SOW 2192   Understanding Relationships in the 21st Century

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course examines human relationships with a focus on the interrelatedness and effects of underlying theoretical principles as they relate to individual, family, and group interactions.

SOW 3103   Human Behavior in the Social Environment

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: BSC 1005 OR BSC 1085 OR BSC 1086

This course uses the bio-psycho-social approach and ecosystems framework to provide an overview of social functioning throughout the lifecycle within the context of the social environment. A major focus of the course is on the analysis of complexity within these systems as well as an examination of power dynamics and social positioning in relation to social work’s professional ethics and practice standards. The person-in-environment framework provides students with an understanding of human behavior and the various forces that impact health and well-being. Models for understanding human development across the lifespan are introduced.

SOW 3113   Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course explores the role of organizations and communities in the development and delivery of social services. Specific focus is placed on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to operate within, and lead, effective organizations that impact their communities.

SOW 3203   Introduction to Social Work

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course traces the profession from its historical roots to the modern iteration of professional social work practice. Included in this is the examination of both historical and contemporary trends, policies, and ethics of social work and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

SOW 3313   Principles of Social Work Practice with Individuals

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

One of four practice courses designed to prepare the student for generalist social work. Emphasis is on the values, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective assessment and intervention on the micro level, and is reflected in several areas, including the worker/client relationship, assessment, strategies and implementation techniques, the social worker's use of self, the phases of the helping process, and evaluation. Using the systems approach, emphasis is placed on social, cultural familial, and environmental influences on the functioning of individuals. Permission is required.

SOW 3314   Case Management

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Designed to help students develop a general overview of case management and how it is defined and practiced in a variety of settings, such as juvenile justice programs, mental health programs, and nonprofit community agencies.

SOW 3322   Principles of Social Work Practice with Groups

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

One of a series of four courses designed to prepare a student for generalist social work practice. The student will acquire the knowledge base, values and skills necessary for working with groups at the beginning professional level. The focus will be on developing the knowledge base, values and practice skills needed to use the problem solving approach to work with diverse populations within various types of groups. Stages of groups and activities that can enhance the group process will be explored. Permission is required.

SOW 3350   Principles of Interviewing & Documentation

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

As part of professional practice, social workers routinely interview clients, research participants, and program stakeholders. This course focuses on principles of interviewing in social work practice and aims to equip students with the interpersonal communication skills needed to professionally and ethically conduct interviews at the generalist practitioner level. Meets College-Level Communication Skills Requirement.

SOW 3650   Introduction to Child Welfare

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Prepares social workers and others to enter the field of child welfare with a better understanding of the history of this movement and the types of services and programs designed to assist children and families. Also introduces and provides information to any interested person regarding the social problems of children and the availability of services to children in need.

SOW 3783   Human Trafficking

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The purpose of this course is to educate social work students on human trafficking and develop a framework for professional intervention. This course is designed to examine the human trafficking phenomenon of modern day slavery of men, women, and children. Course content will include the examination of domestic and international policy, the differences in labor and sexual trafficking, and the scope and prevalence of human trafficking as an international concern. The socio-political, cultural, and economic issues that contribute to the increased phenomenon of trafficking with women and children will be explored as well as the traumatic effects on victims, families, and the community. The social workers role in providing intervention and advocacy services will be explored.

SOW 3905   Directed Study

College of Health, Department of Social Work

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

SOW 4111   Adolescents At Risk

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Explores environmental and societal factors that contribute to risky behaviors of adolescents such as substance use, delinquency, sexual activity, and violent behavior, and others. Characteristics of high risk and low risk youth are discussed including the relationship of these characteristics to adolescent development. Prevention, intervention, and treatment approaches are discussed.

SOW 4141   Social Aspects of Family Violence

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course introduces basic concepts, principles, and methods for understanding and identifying family violence.

SOW 4232   Social Work and Social Policy

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 4403

This course examines social work as a policy-based profession and how social policy generally, and social welfare policy specifically, is a central concern to the social work profession and its ethical mandates and practice standards. Elements of policy practice are addressed, setting a foundation for students to understand a wide array of contemporary policy topics that impact the client and communities social workers serve and the social work profession itself. Students learn various policy analysis methods and frameworks, with special attention to models specifically developed for the social work profession.

SOW 4233   Theories and Applications of Structural Social Work

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 4232 AND SOW 4403

This course examines the impact of social, economic, and political systems on and across individuals, communities, and broader society. Contemporary social, political, and economic issues are examined and grounded in various macro-level theoretical frameworks, as well as relevant cultural and historical events, all through a professional values and ethics lens.

SOW 4242   Principles of Social Work Practice with Families

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course focuses on decision-making using a generalist approach to social work practice. Students will examine specific theories and models of intervention with families. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of social work ethics and values, incorporate client preferences, utilize critical thinking skills, and apply empirical evidence to practice decisions.

SOW 4403   Research Foundations and Methods

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 3350

This course introduces students to social science research methodologies and methods; ethical considerations for conducting research with human participants and historical events leading to codified ethical standards; and linkages with evidence-based social work practice.

SOW 4510   Social Work Field Instruction

College of Health, Department of Social Work

1-9 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 3103 AND SOW 3113 AND SOW 3203 AND SOW 3313 AND SOW 3322 AND SOW 3350 AND SOW 4232 AND SOW 4403
Co-requisite: SOW 4522

Field education experience in social service agency with a qualified professional supervisor. A minimum of 400 hours is required. Restricted to social work majors. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Eighteen semester hours of required social work courses, 2.5 GPA in major, and permission is required.

SOW 4522   Senior Field Seminar

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 3103 AND SOW 3113 AND SOW 3203 AND SOW 3313 AND SOW 3322 AND SOW 3350 AND SOW 4232 AND SOW 4403
Co-requisite: SOW 4510

Designed to integrate previously learned beginning generalist practice concepts, values, knowledge, attitudes and skills with practice. Eighteen semester hours of required social work courses, 2.5 GPA in major, and permission is required.

SOW 4613   The Social Work Perspective in Behavioral Health

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Generalist social work course focused on mental health. Students will acquire basic knowledge and skills for effective and culturally appropriate work with clients involved in behavioral health services or with a mental health disorder. The course focuses on an examination of foundational topics related to behavioral health to inform a social work perspective on mental health/illness, human rights, social justice, stigma, ethical/legal issues, and continuum of care. Mental health/illness will be taught from a distinct social work perspective using systems theory and a person-in-environment approach.

SOW 4700   Substance Use, Prevention, and Treatment

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course is designed to provide students with background on the multiple issues associated with substance use and mental health disorders. This course will address substance use related terminology, classification of substances, substance abuse/mental health policy, and ethical dilemmas. Students will gain knowledge on evaluating, assessing, and developing treatment plans using evidence-based approaches for working with substance-using people and their families. Offered concurrently with SOW 5710; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 4740   Dimensions of Death and Dying: Special Issues

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Assists the student, both personally and as a professional helping others, to approach death and dying with enhanced knowledge, sensitivity, and less dread and denial. Examines historical, social, legal, cultural, and interpersonal aspects of death and bereavement within the context of professional practice. Credit cannot be received for both SOW 4682 and SOW 4740.

SOW 4905   Directed Study

College of Health, Department of Social Work

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

SOW 5105   Human Behavior in the Social Environment

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5757*

This course uses the bio-psycho-social approach and ecosystems framework to provide an overview of social functioning throughout the lifecycle within the context of the social environment. A major focus of the course is on the analysis of complexity within these systems as well as an examination of power dynamics and social positioning in relation to social work’s professional ethics and practice standards. The person-in-environment framework provides students with an understanding of human behavior and the various forces that impact health and well-being. Models for understanding human development across the lifespan are introduced.

SOW 5106   Social Work Practice in Communities and Organizations

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5757*

This course explores the role of organizations and communities in the development and delivery of social services. Specific focus is placed on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to operate within, and lead, effective organizations that impact their communities.

SOW 5128   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5305

This course focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical decision making, and advanced clinical interventions, while building on a generalist approach to social work practice. The course applies an understanding of normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. The course examines ways in which cognitive behavioral theory and model of intervention with individuals, families and groups can be tailored to client needs. The course addresses work with clients across the life cycle who are experiencing a variety of problems and difficulties. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency through cognitive behavioral therapy are emphasized. Permission is required.

SOW 5149   Social Work Practice In The Military

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

A comprehensive and in depth examination of the practice of military social work. The course provides a historical context and a thorough review of the specific practice of social work in the U.S. military.

SOW 5218   Social Work and Social Policy

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5757*

This course examines social work as a policy-based profession and how social policy generally, and social welfare policy specifically, is a central concern to the social work profession and its ethical mandates and practice standards. Elements of policy practice are addressed, setting a foundation for students to understand a wide array of contemporary policy topics that impact the client and communities social workers serve and the social work profession itself. Students learn various policy analysis methods and frameworks, with special attention to models specifically developed for the social work profession.

SOW 5305   Generalist Practice

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The course introduces non-BSW students, referred to as traditional MSW students, to the competencies of social work practice, the NASW Code of Ethics, and the planned change process, in preparation for their entry into the Foundational Field Internship. This course covers basic generalist practice skills within the competencies, focusing on the beginning phase of the helping process with individuals and families, and culminates in an introduction to working with groups, communities, and organizations. This course introduces students to skills closely aligned with the social work profession, such as basic assessment, communication, and interviewing skills essential to the helping relationship, which are practiced within the classroom and various learning environments, and strengthens their critical thinking as they navigate the tenets of the helping process. Students learn the skills required for generalist social work practice including the biological, psychological and social (BPS) assessment process; how to organize BPS data for the purposes of problem formulation; the framework of case management along with historical and contemporary perspectives on the case management process. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to demonstrate understanding of social work competencies, the NASW Code of Ethics, and the Planned Change Process and practice skills through the use of applied case study exercises.

SOW 5324   Generalist Practice II

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5305

This is the second course in the Generalist Practice sequence. This course continues to build the generalist skills, of practice with individuals, families, and groups, with the addition of community practice concepts. In this course the skills and intervention roles relevant to the middle and end phases of interventions with individuals, families, groups, and communities will be covered in more detail. Throughout the course emphasis will be placed on the practice and application of skills by using interactive exercises and role plays using case examples form client populations with whom students work.

SOW 5356   Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings of play therapy and the techniques by which the theory is practiced. Permission is required.

SOW 5404   Research Foundations and Methods

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5757*

This foundational course introduces students to social science research methodologies and methods; ethical considerations for conducting research with human participants and historical events leading to codified ethical standards; and linkages with evidence-based social work practice. This course prepares students for SOW 6432, Program Evaluation in Social Work Practice.

SOW 5532   Foundation Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5305

This course is designed to incorporate agency-based social work experiences with seminar discussions and peer feedback to clarify generalist social work practice, learn and engage in supervision, and provide opportunities to receive professional and peer feedback on developing generalist social work practice skills. Focus will include applying critical thinking skills and standards in social work practice to the planned change process used to address client problems and will be evaluated through the use of the student learning contract.

SOW 5605   Social Work Practice in Integrated Healthcare

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The objective of this course is to introduce social work students to the direct practice of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Students will become knowledgeable of the roles of behavioral health providers working in primary care settings, theories and models of care, and cross-cultural issues. They will develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioral health dimensions, students will develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.

SOW 5629   Theories and Applications of Structural Social Work

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5757*

This course examines the impact of social, economic, and political systems on and across individuals, communities, and broader society. Contemporary social, political, and economic issues are examined and grounded in various macro-level theoretical frameworks, as well as relevant cultural and historical events, all through a professional values and ethics lens.

SOW 5710   Substance Use Treatment: Theories, Practices, and Policies

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course is designed to provide students with background on the multiple issues associated with substance use and mental health disorders. This course will address substance abuse terminology, classification of substances, substance abuse/mental health policy and ethical dilemmas. Students will gain knowledge on evaluating, assessing, and developing treatment plans using evidence-based approaches for working with substance users and their families.

SOW 5757   The History and Philosophy of Social Work

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course traces the profession from its historical roots to the modern iteration of professional social work practice. Included in this is the examination of both historical and contemporary trends, policies, and ethics of social work and their impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

SOW 5905   Directed Study

College of Health, Department of Social Work

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

SOW 6125   Psychopathology

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 5105 AND SOW 5106 AND SOW 5218 AND SOW 5305 AND SOW 5404 AND SOW 5532 AND SOW 5629* AND SOW 5757

This course addresses how to observe, document and ultimately categorize human behavior as it relates to mental illness versus mental health. This course addresses areas such as function, impairment, mental health, mental illness as well as normal and abnormal human behavior within the context of psychopathology. Students will learn how to ethically approach mental health from the perspective of the social work profession.

SOW 6345   Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduction to the values, principles and functions that provide the foundation for effective leadership and management practice in the field of social work. Students will receive an overview of styles and skills used in social work leadership, management and supervision which are appropriate to both clinical and community social work practice settings. This course will provide students with values, principles and strategies for leading teams, problem-solving, and supporting multicultural and diverse staffing in social work agencies. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6432   Evaluation Research in Social Work

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 6125*

This course builds on SOW 5404 by examining single-subject design research and applying related concepts and methods to program and practice evaluation in social work.

SOW 6535   Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 6125

This course is the first in a sequence of two advanced, graduate-level field education seminars and internships. It is designed to facilitate the integration of social work theory with direct practice through concurrent field placement experiences. Emphasis is placed on critical application of knowledge, values, and skills acquired throughout the MSW curriculum to support the development of ethical, competent, and reflective practitioners. The students will strengthen their understanding of the nine social work competencies through practical application and align their knowledge of the competencies with the NASW Code of Ethics.

SOW 6536   Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar II

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 6535
Co-requisite: SOW 6548

This seminar course is the second in a sequence of two advanced, master's level field internships and integrative seminars. It is designed to help graduate social work students connect theoretical models and concepts with the practical experience gained during their concurrent field placements. This seminar course also reinforces and applies the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the social work curriculum. The students will strengthen their understanding of the nine social work competencies through practical application and align their knowledge of the competencies with the NASW Code of Ethics.

SOW 6548   Capstone in Advanced Clinical Practice

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Co-requisite: SOW 6536

Capstone course in clinical-community social work practice. Student analysis of practice with individuals, families, and groups through a written and oral presentation of case material. Focus is on refinement of intervention skills relying on field practicum experience for integration of learning. Integration of knowledge from the Clinical Practice courses and Field Instruction. Students will prepare and present a case from their internship for oral presentation and demonstrate ability to organize and select appropriate treatment strategies for a specific client, family, or group. A broad range of field placements will provide diverse clients and a range of clinical issues. Students are expected to show evidence of critical thinking and self-awareness in written and oral presentations.

SOW 6618   Clinical Practice with Individuals

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 6125*

Building upon a foundation of generalist social work, this course uses a biopsychosociospiritual perspective to deepen understanding of values, ethics, and professional roles inherent in clinical practice with individuals. Students will strengthen their skills in engagement, assessment, evidence-informed intervention, and evaluation across heterogeneous client populations. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and person-centered clinical decision-making.

SOW 6619   Clinical Practice with Families

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 6125*

This course focuses on clinical decision-making and advanced clinical interventions with families by building on a generalist approach to social work practice. Students will examine specific theories and models of intervention with families. Students will be expected to demonstrate clinical expertise, an understanding of social work ethics and values, incorporate client preferences, utilize critical thinking skills, and apply empirical evidence to practice decisions. This course is open to students admitted to the MSW program only.

SOW 6678   Grief, Loss, and Life

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduction to the current and historical perspectives of death, dying and bereavement. This course will address experiences and responses to a variety of deaths including perinatal death, death of a child, death following a terminal illness, suicide, homicide, and military related death. The Hospice movement's history and goals will be part of the curriculum, as well as the experience of dying well. Special attention will be given to how other cultures and religions view death and ethical dilemmas related to death. Loss is a central and inescapable dimension of the human experience. How an individual learns to deal with loss from an early age shapes the adjustment that s/he is able to make to adverse life events throughout the life cycle and indeed determines to a large extent how satisfying and creative a life that person is able to live. This course will help the social work clinician explore and understand major theories of grief and loss, as well as treat clients of all ages who are dealing with a variety of losses. It will also assist the generalist practitioner in determining those situations in which an unresolved past experience of loss is contributing to poor adjustment in the present, as well as providing guidelines for helping the client grieve in a way that allows him or her to re-establish a sense of meaning, adapt to what is gone, and move on to live with increased vitality and joy.

SOW 6846   Clinical Practice with Groups

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: SOW 6125*

This advanced clinical course prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate group treatment services for heterogenous populations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on developing group leadership skills, understanding group dynamics, and applying evidence-informed interventions tailored to at-risk populations with varying social, cultural, and developmental characteristics. Students explore the scope, functions, and ethical considerations of group practice within the social work profession. Open to MSW students only.

SOW 6905   Directed Study

College of Health, Department of Social Work

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

SOW 6916   Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology

College of Health, Department of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course focuses on research from the last 25 years that has revolutionized our knowledge of brain function, its relation to overall coping, and specific practices that promote resilience and well-being. The course is an important contribution to the social work curriculum at the master's level because it revolves around a strengths perspective that social work has always embraced, as well as teaching the advanced practitioner specific skills that they can use to help clients in the process of improving their lives. The course will be richly multicultural and will also include ancient wisdom from the humanities that supports this new evidence-based field of mind-body interaction. Department Permission is required.