This course provides the foundation for students to explain the profession of social work within the social context of the United States. The course explores how society influenced the development of social work as a profession in the United States. Students examine cultural values, social work values, history of social work, and selected theoretical models of social work to demonstrate how these factors influenced the adoption of the general practice framework. In a broad overview, students examine the process to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities evaluate and solve problems in using the micro, mezzo and macro system levels to assess the problem and make recommendations for interventions.

This course examines human behavior in the social environment by critically analyzing biopsychosocial development. Using an integrative, multidimensional perspective students examine multiple theories of human behavior. The course emphasizes a social work perspective and key frameworks for social work with an emphasis on person-in-environment and systems theory as they describe diverse human behavior. Prerequisite: UNV-510.

This course explores the history and progression of the social welfare system, services, and policies and their effects on the social work profession. Emphasis is placed on an analysis of how these systems impact vulnerable populations, specifically relating to poverty, age, race, sex, and mental health. Students learn to identify strengths and weaknesses of social welfare policies while considering diversity and social justice. Prerequisite: SWK-516.

This course exposes students to the foundations of social work practice in approved community agencies with professional supervision. The course consists of both online classroom course work and field experience hours. The course provides experiential integration and application of concepts, cognitive and affective processes, and professional social work skills. Practicum/field experience hours: 240. Co-Requisites: SWK-525 and SWK-530.

This course is based on a generalist social work perspective and prepares students for beginning practice with individuals and systems. This course focuses on conceptualizing social work practice, integrating knowledge and theory with practice. Students will develop beginning level practice skills that are culturally responsive and ethical. Special attention is given to human diversity and populations at risk. Prerequisite: SWK-520.

This course explores the foundation of knowledge needed to successfully engage diverse populations and advance social justice in social work practice. Emphasis is placed on systems of power and oppression and the cultural aspects of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Prerequisite: SWK-525.

This course provides a continuation of foundations of social work practice in approved community agencies with professional supervision. Experiential integration and application of concepts, cognitive and affective processes, and professional social work skills from concurrent social work courses are practiced. Practicum/field experience hours: 240. Prerequisite: SWK-535. Co-Requisites: SWK-541 and SWK-545.

This course examines human behavior in the social environment by critically analyzing biopsychosocial development from conception through late adulthood and death. This includes a focus on groups, communities, and organizations and their effect on human behavior. The course emphasizes a social work perspective and key frameworks for social work with an emphasis on person-in-environment and systems theory as they describe diverse human behavior. Prerequisite: SWK-535.

This course is based on a generalist social work perspective and provides students with fundamental social work competencies to influence change at the group, community, and organizational levels. Emphasis is given to facilitative and constraining effects of the social context surrounding macro practice. Special attention is given to human diversity and populations-at-risk. Prerequisite: SWK-541.

This course introduces students to the scientific method and research design process used to evaluate and inform the social work profession. Methods of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis are explored. Prerequisite: SWK-550.

This course prepares students with the practical skills essential for identifying and understanding various mental health conditions. The course utilizes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria, enabling students to identify and determine the nature of the disorders by their signs and symptoms, recognizing how cultural factors influence interpretation of symptoms. Prerequisite: SWK-555 or BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

This course is based on client advocacy as an ethical responsibility in the field of social work. This course explores the individual, family, group, community, organizational, and political advocacy efforts and processes that are necessary in influencing social problems and achieving social justice. Prerequisite: SWK-600.

This course covers advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations in approved community agencies with professional supervision. Continued integration and application of concepts, cognitive and affective processes, and professional social work skills from concurrent social work courses is practiced. Practicum/field experience hours: 240. Prerequisite: SWK-550. Co-Requisites: SWK-610 and SWK-625.

This advanced practice course builds on students' foundational knowledge in working with individuals and families. The course focuses on specific theories and models for individual and family treatment planning, and interventions fostering an inclusive and equitable approach that promotes effective and culturally competent mental health care. Prerequisite: SWK-601.

This course prepares students to understand and utilize evidenced-based practices at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Students engage in process, tools and intervention of evidence-based models. Students practice ethical and culturally informed delivery of evidence-based programs, policies, and services at all levels of social work practice. Prerequisite: SWK-620 or SWK-621.

This course covers advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations in approved community agencies with professional supervision. Continued integration and application of concepts, cognitive and affective processes, and professional social work skills from concurrent social work courses is practiced. Practicum/field experience hours: 240. Prerequisite: SWK-620.

The purpose of this advanced practice course is to build on foundational learning and develop skills in working with groups. This course explores theory and practice of group dynamics with an emphasis on the development of effective group work skills, analysis of processes and interactions, and values and ethics with a multi-social-cultural perspective. Prerequisite: SWK-625.

The purpose of this advanced practice course is to build on foundational learning and develop skills when working with organizations and communities. The course focuses on using micro and macro skills to impact both organizations and communities while highlighting the importance of evaluation and ethics. Prerequisite: SWK-640.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of agency- or community-based evaluation and evaluation capacity building. Topics to be explored include standards and guiding principles for evaluation work, evaluation approaches and models, and evaluation methodology. as Political and ethical influences of conducting, using, and communicating research and evaluation findings in applied settings are discussed. Prerequisite: SWK-635 or SWK-636.

This is the final course in the Master of Social Work and Master of Social Work Advanced Standing programs. It requires students to integrate their learning from prior courses and apply their knowledge and skills in a final Capstone project. Knowledge demonstrated includes assessment, application of theory, practice skills, ethics, and cultural sensitivity. Prerequisite: SWK-645.