This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Nicole Lynn Lee, Ph.D.
Director, M.S.W. Program
Program mission and profession purpose and values
The VCU School of Social Work offers a graduate professional curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education leading to the Master of Social Work degree. The mission of the M.S.W. program at VCU is to educate students for advanced practice in either clinical social work or social work administration, planning and policy practice under the guiding principle of promoting a more just society that includes a commitment to the values of diversity, ethics and competent social work practice in a multicultural society. The M.S.W. program’s mission is strongly aligned with the purpose of the social work profession in that it fully embodies and promotes the dignity and worth of the person and the empowerment and self-determination of individuals, families and communities. In addition, a strong focus on the values of diversity; social, economic and environmental justice; cultural competence/sensitivity; and the importance of human relationships are the cornerstone of the M.S.W. program mission statement. This mission is consistent with and reflected throughout the NASW Code of Ethics.
Upon completion of the M.S.W. program, students will possess the knowledge, skills, values and ethics that guide the core practice standards of the VCU School of Social Work, NASW and CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation standards. The curriculum fosters student learning about human rights through course work that addresses poverty and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons. The program curriculum promotes human and community well-being by providing courses focused on service to and empowerment of people who experience oppression or vulnerability due to inadequate or inequitable distribution of personal, social or institutional resources. This perspective is infused across the curriculum. Within this context, social work practice is defined as the application of professional knowledge, skills and values across a range of settings and populations for the prevention and amelioration of personal and social problems. The curriculum connects with the profession’s purpose of using scientific inquiry within the practice setting by providing students with practice knowledge based upon the analysis of critical application of qualitative and quantitative research from within the profession and related social, behavioral and biological sciences. The interactions among persons and their environments are the primary targets of social work practice and students obtain critical skills to provide services including the restoration, rehabilitation, maintenance and enhancement of the functioning of individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations.
Program modalities
The VCU School of Social Work provides two modalities in which students may earn the Master of Social Work degree. The fully online modality offers students course work that is asynchronous with some synchronous virtual meeting sessions. The traditional, or face-to-face modality, requires students to attend weekly face-to-face classes. Both modalities require the completion of social work field placements. Field placements are community-based experiential learning opportunities. Most placements require students to attend face-to-face for a minimum number of hours each week.
All required M.S.W. courses (not electives) are offered in the face-to-face and online modalities. When applying to the M.S.W. program, applicants apply for the modality in which they would like to earn their M.S.W.
Additionally, some courses in the face-to-face format may be offered in a hybrid capacity in which asynchronous course work supplements in-class synchronous class sessions.
- Social Work, Master of (M.S..W.) with a concentration in administration, planning and policy practice
- Social Work, Master of (M.S..W.) with a concentration in clinical practice
Opportunities exist to combine the M.S.W. with certification and degree programs within the university as well as programs offered in conjunction with other institutions. See the Opportunities tab for additional information.
- Social Work, Master of (M.S.W.)/Gender Violence Intervention, Certificate in (Post-baccalaureate graduate certificate) [dual degree and certificate]
- Social Work, Master of (M.S.W.)/Nonprofit Management, Certificate in (Post-baccalaureate graduate certificate) [dual degree and certificate]
- Social Work, Master of (M.S.W.)/Public Health, Master of (M.P.H.) [dual degree]
- Social Work, Master of (M.S.W.)/school social work practice certification
- Social Work, Master of (M.S.W.)/Divinity, Master of from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond or the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University [dual degree]
- Social Work, Master of M.S.W.)/Juris Doctor with the University of Richmond [dual degree]
SLWK 601. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 credits. Provides a multidimensional theoretical and evidence-based approach to understanding the complex interactions of biological, psychological, spiritual, economic, political and sociocultural forces on the lives individuals, families and groups in a multicultural society. Required core curriculum course.
SLWK 602. Policy, Community and Organizational Practice I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. First of two generalist courses on social policy, policy practice and practice in communities and organizations. Surveys historical evolution of social welfare policy and contemporary provision of social welfare services, including the role of values in policy formulation and principles of social and economic justice. Introduces the social work role as change agent in legislative, community and organizational arenas. Uses social/behavioral knowledge and social work intervention models and applies analytical frameworks for assessing program, organizational and policy effectiveness. Develops skills in identification of need, designing strategies for change and policy analysis.
SLWK 603. Power, Privilege and Oppression. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enhances understanding of and appreciation for diversity in self and others. Addresses issues of power, inequality, privilege and resulting oppression. Analyzes oppression resulting from persistent social, educational, political, religious, economic and legal inequalities. Focuses on the experiences of oppressed groups in the U.S. in order to understand their strengths, needs and responses. Uses a social justice perspective for the study of and practice with oppressed groups. Required direct practice core curriculum course.
SLWK 604. Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credit hours. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 601, SLWK 602 and SLWK 603. Introduces basic knowledge, skills and values necessary to provide a range of restorative, rehabilitative, maintenance and enhancement services in social work practice with individuals, families and groups. Introduces selected practice theories and models to guide intervention. Emphasizes the multidimensional and diverse contexts in which problems and needs are assessed and in which intervention occurs. Required direct practice core curriculum course.
SLWK 605. Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 604 with minimum grade of C. Extends application of beginning knowledge and skills to the phases of intervention with groups and families. Presents knowledge and skills of environmental intervention and termination. Introduces additional selected theories and models for social work practice with individuals, families and groups with attention to special populations and practice evaluation. Required direct practice core curriculum course.
SLWK 606. Policy, Community and Organizational Practice II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 602 with minimum grade of C. The second of two generalist courses on social policy, policy practice and practice in communities and organizations. Examines values and ethical dilemmas facing professional social workers in organizations, communities and policy-making arenas. Explores legislative/political processes. Develops skills in legislative lobbying, advocacy, design of change strategies and tactics, policy analysis and task group leadership. Emphasizes reciprocal effects of policy on social work practice and implications for social and economic justice.
SLWK 607. Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups for Advanced-standing Students. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 credits. Prerequisite: admission to the advanced standing program. Corequisites: SLWK 608, 611 and 612. Students review approaches, principles, techniques and theories of micro social work practice and human behavior. Emphasis is on commonalties and differences among practice modalities, including differential assessment, intervention and evaluation of outcomes. Course includes weekly field instruction integrating seminar. This course is offered during the summer only. Required advanced standing program core curriculum course.
SLWK 608. Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities for Advanced-standing Students. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: admission to the Advanced Standing Program. Corequisites: SLWK 607, 611 and 612. Presents social work theory and practice focusing on social policy, communities, agencies and interventions in light of principles of social and economic justice. Introduces and analyzes the social work role of policy practitioner with its specific skills and tasks. Demonstrates the importance of understanding the community and the agency in social work practice. Provides skill building in advocacy, planned change, and policy and organizational analysis, as well as weekly field instruction seminar. This course is offered during the summer only.
SLWK 609. Foundations of Research in Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 credits. Introduces the methods of social work research, including problem formulation, research designs, measurement, data collection and sampling. Focuses on the application of critical-thinking skills, diversity and research methods of clinical social work practice effectiveness. Covers evaluation of social work programs and services. Required direct practice core curriculum course.
SLWK 610. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 601 minimum grade of C. Covers the life course from conception through late adulthood and/or death. Focuses on the influences of biological, psychological, spiritual, economic, political and sociocultural forces on individual and family coping and adaptation. Provides a multidimensional, multicultural perspective on the behavior of individuals and families based on theory and research with identification of the risk and protective mechanisms that influence development. Required core curriculum course.
SLWK 611. Social Work Research for Advanced-standing Students. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 credits. Prerequisite: admission to the advanced standing program. Corequisites: SLWK 607, 608 and 612. Reviews approaches to scientific inquiry in the development of knowledge for social work practice; problem formulation; concepts and operational definitions; measurement validity and reliability; selected social work research designs; planned data collection strategies and procedures. Required advanced standing program core curriculum course.
SLWK 612. Advanced Standing Field Instruction. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Corequisites: SLWK 607, SLWK 608 and SLWK 611. Enrollment is restricted to students admitted to the advanced standing program. Reviews generalist-level knowledge, attitudes and skills acquired through social work education at the undergraduate level. Requires application, refinement and the active use of content from the advanced standing curriculum through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the generalist foundation curriculum.
SLWK 692. Independent Study. 1-6 Hours.
Semester course; 1-6 credits. Maybe be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: M.S.W. foundation standing and permission of instructor and M.S.W. program director. The student will be required to submit a proposal for study in an identified practice area or for exploration of a specific problem in social work not ordinarily included in the Master of Social Work curriculum. The results of the student’s study will be presented in a format determined by the instructor and student to be most effective for assessing study educational objectives/competencies and outcomes. A maximum of four independent study courses may be included in a student’s educational program.
SLWK 693. Generalist Field Instruction I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 604. Provides opportunities to master essential social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the generalist curriculum.
SLWK 694. Generalist Field Instruction II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 693 with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 605. Provides opportunities to master essential social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the generalist curriculum.
SLWK 695. Block Generalist Field Instruction. 6 Hours.
Semester course; 6 field experience hours. 6 credits. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 605. Provides opportunities to master essential social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes the integration of content from all areas of the generalist curriculum.
SLWK 703. Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612. This course reviews the epidemiology, etiology, classification (using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V) and course of a range of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders and conditions across the life span and the relevance of this knowledge to social work across practice settings. It emphasizes a biopsychosocialspiritual assessment, a risk and protective factors framework, a critical analysis of existing and emerging theory, the impact of difference and diversity, an appreciation of the lived experience of these challenges for clients and their families, and the practical implications of this knowledge for relationship-building and treatment planning as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. Introduces knowledge of psychopharmacology. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.
SLWK 704. Clinical Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 703. Provides a multitheoretical orientation to intervention across fields of practice with individuals, families, couples and groups. Emphasizes contemporary psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral approaches and their empirical support. Focuses on multidimensional assessment and the differential application of therapeutic, supportive, educational and resource-management strategies to complex problems of children, youth and adults. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.
SLWK 705. Clinical Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 704 with minimum grade of C. Continues a multitheoretical orientation to intervention across fields of practice with emphasis on integrated family systems theory and multidimensional family assessment. Focuses on differential application of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and family systems theories to a range of complex client problems and concerns with attention to diverse populations. Introduces basic knowledge of pharmacology related to social work intervention. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.
SLWK 706. Research for Clinical Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Review of statistical inference and decision-making using univariate and bivariate techniques. Introduction to computer applications for quantitative data and methods of analysis of qualitative data. Application of ethical standards for research involving human participants. Further development of critical-thinking skills in using empirical literature. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.
SLWK 707. Research for Clinical Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 706 with minimum grade of C. Further development of critical-thinking skills for translating research findings into practice principles and measuring outcomes of clinical practice. Focus on data collection, data analysis, presentation of visual and statistical techniques for qualitative and quantitative research methods, and utilization of findings for improving clinical social work practice. Continued application of statistical inference, integration of empirical research findings and decision-making. Required advanced clinical core curriculum course.
SLWK 710. Concentration Social Policy. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Focuses on advanced policy analysis through an in-depth, focused examination of a particular social policy area or population. Extends basic knowledge and skills of policy formulation, development and impact analysis/evaluation, as these affect practice on behalf of clients. Examines diversity of policy sources; value, political and economic determinants; policy formulation processes; the policy basis for current services; a broad range of potential need domains; and current programs and laws. Integrates knowledge of human behavior and the social environment relevant to the focal policy areas and pays special attention to issues of social and economic justice. Examines current policy issues, advocacy efforts related to these issues and practice strategies for effecting change.
SLWK 711. Strategies for Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Develops leadership and planning skills that guide the implementation of policy and practice in community and organizational settings. Present problem-solving strategies for planning, administration and management of community and organizational resources. Emphasizes planning context for diverse settings. Provides knowledge and skill for human and fiscal resource responsibilities, including fund raising. Examines ethical and justice implications of planning and administrative practice.
SLWK 712. Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Pre- or co-requisites: SLWK 711 and SLWK 714. Presents knowledge and skills for social work leadership in administering, developing and advocating social service policies and programs that are socially and economically just. Examines underlying assumptions, political, value and ethical considerations in social service planning. Presents knowledge of organizational theories and analyzes the political context of problem solving in the internal and external environments of organizations and programs. Focuses on community and organizational planning theories and models of intervention in assessing needs, analyzing problems, determining feasibility and identifying emergent dilemmas. Emphasizes development of critical thinking and self-awareness about role responsibilities and ethical positions for organizational and community leadership at local, state, national and international levels.
SLWK 713. Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 712 with minimum grade of C. Continues development of knowledge and skills begun in prerequisite course. Examines traditional and alternative strategies in formulating proposals to address human needs. Emphasizes multiple program designs (e.g., direct service, advocacy, staff development and training, and community empowerment programs). Incorporates understandings of policies, community, and organizational behavior and change, and leadership styles and skills. Analyzes feasibility of interorganizational partnerships and community relationships. Focuses on financial and human resource acquisition and mobilization, monitoring, accountability and evaluation.
SLWK 714. Research for Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. This course provides students with advanced knowledge and skills to carry out evaluations of social work programs and services. Building on the contents covered in SLWK 609 or equivalent, the course helps students to design and execute an independent research project. Major topics include types of evaluation, evaluation theory and design, and research proposal development that can be employed to improve the quality and delivery of social work policy, programs and services. Special attention is given to the student’s quest to understand and apply statistical analyses to questions of interest. The course will also address social and economic justice, value and ethical concerns involving human participants, and issues related to diverse populations at risk that arise in evaluation research.
SLWK 715. Research for Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 714 with minimum grade of C. This course provides students with advanced knowledge and skills to carry out evaluations of social work programs and services. Building on the contents covered in SLWK 609 or equivalent, the course helps students to design and execute an independent research project. Major topics include types of evaluation, evaluation theory and design, and research proposal development that can be employed to improve the quality and delivery of social work policy, programs and services. Special attention is given to the student’s quest to understand and apply statistical analyses to questions of interest. The course will also address social and economic justice, value and ethical concerns involving human participants, and issues related to diverse populations at risk that arise in evaluation research.
SLWK 716. Concentration Social Policy for Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite(s): SLWK 693 and 694; or SLWK 695; or SLWK 612. Extends SLWK 602 through 606 content on policy practice, organizations, communities and advocacy. Critically analyzes traditional and alternative theories and models of the policy-making process. Demonstrates how the policy process is the core principle for decision-making in agencies, communities and legislatures. Develops advanced skills in policy analysis, policy formulation and place practice including advocacy. Emphasizes the relationship and impact of economic policies on clients, communities and agencies in light of principles of social and economic justice. Analyzes current regulatory and agency policies and their implications for policy practice/advocacy for effecting change.
SLWK 717. Social Work Practice in the School Setting. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Emphasizes knowledge and skills of school social work practice with diverse populations in urban and rural school settings. Uses an ecological explanatory theoretical perspective to conceptualize the interdependence of school, family and community as complex interdependent systems that guide evidence-based practice interventions. Integrates a strengths-based social justice perspective for school-based concerns related to violence, racism, sexism, poverty and their impact on children and youth in educational settings. Advanced clinical elective and core curriculum course for school social work practice certification.
SLWK 718. Social Work Practice in Child Welfare. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Identifies the major social, demographic and economic changes in child welfare services that impact children -- a vulnerable population -- and their families. Builds on explanatory theories and related skill sets required for effective service delivery. Primary service areas are intervention, family preservation, child protection and permanency planning. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 719. Gender and Substance Abuse: Social Work Practice Issues. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Based on the social work person-in-environment explanatory multitheoretical perspective and current research to provide a multidimensional understanding of the influence of gender roles and biological sex in vulnerability to substance abuse and related problems. Evidence-based theory approaches are utilized to identify and address the effects of substance abuse and related problems for men, women and children. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 725. International Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 694, SLWK 695 or SLWK 612. This course is to build students’ competencies in international social work practice at micro, mezzo and macro levels, while providing opportunities to apply social work theories, values and concepts to various global social justice issues, both local and international. Students will gain knowledge and skills for critically examining various approaches to intervening in global social issues as well as experience in analyzing the efficacy of such interventions and policy. Students will also build cross-/multicultural competencies for working with international communities and linking local and international efforts to empower socially and economically disadvantaged communities and advance human rights and global, social, economic and environmental justice.
SLWK 726. Social Work Practice and Health Care. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Focuses on social work practice in a variety of health care settings with a range of explanatory theories conceptualizing health care issues and identifies related interventions from prevention and health promotion to end-of-life care. Explores ethical and legal issues and introduces frameworks for addressing ethical dilemmas. Examines the role of the social worker on an interdisciplinary team. Examines the influence of economics, political decisions, technology, changing demographics and cultural, social and spiritual/religious experiences on individual health care decisions, access to health care and definitions of health and illness. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 727. Trauma and Social Work Practice: Theory, Assessment and Intervention. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Provides advanced explanatory theoretical knowledge and skills to explain, identify, assess and provide effective and competent evidence-based trauma intervention services to survivors of complex traumatic experiences. Focuses on the evidence-based biopsychosocial consequences of childhood sexual and physical abuse and military/war trauma experiences in daily functioning on individuals, families and groups. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 729. Substance Misuse Prevention. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and SLWK 694; or SLWK 612; or SLWK 695, each with a minimum grade of C. Enrollment is restricted to students in their specialization year or by permission of the instructor. Focuses on models and theories regarding the etiology and prevention of substance misuse and the level of empirical evidence that exists for each. Extends knowledge of diversity to substance misuse etiology, assessment and prevention approaches. Examines evidence-based prevention interventions and policies and other environmental change efforts that affect the reduction of substance misuse. Considers effective strategies for implementing evidence-based approaches in local communities.
SLWK 742. Core Concepts of Child and Adolescent Trauma. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. This course will introduce students to the core concepts (explanatory theory and foundational knowledge) that inform evidence-based assessment and intervention with traumatized children and adolescents. Strength-based practice will be highlighted along with a focus on the identification of protective and promotive factors that foster resiliency and post-traumatic growth. Trauma is broadly defined, and subjects include children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events including, but not limited to natural disasters, war, abuse and neglect, medical trauma, and witnessing interpersonal crime (e.g. domestic violence) and other traumatic events. The course will highlight the role of development, culture and empirical evidence in trauma-specific interventions with children, adolescents and their families. It will address the level of functioning of primary caregiving environments and assess the capacity of the community to facilitate restorative processes.
SLWK 743. Spirituality and Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Designed to educate students for advanced social work practice with persons of diverse religious and nonreligious perspectives of spirituality. It provides a comprehensive introduction to spiritually sensitive social work and is intended to expand the explanatory theories that inform professional social work practice. The concepts of person-in-environment and strengths become vivid as the student in practicum assesses how individuals may use spirituality to establish meaning and purpose in relation to their goals of daily living.
SLWK 744. The Dynamics of the Social Worker/Client Relationship. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 612, SLWK 694 or SLWK 695. Enrollment restricted to students in a field placement or work setting in in which they are currently delivering clinical services directly to clients. The effectiveness of all types of direct social work practice depends at least in part on the nature of the relationship between the social worker and client. This course examines in depth the many forms that such relationships can take in the context of various theories, models and strategies common to social work practice. The course reviews the positions of those theories and models with respect to the relationship with an in-depth focus on the processes of relationship development and sustainment and the complex interpersonal dynamics that can arise depending on how the social worker and client experience each other.
SLWK 745. Social Work Practice in Community Mental Health. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Provides the specialized knowledge, values and skills requisite in community mental health settings. Builds on the explanatory biopsychosocial model of mental health/illness. Focuses on current evidence-based psychotherapeutic, psychoeducational, and skill-training models and approaches used with individuals, families and groups experiencing or affected by a range of mental health problems. Examines interdisciplinary teamwork, case management, advocacy and medication management roles. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 746. Social Work Practice and Psychopharmacology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Reviews the historical, political and ethical context of psychotropic medications in social work practice. Provides an explanatory theoretical overview of psychopharmacology and social work roles and skill sets in medication management for effective collaboration with clients, families and other mental health practitioners on medication-related issues. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 747. Social Work Intervention With Adolescents. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 610; and SLWK 693 and SLWK 694, SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. This course builds upon foundational social work practice knowledge, values, methods and skills in providing a concentration on clinical practice interventions with adolescents. Three general dimensions of adolescent functioning and adaptation are addressed from a multidimensional, biopsychosocial perspective: 1) behavioral and emotional issues that fall within a range of typical adolescent adjustment; 2) internalizing problems of adolescents that interfere with functioning in interpersonal, academic and family contexts; and 3) externalizing problems of adolescence that manifest in conflictual relations with others, as well as in breaches in societal norms and rules. The course introduces and explores evidence-based practice methodologies in addressing behavioral, emotional and situational problems of adolescents and their families in a range of social work intervention settings and includes a focus on individual, family and group intervention modalities.
SLWK 748. Group Methods in Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Presents several conceptual models of therapeutic groups that explain group dynamics and processes, including evidence-based treatment, educational and mutual aid/self-help. Covers agency conditions affecting practice with groups, the planning of new groups, the multiple phases of group process, and related theory-based interventions and techniques of work with groups and group practice evaluation. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 749. Social Work Intervention in Substance Abuse. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Provides students with the physiological, emotional and behavioral manifestations of substance abuse, DSM-IV-TR-based assessment, a range of relevant evidence-based intervention strategies and the role of social workers in evaluation and intervention. Covers explanatory theory models that guide substance abuse intervention and presents screening, assessment and interventional techniques. Current research and controversies in the field are also emphasized. Advanced clinical elective course.
SLWK 755. Social Work Practice in Organizing for Social Change. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. An advanced practice course that recognizes the central role of social action in social work practice, no matter the context, and the value of social justice, no matter what client population. Built on the idea of multiple perspectives and using the Rothman model of organizing, it assumes students already possess basic policy practice and direct practice skills in order to focus on the dimensions of social action and locality development.
SLWK 759. Art Therapy in Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Focuses on explanatory theory supporting art therapy as an evidence-based approach to clinical social work intervention. Explores the models, principles and techniques of art therapy in social work practice. Examines assessment, intervention, termination and evaluation strategies that supplement traditional social work treatment, including research and specific evidence-based practice strategies for individuals, families, groups and diverse populations.
SLWK 761. Interpersonal Violence in Clinical Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and SLWK 694; or SLWK 695; or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. The purpose of this course is to increase clinical social work students' theory-based and practice knowledge and understanding of interpersonal violence as it relates to various client systems throughout the lifespan to include: prenatal exposure to interpersonal violence, child abuse and neglect, teen dating violence, intimate partner violence, children's experience with intimate partner violence, and elder abuse. The course will highlight victim and perpetrator experiences related to interpersonal violence. The course will emphasize resiliency as well as the experiences of diverse populations from a person-in-environment perspective. The course will also consider prevention strategies and relevant policy issues related to interpersonal violence.
SLWK 770. International Social Work Study Abroad. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. International study. Examines social work clinical and policy practice, social pedagogy and the social welfare system of another country that includes a field trip to the country. Examines a range of issues pertaining to the country, including: society, culture and history; social work education; the social welfare system; selected social programs; social work clinical and policy practice; and comparisons of these topics between the country and the U.S. Requires completion of several course units before the study abroad program.
SLWK 791. Topical Seminar. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with minimum grade of C. Presents and analyzes current social work practice theories and/or issues in specialized areas of interest to social work. Advanced clinical curriculum elective course.
SLWK 792. Independent Study. 1-6 Hours.
Semester course; 1-6 lecture hours. 1-6 credits. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694, or SLWK 695, or SLWK 612, each with a minimum grade of C. The student is required to submit a proposal, guided by theory, for investigation in an identified practice area or problem in social work not ordinarily included in the regular M.S.W. curriculum. The topic is proposed by the student; the number of credit hours is determined by the instructor and approved by the M.S.W. program director. The results of the study are presented in a format determined by the instructor and student and approved by the M.S.W. program director. Concentration year elective course.
SLWK 793. Specialization Field Instruction I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 704. First of a two-course sequence that provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.
SLWK 794. Specialization Field Instruction II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 field experience hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 793 with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 705. Second of a two-course sequence provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.
SLWK 795. Specialization Block Field Instruction. 6 Hours.
Semester course; 6 field experience hours. 6 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 704 with a minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisite: SLWK 705. Advanced block field instruction. Provides opportunities to master advanced social work knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum. Not available during summer terms.
SLWK 796. Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters I. 2 Hours.
Semester course; 2 field experience hours. 2 credits. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 703, SLWK 704 and SLWK 705, SLWK 706 and SLWK 707, SLWK 710, and electives; or SLWK 710, SLWK 711, SLWK 712 and SLWK 713, SLWK 714 and SLWK 715 and electives; or generalist curriculum; or permission of the instructor and M.S.W. program director. Course provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor and monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.
SLWK 797. Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters II. 2 Hours.
Semester course; 2 field experience hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 796 with minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 703, SLWK 704 and SLWK 705, SLWK 706 and SLWK 707, SLWK 710, and electives; or SLWK 710, SLWK 711, SLWK 712 and SLWK 713, SLWK 714 and SLWK 715, and electives; or generalist curriculum; or permission of the instructor and M.S.W. program director. Course provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor and monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.
SLWK 798. Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters III. 2 Hours.
Semester course; 2 field experience hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: SLWK 797 with a minimum grade of C. Pre- or corequisites: SLWK 703, SLWK 704 and SLWK 705, SLWK 706 and SLWK 707, SLWK 710, and electives; or SLWK 710, SLWK 711, SLWK 712 and SLWK 713, SLWK 714 and SLWK 715, and electives; or generalist curriculum; or permission of the instructor and M.S.W. program director. Course provides opportunities to master advanced social work application of theory knowledge, values and skills through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor and monitored by a faculty field liaison. Emphasizes integration of content from all areas of the specialization curriculum.