Social Work

SWK 501. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I. 2 Credits.

Generalist Human Behavior in the Social Environment I (HBSE I) provides students with foundational knowledge relevant to human life span development, and an introduction to social work systems perspectives. Students critique and apply various frameworks to case scenarios that exemplify client differences in biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural domains. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 507.

SWK 502. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II. 2 Credits.

In Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (HBSE II), students acquire foundational knowledge of social work theories relevant to group, community, and organizational practice. Linkages of theory to practice for purposes of enhancing economic, social, and environmental well-being are emphasized. Students learn to recognize diversity through multiple factors, and deepen understanding of how these differences can influence poverty and marginalization, as well as power and privilege. Global interconnections of oppression are emphasized. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 507. F,SS.

SWK 503. Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families. 2 Credits.

Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families provides foundational knowledge, values, and skill development for generalist social work practice with individuals and families using a strengths-based perspective. Students develop skills in relationship-building, assuming collaborative partnerships, describing problems, accessing resources, developing intervention plans, and evaluating progress with individuals and families. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 501.

SWK 504. Generalist Practice with Treatment and Task Groups. 2 Credits.

In Generalist Practice with Treatment and Task Groups, students develop foundational knowledge, values, and skills necessary for assessing, intervening, and evaluating with the context of group practice. The course emphasizes the identification, analysis, and implementation of evidence-based interventions. Students also learn to apply a social justice framework to group practice. Corequisite: SWK 501 and SWK 502. F,SS.

SWK 505. Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations. 2 Credits.

Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations acquaints students with the historical roots of social work in community and organizational practice, and with the changing landscape of organizations within the human service sector. Students develop skills relevant to engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating community and organizational practice and develop strategies for macro-practice with diverse populations. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program. SS.

SWK 506. Social Policy. 2 Credits.

Provides knowledge of historical, social, racial, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. Develops critical thinking skills using social justice, anti-racist and anti-oppressive lenses to analyze, formulate, and advocate for just policies at multiple levels. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program. F.

SWK 507. Generalist Research Methods and Analysis. 2 Credits.

Provides students with foundational knowledge of research methods and analysis and prepares them for the development of advanced research skills. Students gain knowledge of the methods of scientific inquiry and how to construct and utilize evidence-informed research for practice. The course emphasizes ethical approaches to research and the effective communication of empirically based knowledge. This course builds on basic knowledge regarding social work, including social and economic justice, values and ethics, diversity, critical thinking, and social work fields of practice. It focuses on teaching social work students to think critically about their world using research as one way to better understand the world. Knowledge of research methods allow students in practice courses and policy analysis to better understand the evaluation of practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program. S,SS.

SWK 515. Generalist Practice Field Education I. 3 Credits.

Generalist Field Education provides students the opportunity to integrate direct practice with acquired conceptional and theoretical knowledge and skills, emphasizing core competencies and demonstration of practice behaviors. Prerequisite: Admission to field education program. Corequisite: SWK 516. S/U grading. F.

SWK 516. Generalist Practice Field Education Seminar I. 1 Credit.

This course promotes the integration of generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills through the synthesis of academic knowledge with experiential learning. Course content includes the intersection of contemplative practices and the core social work values of dignity, relationships, service, social justice, integrity, and competence. Field Education Seminar facilitates the integration of practice experience, NASW Code of Ethics, CSWE Competencies and the personal/professional development of the student. Prerequisite: Admission to the field education program. Corequisite: SWK 515. F.

SWK 517. Generalist Practice Field Education II. 5 Credits.

SWK 518. Generalist Practice Field Education Seminar II. 1 Credit.

This course promotes the integration of generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills through the synthesis of academic knowledge with experiential learning. Course content includes the intersection of contemplative practices and the core social work values of dignity, relationships, service, social justice, integrity, and competence. Field Education Seminar facilitates the integration of practice experience, NASW Code of Ethics, CSWE Competencies and the personal/professional development of the student. Prerequisite: Admission to field education program and SWK 516. Corequisite: SWK 517. S.

SWK 525. Advanced Generalist Human Behavior in the Social Environment. 2 Credits.

This course examines the complex interaction of individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations within their social, economic, cultural, and natural environments across the life course. Building on the foundation established in the Generalist HBSE course, AG-HBSE emphasizes advanced integration of systems, developmental, critical, and complexity theories. Students critically evaluate how multiple theoretical frameworks inform advanced generalist practice and guide interventions across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Distinct from Generalist HBSE, which provides an introduction to major theories and perspectives, this course emphasizes higher-order analysis, synthesis of theory and research, and application to practice contexts. Special attention is placed on preparing students for ethical, inclusive, and justice-oriented interventions. As the theoretical foundation for advanced practice courses, AG-HBSE provides the conceptual grounding necessary for SWK 530 (Practice with Individuals), SWK 533 (Practice with Families), SWK 534 (Practice with Treatment Groups), and SWK 535 (Practice with Communities and Organizations). Prerequisite: Admission to Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,SS.

SWK 526. Diversity in Advanced Generalist Social Work. 2 Credits.

This course is designed to examine the phenomena of power, privilege and oppression and the effect on individuals, families and communities in the context of the values of the social work profession and social and economic justice. The course is intended to increase awareness of the intersectionality of multiple oppressions with a focus on race/ethnicity, gender, gender identity expression, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation. Students will gain a beginning self-awareness to identify the influence of personal biases and values that impact practice with diverse groups. Prerequisite: Admission to Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,S.

SWK 527. Advanced Generalist Human Behavior and the Social Environment I. 2 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (AG HBSE I) provides students with relevant conceptual frameworks to guide advanced generalist practice with individuals and families. This course builds upon developmental theories and the social work ecological and systems perspectives. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,SS.

SWK 528. Advanced Generalist Human Behavior and the Social Environment II. 2 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (AG HBSE II) considers practice theories in relation to social and economic justice. Complexity theory builds upon traditional social systems theory to provide an advanced framework for analyzing practices within the social, economic, and natural environments. Students develop advocacy skills related to the inherent dignity, worth, and rights of all persons, and to eliminate poverty and the mechanisms of discrimination and oppression, especially in rural and Tribal communities. They use a rights-based, anti-oppressive, and justice-driven approach to advance equitable access to resources locally and globally including a focus on applying theories across varied practice environments and system levels, and in work with diverse populations to address and dismantle social, racial, economic, and environmental injustices. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,S.

SWK 529. Advanced Generalist Research Methods and Analysis. 2 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Research Methods and Analysis prepares students to build on foundation research knowledge to further refine and advance the quality of social work practice and that of the larger social work profession. The course emphasizes program as well as practice evaluation. Students use research methods to generate surveys; learn to choose, utilize, and interpret reliable and valid measurement instruments; and apply both qualitative and statistical analysis. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,SS.

SWK 530. Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals. 2 Credits.

This course prepares students to apply advanced generalist competencies in ethical, culturally responsive practice with individuals. Emphasizing human rights, anti-racism, ADEI, and trauma-responsive care, students develop collaborative engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills using person-in-environment and strengths-based frameworks. Learners integrate DSM-5 diagnostic reasoning, evidence-informed models, and interdisciplinary research to enhance clinical judgment, support client-driven goals, and promote equitable, sustainable outcomes. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization, SWK 525, and SWK 529. F,SS.

SWK 533. Advanced Generalist Practice with Families. 2 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Practice with Families teaches students advanced generalist skills in working with families to implement evidence-informed, culturally responsive, and interdisciplinary interventions that promote resilience, well-being, and community development. This class teaches students to be adaptive leaders who engage with systems to negotiate, mediate, advocate, and facilitate client-driven transitions and sustainable outcomes that support client strengths, capacities, and aspirations. This class builds upon family therapy theories and their practical applications. Activities and assignments build skills necessary to work with families in therapeutic settings. Prerequisite or Corequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization, SWK 525, and SWK 529. F,S.

SWK 534. Advanced Generalist Practice with Treatment Groups. 2 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Practice with Treatment Groups uses an interpersonal perspective as a theoretical foundation for understanding group dynamics. Students build upon foundational knowledge and skills, and develop and demonstrate advanced techniques for engaging individuals in the group process, assessing appropriateness for group membership, developing interventions, and evaluating the treatment group process. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,S.

SWK 535. Advanced Generalist Practice with Communities. 2 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Practice with Communities equips students with theoretical frameworks and models for community practice and prepares students to be effective change agents and leaders in community contexts. Students develop a deeper community development orientation and gain a greater understanding of how to apply human rights and other justice-centered frameworks in community practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,S.

SWK 536. Advanced Generalist Practice with Organizations. 2 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Practice with Organizations develops practice behaviors related to organizational leadership, managing various organizational systems, and developing an integrated practice approach for the purpose of promoting effective service delivery. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization. S,SS.

SWK 537. Advanced Generalist Tools for Policy. 1 Credit.

Advanced Generalist Tools for Policy recognizes the historic, social, racial, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, ideological, and global influences that affect policy, and emphasizes the development of skills for effective policy analysis and advocacy action to promote the social, economic, political, and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities at the local, state, federal, and global levels. Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Generalist Specialization. F,S,SS.

SWK 540. Clinical Diagnosis I. 3 Credits.

Clinical Diagnosis I introduces graduate-level social work students to the core principles of clinical assessment and psychiatric diagnosis. Serving as a foundation for Clinical Diagnosis II, students will develop foundational skills in the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), with a focus on differential diagnosis, case formulation, and the integration of biopsychosocial perspectives. The DSM will be used as an organizing framework for reviewing major mental disorders. This course emphasizes the role of social workers in psychiatric diagnosis, including advocacy, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Special emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist approaches to diagnosis, as well as the impact of race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic status on the diagnostic process. Prerequisite: Advanced standing or completion of generalist curriculum. F.

SWK 541. Clinical Diagnosis II. 3 Credits.

This advanced course builds on SWK 540. Clinical Diagnosis I to deepen students' skills in the assessment and diagnosis of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Students will learn to integrate biological, psychological, and social perspectives in formulating diagnostic impressions, with an emphasis on brain development, neurobiology, and biological assessment methods. The course explores the role of psychopharmacology in treatment planning and interdisciplinary collaboration with medical and behavioral health professionals. Using the DSM framework, students will refine their ability to conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, recognize co-occurring disorders, and apply differential diagnosis. Interprofessional education experiences, including simulated cases in a simulation center, will provide opportunities for collaborative practice and case conceptualization across disciplines. Special emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist approaches to diagnosis, as well as the impact of race, culture, gender, and socioeconomic status on the diagnostic process. Prerequisite: SWK 540. S.

SWK 542. Advanced Policy. 3 Credits.

This course prepares MSW students to engage in complex policy analysis, policy development, and advocacy at local, state, national, and global levels. Emphasizing the broader context of behavioral health, wellness, and well-being, students will critically evaluate how policies shape access, equity, and quality of services across systems. The course integrates social work values, evidence-informed policy approaches, and skills for influencing legislative, regulatory, and organizational change. Students will apply policy practice models to advance social, economic, and environmental justice, with particular attention to policies affecting mental health, addictions, integrated behavioral health, and public health. Prerequisite: Advanced standing or completion of generalist curriculum. F.

SWK 543. Research in Clinical Practice. 3 Credits.

This course builds on foundational research knowledge and skills to prepare clinical social work students to integrate research evidence with clinical expertise in ethically complex and culturally diverse practice settings. Emphasizing both practice and program evaluation, the course focuses on the application of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the effectiveness of behavioral health interventions across diverse client systems and constituencies. Students will learn to design client-centered, theory-informed evaluations; select and interpret reliable, valid, and culturally responsive measurement tools; and apply anti-racist, anti-oppressive strategies to address bias in research. The course also highlights the role of interprofessional collaboration in producing and applying research. Through applied assignments and seminar discussions, students will strengthen their roles in practice and program evaluation and ethical conduct of research that informs clinical decision-making, enhances service delivery, and promotes accountability and empowerment within communities. Prerequisite: Advanced standing or completion of generalist curriculum. F.

SWK 544. Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families. 3 Credits.

This course prepares MSW students for the specialized practice of clinical social work with individuals, couples, and families across diverse settings and populations. Emphasizing the integration of theory, evidence-informed practice, and professional ethics, students will develop advanced skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. The course addresses mental health, addictions, and integrated behavioral health within a biopsychosocial framework, in alignment with the definition of clinical social work practice and scope of practice. Students will explore and apply major clinical theories-including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic theory, solution-focused brief therapy, family systems theory, and trauma-informed approaches-to restore or enhance functioning. Cultural humility, anti-oppressive practice, and the professional use of self are emphasized throughout. Prerequisite: Advanced standing or completion of generalist curriculum. Corequisite: SWK 540. F.

SWK 545. Clinical Practice with Groups. 3 Credits.

This course examines the theory, dynamics, and skills essential for effective treatment group facilitation. Students explore stages of group development, leadership styles, and therapeutic factors that promote cohesion, trust, and personal growth. Emphasis is placed on ethical and cultural considerations, assessment and screening, and adapting interventions for diverse populations and settings, including online formats. Through both didactic and experiential learning, students gain the competencies to design, lead, and evaluate therapeutic, psychosocial, and psychoeducational groups. Cultural humility, anti-oppressive practice, and the professional use of self are emphasized throughout. Prerequisite: SWK 542. S.

SWK 546. Clinical Practice in Macro Settings. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on case management, service delivery, supervision, and administration in the context of communities and health and human service organizations. It includes content on resource assessment and mapping, service planning, service integration, evaluation, network planning and development, community capacity building, and sustainable community change. Special attention is given to implementing cultural humility, anti-oppressive practice, and professional use of self in the context of social work practice with macro systems. Prerequisite: SWK 542. S.

SWK 560. Topics Of Social Work Practice. 1-3 Credits.

Repeatable to 9.00 credits.

SWK 563. Rural Social Work Practice. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to advanced social work practice in the rural context. Challenges related to rural social work practice, rural communities, rural health and human services organizations, social welfare policy, and rural lifestyles are addressed. Prerequisite: Advanced standing or completion of generalist curriculum. S.

SWK 580. Advanced Generalist Practice Field Education I. 5 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Field Education provides students the opportunity to integrate direct practice with acquired advanced conceptional and theoretical knowledge, emphasizing core competencies and demonstration of practice behaviors. Prerequisite: Admission to field education program; to be taken after all other social work courses have been completed. Corequisite: SWK 581. S/U grading. F,SS.

SWK 581. Advanced Generalist Practice Field Education Seminar I. 1 Credit.

This course promotes the integration of advanced generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills through the synthesis of academic knowledge with experiential learning. Course content includes the intersection of contemplative practices and the core social work values of dignity, relationships, service, social justice, integrity, and competence. Field Education Seminar facilitates the integration of advanced generalist practice experience, NASW Code of Ethics, CSWE Competencies and the personal/professional development of the student. Prerequisite: Admission to the field education program; to be taken after all other social work courses have been completed. Corequisite: SWK 580. F,SS.

SWK 582. Advanced Generalist Practice Field Education II. 5 Credits.

Advanced Generalist Field Education provides students the opportunity to integrate direct practice with acquired advanced conceptional and theoretical knowledge and skills, emphasizing core competencies and demonstration of practice behaviors. Prerequisite: Admission to field education program; to be taken after all other social work courses have been completed. Corequisite: SWK 583. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 580. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

SWK 583. Advanced Generalist Practice Field Education Seminar II. 1 Credit.

This course promotes the integration of advanced generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills through the synthesis of academic knowledge with experiential learning. Course content includes the intersection of contemplative practices and the core social work values of dignity, relationships, service, social justice, integrity, and competence. Field Education Seminar facilitates the integration of advanced generalist practice experience, NASW Code of Ethics, CSWE Competencies and the personal/professional development of the student. Prerequisite: Admission to field education program; to be taken after all other social work courses have been completed. Corequisite: SWK 582. F,S,SS.

SWK 584. Clinical Social Work Practice Field Education I. 5 Credits.

Clinical social work field education provides students the opportunity to integrate direct practice with acquired advanced conceptional and theoretical knowledge, emphasizing competencies and demonstration of related behaviors. Prerequisite: Admission to the field program; to be taken after all other social work courses have been completed. Corequisite: SWK 585. SS.

SWK 585. Clinical Social Work Practice Field Education Seminar I. 1 Credit.

This course promotes the integration of clinical social work knowledge, values, and skills through the synthesis of academic knowledge with experiential learning. Course content includes the intersection of contemplative practices and the core social work values of dignity, relationships, service, social justice, integrity, and competence. Field Education Seminar facilitates the integration of clinical social work practice experience, NASW Code of Ethics, CSWE competencies and the personal/professional development of the student. Prerequisite: Admission to the field program; to be taken after all other social work courses have been completed (pre-requisites). Corequisite: SWK 584. SS.

SWK 586. Clinical Social Work Practice Field Education II. 5 Credits.

Clinical social work field education provides students the opportunity to integrate direct practice with acquired advanced conceptional and theoretical knowledge, emphasizing competencies and demonstration of related behaviors. Corequisite: SWK 587. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 584 and SWK 585. F,SS.

SWK 587. Clinical Social Work Practice Field Education Seminar II. 1 Credit.

This course promotes the integration of clinical social work knowledge, values, and skills through the synthesis of academic knowledge with experiential learning. Course content includes the intersection of contemplative practices and the core social work values of dignity, relationships, service, social justice, integrity, and competence. Field Education Seminar facilitates the integration of clinical social work practice experience, NASW Code of Ethics, CSWE competencies and the personal/professional development of the student. Corequisite: SWK 586. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SWK 584 and SWK 585. F,SS.

SWK 593. Individual Study. 1-2 Credits.

Variable topics in social work related areas carried out individually or in small groups under the supervision of the instructor. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 4.00 credits.

SWK 996. Continuing Enrollment. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable. S/U grading.

SWK 997. Independent Study. 2 Credits.

SWK 998. Thesis. 2-4 Credits.

Total of 4 credits required in thesis option. Repeatable to 4.00 credits. F,SS.