MSW Course Descriptions

 

SOWK 5111. Foundation Field Practicum I.

This course is supervised beginning generalist social work practice. Students apply knowledge gained in an online integrative seminar to their work with individuals, families, groups, and communities for a minimum of 360 contact hours at a human service agency. Prerequisite: SOWK 5309 and SOWK 5310 both with grades of "B" or better. Corequisite: SOWK 5376 with a grade of "B" or better.

1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300E. Social Work and Health Care.

This elective course provides a generalist view of social work practice in mental health and public health, considering the social problems that affect health care, and ethical and effective intervention strategies and service delivery systems. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300F. International Social Work.

This course covers advanced theoretical and practical approaches to empowerment, social and economic justice, and human rights. Particular cultures and specific global problems are examined in-depth to promote student acquisition of an international worldview for human global change based on social work values and research-informed practice.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300G. Ghana: Human Rights and Social Justice Applied.

This graduate course focuses on applied social justice and human rights in a global context from an interdisciplinary standpoint in Ghana. The course involves both experiential and classroom learning with a significant international-based service learning component that intentionally integrates community service, academic learning, and civic learning.

3 Credit Hours. 12 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300H. Comparative Social Work Ethics in Canterbury.

This course assists students in expanding an intermediate level of knowledge, values, and skills in the area of ethics in social work. The NASW Code of Ethics (US) and the National Codes of Ethics from the International Federation of Social Workers are used.

3 Credit Hours. 12 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300I. Social Work and Social Services in Canterbury.

The purpose of this course is to assist the student in exploring social work processes, social service provision and services to special populations in Canterbury, England. Agency visits or primary research will guide learning.

3 Credit Hours. 12 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300J. Introduction to Trauma Informed Care.

This advanced course focuses on culturally relevant knowledge and skills for theory-based, therapeutic assessment and intervention with diverse families and groups. The course emphasizes systemic, critical analysis of contemporary mental health practice using a psychosocial, strengths-based framework. Prerequisite: SOWK 5411 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300K. Innovative Community Engagement with Vulnerable Populations.

This service-learning, Study-in-America course will require students to identify, examine, and critically analyze social service programs which provide services to vulnerable populations (persons experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, criminal justice issues, etc). Additional components of the course include travel to and participation in service-learning/volunteer activities in Louisiana.

3 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300M. ADVANCED INTERVENTION WITH INTIMATE PARTNERSHIPS (COUPLES).

This advanced course focuses on culturally relevant knowledge and skills for theory based, therapeutic assessment and intervention with diverse intimate partnerships. The course emphasizes systemic, critical analysis of contemporary mental health practice using a psychosocial, strengths-based framework. Prerequisite: SOWK 5411 with a grade of "C" or better and departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5300N. Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System.

This graduate elective course explores an integrated approach to social work practice in the criminal justice system. It provides a comprehensive framework of knowledge, values, and skills for effective and ethical practice serving diverse and vulnerable clients and communities. It assumes an evidence-based and strengths-oriented social justice perspective to contemporary challenges and opportunities. It engages students in a process of self-reflection that assists them in developing an individualized professional model of potential practice in this critically relevant field.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5301. School Social Work.

This course explores the role of social workers in the school setting. Students learn about the unique challenges of providing social services within the educational environment. Interventions for working with children and youth in at risk situations are also introduced and practiced. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5302. Hip Hop and Social Justice for Individual and Community Change.

Contemporary issues of equity and justice are investigated for potential influences on health and well-being. Students will compare professional application of Hip Hop integrated strategies within therapeutic, education, physical health, and afterschool and summer programs. Students will learn the interdisciplinary aspects of community-based strategies to promote equity and justice. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5303. Spirituality in Social Work Practice.

This course provides an advanced-level framework of knowledge, values, and skills necessary for ethical and effective spiritually-relevant practice. It examines spirituality as an integral component of a strengths-based approach to social work practice with diverse and/or vulnerable clients. It integrates a contemporary global perspective with critical analysis and assessment. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5304. Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research & Practice.

The course examines theory, practice and research in adventure therapy and engages the learner in hands on practice experience in outdoor, adventure therapy activities. The course guides students towards best practices in the use of adventure therapy as an innovative intervention that can be used in social work practice and other disciplines, with individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5308. Human Behavior in Individual and Family Social Environments.

This foundation graduate course presents individual and family dynamics across the life cycle, centering on human development, individual and group strengths, and the effects of cultural diversity. It enhances critical thinking and assessment skills about human behavior in social environments, and incorporates material on professional values, ethics, and social justice. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5309. Human Behavior in Local and Global Social Environments.

This foundation graduate course explores human functioning in the environment by studying families, groups, communities, organizations, and societies in local and global contexts. Through learning content on diversity, populations at risk, and social and economic justice, students build critical thinking and assessment skills using developmental and eco-systems frameworks. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5310. Social Welfare Policy and Services.

This foundation course studies the United States’ social welfare system, emphasizing how social welfare policies affect diverse populations. Topics include social welfare history; and policy development, implementation, evaluation, and values.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5312. Social Work Intervention in Drug Addiction & Abuse.

This course focuses on commonly used and abused drugs as well as the dynamics and treatment of addiction. It emphasizes social work intervention aimed at addiction prevention and treatment.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5313. Foundation Social Work Practice I.

This foundation course explores generalist social work theory and practice methodology in problem-solving with individuals, families, and groups, emphasizing data collection, assessment, intervention planning, and evaluation.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5314. Foundation Social Work Practice II.

This foundation skill-development course emphasizes generalist social work practice with task groups, organizations, and communities.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5315. Social Work Intervention in Child Abuse & Neglect.

This course considers child welfare services available to abused and neglected children in their own homes, in substitute care, and through the community, emphasizing social work intervention with children and their families.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5316. Foundation Social Work Practice III.

This foundation course develops the student’s interpersonal and communication skills with clients and other professionals. Students must demonstrate competence in interviewing, assessment, and planning skills. Students learn to collect data to support assessment, plan intervention, and evaluate practice. Prerequisite: Department approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5317. Social Work Research.

This foundation course builds introductory scientific research skills in critical thinking and knowledge of program and practice evaluation. It prepares students to read, interpret, and critique research with skepticism and rigor and to perform various research and social work practice activities. Prerequisite: SOWK 5308 and SOWK 5313 both with grades of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5319. Diagnostic Assessment.

This advanced course examines how individuals, families, and groups interact with the social environment, emphasizing mental health and adaptive capacity, theories of the etiology and development of mental and emotional disorders, and how culture affects mental health. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5320. Advanced Administrative Leadership Practice I: Introduction to Management.

This advanced skill-development course emphasizes social work practice in managing small and large organizations. Students develop knowledge and skills in social work management and supervision in non-profit and public organizations. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5322. Advanced Social Policy and Social Justice.

This advanced course, a study of social legislation affecting disadvantaged persons, emphasizes policy analysis, values, and advocacy through studying social policy history; developing, implementing, and evaluating policy; and influencing social and economic justice. (MULT) Prerequisite: Department approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5323. Advanced Social Work Research.

This advanced course builds knowledge and skills for systematically evaluating programs and practice. It enhances effective and ethical social work practice by teaching skills necessary to design, implement, and empirically assess intervention with client and programs. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5324. Advanced Direct Practice with Families.

This advanced course focuses on theories, research, and models of practice with families. It emphasizes a systems orientation to assessment and intervention, and integrates issues of self-awareness and human diversity. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5325. Advanced Administrative Leadership Practice III: Challenges and Innovations.

This advanced course expands knowledge and skills by exploring how theories, supervision and management interventions, and social work values are applied to diverse organizational environments. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5326. MC/MP Advanced Direct Practice with Individuals.

This advanced course examines intervention theories and builds specialized skills for effective, ethical practice with individuals. It examines how culture influences individuals, and discusses how to assess individuals from multiple perspectives. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5327. Advanced Direct Practice with Groups.

This advanced course develops effective, ethical group practice skills, including assessment from multiple perspectives, facilitation of group process and intervention, evaluation, and addressing needs of diverse populations. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5328. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Aging.

This interdisciplinary course provides a graduate-level foundation in knowledge and skills used to address a wide range of needs among the aging population, their families, and support systems. Biophysical, psychosocial, and environmental perspectives will be integrated into development of culturally competent approaches to work with elders in many fields.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5329. Organizational Development.

This advanced course examines organizational and inter-organizational social service delivery contexts; how funding, mandate, and organizational arrangements influence services; and factors to consider in modifying existing organizations. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5332. Helping Troops Transition Back to their Families and Communities: The Invisible Wounds of War.

The course examines topics at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels related to troops who are returning from current combat operations and their families. It reviews the needs, community resources, and policies in place for helping them and their families make this transition.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5339. Selected Topics in Social Work.

Students study relevant social work topics in depth. Topics, such as social work in schools or in health care, are selected according to students’ needs and professional trends. Repeatable for credit.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5360. Directed Study in Social Work.

This one-semester course highlights individualized reading, independent study and projects, and guided instruction. It is offered by invitation of the professor and with the consent of the MSW Coordinator. It may not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5370. Advanced Program Planning and Grant-Based Resource Development.

This advanced course emphasizes social work practice in building and developing non-profit and public human services organizations. Course topics include: determining organizational needs and priorities; identifying resources to address needs and priorities; and pursuing grant-funded resources to address organizational needs. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5371. Advanced Assessment, Leadership, and Supervision in Social Service Organizations.

This advanced course focuses on observational and interview-based evaluations of organizational functioning related to change, diversity, ethical decision-making, budgeting, and implementation of action plans. The course also focuses on development of supervisory strategies to effectively lead and transform an organization. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5372. Advanced Diagnostic Assessment and Intervention with Individuals.

This advanced course focuses on culturally relevant diagnostic assessment of and intervention with individuals based on current theory. The course emphasizes critical analysis of contemporary mental health practice using a psychosocial framework. (MULT) Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5373. Advanced Intervention with Families and Groups.

This advanced course focuses on culturally-relevant knowledge and skills for theory-based, therapeutic assessment and intervention with diverse families and groups. The course emphasizes systemic, critical analysis of contemporary mental health practice using a psychosocial, strengths-based framework. (MULT) Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5376. Foundation Field Practicum I.

This course is an integrative seminar for generalist social work practice in social service agencies applying micro, mezzo, and macro level knowledge. The content of the course includes social work competencies, ethical values, professional development, and basic knowledge of social work practice and the profession overall. Prerequisite: SOWK 5308 with a grade of "C" or better and SOWK 5313 with a grade of "B" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5378. Advanced Field Practicum 1.

This course is the first part of the advanced MSW field practicum in which students participate in a field seminar course in conjunction with completing field practicum hours at an agency. Field seminar provides the opportunity for students to apply and critically analyze social work knowledge gained in core. Prerequisites: SOWK 5322 and SOWK 5323 and SOWK 5370 and SOWK 5371 and SOWK 5372 and SOWK 5373 all with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 3.0 Overall GPA. Corequisite: SOWK 5379 or SOWK 5979 either with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5379. Advanced Field Practicum 2.

This course is taken in conjunction with SOWK 5378 as Part I of the advanced/final field practicum courses for part-time students requiring completion of a minimum of 250 hours of internship in a social service agency. This course requires application of classroom knowledge to address complex level social justice issues. Prerequisite: SOWK 5322 and SOWK 5323 and SOWK 5370 and SOWK 5371 and SOWK 5372 and SOWK 5373 all with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 3.0 Overall GPA. Corequisite: SOWK 5378 with a grade of "C" or better.

3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
 

SOWK 5411. Foundation Field II (Concurrent).

This second foundation course continues supervised generalist social work practice in agencies for a minimum of 250 clock hours, applying classroom knowledge to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Prerequisites: SOWK 5410 with a grade of "C" or better and departmental approval.

4 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 20 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

SOWK 5577. Foundation Field Practicum II.

This course provides experiential learning opportunities through application of complex micro, mezzo, and macro level knowledge in social service agencies. This is the second course of the foundation practicum sequence, and requires completion of 200 hours. Prerequisite: SOWK 5308 with a grade of "C" or better and SOWK 5313 with a grade of "B" or better. Corequisite: SOWK 5376 with a grade of "B" or better.

5 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 24 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
 

SOWK 5679. Advanced Field Practicum 2.

This is the second part of the advanced practicum course sequence for part-time students requiring completion of a minimum of 250 hours in a social service agency. This course continues the experiential learning process initiated in SOWK 5379 including application of classroom knowledge to address complex level social justice issues. Prerequisite: SOWK 5378 and SOWK 5379 both with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 3.0 Overall GPA.

6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
 

SOWK 5979. Advanced Field Practicum 2.

This course is taken in conjunction with SOWK 5378 as part of the advanced/final field practicum courses for full-time students requiring completion of a minimum of 250 hours of internship in a social service agency. This course requires application of classroom knowledge to address complex level social justice issues. Prerequisite: SOWK 5322 and SOWK 5323 and SOWK 5370 and SOWK 5371 and SOWK 5372 and SOWK 5373 all with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 3.0 Overall GPA. Corequisite: SOWK 5378 with a grade of "C" or better.

9 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 35 Lab Contact Hours.
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit