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MSW Course Curriculum

Fall 1st Year (15 semester hrs)
SWK 500. Collaborative Strengths Based Relationships in Social Work Practice (and lab)(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 ( 15 semester hrs)
SWK 501. Clinical Practice I: Solution-Focused/Client-Directed Practice with Individuals and Families (3) Achieving the intent and goals of the social work relationship through solution focused practice. Skiills Lab SWKL501 (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, andsexual orientation in the social work relationship.

Fall 2nd Year (16 or 17 semester hrs)
SWK 502. Clinical Practice II: Group Work (3) The structure and processes of therapy, support, and socialization with groups including a range of practice models. SWKL502 Clinical Practice Lab (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 hour placement in clinical social work position with supervision. Seminar focus on application of professional knowledge and clinical technique.

SWK Elective (2 or 3)

Spring 2nd Year (16 or 17 semester hrs)
SWK 503. Clinical Practice III: Families (3) Social work practice with families including parent child dynamics and the social context. SWKL503 Clinical Practice III Lab (1)

SWK 508. Research Paper and Presentation (2) Major paper and presentation in conference setting. Built upon work in SWK506, 507.

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 focus on application of professional knowledge and clinical technique.

SWK Elective (2 or 3)