MSW Course Descriptions

Fall 1st Year

SWK 500 Clinical Practice 1: Collaborative Strengths-Based Solution-Focused Relationships in Social Work Practice (and lab SWKL 500)(4) Establishing social work relationships which respect diversity and uniqueness with individuals, groups, families and communities while building upon strengths and resiliency.

SWK 513 The Idea of Social Work: History, Philosophy and Theory of Social Work Practice (3)The historical and intellectual background of current practice theories and the organizational context of social work practice.

SWK 514 Social Policy and Service Organizations (2)
Analysis of social policy issues related to the social, community and organizational context of social work services.

SWK 520 Life Transitions and Human Development in the Social Environment (3)
Understanding the life course from perspectives that combine social, biological and psychological knowledge.

SWK 516 Ethical Principles in Social Work Practice (1)
The philosophical basis of professional ethics with specific consideration of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

SWK 509 Pre -Field Graduate Seminar (2)
Establishing field placement, learning in the field setting, use of supervision and general preparation for field practicum. Leadership lecture series is an ongoing component of graduate seminar in each semester.

Spring 1st Year

SWK 501 Clinical Practice II: Solution-Focused Social Work Practice with Couples, Families, Groups, and Communities (3)
Achieving the intent and goals of the social work relationship through solution focused practice. Skills Lab SWKL501 Clinical Practice Lab II (1)

SWK 506 Research in Clinical Practice I: Evaluating Social Work Practice (3)
Elements of clinical research in social work including design, ethical issues, and understanding findings.

SWK 510 Field Instruction and Graduate Seminar I (5)
300 hour placement in clinical social work position with supervision. Seminar focus on application of professional knowledge and clinical technique.

SWK 522 Social Diversity and Social Work Practice (3)
Implications of social diversity, including values, lifestyles, gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, culture, spirituality, and sexual orientation in the social work relationship.

Fall 2nd Year

SWK 502 Clinical Practice III: Cognitive, Behavioral, and Motivational Social Work Practice (3) The structure and processes of therapy, support, and socialization with groups including a range of practice models. SWKL502 Clinical Practice Lab III (1)

SWK 521 Mental Health and Psychopathology: Assessment and Differential Diagnostics(3) Utilization of the DSM IV in making differential diagnosis and mental status assessments .Basic psychotropic medications introduced.

SWK 507 Research in Clinical Practice II: Field Research (2) Design and implementation of research processes in field settings

SWK 511 Field Instruction and Graduate Seminar II (5)
300 hr placement in clinical social work position with supervision. Seminar focused on application of professional knowledge and clinical technique.

SWK Elective (2 or 3)

Spring 2nd Year

SWK 503 Clinical Practice IV: Integrated Motivational, Cognitive, and Solution-Focused Practice (3)
Social work practice with families including parent child dynamics and the social context. SWKL503 Clinical Practice Lab IV (1)

SWK 523 Organizational Context of Clinical Social Work Practice: Management, Financing, Marketing and Policy (3)
Social work service delivery and finance in public and private organizations, including grant development.

SWK 512 Field Instruction and Graduate Seminar III (5)
300 hr placement in clinical social work position with supervision. Seminar focused on application of professional knowledge and clinical technique.

SWK Elective (2 or 3)