The MSW Foundations degree plan consists of forty-eight (48) credit hours of coursework in a variety of topics. Full-time students can expect the program to take about two years, with the first year focusing on building a firm knowledge base through course work and the second focusing on applying acquired knowledge through field education/practicum. Part-time students can expect to attain their degree in about 4 years. Research options are available and encouraged for all MSW students.
The MSW Advanced Generalist Practice degree plan is available to students that have a BSW degree accredited by Council on Social Work Education. It consists of thirty-six (36) hours of coursework in a variety of topics. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in one year, and part time students can expect to complete the program in about 2 years.
Degree planning is based on the semester in which a student enters the Social Work program, and is dependent on their status (full-time or part-time) and advanced standing.
SWK 501 - Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families, and Small Groups
Hours: 3
This foundation practice course provides an overview of social work values, skills, and knowledge from an empowerment and strengths perspective to mezzo and macro systems (ie., organizations and communities). The relationships between communities, organizations, human diversity and at-risk populations are infused throughout the course.
SWK 510 - Clinical Practice in Mental Health
Hours: 3
Students will develop the ability to understand and apply the DSM-V in advanced generalist social work practice. Students will be expected to use critical thinking and evidence-based practice approaches with clients experiencing mental health issues.
SWK 541 - Social Justice For Oppressed Populations
Hours: 3
Social Justice for Oppressed Populations. Three semester hours. This foundation course provides students with knowledge about social work with diverse populations. The emphasis of this course is on developing an understanding about client groups who are oppressed in our society based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Attention will also focus on systems which perpetuate oppression and exploring mechanisms for achieving social justice.
SWK 508 - Social Work Supervision and Administration
Hours: 3
Social Work Supervision and Administration. Three semester hours. This advanced practice course provides students with theories and skills needed for supervision of direct service staff and management skills in human service organizations. T
1. Prepare students for competent and effective generalist social work practice with diverse client systems.
2. Provide students with a foundation of knowledge for professional development, graduate education and lifelong learning
3. Develop student capability to improve human service delivery systems and promote social justice
4. Socialize student to the profession of social w
Competency 2.1.1: Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly
Competency 2.1.2: Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice
Competency 2.1.3: Apply Critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments
Competency 2.1.4: Engage diversity and difference in practice
Competency 2.1.5: Advance human rights and social and economic justice
Competency 2.1.6: Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research
Competency 2.1.7: Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment
Competency 2.1.8: Engage in policy practice to advance well-being and deliver services
Competency 2.1.9: Respond to contexts that shape practice
Competency 2.1.10: (a)-(d) Engages, assesses, intervenes and evaluates individual, families, groups, organizations, and communities
1. Prepare MSW graduates for professional advanced generalist practice that reflects application and integration of critical thinking, theoretical frameworks, and differential interventions.
2. Enable MSW graduates to apply ethical reasoning to advance equality, justice, and social change.
3. Promote leadership and service that is relevant to individual contexts of practice and enhances well-being and quality of life.
Competency AGP 2.1.1 Exemplify professional social work behavior and standards.
Competency AGP 2.1.2 Apply social work ethical principles to resolve dilemmas and create positive change.
Competency AGP 2.1.3 Critically analyze practice solutions and communicate judgments and reasoning through decision-making processes.
Competency AGP 2.1.4 Demonstrate the ability to build strengths based on mutual engagement with diverse populations.
Competency AGP 2.1.5 Demonstrate commitment to strategies that address discrimination, reduce disparities, and promote social and economic justice.
Competency AGP 2.1.6 Contribute to evidence-based best practice approaches to assess and improve effectiveness.
Competency AGP 2.1.7 Differentially apply theories and frameworks of HBSE.
Competency AGP 2.1.8 Promote social policies to improve service delivery systems.
Competency AGP 2.1.9 Use leadership skills to respond, influence, and shape changing contexts.
Competency AGP 2.1.10 Demonstrate autonomy in dynamic practice situations that involve:
2.1.10.1 Relationship-building at all levels of systems.
2.1.10.2 Evidence-based assessment tools and intervention approaches.
2.1.10.3 Effective intervention with complex problems and prevention strategies.
2.1.10.4 Response to the feedback process from interventions
Competency AGP 2.1.11: Develop leadership skills as advanced generalist practitioners to enhance organizations and communities
Competency AGP 2.1.12: Demonstrate innovative problem-solving in social and organizational systems