior and, particularly, individual and family functioning within the environmental context.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 2003
• SOCW 3002

5 credits

The purpose of this course is to guide students in developing an understanding of the process and concepts involved in reading and conducting research. This course is an introduction to the scientific approach to building knowledge and skills in research, including the importance of a literature review and use of peer-reviewed research in the evaluation of evidence used in practice. The course will focus on the interconnections between research, social work practice, and social work values in producing ethical research. Students explore research addressing vulnerable and diverse populations. This basic course is the first of two courses designed to prepare students to use the best available evidence to inform their social work practice.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 2003
• SOCW 3001

5 credits

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge to analyze, formulate, and advocate for social policies that advance individual and social well-being. Students explore various methods of policy analysis and develop advocacy plans that involve collaboration with colleagues and communities to address policy issues. There is a special emphasis on policies that impact human rights and advance social and economic justice. Students will develop skills in the policy analysis process, including the values that influence policy, the legislative process, and the roles of advocacy and lobbying organizations.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 2003
• SOCW 3001
• SOCW 3002
• SOCW 3003

5 credits

This course is designed to support students' development as generalist social workers. Students will identify and apply research that can be used to advance social work practice, including social welfare, advocacy, and policy. Throughout the course, students are provided with resources and activities designed to help them develop as critical consumers of research for the sake of ethical, evidenced-based social work practice. Students in this course have the opportunity to select research utilizing the various research methods and evaluate research design, research methods, and applicability of results to diverse populations.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 2003
• SOCW 3001
• SOCW 3004

5 credits

This first practice course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to utilize in their social work practice with individuals and families. The focus of this course is on preparing students to practice with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and marginalized or oppressed populations. Students demonstrate therapeutic skills to engage individuals and families, to define and prioritize issues, to set mutually developed goals, and to commit to the change process.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 2003
• SOCW 3001
• SOCW 3002
• SOCW 3003

5 credits

This practice course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply social work services when working with groups. Students in this course will concentrate on the application of evidence-based practice theories and group work models consistent with empowerment and ecological perspectives. This course has a particular focus on groups from diverse cultural backgrounds and marginalized or oppressed populations. The focus is on the influence of social work professional values in working with groups, both in person and virtually.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 2003
• SOCW 3001
• SOCW 3002
• SOCW 3003
• SOCW 4003

5 credits

This advanced course is designed to prepare students for their roles as macro social workers in organizations and communities. Students receive academic preparation focused on the application of the generalist intervention method within social work organizations and as community leaders. Students participate in activities that develop their skills in critical decision making to address some of the complex problems that are common to organizations and communities in social work. 

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 2003
• SOCW 3001
• SOCW 3002
• SOCW 3003
• SOCW 4003

10 credits

This is the first course in the field practicum sequence. Students are required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Students gain an introduction to the roles of a professional social worker in the practicum experience. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate skills in maintaining social work boundaries and ethics while interacting in a professional manner with clients. Students participate in weekly synchronous hour-long seminars with their instructor and peers. In the weekly seminar, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with the professional practice skills.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 2001
• SOCW 2002
• SOCW 3001
• SOCW 3002
• SOCW 3003
• SOCW 3004
• SOCW 4001
• SOCW 4002
• SOCW 4003
• SOCW 4004
• SOCW 4005

10 credits

This is the second field course in the field practicum sequence. Students are required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Students have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills in engaging clients, developing mutually agreed-upon goals, identifying client's strengths and needs, completing assessments, and completing professional documentation in this practicum experience. Students also identify policies at the organizational, local, state, or national level that impact the client system. Students participate in weekly synchronous hour-long seminars with their instructor and peers. In the weekly seminar, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with the professional practice skills.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 4100

5 credits

This foundation course is designed to introduce students to the social work profession. Students explore the history of the profession, the characteristics of advanced generalist practice, social work practice settings, and professional values and ethics. Students develop knowledge of current issues and directions for the profession, and the requirements and challenges of being a professional social worker.

3 credits

This is a foundation course designed to introduce students to the social work profession. Students explore the history of the profession, the characteristics of generalist practice, social work practice settings, and professional values and ethics. Students also develop knowledge of current issues and directions for the profession, and the requirements and challenges of being a professional social worker.

5 credits

This is a foundation course in which students broadly address race and ethnicity, nationality, gender and sexuality, socioeconomic status and class, spirituality and religion, ability, and age in an effort to better understand social identity. Throughout this course, students complete discussions and applied assignments to explore the role of power, privilege, oppression, and marginalization on the social development of clients. In addition, students engage in reflective journals and activities to foster self-awareness of their own role in the hierarchy of power and privilege. At the completion of this course, students will have a personalized, digital Diversity Portfolio showcasing their developing competence in providing evidence-based contextually and culturally relevant assessments and interventions for individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6002
• SOCW 6101

5 credits

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of theories, models, and intervention methods for clinically informed advanced generalist social work practice. Students explore the theories and models for application to working with clients. The emphasis of the course is to understand the assumptions of theories and models and how they guide social work assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation. In addition, students evaluate the strengths and limitations of the various theories, with specific consideration to compatibility of a theory with a client's diverse background and to social work values. Students integrate multiple sources of knowledge to critically evaluate a theory or model's applicability to social work practice.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6500

Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing

Prerequisites

• None

5 credits

Students in this advanced course prepare for roles as supervisors, leaders, and administrators in clinical social work. Students examine leadership theory and strategies for leadership development, ethical practice as clinical supervisors, and the roles of administrators in social work organizations. Students participate in activities that develop their skills in critical decision making to address some of the complex problems that face leaders and administrators in social work. As a result of this course, students will understand the competencies of social work supervisors, leaders, and administrators and will identify a plan for their own continued development in these areas.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111
• SOCW 6361
• SOCW 6090
• SOCW 6121 or SOCW 6215C or SOCW 6205 or SOCW 6212M 

5 credits

Students in this course are prepared to identify mental disorders and to understand the necessary professional evaluations needed to formulate a DSM-5 diagnosis in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner. Students are sensitized to the risks and benefits of using diagnosis, with an emphasis on minimizing stigma.

Throughout this course, students learn about the most common DSM-5 diagnoses and integrate that knowledge with the use of established diagnostic procedures. In developing a "working diagnosis," students learn to consider differential diagnosis, individualize and capture missing dimensions of an illness (mental status, severity, cultural idioms, and other details) as well as adapting interventions to various ages, races, genders, and cultures. Students learn how to incorporate DSM-5 requirements into a holistic biopsychosocial approach that includes the use of evidence-based assessments to systematically resolve ambiguities in diagnosis and strengthen diagnostic accuracy. Students also practice communicating and coding DSM-5 diagnoses and their supporting evidence to peers. The course uses case materials for direct skill-building.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This course is designed for students to gain foundation-level social work skills on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. Students in the course explore how to set professional boundaries and exhibit professional demeanor conducive to social work practice. They further examine appropriate ethical conduct, client engagement, active listening, empathetic responses, and interviewing skills. Students also apply the Generalist Intervention Model in a culturally competent manner through engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination, and follow-up with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

5 credits

Students in this course are introduced to aspects of professional functioning as a social worker working with clients with substance use disorders, including but not limited to: history, philosophy, and societal attitudes towards substance use; types of addictive substances; the relationship between the social determinants of health and substance use disorders; evidence-based screening and assessment; individual- and community-based treatment approaches; and ethical and culturally competent practice.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This is an advanced course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical social work services. Students in this course focus on the application of evidence-based theories and other intervention methods with individuals and families. There is a particular focus on individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and marginalized or oppressed populations in this course. Students demonstrate therapeutic skills to engage clients, to define and prioritize issues, to set mutually developed goals, and to commit to the change process. Students select, implement, monitor, and evaluate interventions.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options

Prerequisites

• 6510

Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6500
• SOCW 6510
• SOCW 6060

Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6060

5 credits

In this advanced course, students gain knowledge and skills to apply research-based models, theories, and intervention methods to groups and organizations. The focus of the course is on therapeutic factors in group process and the tasks and skills of the clinical social worker in forming, planning, facilitating, documenting, and evaluating groups. A special emphasis is placed on cultural and gender-sensitive application of social work group practice. There is an added emphasis on empowerment of groups, organizations, and communities. Students explore the structure, role, goals, and impact of organizations, including culturally sensitive management, and the impact of organizations on social welfare and the delivery of human services. Students effectively engage, assess, develop, implement, and evaluate research-based interventions with groups and organizations.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Students in this course are provided with a foundation in historical and contemporary biological, psychological, and sociological theories of criminal behavior. Students consider two important questions in forensic psychology: "Who is a criminal?" and "Is criminal behavior a mental illness?" Students explore theoretical issues that result from attempts to explain criminal behavior in forensic populations. They examine groups of offenders, including mentally disordered offenders, sex offenders, violent offenders, and juvenile offenders. Students apply ethical guidelines and standards to the study and research of criminal behavior. They also use concepts and theories to assess the behavior of criminal offenders in case-study scenarios.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

By studying the fundamentals of crisis management and crisis leadership, students develop an understanding of the theories and models related to crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events. Students also explore ethical, legal, and diversity considerations in crisis and trauma response. At the end of the course, students will understand models for training and supporting other counselors in the areas of crisis response applicable to community, national, and international crises. Furthermore, students develop a crisis management plan for their own community.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Students in this foundation course are provided with an understanding of the intersection between the social environment and the healthy lifespan development of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Throughout the course, students examine the dynamics of human behavior including biological, psychological, and social systems from birth to young adulthood. They also analyze case studies for the ways in which gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and disability impact human development. Overall, students explore human behavior through the lens of human development, the environment, and social context.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6002
• SOCW 6101

5 credits

This course provides students with an overview of treatments, interventions, and the therapeutic process for working with clients with substance use disorders. The focus of the course is to introduce specific skills including screening, assessment, treatment planning, various models of treatment, discharge planning and recovery management. In addition, students use case studies to explore treatment principles, philosophies, and programs. The course is designed to help students increase their self-awareness as helping professionals by engaging in pre-treatment reflections, applying skills in real world scenarios, and identifying opportunities to engage in advocacy and professional development.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the roles and competencies of social workers in healthcare settings. Students will enhance their knowledge of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, health policy issues, and resources available to individuals and families affected by illness. Students will explore culture and religion/spirituality and their effects on health outcomes and access to health care. Students will also learn about legal issues implicated in the provision of medical social work services including HIPAA. At the end of this course, students should understand ethical practice with regard to medical social work.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

The course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for working in diverse healthcare settings and supporting patients and families experiencing acute, chronic, and terminal illness, disabilities, and challenges of age. Students will extend their understanding of specialized care, the psychosocial aspects of illness and health, and end-of-life care. Students will demonstrate how social workers use the appropriate skills, provide support and resources, and engage in advocacy for patients and families. Students will apply principles of ethics, social justice, and anti-oppressive practice to case studies involving vulnerable populations. 

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6204
• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Interdisciplinary teams in healthcare are positioned to address not only the physical health of patients but also mental health and social service needs, drawing on the expertise of a social worker. This course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the roles, competencies, and applied skills of social workers within such teams. Specifically, students explore how common goals in patient treatment can affirm the strengths of social work interventions. They build skills in assessment, intervention planning, communication, conflict management, and cultural competence while engaging with a variety of patient care issues as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. By the end of the course, students will have increased awareness of the complexities of healthcare settings as well as the nuanced and important role of social workers within teams.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This advanced course is designed to prepare students for clinical social work practice that reflects an advanced understanding of life-span development and socio-psychological identity development with individuals from young adulthood through later adulthood, their families, within groups, and communities. Throughout this course, students will use their learning around life-span development and socio-psychological identity development to understand human behavior and, particularly, individual and family functioning within the environmental context. With an emphasis on ethical practice in social work, this course gives students the opportunity to use this information to inform their assessments, evaluations, interventions, and advocacy for their clients.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6200

5 credits

This is an advanced practice course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical social work services when working with military populations. Students in this course will concentrate on working with clients throughout the stages of deployment using military-specific resources and systems. The focus of this course is on clinical social work practice with military populations from diverse cultural backgrounds. Students will apply clinical practice skills in the engagement, assessment, and intervention of clients. Students in this course will explore the integration of social work professional values and ethics in practice in working with military members, their families, and veterans.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This is an advanced practice course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to apply clinical social work services with medical populations. Students in this course will concentrate on the application of evidence-based practice theories and group work models consistent with empowerment and ecological perspectives. A particular focus of this course is on client populations facing medical/healthcare issues. Students will demonstrate clinical practice skills in the assessment, intervention, and evaluation with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Students in this course will examine the influence of professional social work values in healthcare settings. They will learn to use the problem-solving process to develop mutually agreed goals and objectives, mediate, and facilitate the treatment process.

5 credits

This is an advanced practice course designed to provide students with opportunities to examine social work practice with diverse child and family systems using relational theory, attachment theory, and principles of trauma-informed care. Through case studies, videos, and interactive media, students apply social work skills of engagement, collaboration, assessment, and child-centered therapies designed to build on strengths that exist within individuals and in the social contexts where children and families live. Students explore how to foster child and family success in their social environments, especially those challenged by trauma, poverty, violence, loss, and/or oppression. Additionally, students critically evaluate legal and ethical issues that arise in social work with dependent populations.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This course provides students with a detailed examination of the use of telehealth technologies to transform the delivery of social work and improve access to mental health care. Through the lens of diversity and client-centeredness, students explore the history and future possibilities of telehealth in social work. Students analyze policy, regulation, and ethics in the virtual environment. As future social workers, they consider how to adapt their skills to telehealth and devise strategies to troubleshoot technology, assess risk, and develop the therapeutic alliance virtually. They then apply these strategies through a sequence of simulations with a telehealth client.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Macro social workers are adept at identifying social problems, their root causes, and influencing change at the systems and institutional levels. In this course, students explore social problems in their own communities through assessment, while considering systemic inequities and the institutions that contribute to such problems. They then research and develop plans for macro intervention. Consideration is given to community assets and resources, racially disproportionate impacts, as well as funding to support the intervention. Students also practice application of cultural humility, social work values, and ethics as they envision working with and alongside marginalized populations to solve problems. 

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This foundation course is designed to develop students' understanding of the importance of research to social work practice. Students are introduced to basic principles of scientific method including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. While exploring the research process, they analyze associated ethical and cultural considerations, evaluate existing literature, and build a research proposal on a topic of interest. This is the first of two courses designed to prepare students as scholar-practitioners who use research to inform their ethical, culturally competent social work practice.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options

Prerequisites

• None

Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6002
• SOCW 6101
• SOCW 6200
• SOCW 6051
• SOCW 6351

5 credits

This advanced course is designed to support students' development as scholar-practitioners in clinical social work. Students identify and apply research that can be used to advance their practice, including social welfare, advocacy, and policy. Throughout the course, students are provided resources and activities designed to help them become critical consumers of research for the sake of ethical, evidence-based clinical social work practice. Students in this course have the opportunity to evaluate research design, research methods, and the applicability of results to diverse populations.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6510
• SOCW 6111
• SOCW 6301

Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111
• SOCW 6361

5 credits

Through this course, students gain an understanding and awareness of vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue for social workers. Applying course concepts, students gain hands-on practice conducting assessments, examining the use of standardized instruments, and examining intervention and prevention strategies related to vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Students also propose social change recommendations in an organizational setting to promote informed and competent social workers. Students engage in course assignments that emphasize the ethical, legal, and cultural implications for wellness and self-care across the micro, mezzo, and macro systems of practice.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the personal and systemic impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on individuals, couples, families, and communities. Students examine theories and response models as they relate to crisis in individuals and families, crisis in the community, and crisis in the nation and in the world. They explore and discuss topics related to competencies, vicarious trauma and counter transference, specific diagnoses, and advocacy. Students also engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of crisis assessment. Through contemporary articles and case studies, they consider and discuss cultural, legal, and ethical issues related to crisis, trauma, and disaster events and response.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Social workers often work with individual clients who have experienced trauma. To engage with these clients appropriately, social workers must understand the connection between trauma and the brain. Using a trauma-informed lens, students explore the organization, functioning, and development of the brain; adverse childhood experiences; dysregulation of the nervous system; the role of relationships as protective factors; and epigenetics. Students apply these topics to a client case, ultimately developing trauma-informed interventions and a treatment plan. Through their learning, students begin to consider trauma-informed practice not only at the micro level but at the macro level as well.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Professionals must devote considerable attention to forensic psychology perspectives and approaches to address issues such as mass incarceration, the decrease in healthcare availability, and cases in which courts remand treatment in community settings. Students in this course examine forensic psychology theories and perspectives, and then they apply these concepts to various community settings. They are provided with practical assignments and topical readings that focus on working with individuals re-entering the community after incarceration as well as people with a criminal charge who receive community placements rather than incarceration. In addition, students explore less-common applications, such as restorative justice and community crime prevention. They also analyze the impact of personal perspectives and setting on the application of forensic psychology.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Students in this foundation course are provided with an overview of the professional social worker's role in the development, delivery, and implementation of social welfare policies, programs, and services in the U.S. The students explore the history of social welfare and current policies and programs, including those addressing poverty, healthcare (including mental health), child welfare, and disabilities. Students develop policy knowledge and skills to assist them in influencing policy development.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6002
• SOCW 6101

5 credits

Students are provided with the knowledge to analyze, formulate, and advocate for social policies that advance individual and social well-being in this course. Students explore various methods of policy analysis and develop advocacy plans that involve collaboration with colleagues and communities to address policy issues. There is a special emphasis on policies that impact human rights and advance social and economic justice. Students develop skills in the policy analysis process, including the values that influence policy, the legislative process, and the roles of advocacy and lobbying organizations.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options (Also for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021)

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6351
• SOCW 6510

5 credits

Students are provided with a framework for understanding human sexuality in the context of couples, marriage, and family counseling in this course. Students explore empirically supported counseling approaches related to sexual functioning, intimacy, gender, and sexual orientation. They use a systemic framework for understanding the role and impact of sexuality on couples, marriages, and families. Students also explore and discuss specific topics related to issues of sexual diversity and gender identity.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

In this course, students are provided with an overview of military culture. The focus of this course is on understanding the world of work for military personnel, the sociocultural identity development of military personnel, the experience of military families, support for military personnel and their families, and socioeconomic and other lifestyle challenges for military personnel. After completing this course, students will be more informed about the mental health and social support needs of these populations.

5 credits

The specific focus of this course is on combat trauma, crisis, and stress experiences and responses of military personnel—both wartime and post-war. Students develop an understanding of the short-term and long-term impact of post-traumatic stress and vicarious trauma. In addition to focusing on how combat and wartime experiences impact individual military personnel, students also explore the effects on families. As a result, students will be better prepared to provide services and mental health support to military personnel dealing with trauma, crisis, and stress.

5 credits

This course is designed to provide social work students with an understanding of military culture. Throughout this course, students will focus on understanding military service, enlistment motives of military personnel, the experience of military families, the impact of combat on military populations, and the transition from military to civilian life. Through videos, case studies, and interviews, the course will provide students with opportunities to enhance their understanding of the mental health and social support needs of military populations and apply social work strategies to support these clients.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

This course focuses on the unique challenges of wartime and postwar combat trauma, crisis, and stress, as well as the responses of military personnel. Students in this course will develop an understanding of the short-term and long-term impact of traumatic experiences and vicarious trauma and develop skills to address symptoms and manifestations of these experiences. As a result of learning in this course, students will be better prepared to apply social work skills, provide resources to military clients, and administer mental health support in response to trauma, crisis, and stress.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

The nature of military work responsibilities impacts not only military personnel but their families as well. Frequent relocations, extended deployments, parent-child separation, and high-risk jobs all contribute to unique family dynamics. This course is designed to educate students about the experience and unique support needs of military personnel and their families.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

As advocates for clients, social workers must possess knowledge and understanding of psychotropic medications to inform assessment. This course introduces a spectrum of psychotropic medications used in the management of mental health and substance use disorders. Students explore medication classification, drug interaction, and side effects. This course explores the social work role in interdisciplinary teams surrounding psychopharmacology and the ethical and professional responsibilities inherent in that role. This course builds foundational clinical knowledge of the intersection of mental health services and psychotropic medical treatment.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

In this course, students examine empirically supported theories and techniques for social work practice with adolescents. Students enhance their theoretical and practical understanding of the systemic interplay in the lives of adolescents. They engage in coursework and readings on ecological systems theory, current events, and case studies to comprehensively analyze adolescent development, and they devote special attention to cognitive, behavioral, educational, multicultural, and environmental issues. Students assess a distinct group of evidence-based engagement and intervention strategies that assist them in their work with adolescents and families. They also explore professional and ethical responsibilities related to working with adolescents and their parents or caregivers.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Relationship systems, specifically couples and families, are the focus of this course. Using multiple resources and interactive media, students analyze theoretical approaches and ethical considerations for working with couples and families. In addition, students apply clinical skills of engagement, treatment planning, and intervention to social work practice within a relationship system. Students explore empirically supported approaches that support the well-being of couples and families, with special attention devoted to those who are underrepresented. Throughout the course, students are exposed to challenges and diverse support needs commonly experienced by couples and families, including transitions and crises. Students assume the role of social worker in assessing needs and working to promote success in the relationship system.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

5 credits

Students will explore and discuss topics related to individual human sexuality and its relationship to developmental stages and the family system. Students explore traditional and modern theories on human sexuality as well as empirically supported approaches to understand human sexuality within the context of gender roles and identity, human rights, health and well-being, intimacy, and sexual diversity. Additionally, to gain confidence with human sexuality subject matter, students engage with tools, resources, and scenarios from common social work settings—such as hospitals, schools, and nonprofits—so they can apply how human sexuality content would most likely be realized in their fields of interest. 

3 credits

This is the first foundation course in the four-part field practicum sequence. Students are required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Through the practicum experience, students are introduced to the role of a professional social worker. Students demonstrate skills in maintaining boundaries and ethics while interacting in a professional manner with clients. Through their participation in a weekly hour-long seminar with their instructor and peers, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.

 

Master of Social Work (MSW) for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021: Standard and Standard Accelerated Options Prerequisites

• SOCW 6002
• SOCW 6101
• SOCW 6200
• SWLB 0651
• SOCW 6210
• SOCW 6051
• SOCW 6351

Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options Prerequisites

• SOCW 6002
• SOCW 6101
• SOCW 6200
• SWLB 0651
• SOCW 6210
• SOCW 6051
• SOCW 6301

3 credits

This is the second foundation course in the four-part field practicum sequence. As in SOCW 6500, students are again required to complete 200 hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. Students have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills in engaging clients, developing mutually agreed-upon goals, identifying clients' strengths and needs, completing assessments, and providing professional documentation during the field practicum experience. Students also identify policies at the organizational, local, state, or national level, which impact the client system. Through their participation in a weekly hour-long seminar with their instructor and peers, students demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6301
• SOCW 6500

5 credits

In this course, students gain the foundational knowledge necessary to evaluate and subsequently treat many different forensic populations, such as individuals who have committed sex offenses, used illegal substances, or engaged in white-collar crime. Students analyze the use of traditional forms of intervention, including individual and group psychotherapy, as well as recent developments in intervention, such as restorative justice. Applying the concepts and theories learned in the course, students develop a project scenario in which they feature an offender and describe treatment approaches as well as related ethical, legal, and multicultural factors that may impact treatment. Students also consider and discuss professional identity and goals.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 6111

3 credits

This is the third course in the field practicum sequence. It is an advanced course. Students are required to complete 250 (20–24 hours per week) hours in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. There is a focus on agencies that serve clients from diverse populations and/or marginalized or oppressed groups. In this course, students focus on recognizing the importance of clinical social work practice and demonstrating the ability to negotiate and advocate with and on behalf of client systems to enhance client well-being and ensure social and economic justice. Students demonstrate the ability to critically examine research available on interventions, make an appropriate selection, and follow through with the implementation. A seminar is included in which students demonstrate the integration of classroom knowledge with the professional practice skills.

Prerequisites for Master of Social Work (MSW) Traditional and Traditional Fast Track Options

• SOCW 6510
• SOCW 6060
• SOCW 6111
• SOCW 6090
• SOCW 6361
• SOCW 6121
• SWLB 0652
• First specialization/elective course
• SOCW 6070 must be completed with or prior to SOCW 6520

Prerequisites for Students Entering Standard and Accelerated Options Prior to May 31, 2021

• SOCW 6510
• SOCW 6060
• SOCW 6111
• SOCW 6090
• SOCW 6361
• SOCW 6121
• SWLB 0652
• First specialization/elective course
• Second specialization/elective course
• SOCW 6070 must be completed with or prior to SOCW 6520

Prerequisites for Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing

• SOCW 6002 (students starting prior to August 30^, 2021)
• SOCW 6060
• SOCW 6111
• SOCW 6090
• SOCW 6361
• SOCW 6121
• Skills Lab II / SWLB 0652
• First specialization/elective course
• SOCW 6070 must be completed with or prior to SOCW 6520

Prerequisites Students Entering Advanced Standing Prior to May 31, 2021

• SOCW 6002
• SOCW 6060
• SOCW 6111
• SOCW 6090
• SOCW 6361
• SOCW 6121
• Skills Lab II / SWLB 0652
• First specialization/elective course
• Second specialization/elective course
• SOCW 6070 must be completed with or prior to SOCW 6520

3 credits

This advanced practice course is the culmination of the field practicum sequence. This course requires students to complete 250 hours (20–25 hours per week) in an approved social services agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. The practicum experience provides students with the opportunity to monitor and evaluate therapeutic outcomes and engage in research-based practice. Students practice advanced skills in assessment, intervention, evaluation, termination, professional use of self, and cultural sensitivity and competence. Students also receive resources and support for licensure and professional development while preparing to enter the profession. This course has a weekly, hour-long, synchronous meeting. Students are required to attend this meeting where they will engage with classmates and Faculty to demonstrate their integration of classroom knowledge with professional practice skills.   

Prerequisites for Students Entering Prior to May 31, 2021 - all tracks

• All coursework must be completed with the exception of SOCW 6311 and third specialization/elective prior to enrollment in SOCW 6530.
• SOCW 6311 must be completed with or prior to SOCW 6530

Prerequisites for Students Entering on or after May 31, 2021 - all tracks

• All coursework must be completed with the exception of second specialization/elective, and third specialization/elective prior to enrollment in SOCW 6530.

5 credits

This residency is designed to complement the advanced curriculum. In this residency, students continue to develop their clinical skills and are required to demonstrate competency in ethical practice, case conceptualization, and evidence-based practice. In addition, students have the opportunity to practice their own supervision and consultation skills. Successful completion of this residency will result in an evaluation that indicates students have demonstrated proficiency in the prescribed areas and are ready to interface with the public as a clinical social worker in training.

3 credits

Students in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar practitioners and social change agents. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop a program of study, a Professional Development Plan, and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as academic writing support from Walden University's Online Writing Center. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence and integrity.

3 credits

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Through this course, students gain a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical- thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence. Major assignments include the preparation of the Professional Development Plan and Program of Study.

5 credits

Students in this course are introduced to aspects of functioning as a professional as an addiction counselor, including but not limited to role setting of addiction counselors; history, philosophy, and trends in addiction counseling; professional standards for addiction counselors; effects of crises and trauma-causing events on persons with addictions; self‐care; and ethical and culturally sensitive practice of addiction counseling. Students also explore competencies, credentialing, and other professional issues. Students explore the future as addiction counselors with an overview of the addiction counseling profession.

5 credits

In this foundational doctoral course, students are provided with an overview of the ways of knowing diverse contemporary theories in social work and the social sciences. Students will be able to understand how the assumptions of various epistemological paradigms (i.e., ways of knowing) inform research.  Students will also explore how theories inform social work practice, policy, and research, and they will discuss the role of the social worker in social issues at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. In addition, there is an emphasis on the delivery of culturally sensitive and ethical services.

5 credits

To be responsible scholar-practitioners and stewards in the social work profession, students must understand social problems within the broader intellectual landscape: that is, the social construction of the social problem and the role it plays in the public's perception of the social problem. Additionally, students must be prepared to locate the historical context of the problem and the social welfare responses. Using critical reading and evaluation skills, tools, and techniques, students begin to evaluate the lay and empirical literature of a social problem underlying their future capstone or dissertation topic to prepare for the literature review process.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8110W or SOCW 8110

5 credits

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8570 or SOCW 8570W or SOCW 8572 or SOCW 8572W or SOCW 8750 or SOCW 8750W
• SOCW 8752 or SOCW 8752W or SOCW 8574 or SOCW 8574W
• SOCW 8112W or SOCW 8112

5 credits

This course is designed to provide a doctoral foundation in the history and philosophy of clinical social work and social welfare. Students can explore the strengths and weaknesses of the social work delivery systems. They can review the origins of the profession as well as its various responses to the changing needs of society. Students can begin to develop their identities as leaders, researchers, and best-practices informants in the area of social work through critical literature reviews related to research, policy, and practice; discussions about social work and contemporary society; and course assignments. Students in this course also focus on the competencies and ethics of social work and social welfare professionals.

5 credits

As a social work scholar-practitioner, it is important to being prepared to serve populations with different lived experiences is important. Understanding the makeup of society, including undercurrents of prejudice and bias that can influence trauma, while being careful not to make broad assumptions about any individual or group, is a crucial skill for a leader in the social work community. In this course, students use historical and current events to consider how policy, systems, and public opinion influence the ability to meet the needs of diverse and marginalized populations. Students examine intersections of identity characteristics and apply contemporary theory to better understand societal manifestations of power, oppression, access, and opportunity. Additionally, students will consider how to apply their knowledge of diversity and multiculturalism to better lead communities, institutions, employees, and agencies in the continuous pursuit of social justice, fairness, and equity.

5 credits

How can students prepare for ethical leadership in social work practice, administration, and advocacy? In this course, students can enhance their understanding of the responsibility of social workers in advanced practice to foster social change for their community, clients, and profession through practice, policy, and advocacy. Students can use current research to analyze and evaluate policy and identify how community, national, and international issues affect the social work profession. In addition, students examine opportunities to learn how to influence policy as a response to the changing needs of a diverse population. Students also can gain an understanding of how to ethically initiate advocacy and social change processes.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8110 or SOCW 8110W

5 credits

Using models of evaluation derived from social science and social work theory and research, students can learn to apply research in social work to inform practice, future research, policy, and advocacy. Topics include the history and theory underlying program and practice evaluation, approaches to evaluation, selection of appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative models and techniques used to perform the evaluation, strategies for getting gatekeepers to be invested in the development of the research and in the outcomes, demonstration of program effectiveness, and dissemination of results to stakeholders. Students can gain an understanding of how to address dimensions of diversity (race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, etc.) in their program and practice evaluations in an effort to ensure equity and fairness in program delivery and advocacy.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8110 or SOCW 8110W

5 credits

In this course, counselor educators can learn the fundamentals of crisis management and crisis leadership. In addition, they can develop an understanding of the theories and models related to crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events. Students also explore ethical, legal, and diversity considerations in crisis and trauma response. By the end of the course, students understand models for training and supporting other counselors in the areas of crisis response applicable to community, national, and international crises. Furthermore, students develop a crisis management plan for their own community.

5 credits

Diminishing resources are compounding the societal challenges facing human services agencies today. In this course, students will examine the core competencies that human service administrators need in order to address these challenges and make a greater difference in the communities they serve. A broad range of skills and innovative approaches will be discussed, including cross-agency collaboration, stakeholder communication, supervision of people and processes, creation and implementation of policies, and strategic planning and management. Through course discussions, applications, and critical literature reviews, students can demonstrate knowledge and skills that are directly translatable to their current work environment.

5 credits

Students in this course are introduced to theories, treatment intervention, and case management strategies for addiction counseling. Students are introduced to various models of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention, and continuing care for addictive disorders. In addition, students explore the treatment principles and philosophies of addiction-related programs. Students increase their self-awareness by understanding their own limitations as addiction counselors; recognizing when they need additional resources and support; and knowing when and where to refer clients when appropriate. In addition, students examine substance abuse policies and regulatory processes that influence service delivery in addiction counseling.

5 credits

Designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of roles and competencies of social workers in medical settings, this course is developed to enhance students' knowledge of medical terminology, crisis intervention, medical after-care and discharge planning, mental health evaluations, chemical dependency evaluations, community resources, and medical treatment teams. At the end of this course, students can also understand ethical practice with regard to medical social work.

5 credits

The course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills for supporting vulnerable populations. Those populations include individual clients or patients and families with acute, chronic, and terminal illness; disabilities; and challenges of age. Students can extend their knowledge of support and resources for families around organ transplants; psychosocial aspects of illness and health for individuals and families; support skills for individuals and families around grief and loss; and end-of-life decision making. Students enhance their knowledge of ethical group and individual interventions for these vulnerable populations.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8204

5 credits

Participants in this course study in-depth a range of survey methods administered via in-person interview, self-report, phone interview, and Internet administration. Topics include survey design, administration, analysis, and addressing sources of bias. Students also review theoretical and empirical research on question and questionnaire effects. Students prepare in the practice of writing questions and designing questionnaires, both in general and in light of existing research.

5 credits

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding and awareness of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue for first responders. Students examine intervention strategies and models of treatment and prevention of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue through the lens of a counselor educator, supervisor, and clinician. Assignments include conducting a needs assessment and examining the use of standardized instruments. Students propose social change recommendations related to vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue to promote informed and competent trauma-response helping professionals. In this course, an emphasis is placed on the ethical, legal, multicultural, and spiritual implications for wellness and self-care, including personal, professional, and organizational elements. As a final project, students interview a first responder and develop an organizational wellness plan for his or her setting.

5 credits

In this course, students are provided with an overview of empirically supported theories and techniques for working with children and adolescents in the counseling process. The course is designed to enhance students' theoretical and practical understanding of the systemic interplay among children, adolescents, families, and the stakeholders in their lives. Emphasis is given to a family systems view of intervention, with specific attention to developmental, cognitive, behavioral, educational, multicultural, and environmental issues. Students will be exposed to a distinct group of empirically supported interventions aimed at improving individual and family functioning. Legal and ethical issues related to counseling children and adolescents will be explored.

5 credits

Students in this course look at the evolution of crime—from lone criminals to worldwide syndicates—using the scientific rigor built into the selected readings and discussions. Among the topics examined are the philosophy of community- and problem-oriented policing, transnational crime, terrorism, and the new nexus between them. Current and future leaders are equipped with the knowledge and depth of understanding to assess and manage the opportunities, innovations, and challenges in their profession.

5 credits

Students in this course review key court decisions and explore the tension between constitutionally guaranteed individual rights and crime-prevention and public-safety efforts. Students also cover policy analysis and planning in the criminal justice field and offer an understanding of the policy context in which the criminal justice system functions.

5 credits

Students in this course are provided with an advanced understanding of theories and techniques for working with couples, marriages, and families. The focus of this course is on empirically supported treatments and techniques for addressing prevention, intervention, development, and wellness of marriages, couples, and families. Systemic implications for conceptualization, assessment, treatment planning, and interventions will be addressed. Students will be exposed to procedures for critically evaluating relevant research and to methods for applying findings to their counseling with these groups. Methods of adapting models to meet the needs of a diverse society as well as legal and ethical issues related to working in this specialty area will be explored.

5 credits

Government officials, research programs, and NGOs are increasingly expected to make better and more transparent use of evidence in producing viable policy options within highly complex policy environments that are heavily influenced by power and politics. Public policy analysis has been described as the art and craft of speaking truth to power (Wildavsky, 1987) in seeking ways to promote positive social change in these complex environments. Policy analysis within this context requires several distinct skill sets: an understanding of the policy context, technical knowledge and analytical tools to identify and apply evidence ethically and with professional judgment, an appreciation and engagement of the concerns and contributions of diverse stakeholders, and the ability to develop and communicate practical policy advice.

This course is framed around Bardach and Patashnik's eightfold path, which lays out a series of iterative, not necessarily sequential, steps to follow when analyzing a policy issue and uses design thinking to guide the process. Students examine key concepts of public policy analysis through evidence-based research to locate issues in relation to theory and current trends. This course provides project-based opportunities to practice and gain the skills and knowledge to use evidence to shape policy more effectively.

Prerequisites

• MMPA 6116 or HUMN 8000 or HUMN 6000 or HUMN 8001 or SOCW 8002 or SOCW 8002W or MMHA 6000 or MMHA 6000A or HLTH 8003A or HLTH 8003 or HLTH 8003E or HLTH 8003B or NURS 8003

5 credits

In an increasingly complex world, leaders and managers in public and nonprofit organizations need to be strategic in their planning to fulfill the organizational mission and enhance stakeholder satisfaction. Students in this course explore the role and process of strategic planning with an appreciation for collaboration, cooperation, and coordination as they relate to the strategic planning process. Students will apply these concepts to real-life situations and organizations and develop a strategic plan.

5 credits

The focus of this course is specifically on the process of writing the dissertation prospectus. Students will use their preliminary research plan, developed previously, and develop a problem statement, to be used in the dissertation. They will further refine the problem statement and carry out the planning and the library research that will bring them to the formulation of a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus is a brief paper, typically 15–20 pages in length, that lays out the background for the problem statement; the problem statement itself; a survey of the relevant literature, typically 25–75 references; and a research, implementation, and evaluation plan for the solution of the problem.

Prerequisites

• RSCH 8260W or RSCH 8360W or RSCH 8460W or RSCH 8260K or RSCH 8360K or RSCH 8460K

5 credits

Social work supervisors are integral to the success of emerging and developing social workers. The foundations of their work with their supervisees influence quality of care, outcomes achievement, community engagement, funding, future supervisor comprehension, and more. Thus, their efforts ripple throughout the complex ecosystem of an agency. In this course, students consider the makeup of the supervisor role, including the theoretical underpinnings that provide a framework for positive supervision experiences, as well as the practical skills needed to convert supervision theory into successful practice. Students use practical supervision scenarios to explore the ecosystem of an agency from the supervisor's perspective. Additionally, students explore legal, regulatory, and diversity considerations when interacting with various stakeholders. Understanding the role of the supervisor—whether planning to give or receive supervision—provides a broader view of the social work setting and highlights the potential impact of supervisor training on future developments in the field.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8110W or SOCW 8110

5 credits

Students in this course are provided with the basic knowledge necessary to evaluate and subsequently treat many different forensic populations. Various forensic populations, such as sex offenders, substance abusers, and victims of crime, and employee assistance to law enforcement personnel will be covered. The use of traditional forms of intervention, such as individual and group psychotherapy, as well as recent developments in intervention, such as restorative justice, will be addressed.

5 credits

Graduates of a doctoral program are looked to as leaders and experts in their respective fields. As such, they have an added responsibility beyond their contribution to critical research and practice contexts; they must also be prepared to share their knowledge in a deliberate and audience-appropriate way, one that inspires others to not just listen, but to act. Though teaching and learning can take place in many situations—for example, agency or clinical supervision, research project leadership, and informal mentoring—graduates of social work doctoral programs may find themselves in the position to teach in a college or university setting, an opportunity to positively impact countless emerging scholars and practitioners. In this course, students consider critical applications of teaching and learning in higher education through a course-long scenario, in which they assume the role of faculty who have been charged with reenvisioning the design and delivery of an Introduction to Social Work course.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8110W or SOCW 8110

5 credits

[Under development]

Doctor of Social Work

Prerequisites

• Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision: SOCW 8570 or SOCW 8570W

OR

Prerequisites

• Social Work Education: SOCW 8572 or SOCW 8572W

PhD in Social Work

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8570 or SOCW 8570W or SOCW 8572 or SOCW 8572W

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8002 or SOCW 8002W

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9001A or SOCW 8601

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9002A or SOCW 8602

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9003A or SOCW 8603

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9004A or SOCW 8604

5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms until completion

The purpose of this research forum is to assist and guide students in completing the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) capstone project study. Modules 1–3 are individual stages of the doctoral process that are a requirement for the completion of the capstone project. At the beginning of each quarter, students will submit a quarter plan that outlines a proposed schedule for completing the module and the final project. Within this forum, students will engage in regular scholarly discussions with the doctoral study committee and fellow doctoral students. This forum will include resources related to the capstone project, residencies, research, writing, and doctoral program expectations.

Prerequisites

• All courses and residency completed

5 credits

Great leadership is enhanced by an understanding of the psychological principles of leader development. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the psychology of leadership and leader development. Topics include psychological theories of leadership, leadership styles, qualities of great leaders, and instruments used to assess leadership and leadership potential. Students apply psychological theories to understanding their own capacity for leadership.

5 credits

Social work doctoral students in this course have the opportunity to apply adaptive executive leadership, address needs within their areas of interest, and realize opportunities for innovation. Students explore the innovation projects within the domains of social work scholarship called the Grand Challenges. The course focuses on activities that allow students to understand the Grand Challenge contexts and engage in multiple types of specified research such as academic, experiential, web-based, and social. In addition, students partake in new mental models and collaboration that aim to meet dynamic needs and challenges not necessarily bound by convention. Students build professional relationship supports, work outside of traditional frameworks, employ entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial practices, integrate multiple sources of knowledge, employ leadership acumen, and create an innovation project addressing a needed improvement to society.

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8750W or SOCW 8750

5 credits

This course is designed to prepare students for their roles as counselors in prevention, intervention, and consultation endeavors with specific populations in specific settings. Using an action-research model, students will prepare a blueprint for a prevention, intervention, or consultation project for a community, agency, or organization.

5 credits

Public policy implementation can take place in either a public, private, or nonprofit organization or a combined or networked one. Students are engaged as learners in a collaborative study of the changing strategic context of public administration as they apply a strategic planning and management approach to the implementation of public policy. Learners are introduced to planning, general management, financial management, performance management, and contracting processes in organizations whose purpose is to implement public policy.

5 credits

Legal decisions and the law have an impact on the creation of public policy. Students in this course explore the relationship between law and public policy and the significance of court decisions on law and public policy. Students examine the role of administrative agencies in the creation and execution of law and public policy and the role of the courts in resolving challenges to agency rule-making; conflicts between executive and legislative branches of government; and conflicts between and among federal, state, and local laws. Students apply fundamental legal concepts and processes to the creation and execution of law and public policy.

5 credits

Statistical data indicate that people are living longer and the number of older persons is continually increasing. As the population ages, society must prepare to address their needs. Students in this course are provided with a multidisciplinary approach to the study of aging in contemporary societies. Students examine the biological, psychological, social, and societal contexts of aging. They also explore the historical and cross-cultural perspectives on aging, social theories of aging, managing chronic diseases, cognitive changes associated with aging, mental health issues, sexuality, and social interactions. Through a series of taskforce reports on various topics, such as sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and elder abuse, students apply course concepts and critically examine current issues in gerontology.

5 credits per quarter for a minimum of 3 quarters until completion

Doctoral students are offered the opportunity to integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study in this course. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and dissertation. Once students register for SOCW 9000, they are registered each term until successful completion of the dissertation.

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until the completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

Prerequisites

• RSCH 8100
• RSCH 8200
• RSCH 8300

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 8002 or SOCW 8002W

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9001A or SOCW 8601

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9002A or SOCW 8602

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9003A or SOCW 8603

1 credit

[Under development]

Prerequisites

• SOCW 9004A or SOCW 8604