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The School of Social Welfare
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare offers the only comprehensive program in social work in Kansas: the professional degrees of
KU's School of Social Welfare is an excellent place to pursue your interests in professional social work education. It is the oldest school of social welfare in the state and the only one to offer degree preparation from undergraduate through doctoral degrees in social work.
Social work education began at KU in 1937. The Master of Social Work program, established in Lawrence and at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City in 1946, has been continuously accredited since 1948. The Bachelor of Social Work degree has been awarded since 1971. In 1974, the B.S.W. program became one of the first in the nation to receive accredited status. The Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting body for social work education, most recently reaccredited the B.S.W. and M.S.W. programs in 2010. The doctoral program admitted its first students in 1981.
KU’s Master of Social Work program consistently ranks among the top U.S. national public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools”. The School of Social Welfare is recognized internationally as an innovator in social work theory development and in research that makes positive contributions to our communities.
The school is housed on KU’s Lawrence campus in Twente Hall, named for nationally renowned social work educator Esther Twente, who chaired the social work department from 1946 to 1957. The school offers the M.S.W. program in Lawrence, at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City, and in western Kansas in collaboration with Fort Hays State University and Garden City Community College. The B.S.W. program is offered in Lawrence and at the KU Edwards campus.
Mission and Themes
Mission
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, rooted in the Strengths Perspective, aims to transform lives and social contexts and promote social, economic, and environmental justice in Kansas, the nation and the world. We do so by educating students to practice with integrity and competence; advancing the science and knowledge base of social work through scholarship and research; and participating in community-engaged service.
Guiding Principles and Themes
The work of the KU School of Social Welfare is guided and driven by a set of principles and values that inform our teaching, research endeavors, and service to community at various levels. These include:
Relationship Building: We engage in relationship building that fosters creativity, collaboration, and mutual learning. Relationship building is essential across practice, scholarship, education and service. We take a strengths approach as we serve our local, state, national, and global communities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We embrace the inherent worth of all people. By taking the position of cultural humility and applying the lens of intersectionality, we seek to develop and promote modes of anti-oppressive social work and dismantle structures of exclusion.
Practice with Integrity: We demonstrate our integrity and trustworthiness as scholars, educators, practitioners, and community members by promoting social work values, ethical practice, and the process of critical reflection.
Multisystem Competency: We recognize that social, economic, and environmental injustices are the root causes of inequities and multiple strategies are necessary to address these. Our work integrates micro/macro social work and builds collaboration across systems and disciplines to create multi-level change.
Critical Perspective: We engage in deliberate and continuing examination of social conditions and solutions. We use critical inquiry to analyze and challenge existing structures and systems in order to advance the field and promote social, economic, and environmental justice.
Empirically Informed Social Work: We rigorously advance empirical research that impacts the social work knowledge base. By translating and applying evidence, we continually transform practice and policy across multiple systems.
The Programs
At the University of Kansas, students have the opportunity to prepare for professional careers in social work at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The curriculum brings students from the introductory level through advanced study in clinical social work practice or social work macro practice. Under the umbrella of a practice orientation, the programs are structured to support the guiding principles and themes of the School.
Classroom work is one component of professional preparation; field placements comprise the other. Placements in social service agencies offer students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom. B.S.W. and M.S.W. students spend time in practicum settings throughout the region. Our students provide more than 250,000 hours of service to underserved populations through practicum experiences.
The goal of the doctoral program in social welfare is to prepare students to become leaders nationally and internationally in advancing social work practice and policy through research, teaching, and scholarship. Our students graduate from the program with the critical knowledge and skills they need to become innovative stewards of the discipline who generate and disseminate knowledge as researcher, scholars, and educators.
Learn more about the School of Social Welfare programs.
Student Profile
The School of Social Welfare currently has more than 500 students, approximately 150 in the B.S.W. program, 350 in the master’s program, and 30 in the Ph.D. program. More than 350 students are enrolled in field practicum settings that reflect the range of practice of professional social work. Many students enter social work as a second career after an extended period away from school.
Student Handbook
During orientation, students who are admitted to degree-seeking status are directed to the student handbook, which contains full descriptions of policies and other details.
The Profession
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective:
- Service
- Social justice
- Dignity and worth of the person
- Importance of human relationships
- Integrity
- Competence
NASW Code of Ethics
As a guide to professional conduct, the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers represents the fundamental values of the profession. The National Association of Social Workers is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world, with a membership of 130,000.
View the entire Code of Ethics or request a copy.
Resources
Area Research Offices
The school supports research and scholarship designed to impact social service delivery and policy at the local, state, and national levels. The school provides concentrated resources and expertise through its research centers and initiatives:
Faculty
The faculty’s scholarly interests, as reflected in teaching, research, and publications, span a wide range, including health, mental health, child welfare, adult and juvenile justice, gerontology, multiculturalism, women’s issues, history of social work, public policy analysis, homelessness, gender equity, poverty reduction and asset building, and macro social work including community practice and social work administration.
School of Social Welfare faculty members hold doctoral degrees in social work, social welfare, and other fields. In addition, outstanding social work practitioners serve as part-time classroom instructors, and 280 social work practitioners serve as practicum instructors.
Faculty members serve the public interest and the profession of social work as consultants and board members in professional and citizens’ organizations.
Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate program prepares graduates for generalist social work practice. The program defines generalist practice as maintaining focus on the interface between systems — individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program is offered on both the Lawrence and Edwards campus.
University Honors Program
The school encourages qualified undergraduates to participate in the University Honors Program.
Graduate Programs
The Master of Social Work program, established in Lawrence and at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City in 1946, has been continuously accredited since 1948. KU’s M.S.W. program ranked 12th among U.S. national public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools” rankings for 2017.
The doctoral program admitted its first students in 1981. It prepares students to be leaders of the profession through advanced research, scholarship, and teaching.
Financial Aid
To be eligible for financial aid, applicants should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15 (March 1 is the priority deadline), even before receiving information about acceptance. FAFSA materials can be obtained from all college or university financial aid offices or submitted online. The School of Social Welfare uses the FAFSA need determination level in making awards. For more information regarding financial aid visit the KU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship.
For Ph.D. students, financial assistance, including tuition and significant salary, is available from the school through teaching and research assistantships in research and training areas such as adult and children’s mental health, aging, child welfare, corrections, social policy, spiritual diversity, or other areas of faculty grants and interests.
Scholarships and Awards
The School of Social Welfare has several sources of financial assistance available to students who meet the various criteria. Awards are made on an annual basis and are applied directly towards tuition and fees in most instances. All students interested in applying are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1. All recipients are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students must renew their applications each year they wish to be considered.
Undergraduate University Regulations
For information about university regulations, see Regulations or visit the University of Kansas Policy Library.
For information about school regulations refer to the student handbook.
Graduation with Distinction
The top 10 percent of the graduates of the B.S.W. program each year receive degrees with distinction.
Honor Roll (Dean's List)
Students who have been accepted into the B.S.W. program, enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours during the semester, and earned a semester grade-point average in the top 20 percent of their class (junior or senior) qualify for the KU School of Social Welfare B.S.W. Dean’s List.
Guidelines for Conduct
Refer to the student handbook for specific information.
Required Work in Residence
No baccalaureate degree is granted to an undergraduate who has not completed at least 30 semester credit hours of residence courses at KU. No exceptions are granted.
To earn a bachelor’s degree from KU, you must complete the last 30 hours of credit for the degree by resident study. You may petition the B.S.W. program director for a waiver. Up to 6 hours of work taken at another institution may be accepted as part of the last 30 hours, if the hours are not in required social work courses.
Student Advancement Policy
Refer to the student handbook for specific information.
Advising
Once a student is admitted to the School of Social Welfare, an academic adviser will be assigned to assist students in the enrollment process and with other academic program requirements. Students consult with their academic adviser before enrollment each semester and have their advising hold removed by the B.S.W. program office. In addition, a member of the School’s faculty is assigned as a professional/career adviser. Current students can view their advisers on the Kyou portal.
Transfer of Credit
CredTran is a transfer course equivalency system that lists more than 2,200 colleges and universities from which KU has accepted transfer courses in the past. If your school or course is not listed, your evaluation will be completed when you are admitted to KU.
Transfer of credit allows specific course work from other accredited colleges or universities to count toward the B.S.W. degree. Decisions to accept prior credits are made by KU’s transcript evaluator during the admission process. Exceptions must be petitioned through the B.S.W. Director. Petitions must be accompanied by a catalog description and a syllabus of the course and submitted at the time of application. Community college equivalents to KU courses are available from the school or through community college counselors. A maximum of 64 credit hours from a community college may be transferred toward the B.S.W. degree.
Prior Work Experience
In accordance with national curriculum policy, prior employment and life experience may not be credited toward classroom course work or practicum requirements.
Leave of Absence and Withdrawal
Refer to the student handbook for specific information
Graduate University Regulations
For information about university regulations, see Regulations or visit the University of Kansas Policy Library.
For information about school regulations refer to the student handbook.
Guidelines for Conduct
Refer to the student handbook for specific information
Student Advancement Policy
Refer to the student handbook for specific information
Leave of Absence and Withdrawal
Refer to the student handbook for specific information
Employment Opportunities
Some employment opportunities for social workers include:
- Practice in health care systems and settings.
- Child protection, foster care, and adoption services.
- Service in community centers, juvenile courts, and residential treatment centers.
- Women’s counseling and shelter facilities.
- Family services, substance abuse, illness, and unemployment services.
- Community services for people with mental illness.
- Services for the elderly in home care, nursing homes, and senior centers.
- Community practice and social change.
- Services for offenders and their families in community corrections programs.
- Leadership in human service organizations and policy settings.
Courses
SW 177. First Year Seminar: _____. 3 Hours GE11.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in social work. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status. LEC.
SW 210. Contemporary Social Topics: _____. 1-3 Hours.
This course provides the opportunity for experimentation with innovative course content and unique learning strategies in accordance with guidelines established by faculty. Subjects offered as topics include Training for Diversity, Organizing in Underserved Communities, etc. LEC.
SW 220. Social Work, Social Welfare and U.S. Society. 3 Hours SF GE3S / S.
An introduction to the field of social welfare and its relationship to the social work profession, charged with carrying out its primary missions. Specific social welfare policies will be analyzed, particularly as those policies affect individuals and families in need. LEC.
SW 303. Human Sexuality in Everyday Life. 3 Hours GE3S.
An introductory course which focuses on assisting students to understand their own and others' sexual development and expression, as found in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Physiological, psychological, and social/cultural aspects of human sexuality will be reviewed. The format of the course will include: lectures, discussion, value clarification exercises, and the use of explicit audio-visual materials. LEC.
SW 310. Managing Stress: Principles and Techniques for Coping, Prevention, and Wellness. 3 Hours.
Covers major stress-management techniques, helping others cope with stress, and promoting wellness. Concepts, theories, and models of stress, psychological basis for stress, relationship between personality and stress, family and social stress, job stress, dissatisfaction, and burnout are discussed. LEC.
SW 410. Professional Writing Skills in Social Work. 3 Hours.
Students learn the principles of organizing, developing, writing and revising documentation for different professional social work settings. Student will master basic writing skills and become proficient in several types of social work writing styles. LEC.
SW 420. Social Work in Urban Settings. 3 Hours.
Students gain knowledge about the historical and current relationships between the definition of social problems, the development of social welfare policies, and the delivery of social services in urban settings. Students will learn to access current policies and practices as they impact local communities in the Kansas City area. LEC.
SW 455. Topics in Social Welfare: _____. 1-3 Hours.
This course covers a variety of topics on a rotating basis and provides the opportunity for experimentation with innovated course content in accordance with guidelines established by faculty. These topics may include, but are not limited to, globalization and poverty, special topics in child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice, etc. LEC.
SW 490. Directed Readings. 1-3 Hours.
Individual and supervised readings in selected areas of social welfare. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and approval by dean's office. IND.
SW 510. Fundamentals of Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Introduces the basic concepts of social work practice including the focus and context of practice, the nature of a social work relationship; basic skills and techniques common to practice such as interviewing, engagement, information gathering, etc. Introduction to problem solving and social work roles. Prerequisite: SW 530, SW 540, and SW 555. LEC.
SW 530. Human Behavior in the Social Environment. 3 Hours AE61.
A study of theoretical frameworks for understanding human behavior. The theories include the developmental stages across the life cycle, abnormal behavior compared to normal, analysis of family and societal processes and their effects on the individual, and individual behavior in relation to social class, ethnicity, and cultural background. Junior social work classification required. LEC.
SW 532. Community and Organizational Dynamics and Human Behavior. 3 Hours AE61.
An analysis of community and organizational life with emphasis on human behavior dynamics. Systems operation and change are considered and related to social functioning, especially as it impinges on social welfare objectives. Junior social work classification required. LEC.
SW 540. Fundamentals of Social Work Research. 3 Hours AE61.
An examination of the basic concepts and principles of scientific inquiry as applied to the social work profession's quest for and utilization of knowledge. Positivistic and naturalistic methods of inquiry are covered. Other content includes conceptualization, operationalization, sample design, ethics, and culturally sensitive research practice. Junior social work classification required. LEC.
SW 541. Social Work Research Seminar. 3 Hours AE61.
Focus is on applying material learned in SW 540 to the critique of empirical work in the social work arena and to the development of a proposal for a practice-based research project. Emphasis on assessing relevance of research to special populations. Content on the interpretation of graphs, tables, and statistical measures provided. Prerequisite: SW 540. LEC.
SW 555. Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice: Culturally Competent Social Work. 3 Hours AE41.
This course will provide the conceptual, theoretical and empirical knowledge base related to difference, oppression, social justice and empowerment. This knowledge is necessary for culturally competent social work practice in a multicultural society. Junior social work classification required. LEC.
SW 556. Diversity, Oppression and Social Justice. 3 Hours AE41.
This course offers non-social work majors the opportunity to explore conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge related to differences based upon race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. The course explores the interplay of social and cultural identities, societal power relations, and other societal forces as they impact human functioning. Assignments and lectures in this course are geared toward helping students develop an informed world view of human diversity and its impact on our own lives and the lives of others. LEC.
SW 560. Study Abroad Topics: _____. 3 Hours.
This course provides the opportunity for Study Abroad in developed and developing countries such as Costa Rica, India, Ireland, Italy, and South Korea. Junior Social Work classification required. LEC.
SW 601. Field Practicum. 6 Hours AE61.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide generalist practice opportunities under the supervision of a qualified field instructor. This provides students with the opportunity to apply and test social work knowledge, values, and skills within an approved practice setting in order to gain competency as beginning social workers. This course is taken for two semesters (fall-spring), with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Enrollment in this course must be concurrent with enrollment in SW 610 and SW 612. FLD.
SW 610. Social Work Practice Seminar I. 3 Hours.
Focuses on learning and implementing the problem-solving and interaction models of practice to be applied to individuals, families, and small groups. Concurrent with SW 601, practicum; students bring issues with clients to class for discussion. Open only to BSW seniors. Prerequisite: SW 510. LEC.
SW 612. Social Work Practice Seminar II. 3 Hours.
Second of two-course sequence extends the work begun in SW 610. Examines interventive strategies applicable to practice with larger systems. Models of community organization and community development are presented. Concurrent with SW 601, practicum; students work on individualized, agency-related projects. Prerequisite: SW 610. LEC.
SW 620. Social Policies and Program Analysis. 3 Hours.
Conceptual models for the analysis of social welfare problems and policies are developed. The frameworks are applied to the problem of poverty and major policies and programs developed to cope with that problem. In addition the model is used to examine social welfare problems/needs being addressed in the students' practicum agencies. The focus throughout is on the understanding and application of analytic framework. Open only to BSW seniors. LEC.
SW 621. Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy. 3 Hours.
The course builds on SW 620 using the conceptual models to examine a range of social welfare problems/needs, policies and programs. Emphasis is on advancing student's understanding and skills for using the analytic framework and building policy advocacy skills. Attention given to the role of social workers in the legislative process for shaping social welfare policies. Prerequisite: SW 620. LEC.
SW 623. Seminar in Professional Issues. 3 Hours AE51.
Seminar in the philosophy, values, and issues in contemporary social work and social welfare. Seminar will address areas such as conception of professional and professionalism, ethics and values, standards, licensing, and professional regulation, accountability and professional responsibility. Senior social work classification is required. LEC.
SW 630. Topics in Social Work Practice: Antisocial, Aggressive Behavior in Childhood and Early Adolescence. 1.5 Hour.
This course explores the theories and methods related to practice with children whose behavior is disruptive, oppositional, aggressive, or otherwise antisocial. Emphasis is placed on using protective and risk factors to design appropriate interventions. Open only to BSW seniors. LEC.
SW 631. Topics in Social Work Practice: Intimate Partner Violence. 1.5 Hour.
This course provides students with a beginning understanding of intimate partner violence including definitions, prevalence, theoretical frameworks, dynamics, and consequences for the individual, the family, the community and society. Students will develop skills required to assess, intervene, and prevent domestic violence cases. Open only to BSW seniors. LEC.
SW 632. Topics in Social Work Practice: Substance Abuse and Social Work Practice. 1.5 Hour.
This course will offer BSW students a very basic understanding of concepts associated with social work practice with people who confront challenges with alcohol and other drugs. Students will learn about substance abuse problems currently prevalent, recognize behavior related to substance abuse disorders and applicability of generalist social work practice models in developing interventions. Open only to BSW seniors LEC.
SW 633. Topics in Social Work Practice: Crisis Intervention. 1.5 Hour.
This course will provide undergraduate social work students with a basic introduction to crisis intervention, including theoretical models, the evolution and use of crisis theory and the design of interventions across a broad range of crisis situations. Open only to BSW seniors. LEC.
SW 690. Professional Education Topics in Social Welfare: _____. 0.5-3 Hours.
Current topics supplementing general social work knowledge of professionals in the field. Subjects offered as topics include: Addictions and Professional Enabling, Dynamics of Change, Computer Skills for Social Services Budgeting, Short Term Social Work Interaction. LEC.
SW 701. Basic Field Practicum. 4 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide generalist practice opportunities that prepare students for entry into the advanced level of either clinical social work practice or macro practice. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to apply and test social work knowledge, values, and skills. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to first-level M.S.W. students. Enrollment must be concurrent with enrollment in SW 702, SW 710 and SW 711. FLD.
SW 702. Basic Field Practicum. 3 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide generalist practice opportunities that prepare students for entry into the advanced level of either clinical social work practice or macro practice. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to apply and test social work knowledge, values, and skills. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to first-level M.S.W. students. Enrollment must be concurrent with enrollment in SW 701, SW 710 and SW 711. FLD.
SW 710. Social Work Practice I. 3 Hours.
The first of two-course sequence prepares students to begin to translate theory into strategies of intervention that cut across social work practice with systems of all sizes. Presents an integrating framework of generalist social work based on a strengths perspective and a person-in-environment frame of reference. Course taken concurrently with SW 701 and SW 702 which provides students an opportunity to integrate theory and practice in work with clients. LEC.
SW 711. Social Work Practice II. 3 Hours.
Second of two-course sequence and extends the work begun in SW 710. Focus in the second course is on mastery of the basics of helping relationships and the development of intervention skills for the middle and ending phases of intervention. Content is structured to prepare students to enter the advanced level of the M.S.W. program. Course taken concurrent with SW 701 and SW 702. Prerequisite: SW 710. LEC.
SW 712. Social Work Practice Seminar. 3 Hours.
Introduces advanced standing students to the themes of the school. Special emphasis is given to the Strengths Perspective, a multicultural approach to practice, and developing the skills to critically and reflectively think about one's own practice. Advanced standing status required. LEC.
SW 713. Community and Organizational Practice. 3 Hours.
Social workers provide the leadership necessary to facilitate and coordinate community improvement and organizational effectiveness. This course introduces students to community and organizational knowledge and skills for social work practice. An advocacy perspective will act as the course's unifying theme with client and community well-being acting as the driving force behind social work practice in community and organizational settings. LEC.
SW 720. Social Policy and Program Analysis. 3 Hours.
Social welfare policy provides the foundation for social work practice, so it is critical for social workers to know how to analyze policies and programs. Students learn policy analysis knowledge and skills, with an emphasis on understanding public and private funding sources for social work services that support basic human needs. Policies designed to reduce poverty and increase social justice serve as exemplars for developing conceptual abilities in this course. LEC.
SW 730. Human Behavior in the Social Environment. 3 Hours.
Course provides foundation knowledge about bio-psycho-social aspects of individual and family behavior. Theoretical perspectives on well being dysfunction, and developmental processes are critically analyzed, especially concerning applicability to social work practice that supports client strengths, diversity, and social justice. A holistic conceptual framework is used to integrate these micro-system perspectives with larger environmental socio-political concerns. LEC.
SW 740. Social Work Research. 3 Hours.
Social work practice is guided by research. Developing best practices for helping clients and communities depends on studies designed to build a deep and nuanced understanding and/or test cause and effect relationships. This course covers the nature of science, scientific inquiry, theories for research, research methods and designs. Students learn to analyze the rigor of both qualitative and quantitative studies, and are introduced to quantitative and qualitative data analysis. LEC.
SW 755. Studies: _____. 1-3 Hours.
This course provides the opportunity for experimentation with innovative course content in accordance with guidelines established by faculty. LEC.
SW 801. Advanced Field Practicum-Clinical Practice. 4 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide opportunities for advanced level clinical social work practice. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice and develop beginning competence in clinical social work practice. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to Advanced-level M.S.W. students. Enrollment must be concurrent with enrollment in SW 801, SW 810 and SW 811. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. FLD.
SW 802. Advanced Field Practicum-Clinical Practice. 3 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide opportunities for advanced level clinical social work practice. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice and develop beginning competence in clinical social work practice. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to Advanced-level M.S.W. students. Enrollment must be concurrent with enrollment in SW 801, SW 810 and SW 811. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. FLD.
SW 803. Advanced Field Practicum-Clinical Practice. 2-6 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide opportunities for advanced level clinical social work practice. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice and develop beginning competence in clinical social work practice. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to Advanced-level M.S.W. students. Enrollment must be concurrent with SW 810 and SW 811. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. FLD.
SW 804. Advanced Field Practicum-Macro Practice. 4 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide practice opportunities in community practice, advocacy and/or social work administration. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to develop beginning competence in macro social work practice. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to Advanced-level M.S.W. students. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. FLD.
SW 805. Advanced Field Practicum-Macro Practice. 3 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide practice opportunities in community practice, advocacy and/or social work administration. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to develop beginning competence in macro social work practice. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to Advanced- level M.S.W. students. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. FLD.
SW 806. Advanced Field Practicum-Macro Practice. 2-6 Hours.
Students are assigned to social service agencies that provide practice opportunities in community practice, advocacy and/or social work administration. All students work under the supervision of a qualified field instructor where they have the opportunity to develop beginning competence in macro social work practice. This course is generally taken for two semesters, with credit being given only after completion of the second semester. Open only to Advanced- level M.S.W. students. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. FLD.
SW 810. Clinical Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Clinical social work practice occurs in a variety of settings, from large public and private agencies and institutions through many types of individual and group private practice situations. This course is designed to teach advanced knowledge and skills that transcend contextual factors in order to produce a variety of positive client outcomes in a range of practice situations. In addition, this course focuses on the commitment of social work practitioners to provide services to those groups who, by reason of class, race, sex, or other characteristics, are not ordinarily well served by the many institutions in this society. Course taken concurrently with SW 801 and SW 802 which provides an opportunity to integrate theory and practice in work with clients. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 811. Topics in Advanced Clinical Social Work: _____. 3 Hours.
The organizing theme of the advanced clinical selective emphasizes application of advanced theoretical and practice principles to client systems. This advanced selective provides students with the opportunity to critically consider the themes of the school as they relate to the need for assessment, diagnostic, and process evaluations with a variety of client systems. Every student will engage in activities designed to solidify their professional identity as clinical practitioners as they enter the workforce. Topics offered may include solution-focused brief therapy; family therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Course is taken concurrently with SW 801 and SW 802. Prerequisite: Completion of SW 810. LEC.
SW 830. Social Work in Child and Family Settings. 3 Hours.
An in-depth examination of social work in child and family settings. Students demonstrate the capacity to integrate research, policy, direct practice, and human behavior in considering the issues central to this area of practice. Students will also be able to explain how diversity issues manifest themselves at both the policy and direct practice levels. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 832. Social Work in Health Care and Mental Health Settings. 3 Hours.
Content as in SW 830 focused on health care and mental health. LEC.
SW 833. Social Work and Aging. 3 Hours.
Content as in SW 830 focused on aging. LEC.
SW 834. Social Work in Schools. 3 Hours.
Content as in SW 830 focused on schools. LEC.
SW 840. Program Design and Grant Writing. 3 Hours.
In this course, advanced social work students learn to design social service and community development programs and write grant proposals to fund those programs. Topics include program design, grant writing, fundraising, and public/private sector resource development for programs to meet basic human needs and enhance social well-being. Prerequisite: Completion of social welfare foundation level requirements. LEC.
SW 841. Advanced Policy and Programs. 3 Hours.
The focus is on the development of skills to stay abreast of and knowledgeable about critical federal and state policies, regulations, and funding structures and streams in students' chosen field of practice. Students will also learn how to research the literature on best practice and effective programs. All of these skills and consequential knowledge will be used to inform program design, resource acquisition, financial management, personnel management, outcome management, and other administrative functions. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 842. Assessing and Managing Outcomes. 3 Hours.
How do social work administrators know if their agencies and programs are making a positive difference in the lives of clients and communities? This course focuses student learning on how to gather and use information to improve human service program performance, and client and community outcomes by extension. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 843. Program Management and Supervision. 3 Hours.
Social workers who help direct human service and community practice settings must be able to stay abreast of new knowledge and build new skills in managing programs and supervising people. This course focuses on the tasks, roles, and functions of managers including effective employee supervision and human resource management as well as the development of a diverse workforce. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 846. Advanced Community and Advocacy Practice. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to build on the content of the foundation course on community and organizational practice by further developing the theories, methods, and skills of community and advocacy practice. The course will help students build advanced analytical and empirical skills needed to effectively manage and advocate with and on behalf of different human service communities. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 849. Managing Financial Resources. 3 Hours.
Budgeting and financial management are critical to social workers who lead social service organizations. Focus is on budgeting techniques and their application; use of budgets for decision making, allocation and reallocation of resources to best meet client and community needs. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 852. Social Work with Groups. 3 Hours.
Theory and practice of social work in the wide range of groups in which social workers participate as workers and co-workers. Focus on the social worker's tasks and behaviors in establishing group services and in facilitating work in the group from the time of its formation to its termination as a service entity. Prerequisite: Completion of foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 855. Study Abroad Topics: _____. 3 Hours.
This course provides the opportunity for Study Abroad in developed and developing countries such as Costa Rica, India, Ireland, Italy and South Korea. LEC.
SW 860. Loss and Grief. 3 Hours.
Examines the multiple faces of loss and grief throughout the human life cycle. Examines personal and societal attitudes toward death and dying and the processes of dying and grieving. Course includes exploration of assessment and interventions that enable individuals and their families to cope with loss. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 861. Intimate Partner Violence. 1.5 Hour.
This advanced practice course addresses the seriousness and extent of the problem, contributing factors, consequences for the individual, the family, the community, and society. Prevention and intervention practice models will be discussed within a clinical and strengths framework with a focus on developing skills for assessment, intervention, and prevention of violence with individuals and families. Concurrent enrollment in SW 862. LEC.
SW 862. Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse. 1.5 Hour.
This course will focus on sexual misuse that occurs within the family system. Students will obtain a comprehensive understanding of sexual misuse that occurs within the family system and develop assessment and helping skills needed when working with abusive families. Theoretical, assessment, and helping aspects of intrafamilial sexual abuse will be examined. Concurrent enrollment in SW 861. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 863. Mental Health and Psychopathology. 3 Hours.
Theories of mental health and psychopathology are compared concerning etiology, classification, assessment, and treatment of distress and mental disorders. Theories and practices are evaluated critically for their usefulness in a strengths approach to social work in mental health settings. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 866. Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents. 3 Hours.
Developmental norms and processes in childhood and adolescence and related implications for assessment and intervention methods in work with children and adolescents. Topics include countertransference issues in work with children, working with parents and children, intervention tools, stress in childhood, special issues, and concerns in adolescence, sexual abuse of children. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 868. Crisis Intervention and Suicide Risk Reduction. 3 Hours.
Principles of planned short term intervention generally and of crisis intervention specifically are addressed. The use of and application of crisis theory, crisis intervention, and suicide risk reduction are examined. Evidence based practices regarding the effects of crises including disasters on individual, family, and community well-being are considered. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 869. Social Work with Clients with Alcohol and Drug-Related Problems. 3 Hours.
Focus is on developing value consciousness and multidimensional understandings in relation to drug use and abuse. Patterns of drug use, sociocultural attitudes toward drug use and definitional issues in the drug field will be examined. Explanatory theories and contemporary interventions, including the applicability of generalist social work practice models are presented and critically assessed. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 870. Spiritual Aspects of Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
This course provides a framework of knowledge, values, and skills for spiritually-sensitive social work practice. In order to prepare students to respond competently and ethically to diverse spiritual perspectives, a comparative, critically reflective approach to content is employed. The role of religion and spirituality in supporting or impeding individual strengths and social justice is considered. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 872. Cultural Diversity in Social Work Practice. 3 Hours.
Provides students with a framework of knowledge, values, and practice methodology for culturally competent social work practice. Emphasizes themes of oppression and empowerment, culture-specific strengths and resources, and multicultural/transcultural perspectives. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 873. Social Work with Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual Clients. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic knowledge, values, and skills needed to work effectively with people who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual. The course will reflect a person-environment perspective, focusing on strategies that empower lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals to develop personal and environmental resources from a strengths perspective. Throughout the course, attention will be given to issues of diversity within the lesbian and gay population. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 874. Social Work Practice with Women. 3 Hours.
Expands knowledge and practice skills in working with women in diverse social work practice settings. Critical examination of traditional and feminist practice approaches to problems that frequently confront women. Prerequisite: Completion of foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 875. Readings and Investigations: _____. 1-3 Hours.
Opportunity for scholarly investigation in an area of special interest. Students pursue independent study in an area of social work practice through the guidance of a selected faculty member. RSH.
SW 878. Social Work with African American Families. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basic knowledge, values, and skills needed to work effectively with African American clients and their families. Critical examination of issues such as racism, oppression, and the historical context and their impact on African American families. Prerequisite: Completion of all foundation requirements. LEC.
SW 890. Current Issues in Professional Social Work Education: _____. 0.5-3 Hours.
Course provides opportunity for innovative course content designed for the social work professional. Subjects offered include: Psychopathology: A Biopsychosocial Approach, Ethics and the Social Worker, Mediation, Solution Focused Practice, Strengths-based Management, Outcome-based Measurement of Practice. LEC.
SW 955. Study Abroad Topics: _____. 3 Hours.
This course provides the opportunity for Study Abroad in developed and developing countries such as Costa Rica, India, Ireland, Italy, and South Korea. LEC.
SW 978. Research Design and Methods. 3 Hours.
This class is an in-depth introduction to the process of conducting research. This introduction provides the essential context for the qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research courses. LEC.
SW 979. Methods of Qualitative Inquiry. 3 Hours.
This course provides a detailed overview of knowledge and skills in qualitative inquiry. It examines issues in the philosophy of science and paradigms for qualitative inquiry in social work. It emphasizes principles and procedures for qualitative inquiry design, including an introduction to data collection, analysis, report writing, while attending to criteria for establishing trustworthiness. LEC.
SW 980. History and Philosophy of Social Work. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to examine the underlying conceptual frameworks of social work practice-their history and present manifestations. This course rests on the definition of social work practice that includes the interaction of knowledge, value, and skill around professional purpose and in the context of professional sanction. LEC.
SW 981. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods I. 3 Hours.
This course, which includes a lab, focuses on quantitative research methodology and related inferential statistics, emphasizing mastery of specific methodological and statistical knowledge and skills. The course will address the following topics: the framing of research questions; the selection of appropriate research methods and designs; the selection of appropriate statistics for data analysis; the principles of analysis; interpretation of findings; and the presentation of results. LEC.
SW 982. Social Welfare Policy. 3 Hours.
This seminar helps doctoral students learn to analyze social welfare policies and programs. After comparing and contrasting various policy analysis frameworks, students learn to analyze the ways in which social conditions, values, and ideologies shape the definitions of social problems as well as the development, implementation, and evaluation of social welfare policies that impact those problems. LEC.
SW 983. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods II. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this advanced research methods course is to help equip professionals to design and carry out research with direct implications for social work practice and social welfare policy. Building on the experience in SW 978 and SW 981, this course will focus on more advanced topics in research design and both experimental and correlational statistical analyses. LEC.
SW 984. Social Work Practice: Identifying and Improving "Best Practices. 3 Hours.
The main focus of this seminar is on developing skills for conduction multi-dimensional, value critical inquiry about "best practices" relevant to social work practice, and applying the results of that inquiry toward extending and improving current "best practices". LEC.
SW 985. Theory for Research: _____. 3 Hours.
This course provides an introduction to interdisciplinary theory for applied social research, focusing on: (1) the roles and uses of theory in social inquiry (2) theory building and theory testing (3) induction and deduction (4) the articulation of common or related theoretical traditions in various social science disciplines. LEC.
SW 987. Teaching Social Work: Philosophy and Methods. 3 Hours.
The purpose of the course is to prepare doctoral students for effective teaching of Social Work courses at all levels of higher education. Doctoral students need practical skills, a theoretical base, experience, and confidence in order to improve their teaching performance. LEC.
SW 988. Mixed Methods in Social Science Research. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of mixed methods research, consisting of the history and philosophy of mixed methods research, the emerging literature on it, purposes and characteristics of mixed methods research, types of research problems addressed, the specification of mixed methods purpose statements and research questions, types of major mixed methods designs, data collection and analysis strategies, and reporting and evaluating results. LEC.
SW 990. Graduate Research. 1-9 Hours.
Individual research preparatory to defense of dissertation prospectus. (By arrangement with doctoral chair.) Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis. RSH.
SW 998. Doctoral Applied Research and Education Studies. 1 Hour.
This course provides the opportunity for doctoral students to learn about research or teaching through direct application of research or teaching skills under the mentorship of faculty. RSH.
SW 999. Dissertation. 1-12 Hours.
Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis. THE.