SW 230 TOPICS IN SOCIAL WORK1-3 Credits
Special topics in social work.
Notes: May be repeated with a change of emphasis.
SW 231 PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK3 Credits
This course introduces students to the values, roles, and skills central to generalist social work practice, while fostering the development of critical thinking skills needed to evaluate social problems and policies. Exploring major social issues - such as poverty, inequality, and family challenges - and examines how social workers engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to promote social justice and well-being. With an emphasis on empowerment and a strengths-based perspective, the course prepares students to think critically and act compassionately in their future roles as helping professionals.
SW 251 HUMAN BEHAVIOR/SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I3 Credits
Provides a foundational understanding of how human behavior is shaped by interactions between individuals, families, and their broader social environments. Using a person-in-environment perspective, students will examine key theories of human development and behavior across the lifespan, with an emphasis on how biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors influence individual and family functioning. Students will explore how issues such as poverty, discrimination, trauma, and inequality affect individuals and families, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. This course prepares students to engage in ethical, culturally responsive, and strengths-based generalist social work practice with individuals and families.
SW 252 HUMAN BEHAVIOR/SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II3 Credits
This course explores human behavior within macro social environments. Building on foundations from the micro and mezzo levels, students examine how groups, organizations, and communities shape and are shaped by broader social, cultural, political, and economic systems. Emphasis is placed on empowerment, social justice, diversity, and the use of strengths-based perspectives toward macro-level social work practice.
Prerequisites: SW 251
SW 271 SOCIAL WELFARE HISTORY AND SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEMS3 Credits
Examines the developmental history of social welfare with a focus on political, social, cultural ideologies and systems during periods in European and American history. Explores the context for the development of social programs and the treatment of various out-groups, including persons considered poor, developmentally disabled, mentally retarded, ethnic and racial minorities, women, disabled, children, gay men and lesbian women, and religious minorities within the international community. Students analyze policy implementation of local social service delivery systems using a descriptive model of policy analysis.
Prerequisites: SW 231
SW 330 DIVERSITY IN THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT4 Credits
This course explores human diversity and resilience within rural social environments through the lens of a multidimensional perspective on human behavior. Grounded in the biopsychosocial and ecological models, students examine how individual development, social identity, culture, and contextual forces intersect in rural settings. Emphasis is given to understanding rural populations (e.g. agricultural families, Indigenous communities, migrants, aging residents, frontier dwellers) and the challenges and strengths unique to rural life, such as geographic isolation, resource scarcity, social capital, and population decline. Students will critically assess how diversity - across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexuality, age, ability, and migration status - manifests in rural contexts, and apply this to social work engagement, advocacy, and micro/macro practice strategies.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
SW 331 SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES3 Credits
This course examines the diverse needs of children and families, emphasizing appropriate social services and interventions designed to address those needs. Special attention is given to challenges faced by families within multicultural and rural contexts, using a strengths-based perspective. Students will explore strategies for assessment and intervention, including legal and protective services, court processes, and a range of treatment approaches. Opportunities for experiential learning - such as agency guest lectures and field visits - provide practical insight into real-world social service settings.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
SW 332 SERVICES TO ELDERLY AND DISABLED2 Credits
This course explores the social, psychological, and environmental factors affecting the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Through an interdisciplinary lens, students examine the challenges and strengths of these populations within diverse cultural and community contexts, with particular attention to rural settings. Topics include social policy, service delivery systems, legal and ethical issues, and intervention strategies that promote independence, dignity, and quality of life. Emphasis is placed on understanding aging and disability as social experiences as well as biological processes. Students will engage with current research, case studies, and community-based resources to develop practical skills for supporting and advocating for elderly and disabled individuals.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
SW 343 RESEARCH METHODS3 Credits
This course prepares students for generalist social work practice grounded in the integration of research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection, and analysis techniques used in social work. Emphasis is placed on ethical research conduct, cultural humility, and the application of evidence-based decision making to address diverse client needs. Students learn to critically evaluate empirical studies, assess methodological rigor, and apply research findings to improve practice, policy, and service delivery. Through the development of an original research proposal, students demonstrate their ability to apply research principles in real-world contexts. This course aligns with CSWE Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice.
Prerequisites: MATH 232 and Sophomore or above status
Co-requisites: SW 343L
Notes: Professional social work program course.
SW 343L RESEARCH METHODS LABORATORY1 Credit
Students apply knowledge of qualitative research methods generated from class instruction and discussion in SW 343, Research Methods. Students complete qualitative research assignments as assigned by instructor.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
Co-requisites: SW 343
Notes: Professional Social Work course.
SW 400 INDEPENDENT STUDY OR RESEARCH1-3 Credits
Study or research in an area of special interest.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent
Notes: The number of credit hours is determined by the topic and the amount of work required.
Requirements: Permission of instructor and Dean is required.
SW 431 GENERALIST METHODS LABORATORY1 Credit
This laboratory course provides students with opportunities to practice, refine, and receive feedback on interviewing and helping skills appropriate to generalist social work practice with individuals and families. Using a structured, staged interviewing model, the lab emphasizes skill development in exploration, clarification, and action phases of helping interviews. Students engage in role-plays, recordings, peer observation, and instructor coaching to integrate micro-level methods into ethical and culturally responsive practice.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
Co-requisites: SW 432
Notes: Professional social work program course.
SW 432 METHODS I: INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES3 Credits
This course introduces the foundational methods, techniques, and ethical considerations for generalist social work practice with individuals and families. The course examines the planned change process (intake/engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation/termination) and presents evidence-based techniques for each phase. Students will develop skills in forming helping relationships, conducting assessments, negotiating contracts, implementing interventions, and organizing termination/evaluation - all within a framework of cultural competence, client empowerment, and ethical practice.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
Co-requisites: SW 431
Notes: Professional social work program course.
SW 433 METHODS II:THERAPEUTIC AND TASK GROUPS3 Credits
This course provides an in-depth examination of group work as a method of social work practice, emphasizing both therapeutic and task-oriented groups. Students explore the theoretical underpinnings, stages of group development, leadership methods, and specialized applications of group practice. Emphasis is placed on process awareness, ethical and cultural competence, and the integration of theory and skill in facilitating groups across diverse settings.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
Notes: Professional social work program course.
SW 434 POLICY ANALYSIS AND ADVOCACY3 Credits
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of social policy analysis and advocacy, with a focus on promoting social and economic justice. Students will explore how social workers and allied professionals engage in policy practice to address systemic inequities and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Through a step-by-step model of policy advocacy, students will learn to identify social problems, analyze policy alternatives, develop evidence-based proposals, and engage in strategic action to influence decision-makers. Emphasis is placed on understanding the policy environment, building coalitions, using power ethically, and advocating across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. The course includes critical examination of historical and contemporary policy issues, with attention to race, class, gender, and other intersecting systems of oppression.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
Notes: Professional social work program course.
SW 435 METHODS III: ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITIES3 Credits
This course introduces students to the principles and methods of generalist social work practice with organizations and communities. Students will explore the skills, values, and strategies necessary to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate practice at the mezzo and macro levels. Emphasis is placed on empowerment, advocacy, and the development of competencies and practice behaviors consistent with the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Through critical thinking and application, students will gain a deeper understanding of how social workers collaborate with organizations and communities to promote social and economic justice.
Prerequisites: Sophomore or above status
Notes: Professional social work program course.
SW 459 PRE-PRACTICUM AND ORIENTATION1 Credit
This course explores ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in social work practice. Emphasis is placed on the NASW Code of Ethics, professional conduct, and the development of ethical competence within agency settings. Topics include organizational entry, the effective use of supervision, and adherence to field instruction policies and procedures. Students and field instructors collaborate to develop written learning contracts that identify goals and measurable outcomes, demonstrating the attainment of practice behaviors and professional competencies to be applied during the SW 464 Practicum.
Prerequisites: Junior or above status
Add Consent: Department Consent
Notes: Professional Social Work Program course.
Requirements: Department Consent.
SW 463 PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR2 Credits
This capstone seminar integrates students' academic learning and field experience through critical reflection, collaboration, and professional development. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, collegial support, and the use of feedback to enhance practice competence. Topics include lifelong learning, job seeking, interviewing, professional networking, state certification and licensure, and graduate study opportunities. Students share field experiences, assess progress toward learning outcomes, and demonstrate the application of empirical knowledge to professional social work practice.
Prerequisites: SW 459 and Junior or above status
Co-requisites: SW 464
Notes: Advanced professional social work program course.
SW 464 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM5-10 Credits
This course provides a structured, supervised practicum education experience in an approved social service agency under the guidance of a qualified practicum instructor. Learning is guided by a written contract outlining specific objectives and tasks designed to demonstrate the competencies and practice behaviors expected of a beginning generalist social work professional. Students are expected to enroll for 10 credit hours, dedicating 34-36 hours per week for a minimum of 450 total hours over the semester. With approval from the Field Director, students may alternatively complete the practicum over two consecutive spring semesters by registering for 5 credit hours per semester.
Prerequisites: SW 459 and Junior or above status
Co-requisites: SW 463
Add Consent: Department Consent
Notes: Professional social work program course.
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