Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

This course serves as an introduction to the field of social work and generalist practice. It examines the various practice settings in which social workers operate and their roles with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum incorporates elements of social work theory, history, values, ethics, policy, diversity, social justice, and planned change. Admission to MSW Program required.

This foundation course is one of two practice courses that provide the basic knowledge and skills as a foundation for advanced generalist practice with individuals, families and small groups. Skill building in constructing professional relationships, developing interviewing skills, and the basics of direct practice with diverse client systems are addressed and practiced throughout the course. The course also focuses on the integration of cultural humility and evidence-based practices in engagement, assessment and interventions with marginalized clients, as well as the importance of self-care, supervision and consultation. Admission to MSW Program required.

This foundation course is one of two practice courses that provide the basic knowledge and skills as a foundation for advanced generalist practice with groups, communities and organizations. Group dynamics and leadership roles are addressed, as well as foundation level mezzo and macro practice skills. The course focuses on macro theories, engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation of practice with particular attention to social, economic & environmental justice. Admission to MSW Program required.

This course provides a basic framework for creating and organizing knowledge of human behavior during the lifespan. Social systems, human development theories, and strengths approaches are critically examined to foster understanding of individual, family, group, organizational, and community behaviors and the impact of the larger environment on these systems. Special attention is given to the impact of human diversity, discrimination, and oppression on the ability of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to reach or maintain optimal health and well-being. Admission to MSW Program required.

This course offers students essential knowledge and skills in social work ethics, human rights, and social justice. The curriculum is designed to cultivate ethical decision-making abilities by applying the standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, along with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical decision-making models. Key topics such as oppression, power, privilege, and inequality will also be addressed. Furthermore, students will engage in reflective practices and self-regulation to navigate personal values while upholding professionalism. Admission to MSW Program required.

This course explores dimensions of human diversity in preparation for professional anti-racist social work practice. Special attention is given to issues of intersectionality, bias, discrimination, power and privilege, and oppression. Students will explore their own personal identity and how their views, beliefs, values, and behaviors may support or hinder future social work practice with diverse populations. Admission to MSW Program required.

This course offers a comprehensive examination of how human needs and values shape social policy at community, national, and international levels. It emphasizes the influence of values and power in the development of social policies. Key topics include the history of social welfare and related policies, the policy-making process, and the effects of policy on vulnerable populations. The course will also investigate the implications for generalist social work practice and services. Admission to MSW Program required.

This course introduces students to basic social work research theories, and methods focusing on research informed practice and practice informed research. Various research methodologies are examined and compared, with a focus on social work ethics and values. Research findings are evaluated as related to practice situations. Issues of diversity, bias and ethnocentrism are also explored as related to social work research and practice. Admission to MSW Program required.

This course is the first of two foundation practicum courses in which students apply generalist social work knowledge and skills in an approved supervised placement setting. Students in this course must complete a minimum of 200 hours in their placement, participate in a weekly field seminar, and successfully complete all course requirements to pass the course and to be able to enroll in SOWK 522 Foundation Practicum II. Admission to the MSW Program, enrolled in or completed SOWK 501 Social Work Practice I: Individuals & Families, and MSW Field Director or MSW Program Director approval required.

This course is the second of two foundation practicum courses in which students apply generalist social work knowledge and skills in an approved supervised placement setting. Students in this course must complete a minimum of 200 hours in their placement, participate in a weekly field seminar, and successfully complete all course requirements to pass the course and move on to SOWK 621 Advanced Practicum I. Grade of Pass for SOWK 521 and co-enrollment or completed SOWK 502 required.

This course provides an ecological systems, strengths-based approach to advanced generalist practice with individuals, and families. Students integrate and apply social work ethics, theoretical perspectives, research, knowledge of human behavior, and diversity and difference to diverse client systems using cultural humility and an understanding of intersectionality.  Trauma informed practice is addressed and integrated into practice scenarios. Advanced Standing or completion of all 500 level courses required.

This course is designed to deepen students’ understanding and skills in working with groups, organizations, and communities. Building upon foundational knowledge and practice, this course emphasizes the integration of theoretical frameworks with practical approaches for effective intervention and leadership in various social settings. Students will explore advanced concepts and methodologies relevant to group dynamics, organizational behavior, and community development. Course topics include advanced group facilitation techniques, strategic organizational change, community needs assessment, and collaborative problem-solving.

This course examines the most common mental disorders and evidenced based treatment interventions in advanced social work practice. Students apply the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) to diagnose and treat mental health disorders with diverse client systems across the lifespan. The course also focuses on applying strengths-based approaches to working with diverse and marginalized clients and highlights evaluation of practice.

This course explores the principles and practices of trauma-informed care and provides students with an understanding of trauma’s impact on individuals, families, and communities. Course content includes theoretical frameworks, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies for implementing trauma-informed approaches across various social work practice settings and levels of practice. Admission to MSW program required.

In this course, students will acquire essential skills for critically evaluating the effectiveness and impact of social work programs. The course offers a comprehensive overview of evaluation methodologies and commonly used tools in social service settings. Key topics include designing evaluation plans, conducting needs assessments, applying single case designs, navigating evaluation ethics, and implementing anti-racist and anti-oppressive research practices. Students will also learn how to leverage evaluation results to advocate for meaningful program improvements. Admission to MSW program required.

This course offers a foundational exploration of leadership theory and skills essential for advanced generalist practice. Students will have the opportunity to engage in self-discovery and refine their leadership abilities, equipping them to drive social change across diverse practice settings. Additionally, the course delves into the role of leadership in advancing social justice, advocating for marginalized communities, and implementing transformative policies and practices. Admission to MSW program required.

This course is the first of two advanced practicum courses in which students apply advanced generalist social work knowledge and skills in an approved supervised placement setting. Students in this course must complete a minimum of 250 hours in their placement, participate in a weekly field seminar, and successfully complete all course requirements to pass the course and to be able to enroll in SOWK 622 Advanced Practicum II. Admission to MSW Program, Completion of SOWK 601 Advanced Generalist Practice I, and permission of MSW Field Director or MSW Program Director required.

This course is the second of two advanced practicum courses in which students apply advanced generalist social work knowledge and skills in an approved supervised placement setting. Students in this course must complete a minimum of 250 hours in their placement, participate in a weekly field seminar, and successfully complete all course requirements to pass the course. Grade of Pass in SOWK 621 and co-enrollment or completed SOWK 602 required.

This course provides an overview of etiology and epidemiology of problematic substance use and addictions in the United States.  The course focuses on understanding and evaluating various models and theories of addiction and substance misuse while also identifying risk and resilience factors in diverse client systems.  The economic, social, and political context of substance abuse in America is discussed, as well as issues in service delivery and the physical, behavioral, psychological and social impact of addiction on individual and family systems. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides an overview of etiology and epidemiology of problematic substance use and addictions in the United States. The course focuses on understanding and evaluating various models and theories of addiction and substance misuse while also identifying risk and resilience factors in diverse client systems. The economic, social, and political context of substance abuse in America is discussed, as well as issues in service delivery and the physical, behavioral, psychological and social impact of addiction on individual and family systems. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides students with the opportunity to examine and reflect upon attitudes, ethics, and theoretical perspectives related to end-of-life issues. Topics will include the loss and grief across the lifespan, coping, professional interventions, caregiving, ethical issues, hospice and palliative care, and advanced planning. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of interpersonal violence through the lens of social work theory, practice, and policy. Students will students will critically examine the complex intersections of power, inequality, and trauma inherent in various forms of interpersonal violence, including intimate partner violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and sexual violence. Further, the course will explore the impact of violence on individuals, families, and communities, with particular attention to diverse populations and social justice implications. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, practices, and policies essential to the field of child and family welfare. Topics include child abuse and neglect, family preservation, trauma informed care, tribal child welfare, interventions, and strategies for working with at-risk populations. The course also emphasizes the role of diversity in service delivery and advocacy in promoting the well-being of children and families. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course is an in-depth exploration of advanced generalist practice with older adults. Topics in the course will include the nature of the aging process, unique needs of diverse older adults, assessment tools, elder abuse, and end of life care. Students will develop the skills needed to effectively assess and intervene with older clients in diverse settings such as community agencies, long-term care facilities, and home-based services. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of global and domestic human trafficking through the lens of social work practice. The course explores the multifaceted nature of human trafficking, including its causes, impacts, and the various roles social workers and other helping professionals play in combating it. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides an overview of generalist social work practice in rural areas, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural populations. Students will examine strategies for effective engagement, intervention, and advocacy in rural social work settings. Topics include rural poverty, community resilience, community development, and the role of social workers in promoting social justice within rural contexts. Emphasis will be placed on generalist practice skills, evidence-based interventions, policy analysis, and ethical considerations specific to rural settings. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides an overview of generalist social work practice in rural areas, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural populations. Students will examine strategies for effective engagement, intervention, and advocacy in rural social work settings. Topics include rural poverty, community resilience, community development, and the role of social workers in promoting social justice within rural contexts. Emphasis will be placed on generalist practice skills, evidence-based interventions, policy analysis, and ethical considerations specific to rural settings. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the role of social work within various healthcare settings. Emphasizing the integration of social work practice with medical care, students will examine the complex interplay between physical health, mental health, and social factors. Topics include the health and mental health assessment, documentation, the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, ethical and legal considerations in healthcare, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The course also covers strategies for advocating for systemic changes to improve healthcare delivery and access, as well as techniques for effective case management and coordination of care. Admission to MSW Program or permission from MSW Program Director required.