Social Work Degree

SWK 481. Field Education I. 5 Credits.

Field Education provides learning opportunities in generalist social work practice using the problem-solving processes within the strengths and ecological systems perspectives. Field Education provides students the opportunity to integrate direct practice with acquired conceptional and theoretical knowledge and skills. Internships will be supervised by a social worker at an approved agency. Students completing their internship in one semester must enroll in SWK 481, SWK 482, SWK 483, and SWK 484. Students completing their internship over two semesters will enroll in SWK 481 and SWK 482 for their first semester in their internship and enroll in SWK 483 and SWK 484 during their second semester. Prerequisite: Admission to field program; to be taken after all other social work courses have been completed. Corequisite: SWK 482. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

SWK 424. Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families. 3 Credits.

This course is an introduction to knowledge, values, and skills related to practice with individuals and families. Students will learn and demonstrate engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation methodologies and strategies with individuals and families with a special emphasis on diverse populations and ethical social work practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSSW Program, SWK 317, and SWK 357. F,S.

SWK 357. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II. 3 Credits.

This course explores the application of social work theory and research across the life span, emphasizing social systems theory as the core conceptual framework. Students will examine the development of groups, communities, organizations, and society, expanding on prior knowledge of human behavior. Building on the micro system human behavior concepts taught in SWK 257 (Human Behavior in the Social Environment I), this course completes the theoretical foundation for generalist practice by incorporating macro systems content, along with material related to rural social work practice, cultural competence, and the strengths perspective across all levels of practice. Prerequisite: Admission in the BSSW Program. F,S.

SWK 442. Social Policy. 3 Credits.

This course equips students with the essential knowledge, values, and skills in social policy. Students will cultivate critical analysis abilities to promote economic and social justice, gaining insights into the interconnectedness of research, policy, and advocacy for practice with vulnerable populations. Prerequisite: Admission in the BSSW Program, SWK 317, and SWK 357. F,S.

SWK 317. Social Work Research. 3 Credits.

This course equips students with a foundational understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, emphasizing their application in enhancing social work practice. Students will explore the integration of research-informed practice and practice-informed research, developing critical thinking skills and ethical principles essential for conducting research in social work. With an emphasis on diversity and respect for clients with different cultures and values, the course covers key research methodologies, including study design, data analysis, and the evaluation of interventions and services. Students will learn to assess problems, critique existing literature, analyze and present data, and monitor and evaluate social work practices and outcomes. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSSW Program. Prerequisite or Corequisite: Statistics. F,S.

SWK 454. Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations. 3 Credits.

This course emphasizes the application of evidence-based interventions. Students will acquire essential skills in engaging with diverse groups, conducting thorough assessments, designing, and implementing effective interventions, and evaluating outcomes withing community and organizational context. The course highlights the importance of cultural competence, ethical practice, and the integration of social justice principles in working with varied populations. Students will explore strategies for advocacy and collaboration to promote systemic change. Prerequisite: Admission to the BSSW program, SWK 317, and SWK 357. F,S.