School of Social Work

About Us

Founded in 1914, Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work educates students to become leaders in the profession. Within a learning community dedicated to excellence in scholarship and service, students select a curriculum focused on clinical, organizational, community, and social justice issues.

Accreditation

Loyola's Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1921. Loyola's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1976.

MSW Program Specializations

For the Master's in Social Work program, two specializations are available: Micro Practice and Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice. U.S. News & World Report ranks Loyola #28 on the list of Best Graduate Schools for Social Work.

Internship Experiences

Through relationships with over 1,000 agencies, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and schools in the Chicagoland area, Loyola provides outstanding access to supervised internships.

Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Social Work trains scholars adept in clinical research, scholarship, and teaching. The School and the University embrace ideals of social justice and service to others, commitments that inform the program's examination of clinical theories, practices, and systems of service delivery.

School of Social Work Graduate Programs

MSW Specializations & Tracks

Graduate School Programs

Social Work (PhD)

Social Work

SOWK 500 Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory (3 Credit Hours)

This course will consider bio-psycho-social-spiritual theories across the life-course, with a focus on trauma and resilience and an understanding of the role of neuroscience in development.

Course equivalencies: SOWK 305/SOWK 500

1) Understand the critical impact of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective on the social work profession, 2) identify the role trauma and resilience have in human development and behavior

Outcomes

1) Understand the critical impact of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective on the social work profession, 2) identify the role trauma and resilience have in human development and behavior

SOWK 501 Assessment of Client Concerns in Context (3 Credit Hours)

Course will teach students to conduct a strengths-based and contextual assessment of client concerns. Students will learn to conduct a culturally informed bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessment in which they gather information about presenting concerns from the perspective of clients and collateral sources.

Course equivalencies: SOWK 380/SOWK 501

1) Describe the elements of strength-based and contextual assessments, 2) explain process of culturally informed assessment, 3) apply knowledge by assessing client and community situations

Outcomes

1) Describe the elements of strength-based and contextual assessments, 2) explain process of culturally informed assessment, 3) apply knowledge by assessing client and community situations

SOWK 502 Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to assist social work students with understanding the concepts of power, privilege, oppression, and social justice in their work with historically marginalized and oppressed populations.

Course equivalencies: ASIA/SOWK/URB370/AFR369/SOWK50

1) Examine students' engagement in a deep exploration of self-awareness of their identities, values, and biases in several areas 2) recognize their knowledge and awareness of cultures and identities outside their own

Outcomes

SOWK 503 Practice Skills with Individuals and Families (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: Corequisite is SOWK 501; Restricted to Graduate Social Work students

This introductory micro practice course begins by focusing on the development of core skills for social workers in their encounters with individuals and families.

Course equivalencies: SOWK 301/SOWK 503

1) Understand core social work skills relevant to engaging with and working with individuals and families, 2) apply core skills to diverse client situations

Outcomes

1) Understand core social work skills relevant to engaging with and working with individuals and families, 2) apply core skills to diverse client situations

SOWK 504 Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice (3 Credit Hours)

This course extends theoretical knowledge and practical skills in mezzo and macro social work practice that support anti-racist and anti-oppressive, community engaged practices. While integrating theories of sociology, political science, anthropology, public health, and urban studies, as well as practice knowledge, the class examines relationships between social, economic, political, and cultural structures, collective action, and individual attitudes and behaviors.

1) Understand integrated practice models that apply across micro, mezzo, and macro domains, 2) appraise the quality and utility of empirical research related to the key theories, topics, and problems examined

Outcomes

SOWK 505 Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro (3 Credit Hours)

This course presents theoretical and practical approaches to social work with groups, with a focus on group development, dynamics, and processes.

Course equivalencies: SOWK 303/SOWK 505

1) Understand the role of group work as a key social work methodology, and how group work is practiced within agency and community settings, 2) gain awareness of themselves as group members and facilitators

Outcomes

SOWK 506 Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice (3 Credit Hours)

This course introduces the methods of social work research, including problem formulation, research ethics, research designs, measurement, data collection, sampling, and data analysis through a social justice/anti-racist/global perspective.

Course equivalencies: SOWK 390/SOWK 506

1) Identify research literacy and research skills in order to be accountable, and to evaluate their own practice, programs, and service delivery in the field, 2) understand the methods of social work research

Outcomes

SOWK 509 Social Work Policy and Community Intervention (3 Credit Hours)

Drawing from social work theory, research, and practice, Social Work Policy and Community Interventions examines the roles of social workers in policy practice as well as change agents within community and organizational contexts.

Course equivalencies: X- SOWK 509/IPS 635

1) Examine social workers in policy practice & as change agents within communities and organizations, 2) understand the history and current structures of social policies and services; the role of policy in service delivery; and the role of practice in policy development

Outcomes

SOWK 600 Dissertation Supervision (0 Credit Hours)

Students register for this course once they have finished their core curriculum, passed their comps, and have an approved dissertation proposal.

SOWK 602 Health and Behavioral Health Policy and Systems (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: SOWK 500, SOWK 501, SOWK 502, SOWK 503, SOWK 504, SOWK 505, SWFI 530, and SWFI 530S; or Advanced Standing Students or 5-Year Social Work Students

This course provides students with frameworks for understanding the interrelationship between developments in health and behavioral health policy, delivery systems, and social work practice on micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Practice issues associated with organizational structure, patient-centered care, team and interdisciplinary relations, as well as collaboration and conflict, are considered.

SOWK 603 Seminar in Brief Treatment (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: Grade of C or better in SOWK 500, SOWK 501, SOWK 502, SOWK 503, SOWK 505, and SWFI 530s, AND completion of SWFI 530 (P/F course); Or Advanced Standing Students or 5-Year Social Work Students

This seminar builds on the student's knowledge of short-term treatment, expanding this knowledge and skill toward understanding, and the practice of brief treatment as a modality of social work intervention. It examines the essential components of brief treatment (task-centered, crisis intervention, brief psychotherapy) with individual clients.

SOWK 604 Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice with Groups (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: Grade of C or higher in SOWK 500, SOWK 501, SOWK 502, SOWK 503, SOWK 504, SOWK 505, SOWK 509, and SWFI 530S; P in SWFI 530; or Advanced Standing Students or 5 Year Social Work Students

The course focuses on multiple theoretical approaches in group work practice with diverse and at-risk populations with an emphasis on social and economic justice. Although the focus is on treatment groups, content will include the structure, function and techniques of intervention with all types of groups, emphasizing the conscious use of self. The method of instruction is interactive, collaborative, and experientially based.

SOWK 605 Human Sexuality and Sexual Dysfunction (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: Grade of C or higher in SOWK 500, SOWK 501, SOWK 502, SOWK 503, SOWK 504, SOWK 505, SOWK 506, SOWK 509, and SWFI 530S; P in SWFI 530; or Advanced Standing Students or 5 Year Social Work Students

This course provides basic knowledge about the physiology and psychology of human sexuality as well as consideration of some areas of sexual dysfunction. Attention is also focused on cultural, societal, and personal attitudes which may affect the student's response to this area of practice.

SOWK 606 Practicum in Research & Evaluation (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to introduce MSW students to a range of philosophies, methods, and techniques that are useful for evaluating human service programs and practice interventions. The course is intended to help you become more aware of the range of evaluation activities conducted in health care and human service agencies and to prepare you to conduct your own small and mid-range evaluations of programs and practice.

SOWK 609A School Social Work Policy and Practice I (3 Credit Hours)

This course is the first of a two-semester course sequence for school social work candidates, which aims to integrate an analytic understanding of the role of school social workers, and appreciation of school social workers' current and historical contributions to K-12 education.

SOWK 609B School Social Work Policy and Practice II (3 Credit Hours)

This course is the second of a two-semester course sequence for school social work candidates, which aims to integrate an analytic understanding of the role of school social workers, and appreciation of school social workers' current and historical contributions to K-12 education.

1) Build specific skills in assessment and intervention strategies; 2) Apply skills to individuals, groups, and schools; 3) Integrate trauma-informed care

Outcomes

1) Build specific skills in assessment and intervention strategies; 2) Apply skills to individuals, groups, and schools; 3) Integrate trauma-informed care

SOWK 611 Social Work Practice with Couples (3 Credit Hours)

This course explores clinical models and techniques for the treatment of couples with relationship problems. Primary attention is given to the integration of systemic and analytical theories. Specific strategies and techniques are presented and demonstrated. Attention is given to the range of symptomatology and challenges including sexual dysfunction.

SOWK 612 Family Assessment and Intervention (3 Credit Hours)

The course examines different theoretical approaches to assessment and intervention with families. The focus will be on interpersonal interaction patterns and on systems rather than on individual feelings and behaviors, although those aspects of working with family members are not excluded. Different models of family therapy will be described, applied to case problems, compared with other models and/or theories, and evaluated for their effectiveness.

SOWK 613 Advanced Family Treatment (3 Credit Hours)

This course deepens students clinical practice competence in family therapy. Through discussion and experiential exercises, use of case vignettes and films, it will refine understanding of the therapeutic process and the development of treatment skills. Students will advance their understanding of the relationship between treatment goals and treatment techniques.

SOWK 614 Clinical Social Work Practice in Health Care (3 Credit Hours)

This course will view the practice of social work in health care as the integration of physical and mental health. We will explore in depth the biopsychosocial concomitants of physical and mental disorders. The integration of both health and mental health has implications for assessment and intervention and relies upon a person-centered/relation-centered framework.

SOWK 615 Adolescent Client: Diagnosis and Treatment (3 Credit Hours)

Social workers encounter adolescents in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health, child welfare, medical, juvenile justice, and substance abuse treatment. This course seeks to prepare students for direct intervention with adolescents and their families in these settings and within young people's own social contexts.

SOWK 616 Psychotherapy with Adults (3 Credit Hours)

This practice course focuses on the content and processes of psychotherapy and the strategic use of therapeutic communications with adults. The focus will include psychotherapy informed by psychodynamic and developmental frameworks.

SOWK 618 The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Psychotherapy (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the predominant practice theories regarding religion and spirituality for the "person-in-the-situation". Included in the course material are relevant neurological, psychological, philosophical, theological, and sociocultural understandings of the interface between social work practice and religion and spirituality.

SOWK 619 Issues in Treatment of Women (3 Credit Hours)

The focus of the course is the identification and application of clinical social work assessment and intervention relevant to practice with women. The circumstances of women are directly relevant to the studies of children and families, as well as health and mental health since they generally are the primary caregivers for others in our society.

SOWK 620 Clinical Social Work Practice with Children (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on learning about clinical social work with children through helping students deeply understand a clinical relationship that children find meaningful in advancing their self-determination. In keeping with the present and future of clinical social work, this course includes a multicultural and global focus.

SOWK 621 Clinical Practice in Addiction (3 Credit Hours)

This advanced-level course is associated with counseling clients affected by Substance Use Disorders (SUD). The core Functions and skills examined include: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling (individual, family and group), case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and recordkeeping, consultation with other professionals and intervention.

SOWK 622 Substance Abuse Treatment in Groups (3 Credit Hours)

This course will focus on the many applications of group work to serve substance use disorder (SUD) affected clients. Through a combination of assigned readings, attendance at group meetings, and hands-on participation in small groups within the class, students will gain a working knowledge of how groups function to assist those recovering from SUDs.

SOWK 626 Social Work with Severely Mentally Ill (3 Credit Hours)

This course offers students the chance to learn about leading-edge social work approaches providing humane care for severely mentally ill clients, especially those clients with concomitant substance abuse, developmental disabilities, and severe socioeconomic disadvantage. Working with the client's environment, collaboration with other systems, advocacy and program development are considered.

SOWK 631 Clinical Social Work Practice with Family Violence (3 Credit Hours)

This course will focus primarily on interpersonal and family violence between partners and the impact of violence on the family. It will examine the various epistemological conceptualizations of violence, and the treatment of violence as it is experienced by and from various family members within an ecological framework with consideration of micro, mezzo, and macro areas of practice.

SOWK 632 Clinical Social Work with Older Adults (3 Credit Hours)

This course includes a review of the basic concepts of gerontology/geriatric practice, mental health issues, and interventions. The content of the course is intended to challenge students to move beyond basic levels of knowledge. It is intended to help students adapt social work theory (person-in-environment), practice principles, standards, and values to practice with older adults.

SOWK 634 Special Topics (1-3 Credit Hours)

Topics for these courses are diverse. The purpose of having these courses is to expand the curriculum content and expose students to new and innovative subject matter. The topic of the course will be included in the class notes.

SOWK 637 Neurodevelopment and Trauma (3 Credit Hours)

This course is an advanced concentration year practice elective focused on assessing the neurodevelopmental impact of trauma and selecting interventions consistent with this assessment. Students will learn to identify major regions of the brain, appreciate the sequential nature of brain development, and determine which areas of the brain have likely been affected by developmental trauma. Consistent with a neurosequential understanding of development, students will be taught to recognize which interventions involve specific brain regions in order to assist them in choosing those most likely to promote growth in areas of the brain impacted by trauma. This assessment and intervention process occurs within the frameworks of systems and attachment theories, which recognize that the relational environments and communities in which clients live must be adequately safe and supportive for any intervention to be effective. This course is a hybrid course, incorporating recorded material supplied by The Child Trauma Academy. By the end of the course, students will have completed the majority of the requirements for Phase I Certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. Because of this, the reading and out-of-class workload for this course is heavier than usual.

Students will be taught to recognize which interventions involve specific brain regions in order to assist them in choosing those most likely to promote growth in areas of the brain impacted by trauma

Outcomes

SOWK 645 Crisis Intervention (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides students with the theoretical bases and practical skills for working with clients in crisis. This course focuses on general crisis theories, assessment models, and treatment/ intervention strategies. Students will concentrate on the application of these theories, models, and strategies in various practice settings.

SOWK 650 Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations (3 Credit Hours)

Course content focuses on providing knowledge, values, ethics, and skills in guiding the work of others within social service organizations. Content areas include but are not limited to staff management, administrative supervision principles, models and styles, staff development, clinical supervision, teamwork, staff selection, legal and ethical issues, evaluation and termination, mediation, and conflict resolution.

SOWK 652 Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation (3 Credit Hours)

This course builds knowledge and skills in the areas of program development, sustainability, and evaluation. Program development is presented using an approach that also highlights the role of power, values, needs, and resources in decision-making processes. Grant-writing skills are developed alongside a critical analysis of social entrepreneurship and longstanding models of philanthropy. Knowledge and application of technology-based strategies to monitoring, evaluation and program improvement through data collection, data analysis, and data presentation are covered as well.

SOWK 653 Community Organizing and Policy Practice (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the practice of community and political organizing designed to bring about social, economic, and racial justice. It explores interdisciplinary theories relating to processes of social change, representation, and power.

SOWK 654 Global Social Work: Reflective Practice for Justice and Peace (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides an introduction to social work practice in an international context. The emphasis is on understanding cross-cultural peace-building practices using clinical skills and community action activities that build civil society structures and promote peaceful resolution of socially traumatized experiences. This course includes video conferencing.

SOWK 656 Social Work Practice with LGBTQ Populations (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth and critical understanding of social work practice issues related to individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (+) (LGBTQ+), which includes intersex, two-spirit, demisexual, asexual, pansexual, omnisexual, their families, and the communities in which they live.

SOWK 662 Professional Development (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the student's development as a social work professional and as a potential leader within the field, and the opportunities and strategies for personal professional impact. It is designed for the student who wants to develop a vision for advancing within the profession.

SOWK 663 Women in a Global Context (3 Credit Hours)

This course covers understanding women in a global context, social development institutions, and women's representation within them and in related media and social media. It builds the knowledge of relevance to students of social work, women's studies, international studies, migration, and communication.

Interdisciplinary Option: Women & Gender Studies

SOWK 670 Bridging Psychodynamic Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Practice (3 Credit Hours)

Psychodynamic theory and cognitive-behavioral theory are each associated with methods of intervention that have consistently been found to have therapeutic value for clients with a variety of psychosocial problems.

Students will learn to apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments using oral and written communication as appropriate to the practice setting

Outcomes

Students will learn to apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments using oral and written communication as appropriate to the practice setting

SOWK 680 Advanced Micro-Level Practice (3 Credit Hours)

Micro Practice extends foundation knowledge of generalist practice and requires critical understanding of diverse theories and their related evidence-informed practice models. Critical analysis examines these models from an anti-racist and strengths perspective in order to intervene effectively using a variety of systems perspectives in situations of increased complexity.

Demonstrate professional use of self, reflecting knowledge of personal professional strengths, limitations, challenges, and cooperatively resolving interpersonal conflicts; Demonstrate understanding of discrimination patterns in society and how macro, mezzo, and micro-level oppression impacts micro-level social work practice

Outcomes

SOWK 681 Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice (3 Credit Hours)

This course will focus on integrated practice approaches that span the micro (e.g., individuals/families/groups), mezzo (e.g., communities), and macro (e.g., systems, societal) frameworks. Numerous theories and models will be examined throughout the semester. The course also explores the role of the social work profession in creating social and organizational change, as well as interprofessional and interdisciplinary efforts.

Demonstrate self-awareness and professional behavior in engaging with individuals, teams, community groups and organizations; Understand and demonstrate effective group and team facilitation and mediation process skills that facilitate engagement and collaboration

Outcomes

SOWK 689 Arts-Based and Experiential Approaches to Social Work (3 Credit Hours)

Students learn about arts-based and experiential approaches in social work practice, the theories that drive and support their use, and the evidence that supports their use throughout all levels of social work practice, including the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

SOWK 690 Independent Study (1-3 Credit Hours)

Independent studies generally consist of research, activities, and papers. Dependent on a student's needs, the course can be either 1, 2 or 3 credit hours and the requirements are adjusted accordingly. Students need to find a full-time faculty member willing to teach this course, obtain approval from the faculty member, as well as the Program Director to register for this course.

SOWK 709 Social Work and Law (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on of the relationship between the disciplines of social work and law. Students acquire a framework for comprehending and analyzing laws, learn to critically examine the function of law in society and examine criminal and juvenile justice; child welfare; domestic violence; and confidentiality.

SOWK 714 Philanthropy, Public Policy, and Community Change (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: Graduate Social Work; Or Advanced Standing Students or 5-Year Social Work Students

This course examines the roles that philanthropy and foundations play in advancing, influencing, and preventing social and community change. It explores relationships between public policy and philanthropic giving. Patterns of giving, policy intervention strategies, structural issues, and programmatic opportunities and constraints will be illuminated.

Course equivalencies: PHPY402/SOWK714

SOWK 722 Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders (3 Credit Hours)

This course will inform students about the prevalence of substance use disorders. These disorders are a part of the broad spectrum of social work practice. An assumption of the course is that SUD manifests in a variety of social work practice settings, therefore all social workers must have basic skills to identify, intervene with and refer to SUD-involved clients.

SOWK 730 Immigration Dynamics and U.S. Social Policy (3 Credit Hours)

This course also offers an exploration into some of the social policy and social welfare concerns associated with contemporary migration. This examination considers the social, political, environmental, and economic causes and consequences of migration; public policy regarding migration and the rights of immigrants; and the roles of governmental and nongovernmental local, national, and international organizations. Social justice themes related to migration are also explored.

SOWK 731 Social Work Practice with Refugees and Immigrants (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on identification and application of clinical social work assessment and intervention with major migrant groups. It considers immigrant and refugee individuals and families currently living in the U.S., helping students build a knowledge base for effective work, especially with those experiencing violence and trauma.

SOWK 732 Migration, Social Justice, and Human Rights (3 Credit Hours)

This course offers an exploration into some of the human rights and social justice concerns associated with global migration. It addresses distinct perspectives and practices of justice as they relate to concrete ethical and justice dilemmas posed by contemporary migration, immigration policies, and the social, political, and environmental factors that contribute to voluntary and forced migration.

SOWK 733 North American Migration Dynamics, Challenges & Opportunity (1-3 Credit Hours)

This course is offered in Mexico in collaboration with IberoAmericana an opportunity for Loyola students to come together with Mexican students to study migration related issues affecting our respective countries and shared continent. Specifically, the course will focus on central themes concerning the opportunities as well as challenges to fundamental social institutions and migration dynamics of policies for North America.

SOWK 734 Social Policy and Older Adults (3 Credit Hours)

This course will focus on services issues related to geriatric case management, home care and the continuum of community based services as well as the relationship between informal and formal support. In addition to exploring direct services and programs for older adults, there will be consideration of the needs and services for family caregivers.

Students in this class will demonstrate the capacity to engage in critical thinking, apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services; and respond to contexts that shape practice

Outcomes

SOWK 735 Loss, Grief, and Dying (3 Credit Hours)

Losses, followed by grief reactions are present in nearly every clinical situation that Social Workers encounter. This course will help students acquire skills in helping clients (and themselves) transition through grief in response to non-death and death experiences. The course builds on knowledge of direct practice, human behavior theory, life span development, and cultural diversity.

SOWK 780 Integrative Seminar I Advanced School Mental Health Program (1 Credit Hour)

Enrollment Conditions: Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program. This is the first semester of a two semester first level integrative seminar for students in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate Program. Students will have the opportunity to apply material covered in certificate program classes and receive guidance and feedback during the course of the seminar.

SOWK 781 Integrative Seminar II Advanced School Mental Health Program (2 Credit Hours)

Enrollment Conditions: Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program. They must have completed SOWK 780 prior to taking this course. This is the second semester of a two semester first level integrative seminar for students in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate Program.

Students will have the opportunity to apply material covered in certificate program classes and receive guidance and feedback during the course of the seminar

Outcomes

Students will have the opportunity to apply material covered in certificate program classes and receive guidance and feedback during the course of the seminar

SOWK 782 Integrative Seminar III Advanced School Mental Health Program (1 Credit Hour)

This is the first semester of a two semester second level integrative seminar for students in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate Program. Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program.

Students will have the opportunity to expand their application of material covered in certificate program classes and receive guidance and feedback during the course of the seminar

Outcomes

Students will have the opportunity to expand their application of material covered in certificate program classes and receive guidance and feedback during the course of the seminar

SOWK 783 Integrative Seminar IV Advanced School Mental Health Program (2 Credit Hours)

Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program. They must have completed SOWK 782. This is the second semester of a two semester second level integrative seminar for students in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate Program.

Students will have the opportunity to expand their application of material covered in certificate program classes and receive guidance and feedback during the course of the seminar

Outcomes

Students will have the opportunity to expand their application of material covered in certificate program classes and receive guidance and feedback during the course of the seminar

SOWK 784 Evidence Based Practice in Schools (3 Credit Hours)

Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program. This course focuses on increasing understanding and the utilization of evidence based practice techniques in the school setting.

Students will have an increased ability to apply EBP interventions in educational settings

Outcomes

Students will have an increased ability to apply EBP interventions in educational settings

SOWK 785 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Techniques (3 Credit Hours)

Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program. This course focuses on increasing understanding and the utilization of solution-focused brief therapy techniques in school settings.

Students will have an increased ability to apply solution-focused brief therapy techniques in educational settings

Outcomes

Students will have an increased ability to apply solution-focused brief therapy techniques in educational settings

SOWK 786 Special Topics in School Social Work (3 Credit Hours)

Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program. This course will focus on different critical issues related to social work interventions in school settings.

Students will gain expertise in various interventions of importance to effective social work in school settings

Outcomes

Students will gain expertise in various interventions of importance to effective social work in school settings

SOWK 787 Special Topics in School Social Work - Immersion Weekend (1 Credit Hour)

This is a one credit course that compliments SOWK 786 and provides an immersion experience related to the special topic course for that year. Students must be enrolled in the Advanced School Mental Health Certificate program. They must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in SOWK 786.

Students will gain additional expertise in various interventions of importance to effective social work in school settings

Outcomes

Students will gain additional expertise in various interventions of importance to effective social work in school settings

SOWK 788 SMHAPP Independent Study (2 Credit Hours)

Independent study for students admitted into the SMHAPP certificate program. Restricted to SMHAPP certificate program.

SOWK 800 Statistics (3 Credit Hours)

This course is the first in a two-semester sequence of statistics courses required of all social work doctoral students. The course covers basic statistical concepts of probability, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, and statistical inference. The focus for the course is the applied use of statistical methods for the analysis of social science data using SPSS and manual calculations. In addition to covering applied statistical concepts and their application to data, the course will also critically examine the question of causality. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

SOWK 801 Historical & Contemporary Issues in Social Work Practice (3 Credit Hours)

The course will provide a critical review and analysis of the historical development of social work practice and identify and explore contemporary issues that impact the current delivery of social work practice services. Students will read from the professional literature ranging from the early 1900s to the present; critically evaluate the development of social work practice theory, knowledge, and skills as the profession sought to define what constitutes social work practice; examine the broader social, cultural, political, economic, and other contextual forces that shaped (and were shaped by) the development of social work practice and the provision of services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

SOWK 802 Grand Theories & Perspectives in Social Work Knowledge (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on grand theories and perspectives which guide social work practice, research, and policy. Students in this course will critically examine the grand theories and perspectives which have influenced social work in the past, currently influence social work, and will likely shape the profession of social work in the future. Through examining and critiquing the grand theories and perspectives, students will be challenged to think about how these theories do and do not address social and economic justice while also acquiring more knowledge regarding how these theories and perspectives help students better understand their substantive areas. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

SOWK 803 Advanced Statistics (3 Credit Hours)

This is the second in a two-semester sequence of statistics courses required of all social work doctoral students. The course covers various multivariate statistical analysis techniques to test hypotheses that are most relevant to issues of social, economic, racial, and environmental justice. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

SOWK 804 Qualitative Research (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of qualitative research. It provides a detailed consideration of knowledge and skills in qualitative inquiry. The science and paradigms for qualitative inquiry in social work are examined as well as principles for qualitative inquiry design including data collection, analysis, and writing. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

Students will be able to design and implement a qualitative research project with understanding of the various methods; ability to understand and apply various methods of data analysis; identify and apply criteria for rigor and trustworthiness

Outcomes

SOWK 805 Research Practicum I (3 Credit Hours)

This is a two-semester course emphasizing research methodology, development, and acquisition of measurement tools if applicable, quantitative and qualitative analysis, ethical considerations, and dissemination of research. Students will carry out team-based projects using both methods across both semesters working together with the instructors of the courses. The first semester will emphasize methodology, data analysis, and developing findings, while the second semester will focus on study write-up, revisions, and preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

SOWK 806 Research Practicum II (3 Credit Hours)

SOWK 808 Integration of Research, Practice, & Theory in Social Work Scholarship (3 Credit Hours)

This course focuses on the examination of research, practice, and theory as well as the integration of these focal areas in doctoral students¿ substantive areas. Students will examine the research, theories, and practices that have been used in their substantive areas to gain further knowledge of the current state of their substantive areas and address key research questions. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

SOWK 817 The Nature of Social Work Knowledge (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: PhD Social Work student

This course aims to help students understand the variety of contemporary understandings of science in the social and behavioral sciences and foundational aspects of designing research to develop conceptual frameworks for social work practice. Emphasis will be on science as a problem-solving process, with scientific knowledge development being a major link for the social worker between the roles of practitioner and researcher.

SOWK 818 Social Work Research Methodology: Overview of the Fundamentals (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: PhD Social Work student

This course presents an overview and critical analysis of the research methods commonly used in social work and other related disciplines. The course will involve reading about these research methods, critically analyzing a variety of research reports, and applying research methods to an area relevant to the advancement of knowledge about social work selected by each student.

SOWK 820 Social Theory & Social Change (3 Credit Hours)

Pre-requisites: PhD Social Work student

This course will explore the evolution and development of macro practice in the United States with a focus on theory and methods that undergird community practice and policy practice. Course content will include a conceptual history of macro practice within social work, including the unique role of macro practice methods in carrying out the mission of the social work profession. The role of different forms of power, at the institutional and social level, as well as values and ethical dilemmas associated with macro practice and their relation to social work, will also inform the course.

SOWK 822 Organizational Analysis (3 Credit Hours)

This course explores the ways in which an organizational lens can be usefully applied in the context of social welfare-related research. The course will provide an overview of the ways in which scholars have approached the study of organizations and highlight theoretical traditions useful for understanding the work of human service organizations.

SOWK 827 Doctoral Study (0 Credit Hours)

Students register for this course during the semester they are taking their comprehensive exams and any semesters they do not yet have an approved proposal.

SOWK 828 Teaching Seminar and Practicum I (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to provide doctoral students with a thorough overview of teaching within a university setting from social justice and anti-racist perspective and the practical experience of preparing and teaching a course. This course focuses on theories of learning, the application of these theories to the teaching process, and the teaching process itself. SOWK 829 is a continuation of this content. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

SOWK 829 Teaching Seminar & Practicum II (3 Credit Hours)

This second course on teaching includes a supervised learning experience with a teaching mentor and regular seminars on instructional methodologies, facilitating discussion and active learning in the classroom, strategies for evaluating student performance, and discussions on managing sensitive and/or challenging issues in the classroom, specifically issues related to social identities, diversity, oppression, and social justice. Restricted to Social Work PhD students.

Social Work Field Instruction

SWFI 530 Internship I & Simulated Experience (0.5 Credit Hours)

The goal of the internship education program is to provide an integrative experience that brings classroom theory to practice. The internship education program will challenge the student to integrate professional values and personal perspectives.

1) Understand the professional purpose, values, and ethical implications of social work practice; 2) develop knowledge of the multiple frames of reference that reflect the organization and diversity of the profession

Outcomes

SWFI 530S Integrative Seminar (1 Credit Hour)

This course is the first of two seminars that serve to enrich students' internship experience. The focus of this course is upon experiences and progress of the student in the first semester of advanced internship and the relationship of the internship experience to specific advanced practice class content.

Course equivalencies: SOWK 362/SWFI 530S

1) Integrate classroom knowledge and skills into the practice setting; 2) reflect on internship learning experiences and growth of professional sense of self

Outcomes

1) Integrate classroom knowledge and skills into the practice setting; 2) reflect on internship learning experiences and growth of professional sense of self

SWFI 531 Internship II & Simulated Experience (0.5 Credit Hours)

Outcomes

SWFI 630 Field Instruction III & Simulated Experience (1 Credit Hour)

The goal of the field education program is to provide an integrative experience that brings classroom theory to the field of practice. The field education program will challenge the student to integrate professional values and personal perspectives.

1) Understand the professional purpose, values, and ethical implications of social work practice, 2) develop knowledge of the multiple frames of reference that reflect the organization and diversity of the profession

Outcomes

SWFI 630S Integrative Seminar (2 Credit Hours)

This course is the second of two seminars that serve to enrich students' field experience. The focus of this course is upon experiences and progress of the student in the first semester of advanced field and the relationship of the field experience to specific advanced practice class content.

1) Integrate classroom knowledge and skills into the field setting, 2) reflect on field learning experiences and growth of professional sense of self

Outcomes

1) Integrate classroom knowledge and skills into the field setting, 2) reflect on field learning experiences and growth of professional sense of self

SWFI 631 Field Instruction IV & Simulated Experience (1 Credit Hour)

Outcomes

SWFI 632 Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences (0.5 Credit Hours)

Outcomes

SWFI 632S Integrative Seminar (1 Credit Hour)

This course is the second of two seminars that serve to enrich students' internship experience. The focus of this course is upon experiences and progress of the student in the first semester of advanced internship and the relationship of the internship experience to specific advanced practice class content.

1) Integrate classroom knowledge and skills into the practice setting; 2) reflect on internship learning experiences and growth of professional sense of self

Outcomes

1) Integrate classroom knowledge and skills into the practice setting; 2) reflect on internship learning experiences and growth of professional sense of self

SWFI 633 Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences (0.5 Credit Hours)

Outcomes

SWFI 640 Post Masters Field Instruction I (0 Credit Hours)

Students' externship experience is the signature pedagogy of the social work profession. This course is designed to enhance the integration of core components of social work knowledge (e.g., social-work informed developmental theory and practice theory) with students' practical experience in their externships in a public school setting. The goal of the externship program is to provide an integrative experience that brings classroom theory to the field of practice. The externship program will challenge the student to integrate professional values and personal perspectives to enhance their understanding of the true meaning of social work. Students that are in the Post-MSW PEL preparation program participate in an academic year of externship in a public school setting. In accordance with the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation standards, students take courses that focus on understanding professional purpose, values, and ethical implications of social work practice; developing knowledge of the multiple frames of reference that reflect the organization and diversity of the profession; developing specialist advanced-level skill in the practice of social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and fostering an appreciation of the role of research for evaluating practice, programs, and service delivery, while obtaining practical experience in the school setting.

SWFI 640S Post Masters Field Seminar I (2 Credit Hours)

On-line filed seminar to support students concurrently enrolled in SWFI 640 as part of the Post Masters PEL program. Restricted to students in the Post Masters PEL program.

SWFI 641 Post Masters Field Instruction II (0 Credit Hours)

Students' externship experience is the signature pedagogy of the social work profession. This course is designed to enhance the integration of core components of social work knowledge (e.g., social-work informed developmental theory and practice theory) with students¿ practical experience in their externships in a public school setting. The goal of the externship program is to provide an integrative experience that brings classroom theory to the field of practice. The externship program will challenge the student to integrate professional values and personal perspectives to enhance their understanding of the true meaning of social work. Students that are in the Post-MSW PEL preparation program participate in an academic year of externship in a public school setting. In accordance with the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation standards, students take courses that focus on understanding professional purpose, values, and ethical implications of social work practice; developing knowledge of the multiple frames of reference that reflect the organization and diversity of the profession; developing specialist advanced-level skill in the practice of social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities; and fostering an appreciation of the role of research for evaluating practice, programs, and service delivery, while obtaining practical experience in the school setting.

SWFI 641S Post Masters Field Seminar II (2 Credit Hours)

Online field seminar to support students concurrently enrolled in SWFI 641 as part of the Post Masters PEL program. Restricted to students in the Post Masters PEL program.

SWFI 730 Specialized Field Internship (1 Credit Hour)

Pre-requisites: Restricted to students in the post masters CADC program

Specialized field internship to fulfill the requirements for a School of Social Work certificate program.

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School of Social Work

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