MSW Curriculum & Syllabi
Curriculum At-A-Glance
Note to Students
Please be aware that credit and course options may vary slightly depending on the program in which one enrolls (traditional, online, or Intensive Weekend).
Generalist (or Foundation) Curriculum Courses
All students, except those with baccalaureate degrees from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, must take all generalist curriculum courses. These courses focus on social work practice and ethics and encompass the values, attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential for professional social work, which are transferable across settings, population groups, and practice areas.
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This is the first half of two required sequential courses in the Professional Foundation Year. It provides the basic knowledge and skills as a foundation for the advanced practice curriculum. Using a problem-solving model in an ecological perspective, the course prepares students to apply a generalist practice perspective to systems of all sizes and levels. Essential values, concepts, and ethical considerations within a human rights perspective as they pertain to generalist social work practice are explored. Co-requisite: 19:910:508
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The second of two foundation practice courses based on a generalist social work perspective, this course uses a problem-solving model for work with Macro (organization and community) systems and considers implications for at-risk groups. Pre-requisite: 19:910:500. Co-requisite: 19:910:509.
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Theories, themes, and issues concerning the interaction among individuals—as they grow, change, and develop over the life course—and their social context are reviewed. Theories and assumptions about human behavior and diversity are critically applied to social work contexts. Values and ethical issues related to biopsychosocial development are examined.
View syllabus (OL)
View syllabus (OTG)
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History, philosophy, and development of social welfare as an essential institution in the United States. Study of the emergence and role of social work, understanding of patterns of current provision, and introduction to analysis of social welfare policies.
View syllabus (OL)
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Introduction to scientific, analytic approach to building knowledge and skills, including role of concepts and theory, hypothesis formulation, operationalization, research design, data collection, data processing, statistical analysis, introductory computer skills, and report writing.
View syllabus (OL)
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Introduces a range of diverse populations by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and physical differences. Additionally, it examines the role, function, and effects of oppression in society as it relates to social and economic justice. Assumptions underlying theory and research methodologies from which basic constructs of human behavior are drawn will be examined to understand how power and other dynamics manage and sustain oppression at the individual and institutional levels. Also of interest is how oppression affects service delivery at micro and macro levels, particularly social policies and strategic planning which drive the shape of services.
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Major forms of emotional distress in adults and children. Classification trends, issues, and models. Introduction to clinical syndromes in terms of diagnostic methodology, research, and social concerns and their implications for at-risk groups.
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Practice social work in agency settings under qualified educational supervision. Includes service to vulnerable and oppressed populations while learning generalist skills. Co-requisite: 19:910:500.
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Furthers learning of problem-solving skills and strategies begun in Practicum Learning I and prepares students to enter the advanced practicum learning curriculum. Pre-requisite: 19:910:508. Corequisite: 19:910:501.
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This course will introduce students to the interpersonal communication skills necessary to engage and assess clients and client systems as they enter practicum learning. Topics covered include understanding the importance of the professional use of self, developing an empathetic relationship, creating a therapeutic alliance, and applying counseling skills while considering the client’s larger social environment. The course will also introduce students to expectations associated with a generalist practicum learning. This course will use the classroom as an experiential learning lab environment that involves a significant use of classroom exercises, role-plays, written analysis and reflections about these, and client simulations to practice the concepts and skills learned.
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The purpose of this seminar is to facilitate the integration of practicum experience with knowledge, values, and skills acquired in the classroom. With a focus on self-in-practice, the seminar will provide students with the opportunity to engage in discussion, reflection, and critical thinking about their evolving professional identity and key areas of social work practice. The seminar will explore a different aspect of social work each week; with the opportunity for students to explore how that aspect of the profession impacts them personally. This seminar will use the classroom as an experiential learning lab environment that involves a significant use of classroom discussion, exercises, role-plays, written analysis, and reflection.
Specialized Curriculum Courses
The specialized curriculum focuses on advanced practice, advanced research, advanced contemporary policy, advanced practicum learning instruction, and electives that enhance students’ professional social work identity and expand their knowledge and skills. Students may begin the specialized curriculum only after completing the generalist curriculum courses and the statistics requirement.
Students must choose a specialization in Clinical Social Work or Management and Policy.
Clinical Social Work Specialization
Both courses are required.
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Focuses on advanced social work, clinical and client advocacy skills and techniques at each stage of the helping process, and with difficult practice situations as these apply to individuals, client groups, couples, and family systems. Case examples are drawn particularly from the client populations. Prerequisites: Successful completion of generalist curriculum courses. Corequisite: Must be taken concurrently with Practicum Learning III (19:910:600).
This is the advanced practice course for students that have selected the Clinical Social Work specialization.
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This course addresses therapeutic work with couples, families and groups. The focus is on the professional use of self in differentiated ways to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Reinforcement of the connections among theory, evidence-based practice, interventions and culturally appropriate and anti-oppressive stances toward social work practice occurs. Prerequisite: 19:910:511. Corequisite: Must be taken concurrently with Practicum Learning IV (19:910:601).
This is the advanced practice course for students that have selected the Clinical Social Work specialization.
View syllabus (OL)
View syllabus (OTG)
Management and Policy Specialization
Both courses are required.
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Core theories, elements, and functions of human services management are analyzed with a particular focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead public and private human service agencies in the environment of today and the future successfully. Emphasis on internal management functions, such as budget and finance, human resource administration, applications of information technology, and governance relationships; and on external functions, such as legislative, media, and community relationships. Crosscutting topics enhance skills in leadership, mediation, and conflict resolution. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the generalist curriculum courses. Corequisite: Must be taken concurrently with Practicum Learning III (19:910:600).
This is the advanced practice course for students that have selected the Management and Policy specialization.
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Processes and technologies of strategic planning and program development in human service organizations from problem formulation through program design, resource mobilization, and implementation. Special attention to designing programs and meeting the needs of at-risk populations. Prerequisite: 19:910:535. Corequisite: Must be taken concurrently with Practicum Learning IV (19:910:601).
This is the advanced practice course for students that have selected the Management and Policy specialization.
Advanced Practice Distribution Courses - Clinical Social Work Specialization
One is required for the Clinical Social Work Specialization
(*These courses can also be taken as Advanced Electives.)
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This course examines physical, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of adolescence (approximately ages 13 years-young adulthood), with an emphasis on how their developmental needs are addressed within various system structures (e.g., family/household, school, community settings). Particular attention is given to examining how issues of diversity impact the lives of adolescents as well as to exploring experiential life worlds, socio-cultural contexts, and social work interventions pertinent to at-risk adolescent populations.
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Theories and skills of direct clinical practice are applied at an advanced level for individuals, families, and groups in healthcare settings. Crisis intervention skills, case management, and professional training as part of an interdisciplinary team are addressed.
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Contemporary interventions with adults and adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders and their families, primarily in community settings. Topics include: experience of and effects of serious mental illness on individuals and families; current approaches to treatment and rehabilitation; intervention techniques with the more severe and chronic forms of psychiatric disorder as defined in DSM 5; psychotropic medications; case management and housing approaches.
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This course focuses on therapeutic interventions for children (approximately infancy to middle school age), with a particular emphasis on how their developmental needs are addressed within various system structures (e.g., family/household, school, community settings). As children generally reside in families, various family forms and risk status will be examined with a focus on anti-oppressive social work practice.
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Advanced practice with family systems, with an emphasis on systems-analytical perspective that includes environing systems as well as internal dynamics of the family system. Differential use of the major theoretical approaches in family therapy. Emphasis on a social work framework and on such traditional family social work techniques as advocacy, brokerage, and provision of concrete services.
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The goal of CSW in Schools is for students to analyze the role of school social workers and evaluate school social workers’ current and historical contributions to K-12 education. Students gain an understanding of systematic intervention in schools using a variety of intervention modalities.
There is an emphasis on the role of the school social worker in a host setting which necessitates an understanding of legal statutes and regulations governing their functioning. Specific focus is placed on the leadership skills required of school social workers in influencing the development of trauma-informed school practices with a social justice lens.
The right to a free and appropriate education for special populations including children and youth with mental, physical, and emotional difficulties, economic and geographic disadvantages, and diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds is highlighted.
Students taking this class will be exposed to educational psychology including psychological assessments utilized in individual education plans (IEPs). The developmental, psychological, cultural, and social issues impacting child and adolescent learning within a school environment will be a major component. The impact of health problems will be explored, especially as they relate to the development of 504’s and IEP’s, including aspects of substance use and dependency.
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Building upon the content learned in previous ACT courses, this practice-based course focuses on the assessment and diagnosis of common addictive disorders as well as addiction counseling skills with individuals. Students will learn how to develop a therapeutic alliance, starting with the initial interview, conduct a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, and develop systematic diagnostic summaries that include differential diagnosis and attention to co-occurring disorders. Students will learn how to evaluate a variety of assessment instruments, and to assess the impact of age, race, gender, social class, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and physical and mental ability on recovery from addictive disorders. Students will learn strengths-based, evidence-based interventions including Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral approaches. This course is open to all students who have completed the course prerequisites. It is a required course for those in the Addictions Counselor Training (ACT) Certificate Program.
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This course examines social work practice theories and intervention approaches and skills as they apply to practice with childhood and adult survivors of physical, sexual and other forms of abuse and trauma. Particular attention will be made to the use of engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation and follow up on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. An emphasis will also be placed on diversity and use of social work ethics and values when working with survivors of abuse and trauma.
View syllabus (Academic Year)
View syllabus (Intensive Weekend)
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Examines social work practice theories, multidimensional assessment, and intervention approaches and skills as they apply to practice with older adults, their families, and other networks. Diversity among older people will be emphasized, including discussion of the lifelong integration of personal experiences and client populations that range from well elders to older adults and their families who are facing end-of-life issues. Late-life opportunities, transitions, and challenges will be addressed. Implications for policy that impacts older persons will also be included.
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This course will examine advanced social work practice with Latinos. Emphasis is on the application and adaptation of evidence-based interventions with Latino/a/x survivors of abuse and trauma, individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental illness, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ. The course analyzes the impact of immigration and migration as well sociopolitical and cultural factors on social work practice with Latinos.
Advanced Practice Distribution Courses - Management and Policy Specialization
One is required for the Management and Policy Specialization
(*These courses can also be taken as Advanced Electives.)
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Core theories, dynamics, functions and ethics of human resource management in private and public human services organizations are analyzed with particular focus on the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully recruit, retain and develop the workforce necessary to achieve the mission of the organization. The substantive areas covered in this course include industry standard human resource policies and procedures in the areas of staff recruitment and selection; developing classification and compensation systems; establishing employee performance standards and conducting performance evaluations; developing and supporting a diverse workforce; employee and organized labor relations; maintaining a safe, discrimination and harassment free workplace; training and professional development; and, strategic human resource planning.
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This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the tools of financial management of nonprofit organizations. These include financial analysis, financial planning, budgeting, marketing, costing, and other processes as applied to human service organizations.
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Analysis of supervisory roles in human service organizations. Covers the three functions of supervision - supportive, educational, and administrative. A course designed primarily for the first-line supervisor but covers concepts and theories applicable to general supervision and management.
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This course provides an introduction to current strategies and procedures for identifying, obtaining, and maintaining a diverse portfolio of nonprofit funding sources. The course also reviews methodologies for packaging, marketing, and selling program proposals to donors and other funders.
Advanced Contemporary Policy (ACP) Course
One is required for the Clinical Social Work Specialization and the Management and Policy Specialization.
(*These courses can also be taken as Advanced Electives.)
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The historical, societal, political, and economic forces influencing the accessibility, cost, and quality of health care services are examined in this course. Health policy formulation is discussed, as well as the impacts on different demographics in the US population and on social work practice. In this course we review the values and socio-political forces that define social problems; populations affected; current policies and programs and their impact, along with their unintended consequences; service delivery and resource allocation; unmet needs; trends; analysis of political processes and change strategies; and the role of evaluation. Major components of the role of social work in policy formulation will be addressed, including its major impact on health care policy.
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Models of analysis applied to policies affecting adult and childhood survivors of physical, sexual, and other forms of violence. Addresses understanding of values and socio-political forces that define problems; populations affected; current policies and programs and their impact; service delivery and resource allocation; unmet needs; trends; and analysis of political processes and change strategies.
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This advanced-year graduate course will examine social welfare issues and policies with the goal of preparing students to engage in policy practice focused on promoting economic and social justice for individuals, families, and communities. This course examines the values and sociopolitical forces that contribute to the definition of the social problems, the populations affected, the evaluation of the impacts and unintended consequences of the current policies and programs, and proposals for policy reform.
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Contemporary policy issues related to mental health including social determinants of mental health, treatment and access to care, rights and privacy, systems transformation, and disparities in care are examined in this course. The role of social workers in policy advocacy, the history and evolution of mental health policy, and recent mental health policy proposals are discussed. Students will learn to analyze mental health policy and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
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This advanced level policy course focuses on various policies, programs, and services for children and youth, with a particular emphasis on broad child-serving systems. The course will explore current federal and state policies and their impact on the intended recipients of these policy interventions as well as on social work professionals. The course will also examine recent trends in myriad social problems affecting children, youth, and their families.
View syllabus (intensive weekend)
Research
Required for the Clinical Social Work Specialization and the Management and Policy Specialization.
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Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of agency programs and individual practice. Participation in hands-on, small-group research projects to cover all phases of the research process, and use of computer technology. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the generalist curriculum courses.
Practicum
This is required for the Clinical Social Work Specialization and the Management and Policy Specialization.
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Opportunities provided to become competent in providing advanced social work services and applying theory and concepts to practice in preparation for advanced professional practice. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the generalist curriculum courses and 19:910:509. Specialization specific. To be taken concurrently with 19:910:511 (Clinical Social Work specialization) or 19:910:535 (Management and Policy specialization). Placement is determined by choice of specialization.
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Continued learning experiences in specialized settings in preparation for advanced professional practice. Prerequisites: 19:910:600. To be taken concurrently with 19:910:512 (Clinical Social Work specialization) or 19:910:536 (Management and Policy specialization).
Elective Courses
Four elective courses are required to complete the MSW program.
Students may take generalist curriculum electives at any time during the program. However, they can only take advanced electives after completing the generalist curriculum. Students should review the course descriptions for additional prerequisites or corequisites for elective courses.
Generalist Curriculum Electives
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This course examines aspects of service delivery to Hispanic populations at both the macro and micro levels. Students will develop knowledge about aspects of Latino culture that are relevant to the development of cultural competency. They will develop skills in providing evidence-based culturally relevant practices in services to this group.
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This course focuses on the etiology, neurobiology, pharmacology, prevalence and policy implications of common addictive behaviors, including involvement with opioids, stimulants, alcohol, sedatives, and hallucinogens, among others, and behavioral (non-substance-based addictions: gambling disorder, internet gaming/internet addiction, sexual disorder and food addiction). Students will learn to evaluate addiction-related policy as well as the pharmacological mechanisms of dependence, components of addiction-related behavioral change, and human behavior- related issues involved in prevention, intervention and evaluation of these addictive behaviors. The course will also examine the impact of age, race, gender, social class, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and physical and mental ability on patterns of addiction. Content includes major theoretical perspectives on biological, sociological and psychological bases for addiction and the impetus for addiction recovery and examines the empirical evidence for various perspectives. Students will be introduced to comorbidity and differential diagnosis. This course is required for the ACT Certificate.
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This course examines ways to improve the financial stability and security of low-income individuals, families, and communities in the United States. Students will learn the difference between income assistance and asset-based policies, which aim to help individuals and families build savings and acquire assets that will improve their financial security over the long-term. Historical patterns of institutionalized racism and oppression largely explain racial wealth disparities that justify asset development as a practice and policy strategy to achieve social and economic justice. This course uses a comprehensive approach to examine social programs and direct practice interventions, financial services, and policies that can move individuals, families, and communities along the asset-building continuum. The impact of issues such as life stage, social class, and cultural background will be examined. Policy issues include social insurance programs, savings, consumer protection, tax credits, public benefits, and innovative programs; practice issues include financial assessment and goal setting, financial coaching, and integrating financial interventions with traditional psychosocial interventions.
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This course will explore the developmental stage of adolescence (approximately from ages 12–19 years), with a specific focus on how at-risk youth populations navigate the normative tasks associated with this stage. Prerequisite: 19:910:502 or 19:910:898 or 19:910:899.
View syllabus (Intensive Weekend)
View syllabus (Online)
View syllabus (OTG)
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Law in health and human services. Reading, using and finding law. Law in practice in relation to law on the books. Topics include due process, equal protection, discrimination, confidentiality and duty to warn, child abuse, domestic violence, AIDS, sexual harassment, mental health, developmental disabilities, courtroom testimony, malpractice and administrative liability.
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Focuses on identifying, developing, and testing community organizing skills. Special attention given to leadership development and community analyses.
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This course examines the phenomenon of global human migration and human vulnerability and the impact on the local reality. Students will develop knowledge and skills that encompass the diversity of immigration experiences, international refugee situations, and acculturation and family dynamics processes; transnational families; and inter- and intra-ethnic tensions. Students will learn and apply concepts relevant to social work that define specific needs and issues facing immigrant and refugee clients at the practice and policy levels. Students will explore personal biases and experiences, organizational barriers, and culturally relevant practices in services to immigrants and refugees. Students will analyze social policies, programs and practices for safeguarding rights and determine culturally responsive services to immigrants and refugees. Prerequisite: 19:910:502 or 19:910:898 or 19:910:899.
View syllabus (OTG)
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Confronting issues of poverty and inequality is a core value of the social work profession. This course will provide students with a theoretical, empirical, and analytical understanding of poverty and inequality in the United States. Throughout the course comparisons will be made with other developed nations. Prerequisite: 19:910:502 or 19:910:898 or 19:910:899.
View syllabus (OL)
View syllabus (OTG)
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This course explores global social work, past and present, and the application of social work to vulnerable groups around the global. Students will learn about different applications of social work and social services delivery systems around the globe. Students will apply social work values, knowledge and skills to address global problems. Student will explore the peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, and databases on international development applied to a selected country and specialized field of practice of the student’s choice. Students will explore their international career goals through the focused exploration of a specific development issue within a country or region of the globe.
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This course will address many types of loss that occur across the lifespan and will incorporate a developmental approach to loss and grief. Prerequisite: 19:910:502 or 19:910:898 or 19:910:899.
View syllabus (OL)
View syllabus (OTG)
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This course provides an overview of Latino peoples in the United States. It examines concepts and theories that apply to ethnicity, racial and social identity, and acculturation as they apply to the various Hispanic groups in the United States. It begins with brief histories of the major Hispanic groups and the political and social forces that provided the impetus for their location/relocation here. It continues with the cultural similarities and differences among the groups. Also to be discussed, the current social and economic condition of Hispanics and specific problems related to their status in the United States. and implications for social work. In addition, a model of viewing Hispanic identity will be presented as a basis for social work assessment and intervention.
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This course will highlight theories to enhance the students’ understanding of “Person-in-Environment” to be inclusive of the physical environment. Students will develop a paradigm regarding the interconnection of social work and environmental justice with an understanding of the bi-directional relationship of people and nature. Students will examine social work history and create an emerging perspective of social workers’ role with respect to the environment. This course will help students achieve the updated Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competency “Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice” by developing awareness of ecological crises, environmental injustices, and movements that are intended to serve marginalized populations. Students will discuss how social workers can increase equality through advocacy, education, and action.
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This course provides foundation knowledge and general practice skills for working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. Students will gain knowledge of LGBTQ historical and political perspectives, the development of LGBTQ identity-formation, health, mental health and familial issues, and LGBTQ issues across the life span including the coming-out process. Intersectionality of race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity will be addressed along with ethical and legal issues which impact LGBTQ individuals and their families. Students will learn how to practice with LGBTQ clients in cultural relevant ways, and resources for support and information will be identified.
This is a survey course and an elective. There are no prerequisites. The purpose of this course is to provide the attitudes/values, knowledge, and skills as well as theoretical underpinnings to effectively serve LGBTQ individuals, families, and communities.
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This course examines chronic illnesses and disability among adults, focusing on the medical and psychosocial aspects of various mental and physical health conditions. This course aims to foster understanding of how social workers work with clients with chronic illness and disability, as well as their significant others, within healthcare and community systems. This course also reviews relevant policies and welfare system components intended to support those with chronic illness and disability.
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Examines intersections among gender, race, class, and sexuality; the institutional factors and values of society that impact on personal roles, status, and discrimination of women; and the social and individual problems that affect women because of their gender. Feminist theories and feminist practices that facilitate institutional and individual changes are discussed.
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This course examines the definitions, scope, and impact of violence and abuse in adulthood. The spectrum of theories and conceptual frameworks used to explain violence are explored. In particular, the course focuses on the prevalence, etiology, myths, and dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence, trafficking, and elder abuse. Perspectives on working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators are presented, with an understanding of the role of culture and environmental context. The course includes a review of the conceptual frameworks used to guide current services, interventions, prevention efforts, and policies aimed at remedying and eliminating violence in our society. A special emphasis is placed on the advocacy role of the social worker in creating social change. Prerequisite: 19:910:502 or 19:910:898 or 19:910:899.
View syllabus (OL)
View syllabus (OTG)
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This course examines the definitions, scope, and impact of violence and abuse in childhood. The spectrum of theories and conceptual frameworks used to explain violence are explored. In particular, the course focuses on the prevalence, etiology, myths, and dynamics of child physical abuse, childhood neglect, child sexual abuse, sibling abuse, and trafficking. Perspectives on working with both victims/survivors and perpetrators are presented, with an understanding of the role of culture and environmental context. The course includes a review of the conceptual frameworks used to guide current services, interventions, prevention efforts, and policies aimed at remedying and eliminating violence against children in our society. A special emphasis is placed on the advocacy role of the social worker in creating social change. Prerequisite: 19:910:502 or 19:910:898 or 19:910:899.
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Harm reduction is a health and human service approach that focuses on reducing morbidity and mortality associated with drug use. This approach, which encourages safer, controlled, and/or reduced use of drugs, complements abstinence-only approaches to drug use. Harm reduction has long been implemented for drug use in international settings and recently was placed on the continuum of care alongside treatment, prevention, and recovery services by leading drug use organizations in the United States, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Office of National Drug Control Policy. As efforts to expand the implementation of harm reduction approaches grow in the United States, students will need greater knowledge about harm reduction. In this course, historical and contemporary issues related to harm reduction for drug use will be examined. Students will gain knowledge and develop critical analysis skills that will be achieved through three course learning components: (1) a historical overview of harm reduction, its principles, and specific types of approaches used; (2) a critical analysis of harm reduction’s research evidence and implications for policy and practice; and (3) strategies to promote awareness and implementation of harm reduction equitably across society.
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This course provides an overview of older adults as a population group and of aging as a biopsychosocial process. The course explores aspects of social services and health care systems intended to help individuals, families, and communities confront aging-related challenges and capitalize upon aging-related strengths.
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This course focuses on understanding, analyzing, and applying theories of development for infants and children (through middle childhood). The course will use child development theories in application to case studies and child observations with infants and children. Particular consideration will be given to theories of change, culturally responsive practice, and privilege. Prerequisite: 19:910:502 or 19:910:898 or 19:910:899.
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This course provides a framework of knowledge, values, skills and experiences for spiritually sensitive social work. Students develop insight and skills to respond competently and ethically, to diverse spiritual and religious perspectives in social work, with individuals, organizations and communities. Attention is given to collaboration with faith-based organizations and the religion and spirituality as dimension of policy and service delivery where “secular” and “spiritual” may come together to address human need in society. The course examines micro and macro aspects of social work.
Advanced Electives
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The physical, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of adolescence in today's culture, with focus on advanced direct practice with typical problems of adolescents. Particular attention paid to high-risk groups. Pre- or corequisite: 19:910:511.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
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Theories and skills of direct clinical practice are applied at an advanced level for individuals, families, and groups in health care settings. Skills of crisis intervention, case management, and professional practice as part of an interdisciplinary team are addressed.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
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Contemporary interventions with clients who have severe psychiatric disorders and their families, in institutional and community settings. Intervention techniques with the more severe and chronic forms of psychiatric disorder, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR); psychotropic medications; case management; the treatment orientations to care; and special issues in work with children and adolescents. Pre- or corequisite: 19:910:511.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
View syllabus (OL)
View syllabus (Intensive Weekend)
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Focuses on children (ages birth to 18), and the ways their development and circumstance as a dependent population affect the well-being of individuals and communities. As children generally reside in families, various family forms and risk statuses will be examined with a focus on anti-oppressive social work practice. Emphasis is on assessment of developmental aspects of child well-being and aspects of family well-being (with a broad and diverse definition of family); identification of risks, strengths, and resiliency factors; and sociological and psychological knowledge of how family and community contexts affect children. Intervention modalities include direct work with children and their families, case management, promotion of resilience, crisis intervention work with community service systems, and the use of the legal system. Pre- or corequisite: 19:910:511.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
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Advanced practice with family systems, with emphasis on a systems-analytical perspective that includes environing systems, as well as internal dynamics of the family system. Differential use of the major theoretical approaches in family therapy. Emphasis on a social work framework and on such traditional family social work techniques as advocacy, brokerage, and provision of concrete services. Pre- or corequisite: 19:910:511.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
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Advanced direct practice with children and adolescents, in the context of public school setting, individually, in groups and with their families. Emphasis on the role of the school social worker in a host setting that is bound by governmental statutes and regulations and on relationships with teachers and school administrators, with other members of the professional team, and with community agencies and groups. This course is a direct practice elective course that can be taken after the successful completion of the professional foundation course work. Enrollment in Advance Direct Practice I (19:910:511) is a pre- or co-requisite.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
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Building upon the content learned in previous ACT courses, this practice-based course focuses on the assessment and diagnosis of common addictive disorders as well as addiction counseling skills with individuals. Students will learn how to develop a therapeutic alliance, starting with the initial interview, conduct a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, and develop systematic diagnostic summaries that include differential diagnosis and attention to co-occurring disorders. Students will learn how to evaluate a variety of assessment instruments, and to assess the impact of age, race, gender, social class, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, and physical and mental ability on recovery from addictive disorders. Students will learn strengths-based, evidence-based interventions including Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral approaches. This course is open to all students who have completed the course prerequisites. It is a required course for those in the Addictions Counselor Training (ACT) Certificate Program.
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This course examines social work practice theories and intervention approaches and skills as they apply to practice with childhood and adult survivors of physical, sexual and other forms of abuse and trauma. Particular attention will be made to the use of engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation and follow up on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. An emphasis will also be placed on diversity and use of social work ethics and values when working with survivors of abuse and trauma. Prerequisite: Successful completion of generalist curriculum courses.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
View syllabus (Intensive Weekend)
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Examines social work practice theories, multidimensional assessment, and intervention approaches and skills as they apply to practice with older adults and their families. Diversity among older people will be emphasized, including discussion of the lifelong integration of personal experiences and client populations that range from well elders to older adults and their families who are facing end-of-life issues. Late-life opportunities, transitions, and challenges will be addressed. Implications for policy that impacts older persons will also be included. Prerequisite: Successful completion of generalist curriculum courses.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Clinical Social Work specialization.
View syllabus (OTG)
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Core theories, dynamics, functions, and ethics of human resource management in nonprofit and public human services organizations are analyzed with particular focus on the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully recruit, retain, and develop the workforce necessary to achieve the mission of an organization. The substantive areas covered in this course include industry standard human resource policies and procedures in the areas of staff recruitment and selection; developing classification and compensation systems; establishing employee performance standards and conducting performance evaluations; developing and supporting a diverse workforce; employee and organized labor relations; maintaining a safe, discrimination- and harassment-free workplace; training and professional development; and strategic human resource planning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the generalist curriculum courses.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Management and Policy specialization.
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In this course, students will learn to apply this strength-based, brief model of treatment to assist adults, children, couples and families to discover their own resilience and problem solving abilities. Although the focus of this course will be on clinical practice, implications for case management as well as intervening with larger systems, such as agencies and communities will also be addressed.
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This course examines theory and methods for integrating behavioral health services into primary care, to provide evidence-based, quality care using a multidisciplinary approach. Areas of focus include: (a) models of integrated care, (b) use of integrated care as population-based health approach for addressing health disparities and social determinants of health, (c) integrated care for the most common mental health problems treated in primary care, (d) integrating prevention and wellness approaches into primary care, and (e) delivery of psychosocial treatments in primary care using an interprofessional collaborative approach.
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Overview of fiscal responsibilities of social agency executives. The accounting process, financial statements, budgeting, internal controls, audits, tax compliance, and fund accounting. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the generalist curriculum courses.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Management and Policy specialization.
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Analysis of supervisory roles in human service organizations. Covers the three functions of supervision - supportive, educational and administrative. Course designed primarily for the first line supervisor but covers concepts and theories applicable to general supervision and management.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Management and Policy specialization.
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Introduction to current strategies and procedures for identifying, obtaining, and maintaining a diverse portfolio of social service funding sources; review of methodologies for packaging, marketing, and selling program proposals to social service funders and consumers. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the generalist curriculum courses.
This elective meets the Advanced Practice Distribution Requirement for the Management and Policy specialization.
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The historical, societal, political, and economic forces influencing the accessibility, cost, and quality of health care services are examined in this course. Health policy formulation is discussed, as well as the impacts on different demographics in the US population and on social work practice. In this course we review the values and socio-political forces that define social problems; populations affected; current policies and programs and their impact, along with their unintended consequences; service delivery and resource allocation; unmet needs; trends; analysis of political processes and change strategies; and the role of evaluation. Major components of the role of social work in policy formulation will be addressed, including its major impact on health care policy.
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This course will examine advanced social work practice with Latinos. Emphasis is on the application and adaptation of evidence-based interventions with Latino/a/x survivors of abuse and trauma, individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental illness, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ. The course analyzes the impact of immigration and migration as well sociopolitical and cultural factors on social work practice with Latinos.
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This course facilitates students’ acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to effectively use 12 common trauma-informed practice elements in interventions for and the treatment of traumatized children and their families. The course highlights considerations of the impact of trauma, intervention objectives, and the practice elements needed to accomplish the intervention objectives. This course is taught using an inquiry-based learning (IBL) pedagogy to enhance students’ engagement and learning using full-length cases that exemplify the diverse clients a clinician might encounter in practice.
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Models of analysis applied to policies affecting adult survivors of physical, sexual, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Addresses understanding of values and socio-political forces that define problems; populations affected; current policies and programs and their impact; service delivery and resource allocation; unmet needs; trends; and analysis of political processes and change strategies.
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This course will engage students in policy practice related to promoting economic and social justice for individuals, families, and communities. Students will explore the values, ideologies, and socio-political forces that promote and fail to promote economic justice in the US. We will focus on policies related to wages, employment, poverty, food and housing insecurity, health, immigration, the criminal justice system, as well as policies related to democracy and representation, which underlie all these policy domains.
This course is open to ALL advanced year students, including those in any certificate programs.
This course meets the Advanced Contemporary Policy requirement.
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This course focuses on contemporary policy issues related to mental health including social determinants of mental health, treatment and access to care, rights and privacy, systems transformation, and disparities in care are examined in this course. The role of social workers in policy advocacy, the history and evolution of mental health policy, and recent mental health policy proposals are discussed. Students will learn to analyze mental health policy and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. This course is open to ALL advanced year students, including those in any certificate programs.
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This course will examine the broad array of state and federal policies for children, youth, and their families, with a particular emphasis on understanding policies and services for populations involved with child-serving systems. The course will also examine the historical foundations of these policies and how they have evolved over time in response to unmet needs. Students will develop critical frameworks for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of these policy interventions and of the delivery of child-oriented social services based on social and behavioral science research evidence and through the lens of multi-culturalism and social justice values. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the social work practitioner in enhancing the well-being of children and youth through social policy development, implementation, evaluation, and advocacy. The course uses a children’s rights lens to examine different child policy topics.
Topics covered include: child maltreatment and child welfare; youth aging out of foster care; youth involved with behavioral health systems; juvenile justice system; secondary education policies; food insecurity; homeless youth; poverty and two-generation policy programs; and child care.
This course is required for students enrolled in the Child and Adolescent Well-being Certificate (ChAP) program, but is also open to all advanced year students. In Fall 2020, it will be offered on the New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark campuses. This course meets the Advanced Contemporary Policy requirement.
View syllabus (intensive weekend)