Social Work

School of Health and Human Sciences

268 Stone
336-334-5147
https://swk.uncg.edu

Hermeet Kohli, Department Chair
Beth Webb, Director of Undergraduate Studies
Quincy Dinnerson, Graduate Program Director, Joint M.S.W.
Jay Poole, Graduate Program Director, Joint Ph.D.

Mission of the Department of Social Work

The mission of the UNC Greensboro B.S.W. Program is to prepare culturally competent, ethical social workers who embody the core social work values as described in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. These core values include; service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationship, integrity, competence, human rights, and scientific inquiry. Human rights and social justice are key components of what social workers do, and an important part of our mission is for students to apply these values and ethics in their social work practice. We prepare students to engage with others at the intersection of culture, race, gender, and class, to promote healthy functioning for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Our goal is the transformation of personal history into professional identity through mentoring, teaching, research, and our signature pedagogy – field education. Faculty promote social, economic, and environmental justice through research, engaged scholarship, and collaboration with social services agencies. Learning takes place within an intentional, collaborative community that respects and embraces diversity and promotes inclusion

Department Goals

Prepare graduate and undergraduate students to become competent, engaged social workers who demonstrate the knowledge, ethics, values, and skills of the profession.
Prepare graduates to work effectively with diverse and marginalized people.
Prepare students to facilitate inclusion at all systems levels—individual, family, group, organization, community, and policy.
Create a learning community that respects diversity and encourages the exploration of difference.
Increase engagement with social service agencies and other community institutions to promote social change.
Conduct change-oriented research to promote social and economic justice.

Mission of the Bachelor of Social Work Program

Our mission is to prepare competent, ethical social workers who will become the backbone of the social services delivery system in the Piedmont Triad and beyond. We prepare students to engage with others at the intersection of person and environment, race, gender, and class, in order to promote healthy functioning for individuals, families, groups, and communities. Our goal is the transformation of personal history into professional identity through mentoring, teaching, our signature pedagogy—field education, research, and engaged scholarship. Learning takes place within an intentional, collaborative community that respects and embraces diversity and promotes inclusion.

The Joint Master of Social Work

The Joint Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program represents the efforts of faculty at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&TSU) and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro). This is a single academic program with participation in instruction by faculty from each department. Instruction is conducted on the campuses of both universities. The program is accredited by The Council on Social Work Education and the curriculum has been designed by the joint faculty to provide students with a multicultural clinical social work education. The model for the curriculum is based on CSWE social work competencies and contemporary, state-of-the-art theory and practice methods. The curriculum is organized by generalist year, specialization year, and field instruction. The primary purpose of the M.S.W. program is to prepare students for multicultural clinical social work practice.

Each M.S.W. student completes 1008 hours of internships in community agencies. A 42-credit hour Advanced Standing option is available for highly qualified students who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited B.S.W. Program; these students complete a 672-hour advanced internship.

Gerontology

The mission of the UNC Greensboro Gerontology Program is to teach, apply, and create gerontological knowledge through collaborative relationships with academic disciplines, community organizations, and businesses to enrich the lives of older adults and their families. Graduates are prepared to be leaders in the profession and to serve older adults locally and nationally through the health, business, non-profit, and academic sectors.

Three goals reflect the mission of the Gerontology program:

Provide a transdisciplinary curriculum that gives new and seasoned professionals the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career working with older adults.
Facilitate and support opportunities for students to participate in innovative coursework that further their academic and professional goals in the field of gerontology.
Provide professional training and experiences in gerontology in order to enhance understanding of and professional practice using research and theories on aging.

Program Administration

The Gerontology Program is proudly housed in the Department of Social Work in the School of Health and Human Sciences.

School of Health and Human Sciences

212 Ferguson Building
https://gerontology.uncg.edu

About

The goal of the Gerontology Program is to provide opportunities for learning and practice that create competent and capable gerontologists who meet the needs of the aging population. Students are provided with a scientific, broad and integrated view of aging through collaborative relationships with academic disciplines, community organizations, and businesses in order to approach issues of aging from a truly biopsychosocial perspective. The undergraduate and graduate programs in Gerontology prepare students for careers in agencies and organizations serving older adults and their families.

The UNC Greensboro Gerontology Program offers an Undergraduate Minor in Gerontology, a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontology, a Master of Science in Gerontology, and an Accelerated B.A. or B.S. to M.S in Gerontology.

Affiliated Faculty

Rebecca G. Adams, Gerontology Undergraduate Coordinator, Professor

Elise Eifert, Gerontology Graduate Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Chantelle Caro, Assistant Professor

Undergraduate

Rebecca Adams, Gerontology Undergraduate Coordinator
336-256-1020

The Gerontology Program offers an undergraduate minor in Gerontology that requires 12 credit hours to complete.

Undergraduate students who plan to undertake graduate study at UNC Greensboro, and who need no more than 12 credits of work to fulfill all requirements for the bachelor’s degree, may enroll in the Graduate School. See the Dual Registration in the University Catalog.

Graduate

Elise Eifert, Gerontology Graduate Coordinator
336-256-1099

A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and a Master of Science degree in Gerontology are offered through the Gerontology Program. The graduate programs are fully online and tailored to working, adult learners. Programs are flexible and practitioner oriented with a focus on authentic learning and developing practical knowledge and skills for the job market.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontology curriculum provides the professional foundation necessary to prepare students for practice as a Gerontological Specialist in their primary discipline. The P.B.C. requires a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work. Visit the P.B.C. program page for information about applying, admission, and certificate requirements.

The accredited Master of Science in Gerontology curriculum provides the professional foundation necessary to prepare students for practice as a Gerontologist. Courses are designed to provide students with opportunities to master core competencies in the Gerontology discipline. The M.S. requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work. Visit the M.S. program page for information about applying, admission and degree requirements.

Professor

Viktor Burlaka

Melissa Raymelle Floyd-Pickard^G

Hermeet Kaur Kohli

Kelly Jay Poole^G

John C. Rife^G

Associate Professor

Meredith Christine Foster Powers^G

Academic Professional Associate Professor

Elise Eifert^G

Fran Pearson^G

Daniel Thomas Rhodes^G

Beth Webb^G

Assistant Professor

Bree A Alexander

Michelle Marie Vance^G

Academic Professional Assistant Professor

Regina T Alexander

Chantelle Sharpe Caro^G

Chauncey Greene

Ashley Marjette Stewart

Johnette Celeste Walser

Lecturer

Molly Rose Ciaccio

Jason Tyler Citty

Jennifer Gale Cobb^G

Tiffany Danielle Hall

Bernette Kelley Jones

Rhiannon Nicole Kelly

Christine Anne Morrison

Emily H Wright

Charles Jason Yates

G: Graduate-level faculty

Gerontology (GRO)

GRO 201 Introduction to Gerontology: Thinking about Aging 3

Students think critically about aging in the current US context and develop proposals for change to ensure their ideal old age will be possible. Required for minor in Gerontology.

GRO 411 Silver Industries 3

Overview of the longevity economy and its influences on entrepreneurial opportunities. Case illustrations highlighted. Using the entrepreneurial business model, students explore opportunities, risks, and rewards in the silver industries market.

Notes: Same as ENT 511.

GRO 444 Baby Boomers 3

Social and cultural impact of Baby Boomer phenomenon, including implications of cohort size, diversity, and life experiences (culture, relationships, politics, health, finances) for images of aging, products, services, and policies.

GRO 451 Gerontology Independent Study 3

Intensive independent study of specialized topics in gerontology.

Prerequisites: Requires written plan including activities and assignments to facilitate achievement of one or more of the undergraduate gerontology SLOs, permission of sponsoring instructor, credentialing of the sponsoring instructor to teach gerontology, and approval of gerontology undergraduate coordinator and department head.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

GRO 511 Silver Industries 3

Notes: Students who have prior credit for ENT 511 may not take GRO 511 for credit.

GRO 570 Social Services for the Aging 3

An overview of current issues in the need and delivery of social services to the aging. Students learn skills designed to prepare them for effective practice with older adults and their families.

Notes: Same as SWK 570.

GRO 602 Seminar: Critical Issues of Aging 3

Intensive review and analysis of the literature and research on issues and unresolved problems of aging.

GRO 612 Leadership Development for Professionals in Aging 3

A primer in leadership development where students explore leadership through observations and experience, as well as professional research findings. Students develop a personal definition of leadership, discover their unique qualities and characteristics of leadership, and develop a plan to realize their potential as leaders in aging services.

GRO 620 Research Methods in Gerontology 3

The integration and application of qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods used in gerontology with a focus on developing a scholar practitioner perspective.

GRO 621 Health and Aging 3

Explores the concept of successful aging from a holistic perspective using the seven dimensions of health and wellness and the use of interdisciplinary teams to support healthy aging.

GRO 622 Financing Longevity 3

Overview of concepts related to financing longevity in the United States. Topics include retirement, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, long term care insurance and related products.

GRO 631 Planning and Evaluation for Professionals in Aging 3

Introduction to the knowledge and skills related to planning and evaluating innovative responses to the aging of society using program theory as a foundation.

GRO 634 Diversity, Inclusion, and Aging 3

An examination of issues related to diversity among older adults. Focus will be on the interaction of class, gender, race/ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and historical period with the aging process.

GRO 635 Disrupting Ageism 3

Students will learn how to use evidence-based practice to disrupt ageism and to be an ally for older adults who are trying to reframe and disrupt aging.

GRO 645 Introduction to Cognitive Aging and Disorders 3

An examination of cognition and aging including normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. Focus will be on preparing gerontologists to work with older adults with various cognitive function.

GRO 650 Administrator in Training - Assisted Living 3

Introduction of knowledge and skills necessary to be an administrator of adult and family care homes. Directed practical experience in approved assisted living or group home to meet state requirements for the administrator-in-training certification.

GRO 651 Theoretical Foundations of Aging 3

Examines the historical development of the profession and discipline of gerontology and various gerontology related roles in a range of settings based on theories of aging.

GRO 676 Special Topics in Gerontology 1,3

Study of a special topic in gerontology.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

GRO 679 Integrated Capstone in Gerontology 3

A synthesis of ideas, perspectives, and concepts gained from the study of gerontology. Students must utilize gerontology research and theory in a field experience to conclude their course of study.

Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Gerontology. completion of at least two-thirds of course work including GRO 620, GRO 651, SWK 570 or GRO 570, and permission of instructor.

GRO 680 Elder Law for Professionals in Aging 3

An examination of legal and financial topics related to aging. Focus will be on preparing gerontologists to work with older adults and their families as they navigate complex legal issues.

GRO 695 Independent Study 1-3

Intensive study in an area of special interest in gerontology.

Notes: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours credit.

GRO 699 Thesis 1-6

Individual guidance in the development of a specific research problem. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit. (Graded on S-U basis)

GRO 801 Thesis Extension 1-3

Thesis Extension.

GRO 803 Grad Resrch Proj Ext 1-3

Research Extension.

Social Work (SWK)

SWK 215 Introduction to Social Work 3

Introduction to social welfare programs and social work practice. Topics include: social problems confronting society; societal and community helping resources; social work practice in a changing society. Field observation required.

SWK 310 Social Work Policy and Restorative Justice 3

Examination and survey of historical development of the concept of social welfare; analysis of theoretical framework used to organize the study of social welfare services. Develop practices to influence social welfare policies with a focus on human rights, social justice, and restorative justice practices. Supervised volunteer experience required.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in SWK 215. major or minor in social work.

SWK 311 Human Behavior and Social Environment 3

Emphasis on theories relevant to understanding and influencing change on the societal, organizational, group, and individual levels.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in SWK 215 or permission of instructor.

SWK 315 Social Work, Diversity, and Vulnerable Populations 3

Examination and understanding of cultural and human diversity with focus on oppressed groups. Students will have the opportunity to learn about broad differences and likenesses among diverse populations and cultures.

Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher in SWK 215. major or minor in social work.

SWK 325 Research in Social Work Practice 3

Focus on social workers as both consumers and producers of research. Emphasis on using research for needs assessment, evaluation of social work interventions, and creation of new social work knowledge.

Prerequisites: SOWK major. grade of C or better in SWK 215 and grade of C or better in SWK 350 or STA 108 OR concurrent enrollment in SWK 350 or STA 108.

SWK 350 Introduction to Social Work Data Analysis 3

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic statistics and data analysis encountered in social work practice. Topics include elementary descriptive and inferential procedures.

Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in SWK 215 OR previous credit for SWK 215.

SWK 351 Professional Practice With Individuals and Families 3

Lecture-laboratory course to teach verbal and written practices necessary for conducting the helping interview and other related social work activities. Extensive use of simulated role play experience and instructor/peer feedback.

Prerequisites: SWK 215, grade of C or higher in SWK 310 and SWK 311. SOWK major.

SWK 352 Professional Practice With Groups 3

This is an introductory course in group practice with the objective to teach students the knowledge and practices which are necessary for group work. The course emphasizes basic theory about groups process, demonstrates the skills necessary for effective practice, and gives students the opportunity to discuss and practice these skills.

Prerequisites: SWK 215, grade of C or higher in SWK 310 and SWK 311. SOWK major.

SWK 405 Environmental Justice: Interdisciplinary Response for Sustainability 3

Interdisciplinary exploration of models that address social, economic, environmental justice concerns and their impact on community, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Notes: Same as PCS 406 .

SWK 410 Selected Topics in Social Work 3

Opportunity for students to study in depth topic of special interest.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

SWK 410A Sel Tpcs:School Social Work 1-3

SWK 410B Sel Tpc:Soc Serv/Mnt Ill / Fam 1-3

SWK 410C Sel Tpcs:SWK w/Religious Orgn 1-3

SWK 410D Sel Tpcs:Soc Serv for Ment Ill 1-3

SWK 411 Social Work Methods With Individuals and Families 3

Emphasis on knowledge, values, process, and skills in social work practice and introduction to interventive methods with individuals and families.

Prerequisites: Admission to field instruction. Grade of C or higher in SWK 315, SWK 325, and SWK 351;

Corequisites: SWK 413 and SWK 415.

Notes: SOWK major only.

SWK 412 Social Work Methods With Communities and Organizations 3

Focus on development of social work practice skills emphasizing delivery of social services in alliance to communities and organizations with an emphasis on social justice and human rights.

Prerequisites: SWK 411 with a C or higher.

Corequisites: SWK 414 and SWK 416.

Notes: SOWK major only.

SWK 413 Field Instruction I 5

Educationally directed learning experienced by performing a range of activities related to entry level practice.

Prerequisites: SOWK major. grade of C or better in SWK 215, SWK 310, SWK 311, SWK 315, SWK 325, and SWK 351; admission to field instruction;

Corequisites: SWK 411 and SWK 415.

Notes: Grade: Pass/Not Pass (P/NP).

SWK 414 Field Instruction II 5

Continuation of SWK 413. Emphasis placed upon extended application and evaluation in the practice environment.

Prerequisites: SOWK major. minimum grade of C or better in SWK 411, SWK 413, and SWK 415;

Corequisites: SWK 412 and SWK 416.

Notes: Grade: Pass/Not Pass (P/NP).

SWK 415 Field Instruction Seminar I 1

Critical review and analysis of application of social work theory in practice setting.

Prerequisites: SOWK major. minimum grade of C or better in SWK 215, SWK 310, SWK 311, SWK 315, SWK 325, and SWK 351; admission to field instruction;

Corequisites: SWK 411 and SWK 413.

SWK 416 Field Instruction Seminar II 1

Continues critical review and analysis of social work theory in practice setting.

Prerequisites: SOWK major. minimum grade of C or better in SWK 411, SWK 413, and SWK 415;

Corequisites: SWK 412 and SWK 414.

SWK 422 Comparative Study of Cross-Cultural Social Work Practice 3

Compares social work, social service programs, and social policies of the U.S. with those of selected other countries throughout the world, emphasizing services for families, children, and vulnerable populations.

Prerequisites: SWK 215, SWK 310, SWK 311, SWK 315, SWK 325, and SWK 351. or graduate standing;

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

SWK 423 Community Peacebuilding 3

Focus on social workers utilizing the values of human right and social justice, especially as they apply to social workers being peacemakers and peacebuilders in communities. Examination of the historical and theoretical aspects of peacebuilding and the application of nonviolent theories with communities.

SWK 427 Human Services for Immigrants and Refugees 3

A perspective on the history of immigration, its role in the U.S.A., immigrants in North Carolina, their process of integration, cross-cultural competency, and the challenges in services delivery to immigrants.

Prerequisites: SWK 351 or permission of instructor.

SWK 430 Social Agency Program Development 3

Organization of new agencies or those initiating additional services. Needs assessment, resource development, grant writing, agency operations, and relationships with funding agencies.

SWK 433 Restorative Justice: Theory and Models 3

Examines the principles and practices of restorative justice, evaluating the potentials and limitations of restorative methods and interventions in the US and internationally.

Notes: Same as PCS 433.

SWK 451 Independent Study in Social Work 1-3

Intensive independent study of specialized topics.

Prerequisites: Requires written plan, permission of sponsoring instructor, and approval of department head.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

SWK 454 Mental Health Social Work 3

This course will provide knowledge and skills necessary for practicing effective social work with people who have mental illness and their families.

SWK 455 Substance Use and Social Work Practice 3

Introduction to the issues of substance use and addiction and their impact on clients and their families. Social work assessment and intervention methods will be taught.

Prerequisites: SWK 325 and SWK 351.

SWK 470 Social Services for the Aging 3

Systematic study of social work approaches to providing services to the aging. Focus on current policies, services, and models of practice.

SWK 479 Gender and Peacebuilding 3

Examines the role of gender, sex, diversity, and power relations in the creation and resolution of conflict and building of peace.

Notes: Same as PCS 479.

SWK 482 School Social Work 3

Examination and understanding of school social work services with emphasis on professional standards, cultural sensitivity, accountability, and program planning.

Prerequisites: SWK 215, SWK 310, SWK 311, SWK 315, SWK 325, SWK 351, senior standing, and SOWK major. or permission of instructor.

SWK 484 Social Services for Children 3

Designed for practitioners and students to provide knowledge for working with children and to teach strategies, techniques, and skills for effective treatment.

SWK 505 Environmental Justice: Interdisciplinary Response for Sustainability 3

Interdisciplinary exploration of models that address social, economic, environmental justice concerns and their impact on community, economic, and environmental sustainability.

SWK 510 Selected Topics in Social Work 3

Opportunity for students to study in depth topic of special interest.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

SWK 551 Special Problems in Social Work 1-3

Intensive, independent study of specialized topics.

Prerequisites: Requires written plan, permission of sponsoring instructor, and approval of department head.

SWK 555 Substance Abuse and Social Work Practice 3

Introduction to the issues of substance abuse and addiction and their impact on clients and their families. Social work assessment and intervention methods will be taught.

SWK 570 Social Services for the Aging 3

An overview of current issues in the need and delivery of social services to the aging. Students learn skills designed to prepare them for effective practice with older adults and their families.

Notes: Same as GRO 570.

SWK 579 Gender and Peacebuilding 3

Examines the role of gender, sex, diversity, and power relations in the creation and resolution of conflict and building of peace.

Notes: Same as PCS 579.

SWK 582 School Social Work 3

Examination and understanding of school social work services with emphasis on professional standards, cultural sensitivity, accountability, and program planning.

SWK 584 Social Services for Children 3

Designed for practitioners and students to provide knowledge for working with children and to teach strategies, techniques, and skills for effective treatment.

SWK 600 Field Instruction and Seminar I 3

Application of theories and concepts to professional social work practice within a field agency. Seminar assists students to integrate theory and classroom learning into agency practice.

Prerequisites: Admission to the JMSW Program.

Notes: Grade: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).

SWK 608 Field Instruction and Seminar II 3

Application of theories and concepts to professional social work practice within a field agency. Seminar assists students to integrate theory and classroom learning into agency practice.

Prerequisites: SWK 624.

Notes: Grade: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).

SWK 609 Family Theory and Intervention 3

Introduction to family treatment. Course will include assessment and intervention with families using the structural, strategic, solution-focused, object relations and narrative theoretical intervention approaches.

Prerequisites: SWK 624.

SWK 618 Social Work and Social Justice 3

This course will teach knowledge and skills students need for social justice work, including advocacy and community organization, within the scope of multicultural clinical practice.

Prerequisites: SWK 624.

SWK 619 Foundations of Clinical Social Work Practice 3

Introduction to clinical practice theories and skills including human development and personality theories, strength-based perspectives, and an overview of diagnosis and assessment in the service planning process.

SWK 621 Foundations of Social Work and Social Policy 3

Explores the history and development of social welfare institutions and social work. Examines the relationships between social problems, social policies, and social work practice from historical and contemporary perspectives.

Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program.

SWK 622 Social Work Practice with Individuals 3

Introduction to direct social work practice. Students gain knowledge, skills and values necessary to provide a wide scope of developmental, preventive and therapeutic services to individuals.

Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program.

SWK 623 Social Work with Groups 3

Designed to teach group process and strategies, techniques, and skills for working with groups such as support groups and task groups in human services settings.

Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program.

SWK 624 Social Work Practice and Human Diversity 3

Examines cultural and social diversity; addresses theoretical and practical dimensions of social work practice with oppressed people of color, women, the aged, the sexually diverse, and the physically disabled.

Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program.

SWK 626 Social Work Research Methods 3

Research methodology as it relates to the professional practice of social work. Examines quantitative and qualitative methods as means for solving social problems.

SWK 631 Social Work with Individuals: Theory and Practice 3

Social work assessment and intervention with individuals, including application of developmental theory, personality theories, diagnostic classifications, and social work ethical principles and practice theories.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Advanced Standing program option.

SWK 632 Social Work with Families and Groups 3

Theories related to group and family dynamics and functioning and social work assessment and intervention with families and groups from a multicultural clinical perspective.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Advanced Standing program option.

SWK 634 Research Designs and Data Analysis for Social Work Practice 3

Advanced skills in (a) conceptualizing research problems, (b) completing research in the social work domains: needs assessment, program evaluation, and single subject research, and (c) using inferential skills for data analysis.

Prerequisites: SWK 626.

SWK 640 Field Instruction III 5

Application of theories and concepts to the role of a professional social work practitioner within a field agency. Taken concurrently with SWK 641 Field Seminar III.

SWK 641 Field Seminar III 1

Field seminar to be taken concurrently with SWK 640 Field Instruction III; assists student to integrate theory and classroom knowledge into their agency field practice.

SWK 644 Organizational Context of Clinical Social Work Practice 3

Focuses on a range of organizational and professional issues social workers encounter as clinicians, service providers, and administrators in diverse clinical settings, with emphasis on culturally responsive social work practice.

Prerequisites: SWK 626.

SWK 647 Field Instruction IV 5

Application of theories and concepts to the role of a professional social work practitioner within a field agency.

Prerequisites: SWK 626.

Corequisites: SWK 648 and SWK 653.

Notes: Taken concurrently with SWK 648 Field Seminar IV. Grade: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U).

SWK 648 Field Seminar IV 1

Field seminar to be taken concurrently with SWK 647 Field Instruction IV; assists students to integrate theory and classroom knowledge into their agency field practice.

SWK 650 Clinical Assessment in Social Work 3

Skill-building for competency-based assessment and diagnosis using a biopsychosocial social work framework to assess client strengths and disorders.

SWK 651 Advanced School Social Work 3

Skill-building for social work practice in the schools with emphasis on culturally sensitive student assessment and intervention, and professional standards and accountability.

Prerequisites: SWK 624 and SWK 626 or permission of instructor.

Corequisites: SWK 640 or SWK 647 or permission of instructor.

SWK 652 Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice I 3

The first of two advanced level courses in clinical social work practice, this course will focus on building competencies in clinical assessment and diagnosis of mental and substance abuse disorders.

Prerequisites: SWK 626.

Corequisites: SWK 640.

SWK 653 Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice II 3

This second advanced clinical practice course will focus on expanding competencies in clinical assessment and diagnosis of mental and substance abuse disorders, as well as applying culturally responsive clinical interventions.

Prerequisites: SWK 652.

Corequisites: SWK 647.

SWK 654 Special Topics in Social Work 3

Opportunity for students to study in depth topic of special interest. JMSW students only or with permission of instructor. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

SWK 678 Black Feminisms/Womanisms Qualitative Research Methods 3

Examines Black Feminist Theory as a lens for grounding research; applicable across social sciences. Also explores qualitative research methods to help students design studies that center historically oppressed communities.

Prerequisites: 9 credit hours of graduate course work.

SWK 680 Financial Health for Individuals, Families, and Communities 3

Through this course, students will gain valuable assessment and intervention skills for helping clients address financial problems such as difficulty meeting basic needs, coping with financial emergencies, and managing debt. Students will also learn how to advocate for clients concerning their collective economic concerns and promote community change to advance economic justice. Students will also gain personal finance knowledge they can apply in their own lives.

Prerequisites: SWK 621.

SWK 799 Dissertation 1-6

Supervision of a faculty committee, to successfully develop a written dissertation proposal, successfully orally defend it before the committee, then write and orally defend the dissertation.

SWK 802 Dissertation Extension 1-3

Dissertation extension is ongoing supervision of a faculty committee, to successfully develop a written dissertation proposal, successfully orally defend it before the committee, then write and orally defend the dissertation.

Prerequisites: SWK 799.

SWK 850 Independent Study 1-3

Intensive independent study of specialized topics.

Prerequisites: JPh.D. student or permission of instructor.

Notes: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits.

SWK 851 Foundations and Theories of Multiculturally Informed Social Work Research 3

Introduction to foundational theories and approaches to research in social work including critical theories, strength-based perspectives, and multiculturally responsive, theoretical perspectives.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Joint Ph.D. Social Work Program.

SWK 853 Quantitative Methods in Social Work 3

This course will focus on quantitative methods in social work research as an integral part of problem solving and innovating social work practice and college teaching.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Joint Ph.D. Social Work Program.

SWK 854 Qualitative Methods in a Multicultural Context 3

This course introduces doctoral students to the field of qualitative research methods in a multicultural context with a particular focus on the operational issues inherent in conducting qualitative research.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Joint Ph.D. Social Work Program.

SWK 855 Quantitative Data Analysis in Social Work 3

This course includes construction and analysis of data tables, graphs, and charts; interpretation, and application of descriptive and inferential statistics; use of a statistical software program to analyze data.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Joint Ph.D. Social Work Program.

SWK 856 Community-Engaged Research in Social Work 3

Advanced course in approaches, methodology, and methods associated with community-engaged research and inquiry with an emphasis on developing skills in translational research and participatory action research.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Joint Ph.D. Social Work Program and SOWK/SWK 853, SOWK/SWK 854, SOWK/SWK 855.

SWK 880 Research Planning and Development 3

Focuses on the elements of planning and conducting research independently. Students will use their individual areas of focus to explore steps in developing a plan for research including establishing a problem statement, reviewing literature, and formulating a methodology in order to explore a selected area of focus.

Prerequisites: Completion of the required 33 credits in the Joint Ph.D. program.

SWK 885 Issues and Trends in Social Work 3

The purpose of this course is to introduce and critically analyze the current set of Grand Challenges in the social work profession, rethinking them and their relevance to society.

Prerequisites: Admission to the Joint Ph.D. in Social Work program.

SWK 886 Intervention Design to Eliminate Disparities and Promote Social Justice 3

The focus of this course is on developing analytical skills to design, plan, adapt, and test multiculturally-informed interventions to reduce and eliminate social, health, and/or economic disparities, improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, and promote social justice through healthcare, education, human services, and community settings.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor for master's students. SWK 851 for Joint Ph.D. students. None for other Ph.D. students in HHS.

SWK 887 Causal Inference in Social Sciences Research 3

A social sciences researcher, often motivated by the pursuit for social justice, needs a sound understanding of the research designs and methodologies that pursue causality. The aim of this course is to introduce students to different methodologies that prioritize the pursuit of causality in social sciences research.

SWK 890 Independent Study 1-3

Guided readings, research, and individual project work under direction of a faculty member.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.