MSW-Social Work (MSW)
MSW-500: Student Success and Self-Care
Contact Hours: Lecture - 16, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 1
This course is one of two introductory courses required to orient students to the MSW degree program. This holistic course introduces students to Chamberlain’s mission of Chamberlain Care® and how it is integral to their success as a student in the MSW degree program. This course also introduces students to self-care and the importance of maintaining a healthy school/work/family balance. In addition, this course is designed to help students learn and improve skills and strategies that are essential to their academic success.
Prerequisite: None
Semester Hours: Theory 1
This course is one of two introductory courses required to orient students to the MSW degree program. This holistic course introduces students to Chamberlain’s mission of Chamberlain Care® and how it is integral to their success as a student in the MSW degree program. This course also introduces students to self-care and the importance of maintaining a healthy school/work/family balance. In addition, this course is designed to help students learn and improve skills and strategies that are essential to their academic success.
Prerequisite: None
MSW-501: Professional Writing
Contact Hours: Lecture - 16, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 1
This course is designed to reorient students to the basic elements of writing expected at the graduate level, with a primary focus on APA, scholarly tone, sentence structure, grammar, composition and avoiding plagiarism. This course requires students to practice brainstorming, free-writing, sentence construction (in the context of short writing assignments), paragraph construction, the organization of ideas and addressing the several types of, purposes of and audiences for general essays. Students will build on these basic skills by planning, writing and revising essays and experiencing writing and reading as a multi-step process. In addition, students will also learn the process and value of peer-to-peer editing. Through activities, application and reflection, the materials covered in this course will support and assist students as they progress through the MSW degree program. This course is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Prerequisite: None
Semester Hours: Theory 1
This course is designed to reorient students to the basic elements of writing expected at the graduate level, with a primary focus on APA, scholarly tone, sentence structure, grammar, composition and avoiding plagiarism. This course requires students to practice brainstorming, free-writing, sentence construction (in the context of short writing assignments), paragraph construction, the organization of ideas and addressing the several types of, purposes of and audiences for general essays. Students will build on these basic skills by planning, writing and revising essays and experiencing writing and reading as a multi-step process. In addition, students will also learn the process and value of peer-to-peer editing. Through activities, application and reflection, the materials covered in this course will support and assist students as they progress through the MSW degree program. This course is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Prerequisite: None
MSW-504: Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course is one of two required to complete the human behavior series. This course provides a foundation for social work practice through an understanding of the major theories of individual and family functioning that encompasses biophysical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. During this course, students will focus on the roles that culture and cultural identity play in human development within the context of diverse environmental factors. Students will learn the central concepts of theories that provide the basis for many assessment and intervention tools used in social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations.
Prerequisite: MSW-501
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course is one of two required to complete the human behavior series. This course provides a foundation for social work practice through an understanding of the major theories of individual and family functioning that encompasses biophysical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. During this course, students will focus on the roles that culture and cultural identity play in human development within the context of diverse environmental factors. Students will learn the central concepts of theories that provide the basis for many assessment and intervention tools used in social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations.
Prerequisite: MSW-501
MSW-505: Direct Practice I (Individuals and Families)
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course is one of two courses required to complete the direct practice series. This foundational course provides the basic knowledge and skills for MSW-512: Direct Practice II curriculum. Using a generalist practice perspective, this course introduces students to the basic principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how it is applied to individuals and families. Essential values, concepts and ethical considerations as they pertain to generalist social work practice are explored.
Prerequisite: MSW-504
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course is one of two courses required to complete the direct practice series. This foundational course provides the basic knowledge and skills for MSW-512: Direct Practice II curriculum. Using a generalist practice perspective, this course introduces students to the basic principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and how it is applied to individuals and families. Essential values, concepts and ethical considerations as they pertain to generalist social work practice are explored.
Prerequisite: MSW-504
MSW-506: Policy I: Social Welfare and Social Policy
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course is one of two required to complete the policy series. This course provides students with a foundational understanding of social welfare policies and programs in the United States and the historical and contemporary forces that have shaped their development. In addition to providing students with a rich understanding of policy and policy reform, this course introduces students to core policy concepts and analytic skills needed to further the achievement of social work goals regarding social policies and programs. This course also reviews the development of the social work profession and its influence on social welfare policies through advocacy, social action, research and social reform.
Prerequisite: MSW-501
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course is one of two required to complete the policy series. This course provides students with a foundational understanding of social welfare policies and programs in the United States and the historical and contemporary forces that have shaped their development. In addition to providing students with a rich understanding of policy and policy reform, this course introduces students to core policy concepts and analytic skills needed to further the achievement of social work goals regarding social policies and programs. This course also reviews the development of the social work profession and its influence on social welfare policies through advocacy, social action, research and social reform.
Prerequisite: MSW-501
MSW-507: Research Methods and Applications
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course develops knowledge and skills needed for using research evidence to inform practice and policy. Topics covered include key research methods and statistics, program evaluation concepts and critical thinking skills related to making professional decisions about research information. Students develop experience in analyzing research and its use within specific practice contexts and with diverse individuals, families and communities.
Prerequisite: MSW-504
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course develops knowledge and skills needed for using research evidence to inform practice and policy. Topics covered include key research methods and statistics, program evaluation concepts and critical thinking skills related to making professional decisions about research information. Students develop experience in analyzing research and its use within specific practice contexts and with diverse individuals, families and communities.
Prerequisite: MSW-504
MSW-508: Foundation Field I
Contact Hours: Lecture - 16, Lab - 0, Clinical - 250
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this first foundation course, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work
agency/organization. Students will apply general social work competencies to work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Fieldwork
culminates with a student evaluation completed by the field instructor.
Prerequisites: MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-511, MSW-512
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this first foundation course, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work
agency/organization. Students will apply general social work competencies to work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Fieldwork
culminates with a student evaluation completed by the field instructor.
Prerequisites: MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-511, MSW-512
MSW-509: Psychopathology
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course covers the domain of psychopathology as it is represented in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This course is designed to provide students with extensive knowledge of psychological, emotional and mental illnesses within the context of pathology and persons in environment (PIE). Students will be educated about the types and causes of mental disorders, their assessment, treatment plans, referrals for services, prognosis, related research in psychotherapy and prevention. The legal, ethical, and cultural issues related to psychopathology, behavior of mental health professionals and society will be deliberated. Students will be prepared to engage in treatment planning through awareness and understanding of the most modern and accepted treatments for each major category of mental illness. Upon successful completion of the course, students will also be prepared to gather and analyze relevant information, make accurate diagnoses based upon that information, assess positive and negative factors affecting treatment decisions, develop an appropriate and contemporary treatment plan and present it in a form consistent with current practice in the mental health professions. Finally, students will be prepared for diagnosis and treatment planning activities appropriate to a variety of clinical settings.
Prerequisite: MSW-517
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course covers the domain of psychopathology as it is represented in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This course is designed to provide students with extensive knowledge of psychological, emotional and mental illnesses within the context of pathology and persons in environment (PIE). Students will be educated about the types and causes of mental disorders, their assessment, treatment plans, referrals for services, prognosis, related research in psychotherapy and prevention. The legal, ethical, and cultural issues related to psychopathology, behavior of mental health professionals and society will be deliberated. Students will be prepared to engage in treatment planning through awareness and understanding of the most modern and accepted treatments for each major category of mental illness. Upon successful completion of the course, students will also be prepared to gather and analyze relevant information, make accurate diagnoses based upon that information, assess positive and negative factors affecting treatment decisions, develop an appropriate and contemporary treatment plan and present it in a form consistent with current practice in the mental health professions. Finally, students will be prepared for diagnosis and treatment planning activities appropriate to a variety of clinical settings.
Prerequisite: MSW-517
MSW-510: Foundation Field II
Contact Hours: Lecture - 16, Lab - 0, Clinical - 250
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this second foundation course, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work agency/organization. Students will apply general social work competencies to work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Fieldwork culminates with a student evaluation completed by the field instructor.
Prerequisites: MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-508, MSW-511 and MSW-512
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this second foundation course, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work agency/organization. Students will apply general social work competencies to work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Fieldwork culminates with a student evaluation completed by the field instructor.
Prerequisites: MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-508, MSW-511 and MSW-512
MSW-511: Social Work in a Multicultural Society
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This is a foundation course in which students engage in in-depth discussions and discourse in areas of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, class, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation and power and privilege. Students will explore the meaning and value of such concepts as culture, ethnicity, bias and cultural competence as they relate to various psychological issues. While engaging in personal reflection and introspection, students will deconstruct the role of power and privilege and its impact on oppression and marginalization of clients and communities. At the completion of this course, students will understand the importance of social workers developing competence in providing evidence-based contextually and culturally relevant assessments and interventions for individuals, families, groups and communities.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-504
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-514
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This is a foundation course in which students engage in in-depth discussions and discourse in areas of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, class, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation and power and privilege. Students will explore the meaning and value of such concepts as culture, ethnicity, bias and cultural competence as they relate to various psychological issues. While engaging in personal reflection and introspection, students will deconstruct the role of power and privilege and its impact on oppression and marginalization of clients and communities. At the completion of this course, students will understand the importance of social workers developing competence in providing evidence-based contextually and culturally relevant assessments and interventions for individuals, families, groups and communities.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-504
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-514
MSW-512: Direct Practice II
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course completes the direct practice sequence. This course exposes students to advanced principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and teaches students how to apply these principles to complex problems and scenarios involving, families, groups, communities and organizations. Students in this
course will concentrate on the application of evidence-based practice theories and group work models consistent with MI and ecological perspectives. Using MI as it theoretical base, students will demonstrate clinical practice skills in the assessment, intervention and evaluation of family systems and groups. This course will focus on the influence of social work professional values in working with families and on group work practice. At the completion of this course, students will be prepared to demonstrate knowledge, values, skills and cognitive and affective processes relating to direct practice with families, groups, communities and organizations.
Students will complete an immersion experience at the end of this course.
Traditional Option Prerequisites: MSW-505
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-514
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course completes the direct practice sequence. This course exposes students to advanced principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and teaches students how to apply these principles to complex problems and scenarios involving, families, groups, communities and organizations. Students in this
course will concentrate on the application of evidence-based practice theories and group work models consistent with MI and ecological perspectives. Using MI as it theoretical base, students will demonstrate clinical practice skills in the assessment, intervention and evaluation of family systems and groups. This course will focus on the influence of social work professional values in working with families and on group work practice. At the completion of this course, students will be prepared to demonstrate knowledge, values, skills and cognitive and affective processes relating to direct practice with families, groups, communities and organizations.
Students will complete an immersion experience at the end of this course.
Traditional Option Prerequisites: MSW-505
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-514
MSW-513: Policy II: Soc Pol & Soc Just
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course completes the policy sequence. This advanced course explores social legislation affecting disadvantaged persons, communities, families and systems. The course has two basic purposes. The first is to provide students with a historical and contemporary understanding of governmental policy and its relationship to poverty, oppression and social justice. The second aim is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the range of social work involvement in the policy/legislative process through advocacy and policy reform.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-506, MSW-510
Students electing to enroll in the Medical Social Work Track: MSW-504, MSW-505, MPH-503
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-514
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This course completes the policy sequence. This advanced course explores social legislation affecting disadvantaged persons, communities, families and systems. The course has two basic purposes. The first is to provide students with a historical and contemporary understanding of governmental policy and its relationship to poverty, oppression and social justice. The second aim is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the range of social work involvement in the policy/legislative process through advocacy and policy reform.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-506, MSW-510
Students electing to enroll in the Medical Social Work Track: MSW-504, MSW-505, MPH-503
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-514
MSW-514: Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This advanced course is designed to prepare students for clinical social work practice that reflects an advanced understanding of life-span development and socio-psychological identity development in individuals, families, groups and communities. Throughout this course, students will use their learning around life-span development and socio-psychological identity development to understand human behavior and, particularly, individual and family functioning within the environmental context. With an emphasis on ethical practice in social work, this course gives students the opportunity to use this information to inform their assessments, evaluations, interventions and advocacy for their clients.
Prerequisites: MSW-504 or admission to the Advanced Standing Option, MSW-510 for Traditional option students
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This advanced course is designed to prepare students for clinical social work practice that reflects an advanced understanding of life-span development and socio-psychological identity development in individuals, families, groups and communities. Throughout this course, students will use their learning around life-span development and socio-psychological identity development to understand human behavior and, particularly, individual and family functioning within the environmental context. With an emphasis on ethical practice in social work, this course gives students the opportunity to use this information to inform their assessments, evaluations, interventions and advocacy for their clients.
Prerequisites: MSW-504 or admission to the Advanced Standing Option, MSW-510 for Traditional option students
MSW-515: Advanced Social Work Research
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This advanced course builds knowledge and skills for systematically evaluating programs and practice. It enhances effective and ethical social work practice by teaching skills necessary to design, implement, and empirically assess intervention with clients and programs. Previously acquired research knowledge is built upon for elaborating on the conceptual, methodological and administrative aspects of evaluation research. This course is designed to cover hypothesis testing in the behavioral sciences, building on concepts learned in a research methods course. The logic, assumptions, computation and interpretation of inferential statistics will be covered, including one-sample, related-samples, and independent-samples t-tests; one-way and two-way ANOVA; correlation and bivariate regression; and non-parametric procedures. In addition to the logic of hypothesis testing, this course will integrate SPSS as a tool for data management and hypothesis testing.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-507, MSW-510
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisites: MSW-514
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This advanced course builds knowledge and skills for systematically evaluating programs and practice. It enhances effective and ethical social work practice by teaching skills necessary to design, implement, and empirically assess intervention with clients and programs. Previously acquired research knowledge is built upon for elaborating on the conceptual, methodological and administrative aspects of evaluation research. This course is designed to cover hypothesis testing in the behavioral sciences, building on concepts learned in a research methods course. The logic, assumptions, computation and interpretation of inferential statistics will be covered, including one-sample, related-samples, and independent-samples t-tests; one-way and two-way ANOVA; correlation and bivariate regression; and non-parametric procedures. In addition to the logic of hypothesis testing, this course will integrate SPSS as a tool for data management and hypothesis testing.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-507, MSW-510
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisites: MSW-514
MSW-516: Advanced Social Work Theory Across Systems
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This is a theory course designed to advance students’ understanding of human development, family and family structure, aging and elder care, social issues such as addiction, mental illness, poverty and inequality, and policy development and analysis, inclusive of non-Western theoretical perspectives (e.g., African-Centered practice, global perspectives, etc.). This course is designed to increase students’ awareness and use of research-supported theories of social work to guide their practice with all clients. The course will emphasize a strengths perspective of empowering vulnerable persons, groups and communities to address their needs.
Traditional Option Prerequisites: MSW-500, MSW-501, MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-507, MSW-508, MSW-510, MSW-511, MSW-512 Advanced Standing Option Prerequisites: MSW-500, MSW-511, MSW-514
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This is a theory course designed to advance students’ understanding of human development, family and family structure, aging and elder care, social issues such as addiction, mental illness, poverty and inequality, and policy development and analysis, inclusive of non-Western theoretical perspectives (e.g., African-Centered practice, global perspectives, etc.). This course is designed to increase students’ awareness and use of research-supported theories of social work to guide their practice with all clients. The course will emphasize a strengths perspective of empowering vulnerable persons, groups and communities to address their needs.
Traditional Option Prerequisites: MSW-500, MSW-501, MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-507, MSW-508, MSW-510, MSW-511, MSW-512 Advanced Standing Option Prerequisites: MSW-500, MSW-511, MSW-514
MSW-517: Advanced Social Work Practice Across Systems
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This is a practice course designed to introduce students to social work practice from non-Western traditions (e.g., African-Centered Practice, global perspectives, etc). Practice skills, methods and techniques from other countries, cultures and traditions will be explored and practiced in virtual role plays, case scenarios and through the immersion experience attached to the course. Non-Western traditional values that undergird practice approaches will be examined, applied, and compared to those learned in previous course work. The course will emphasize a strengths perspective to empower vulnerable persons, groups and communities to address their needs. Students will complete an immersion experience at the end of this course.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-500, MSW-501, MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-507, MSW-508, MSW-510, MSW-511, MSW-512, MSW-514, MSW-515
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-500, MSW-511, MSW-514
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This is a practice course designed to introduce students to social work practice from non-Western traditions (e.g., African-Centered Practice, global perspectives, etc). Practice skills, methods and techniques from other countries, cultures and traditions will be explored and practiced in virtual role plays, case scenarios and through the immersion experience attached to the course. Non-Western traditional values that undergird practice approaches will be examined, applied, and compared to those learned in previous course work. The course will emphasize a strengths perspective to empower vulnerable persons, groups and communities to address their needs. Students will complete an immersion experience at the end of this course.
Traditional Option Prerequisite: MSW-500, MSW-501, MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-507, MSW-508, MSW-510, MSW-511, MSW-512, MSW-514, MSW-515
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisite: MSW-500, MSW-511, MSW-514
MSW-520: International Social Work
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course introduces students to social work globally and/or transnational work in the United States or abroad through an understanding of the major theories of individual and family functioning that encompass biophysical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. Specific attention will be paid to the role that culture and cultural identity play in human development and contextual factors that define what is considered “normal” behavior. Students will be exposed to central concepts and core ideas of theories that provide the conceptual base for many tools of intervention utilized in international social work as well as with refugee, immigrant and migrant individuals and families at the local level. This course will also focus on international crises and responses caused by natural and human disasters. These include hurricanes, earthquakes, cyclones, mass shootings and terrorist attacks.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course introduces students to social work globally and/or transnational work in the United States or abroad through an understanding of the major theories of individual and family functioning that encompass biophysical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. Specific attention will be paid to the role that culture and cultural identity play in human development and contextual factors that define what is considered “normal” behavior. Students will be exposed to central concepts and core ideas of theories that provide the conceptual base for many tools of intervention utilized in international social work as well as with refugee, immigrant and migrant individuals and families at the local level. This course will also focus on international crises and responses caused by natural and human disasters. These include hurricanes, earthquakes, cyclones, mass shootings and terrorist attacks.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
MSW-521: Social Work Response to Mass Violence and Disasters
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is designed to provide students with advanced learning opportunities intended to increase students’ knowledge of how to apply different theories and intervention strategies to the social work assessment and response to mass violence and disaster. Crisis theory, used to guide crisis intervention and response to traumatic events, in addition to prevention and preparedness among diverse groups and communities, will be studied. Multiple conceptualizations of exposure to natural disasters will be discussed, ranging from acute to chronic, complex and long-term trauma reactions. The course will explore evidence-based interventions, controversies and emerging areas of practice with various populations who experience trauma across multiple settings. Larger social, cultural and political forces will be considered with regard to how they influence exposure, response and recovery from traumatic events.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is designed to provide students with advanced learning opportunities intended to increase students’ knowledge of how to apply different theories and intervention strategies to the social work assessment and response to mass violence and disaster. Crisis theory, used to guide crisis intervention and response to traumatic events, in addition to prevention and preparedness among diverse groups and communities, will be studied. Multiple conceptualizations of exposure to natural disasters will be discussed, ranging from acute to chronic, complex and long-term trauma reactions. The course will explore evidence-based interventions, controversies and emerging areas of practice with various populations who experience trauma across multiple settings. Larger social, cultural and political forces will be considered with regard to how they influence exposure, response and recovery from traumatic events.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
MSW-524: Understanding Trauma
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
In this elective, students will learn the conceptualization of trauma from cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and attachment theory perspectives; neuroscience findings that explain the impact of trauma on brain development will be included. Students will be expected to differentiate between different types of trauma, to identify the impact of trauma on adults and to understand the role of gender, race, ethnicity and culture on individuals’ responses to trauma. In the second part of the course, students learn to apply diagnosis, assessment, psychoeducation, stress management and affect regulation, and emotional processing (systematic desensitization, exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing [EMDR], and narration) as core treatment components. The course will include the applications of trauma therapy to selected groups, including adult survivors of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as sexual abuse, combat trauma, and survivors of acute incident trauma.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
Semester Hours: Theory 3
In this elective, students will learn the conceptualization of trauma from cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and attachment theory perspectives; neuroscience findings that explain the impact of trauma on brain development will be included. Students will be expected to differentiate between different types of trauma, to identify the impact of trauma on adults and to understand the role of gender, race, ethnicity and culture on individuals’ responses to trauma. In the second part of the course, students learn to apply diagnosis, assessment, psychoeducation, stress management and affect regulation, and emotional processing (systematic desensitization, exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing [EMDR], and narration) as core treatment components. The course will include the applications of trauma therapy to selected groups, including adult survivors of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) such as sexual abuse, combat trauma, and survivors of acute incident trauma.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
MSW-525: Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course will introduce students to the core concepts (general theory and foundational knowledge) that inform evidence-based assessment and intervention with children, adolescents and families who are traumatized. Trauma is broadly defined and includes children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events including, but not limited to, natural disasters, war, abuse and neglect, medical trauma and witnessing interpersonal crime (e.g., family violence, intimate partner violence) and other traumatic events from a domestic and international perspective. The course will highlight the role of development, culture and empirical evidence in trauma-specific interventions with children, adolescents and their families. It will address the level of functioning of primary care giving environments and assess the capacity of the community to facilitate restorative processes.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course will introduce students to the core concepts (general theory and foundational knowledge) that inform evidence-based assessment and intervention with children, adolescents and families who are traumatized. Trauma is broadly defined and includes children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events including, but not limited to, natural disasters, war, abuse and neglect, medical trauma and witnessing interpersonal crime (e.g., family violence, intimate partner violence) and other traumatic events from a domestic and international perspective. The course will highlight the role of development, culture and empirical evidence in trauma-specific interventions with children, adolescents and their families. It will address the level of functioning of primary care giving environments and assess the capacity of the community to facilitate restorative processes.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
MSW-526: Mindfulness and Stress: Understanding the Breaking Points
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is a part of the trauma cluster and teaches students principles and techniques of mindfulness in a practice setting. Psychological, physiological and sociocultural aspects of stress will be taught in this advanced clinical methods course. In addition, traumatic stress, attachment behaviors and changes in brain structure will be addressed in the first part of this course. During the second part, selected stress management techniques will be explored cognitively and experientially.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is a part of the trauma cluster and teaches students principles and techniques of mindfulness in a practice setting. Psychological, physiological and sociocultural aspects of stress will be taught in this advanced clinical methods course. In addition, traumatic stress, attachment behaviors and changes in brain structure will be addressed in the first part of this course. During the second part, selected stress management techniques will be explored cognitively and experientially.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
MSW-528: Medical Social Work I
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is the first of the Medical Healthcare Cluster that students take to advance their skills, knowledge and understanding of medical social work. This course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the roles and competencies of social workers in medical settings. Students will enhance their knowledge of medical treatment teams, health policy issues and resources available to individuals and families affected by illness. Students will explore culture and religion/spirituality and their effects on health outcomes and access to healthcare. Students will also learn about legal issues implicated in the provision of medical social work services including HIPAA and end-of-life care. At the end of this course, students should understand ethical practices related to medical social work. Students will also explore differences in healthcare settings to include hospice, hospitals, inpatient and outpatient clinics, and contemporary methods of using technology to treat and care for patients.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is the first of the Medical Healthcare Cluster that students take to advance their skills, knowledge and understanding of medical social work. This course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the roles and competencies of social workers in medical settings. Students will enhance their knowledge of medical treatment teams, health policy issues and resources available to individuals and families affected by illness. Students will explore culture and religion/spirituality and their effects on health outcomes and access to healthcare. Students will also learn about legal issues implicated in the provision of medical social work services including HIPAA and end-of-life care. At the end of this course, students should understand ethical practices related to medical social work. Students will also explore differences in healthcare settings to include hospice, hospitals, inpatient and outpatient clinics, and contemporary methods of using technology to treat and care for patients.
Prerequisite: MSW-511
MSW-529: Medical Social Work II
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is the second of the Medical Healthcare Cluster that students take to advance their skills, knowledge and understanding of medical social work. The course is designed to introduce students to healthcare services through the paradigm of social work by providing students with knowledge and skills for supporting vulnerable populations, including individual clients, patients and families. Using a person-in-environment framework, students will acquire knowledge of acute, chronic and terminal illness; disabilities and other health related issues germane to healthcare settings. In addition, students will extend their knowledge of support and resources for families around organ transplants; psychosocial aspects of illness and health for individuals and families; support skills for individuals and families around grief and loss and end-of-life decision making. Students will enhance their knowledge of ethical group and individual interventions for these vulnerable populations.
Prerequisite: MSW-528
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is the second of the Medical Healthcare Cluster that students take to advance their skills, knowledge and understanding of medical social work. The course is designed to introduce students to healthcare services through the paradigm of social work by providing students with knowledge and skills for supporting vulnerable populations, including individual clients, patients and families. Using a person-in-environment framework, students will acquire knowledge of acute, chronic and terminal illness; disabilities and other health related issues germane to healthcare settings. In addition, students will extend their knowledge of support and resources for families around organ transplants; psychosocial aspects of illness and health for individuals and families; support skills for individuals and families around grief and loss and end-of-life decision making. Students will enhance their knowledge of ethical group and individual interventions for these vulnerable populations.
Prerequisite: MSW-528
MSW-531: Introduction to Gerontology and Aging
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective is a part of the Gerontology cluster. When completing this course, students will gain an understanding of Gerontology by using a bio-psycho-social framework to examine the historical, cultural, biological, physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Emphasis is given to the changes that are associated with aging and the resulting dynamic interactions between older people and their environment.
Prerequisites: None
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective is a part of the Gerontology cluster. When completing this course, students will gain an understanding of Gerontology by using a bio-psycho-social framework to examine the historical, cultural, biological, physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Emphasis is given to the changes that are associated with aging and the resulting dynamic interactions between older people and their environment.
Prerequisites: None
MSW-532: Social Work with the Aging and Their Families
This elective is a part of the gerontology cluster. This course provides a foundation for clinical social work practice with the elderly and their families or caretakers from various cultural and community perspectives. Considerable attention is given to formulating assessments from a conceptual framework and devising appropriate interventions with this population. The primary focus of this course is the aged person and his or her relationship with the family and other social systems.
Prerequisites: None
Prerequisites: None
MSW-533: Death, Dying, and Bereavement
This elective is part of the gerontology cluster. This course provides students a framework of knowledge, skills, and values for cultivating competent and responsive social work practice in helping clients who confront the issues of death and dying. When completing this course, students will explore the various legal issues associated with death and more importantly, the stages of grief and the systems that are affected by it.
Prerequisites: None
Prerequisites: None
MSW-535: Drugs and Addictive Behaviors
Contact Hours: Lecture - 48, Lab - 0, Clinical - 0
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is designed to teach students advanced clinical skills in the following major content areas: (1) current scientific understanding of substance use disorders (SUDs), (2) diagnostic indicators of SUD(s) , (3) drug classifications, routes of drug administration, and intoxication effects for select commonly abused substances, (4) example evidence-supported screening and assessment instruments, (5) example evidence-supported interventions for treating SUDs, (6) the impact of factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, co-occurring disorders, and health disparities on treatment access and outcomes, and (7) the application of social work values and ethics in the delivery of SUD-related services.
Prerequisites: MSW-511
Semester Hours: Theory 3
This elective course is designed to teach students advanced clinical skills in the following major content areas: (1) current scientific understanding of substance use disorders (SUDs), (2) diagnostic indicators of SUD(s) , (3) drug classifications, routes of drug administration, and intoxication effects for select commonly abused substances, (4) example evidence-supported screening and assessment instruments, (5) example evidence-supported interventions for treating SUDs, (6) the impact of factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, co-occurring disorders, and health disparities on treatment access and outcomes, and (7) the application of social work values and ethics in the delivery of SUD-related services.
Prerequisites: MSW-511
MSW-550: Advanced Practicum I
Contact Hours: Lecture - 16, Lab - 0, Clinical - 250
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this first part of the advanced MSW fieldwork cluster, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work agency/organization. This course provides students the opportunity to discuss practice situations, professional development issues, the relationship of field to classroom learning and skills necessary for effective practice. Students will apply classroom knowledge to activities and interventions serving individuals, families, groups and communities. Fieldwork culminates in a written report describing the students’ area of study. The report includes the student’s reflection on the experience and conclusions.
Traditional Option Prerequisites: MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-507, MSW-508, MSW-510, MSW-511, MSW-512, MSW-516, MSW-517
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisites: MSW-514, MSW-516, MSW-517
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this first part of the advanced MSW fieldwork cluster, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work agency/organization. This course provides students the opportunity to discuss practice situations, professional development issues, the relationship of field to classroom learning and skills necessary for effective practice. Students will apply classroom knowledge to activities and interventions serving individuals, families, groups and communities. Fieldwork culminates in a written report describing the students’ area of study. The report includes the student’s reflection on the experience and conclusions.
Traditional Option Prerequisites: MSW-504, MSW-505, MSW-506, MSW-507, MSW-508, MSW-510, MSW-511, MSW-512, MSW-516, MSW-517
Advanced Standing Option Prerequisites: MSW-514, MSW-516, MSW-517
MSW-551: Advanced Practicum II
Contact Hours: Lecture - 16, Lab - 0, Clinical - 250
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this second part of the advanced MSW fieldwork course, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work agency/organization. This course builds on the experiential learning in MSW-550: Advanced Practicum I and continues the application of classroom knowledge. This course provides students the opportunity to discuss practice situations, professional development issues, the relationship of field to classroom learning and skills necessary for effective practice. Students will focus on more complex, micro, mezzo and/or macro learning in diverse community social service agencies/ facilities. Fieldwork culminates in a written report describing the students’ area of study. The report includes the student’s reflection on the experience and conclusions.
Prerequisites: MSW-512, MSW-550
Semester Hours: Theory 4
During this second part of the advanced MSW fieldwork course, students are expected to complete 250 hours of supervised fieldwork experience at an approved social work agency/organization. This course builds on the experiential learning in MSW-550: Advanced Practicum I and continues the application of classroom knowledge. This course provides students the opportunity to discuss practice situations, professional development issues, the relationship of field to classroom learning and skills necessary for effective practice. Students will focus on more complex, micro, mezzo and/or macro learning in diverse community social service agencies/ facilities. Fieldwork culminates in a written report describing the students’ area of study. The report includes the student’s reflection on the experience and conclusions.
Prerequisites: MSW-512, MSW-550