The request for multiple revisions to Master of Social Work (MSW) curriculum

Date: December 12, 2012
To: College of Health and Human Services
From: Office of Academic Affairs
Approved On: November 20, 2012
Approved by: Graduate Council
Implementation Date: To Be Determined 2014

Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.

Summary

Implementation Date is Fall 2013, with the exception of SOWK 7103, SOWK 7123, SOWK 7125, and SOWK 7651 which will have an implementation term of Fall 2014.

Catalog Copy

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree prepares students for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations and communities in a variety of public, voluntary, and proprietary human service settings. Graduates are skilled in addressing the many social and individual problems of society—especially for those who constitute membership in low income, vulnerable, and historically oppressed groups.

The course of Full-Time Program takes four semesters and requires 60 hours of course and field work beyond the bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The first practicum starts in the Fall semester of the first year and continues through Spring semester. Students intern on Mondays and Tuesdays for 16 hours per week. The second practicum spans fall and spring semesters of the second year, and is served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for 24 hours per week.

The Extended Program is comprised of 60 credit hours over atakes three years to completeperiod. There is no practicum the first year; the first practicum starts in fall of the second year and continues through spring at 16 hours per week. The second practicum, which is 24 hours per week, is completed in the fall and spring of the third year.

The Advanced Standing Program is available for eligible students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), and consists of 42 hours of course and field work, spanning over one calendar year of full-time study (Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters).

The UNC Charlotte MSW degree is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting organization for social work education programs.

The MSW Program at UNC Charlotte offers a curriculum concentration in Advanced Interpersonal Practice that focuses on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The Concentration embraces the profession’s commitment to social justice as well as the Department’s special attention to the region’s most vulnerable populations. Graduates of the program will be advanced practitioners of social work who engage client systems of all sizes in a manner consistent with social work values and ethics. Students specialize by selecting a vulnerable population, micro or macro practice.

The following key themes undergird the advanced knowledge and practice behaviors associated with the successful engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation of client systems:

  • Context – Recognizes the inseparability of individual struggles and social issues;
  • Multi–level Practice – Takes action on multiple levels of social work practice;
  • Evidence–based – Engages in research-informed practice and practice-informed research;
  • Strengths – Understands and employs the strengths of vulnerable populations but also insures their capacity and power to engage societal opportunities;
  • Cultural Sensitivity & Humility – Conducts social work practice with cultural sensitivity and humility;
  • Local & Global – Practices social work in communities everywhere; and
  • Critically Reflective – Encourages the continuous development of critically reflective practitioners.

The MSW curriculum concentration is in Advanced Interpersonal Practice which is centered in advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and small groups. In addition, students also select a Field of Practice Emphasis from one of three areas—Health/Mental Health; Families and Children; or Aging—to further deepen their expertise in interpersonal practice. The second field placement and electives are generally related to the chosen Field of Practice.

Graduates are employed in a range of human service settings, including youth and family agencies, child and adult protective services, schools, area mental health agencies, substance abuse centers, healthcare settings, and neighborhood service centers.

Additional Admission Requirements

Full-time and extended study students begin in the Fall semester. Advanced Standing students begin in May. The department admits students to the MSW program once a year. The deadline for all application materials is February 1. Admission is selective. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants for the MSW program are required to submit:

  1. Minimum 3.25 GPA for the last two years and 3.0 GPA overall for undergraduate work. Advanced standing students must have a BSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past five years and have a 3.5 GPA in the last four years of study.
  2. Acceptable scores on the GRE. In 2011 a new GRE, including a new scoring system, began to be used. We indicate acceptable scores below using the new scoring system. Since it is likely that acceptable scores will change as time passes and more data are available, applicants are encouraged to consult the Department’s webpage for updates on minimally acceptable GRE scores. The total quantitative and verbal scores should be in the range of 300. Marginal GRE scores may be offset by other exceptionally strong components of the application. Applications with total scores below 280 are considered marginal but would not prohibit the applicant from consideration.
  3. Liberal Arts foundation. Students must present evidence of having a liberal arts foundation for MSW study. Courses in statistics and human biology are required. In addition, transcripts may be evaluated for a liberal arts foundation with courses in the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical sciences, for example.
  4. Personal Essay. Social work applicants should submit a Personal Essay and an Résumé in place of the Statement of Purpose Form required by the Graduate School. (See #5 below for instructions on the Résumé). The Personal Essay should be five pages in length and must include the following:
  1. Please discuss your reasons for seeking admission to UNC Charlotte’s MSW Program.
  2. Are you interested in Full-time, Extended-study, or Advanced Standing? How will you manage your schedule and resources to meet the demanding program requirements and attend to self care?
  3. How are your personal career interests congruent with the UNC Charlotte MSW program?
  4. The Social Work Program values diversity in its student population. Diversity may be defined in terms of race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, unique skills, or life experiences. What personal characteristics, unique skills, or life experiences will you bring to the program?
  5. Social workers practice with individuals from historically oppressed and diverse groups. Will people from particular groups be challenging for you to work with, either because of your personal values and/or attitudes? How will you handle this?
  6. Describe a time when you were given critical feedback. What was your reaction to that experience? What did you learn about yourself?
  7. As a prospective graduate student, what strengths and skills do you bring to the program? What do you identify as your areas of growth?
  8. Describe a time when you offered help to someone else (other than a family member). Explain your reaction. What did you learn about yourself?
  9. Your signature and date.
  1. Résumé. The résumé is an addendum to the Personal Essay, and it should outline the applicant’s educational, work, and volunteer experience, and special skills or attributes. The attachment should be no more than two pages and should be in résumé format. Be sure the résumé includes all of the following:
  1. Personal data
    1. Name, address, phone number, email address
  2. Educational experience
    1. Institutions and the dates you attended
    2. Your academic degrees awarded, including majors and minors
  3. Work experience
    1. List all positions in chronological order (beginning with most recent) with a 2-3 line job description for each
    2. Include all beginning and ending dates for each position
    3. Identify if a MSW or a BSW level social worker supervised you
    4. Indicate whether the position was full-time or part-time
  4. Volunteer experience
    1. List all positions in chronological order (beginning with most recent) with a 2-3 line job description for each
    2. Include all beginning and ending dates for each position and the number of hours per week of volunteer time
    3. Identify if an MSW- or a BSW-level social worker supervised you
  5. Professional affiliations and honors from school, profession, or community
    1. List any memberships in professional organizations and service groups
    2. List any offices held in these organizations
    3. Add honors or special awards received
  1. Letters of Recommendation. Each applicant should provide three letters of recommendation. For recent graduates, at least two letters must be from faculty members. For applicants who have been out of the education system for five or more years, letters should be from employment or volunteer supervisors. Ideally, references will be written by MSW social workers or others who can speak to your suitability for the MSW.

The professionals providing references for you must complete two items: 1) an online recommendation form; and 2) a narrative letter (see below). The Office of Graduate Admissions will email the link to the online form to the person providing the reference. Applicants should notify references that the UNC Charlotte MSW program requires both the Graduate School form checklist and a narrative letter uploaded onto the form. This letter should be submitted on business stationery, and it should identify the writer’s title and educational credentials.

For Advanced Standing students, one letter should be written by your agency field instructor or University field liaison. Advanced Standing applicants are asked to send a copy of their final field evaluation to castasie@charlotte.edu the Department prior to enrollment. (Please call 704-687-7931 to get the appropriate email address)

Applicants should be sure to inform those writings letters of recommendation to not only describe aptitude for graduate education, but also cover the following items:

  1. Volunteer or work activities and duties
  2. Skills and values relevant to social work practice with diverse populations
  3. Enthusiasm for learning
  4. Responses to supervision and critical feedback
  5. Ability to collaborate with others
  6. Overall strengths and challenges relevant to graduate study
  1. Interview. Applicants may be required to participate in an interview process.

Upon acceptance to the program, students will be asked to complete an “Intent to Enroll Form” and a “Field Application Form.” Because some field placement agencies serving vulnerable populations exclude personnel with criminal convictions, students entering the program may be subject to a criminal history inquiry. Many agencies require drug testing as well.

Full-Time Program (2 years)

First Year Curriculum

SOWK 6101 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: Individuals, families, and small groups (3)

SOWK 6111 Social Welfare Policy I: Historical and Policy Context of Social Work Practice (3)

SOWK 6112 Social Welfare Policy II: Theory, Policy, and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy and Programs in the United States (3)

SOWK 6121 Social Work Practice I: Theories and skills in practice with individuals, families, groups (3)

SOWK 6131 Social Work Research I: Introduction to social science research methods (3)

SOWK 6141 Foundations of Social Work (3)

SOWK 6151 Social Work, Social Justice, and Diversity (3)

SOWK 6202 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II: Groups, organizations, communities (3)

SOWK 6212 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
SOWK 6222 Social Work Practice II: Theories and skills in practice with groups and communities (3)

SOWK 6232 Social Work Research II: Philosophies and methods of evaluating social work practice and programsPractice and Program Evaluation (3)

SOWK 6242 Advocacy and Policy Change (3)

SOWK 6252 Mental Health Assessment (3)

SOWK 6441 Practicum I: Application of foundation knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting (3)

SOWK 6442 Practicum II: Application of foundation knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting (3)

Second Year Curriculum

SOWK 7103 Human Behavior and the Social Environment III: Theories of mental illness, DSM- (3)

SOWK 7123 Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Individuals: Evaluation and intervention methods (3)

SOWK 7125 Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Small Groups and Families: Group development and facilitation methods (3)

SOWK 76222 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations I (3)

SOWK 7223 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations II (3)

SOWK 7443 Practicum III: Application of advanced knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting (4)

SOWK 7444 Practicum IV: Application of advanced knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting (45)

SOWK 7651 Field of Practice Seminar: Study of theory and practice issues of student’s specialtySynthesis and Reflection (3)

Two Four Field of Practice eElectives selected according to the student’s specialty* (126)

Extended Study Program (3 years)

First Year Fall

SOWK 6101 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: Individuals, families, and small groups (3)

SOWK 6111 Social Welfare Policy I: Historical and Policy Context of Social Work Practice (3)

SOWK 6131 Social Work Research (3)

SOWK 6141 Foundations of Social Work (3)

First Year Spring

SOWK 6112 Social Welfare Policy II: Theory, Policy, and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy and Programs in the United States (3)

SOWK 6202 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II: Groups, organizations, communities (3)

SOWK 6242 Advocacy and Policy Change (3)

SOWK 6232 Practice and Program Evaluation

First Year Summer

One social work-related eElective (3)

Second Year Fall

SOWK 6121 Social Work Practice I: Theoryies and skills in practice with individuals, families, groups (3)

SOWK 6151 Social Work, Social Justice, and Diversity (3)

SOWK 6441 Practicum I: Application of foundation knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting. (3)

Second Year Spring

SOWK 6212 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)

SOWK 6252 Mental Health Assessment (3)

SOWK 6232 Social Work Research II: Philosophies and methods of evaluating social work practice and programs (3)

SOWK 6442 Practicum II: Application of foundation knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting (3)

Second Year Summer

SOWK 7125 Advanced Practice with Small Groups: Group development and facilitation methods Groups and Families (3)

SOWK 7103 Human Behavior and the Social Environment III: Theories of mental illness, DSM- (3)

One Field of Practice Elective selected according to the student’s specialty (3)

Third Year Fall

SOWK 67222 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations II: Theories and skills in practice with groups and communities (3)

SOWK 7123 Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Individuals: Evaluation and intervention methods (3)

SOWK 7443 Practicum III: Application of advanced knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting (4)

One Elective selected according to students’ specialty (3)

Third Year Spring

SOWK 7124 Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Families: Diversity among family systems, intervention models (3)

SOWK 7223 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations II (3)

SOWK 7651 Field of Practice Seminar: Study of theory and practice issues of student’s specialtyReflection and Synthesis (3)

SOWK 7444 Practicum IV: Application of advanced knowledge, values, and skills to practice setting (45)

One Elective selected according to students’ specialty (3)

Advanced Standing Curriculum (one full year)

First Year Summer

SOWK 6323 Advanced Interpersonal Practice (3)

SOWK 6313 Advanced Social Welfare Policy (3)

SOWK 6232 Research II (3)

SOWK 6343 Advanced Social Work Practicum (3)

Second Year Fall and Spring

Enroll in all of the Second Year Full-Time Program Curriculum courses listed above.

Electives

Electives may be taken any time after matriculation into the Program. Electives may be from outside the department, but must have a social work relevance. At least one elective must relate to the student’s Field of Practice Emphasis. The Department of Social Work offers different elective topics each year, depending on the expertise of the faculty and student interests. As such, the department cannot guarantee which electives will be offered. Electives must be approved by the student’s MSW faculty advisor prior to registration.

The Field Placement

Field placements are assigned from a variety of agencies and practice settings approved by the UNC Charlotte Social Work Field Office. Field Instructors, approved by the Department, guide the student through learning experiences, coordinating field experiences with the concurrent classroom coursework. The first year of field placement focuses on foundation practice skills. The second year of placement, in a different setting, focuses on advanced practice within the student’s Field of Practice Emphasis area. Advanced Standing placements will reflect second year placement goals.

State Certification

Graduates of the MSW Program are eligible to pursue North Carolina State Licensure/Certification at three levels: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker, and Certified Social Work Manager. Licensure/certification is managed by the North Carolina Certification Board for Social Work. Additional information on The Board may be found online at ncswboard.org.

Financial Assistance

Paid internships and assistantships are limited. Visit socialwork.uncc.edu for more information.

Courses in Social Work (SOWK)

SOWK 6101. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I. (3) Overview of theories related to human behavior with an emphasis on individuals and families, small groups, organizations and communities. Systems theories and theories related to disenfranchised groups including feminist theories are also integrated throughout the course. (Fall)

SOWK 6111. Social Welfare Policy I: Historical and Policy Context of Social Work Practice. (3) The development of social work practice theories is presented in the context of the historical evolution of society and specifically social policy. The interaction between social work’s professional aspirations, public and private social welfare policy, and the development of practice theories is emphasized. Particular attention is paid to the current trend toward privatization of social welfare services and the effect this is having on social work practice and social workers’ career paths and prospects. (Fall)

SOWK 6112. Social Welfare Policy II: Theory, Philosophy and Analysis of Social Welfare Policy and Programs in the United States. (3) Prerequisites: SOWK 6111 and SOWK 6121. This course focuses on the policy making process, policy analysis and implications of policy for program design and service delivery. The course will provide an overview of current policies guiding social work practice in major areas of social welfare service delivery. (Spring)

SOWK 6121. Social Work Practice: Theories & Skills I: Individuals, Families, and Groups. (3) The first course in a two-course foundation practice sequence. Introduces foundation skills and theories of culturally competent social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. Develops the ecological systems perspective of practice with an emphasis on client strengths and problem-solving processes within a context of adherence to social work values and ethics. This course introduces the theories of human behavior and models of social work intervention necessary to engage all levels of client systems. It introduces the skills necessary to identify, analyze, and implement evidence-based interventions to achieve client goals. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6131, 6141, 6232, 6242. Co-requisites: SOWK 6151, 6441. (Fall). Day or evening.

SOWK 6131. Social Work Research I. This course introduces students to social science research methods and their relevance to social work. Other content relates to the application of critical thinking and how to engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. (3) Prerequisites: An upper division introductory statistics course. Co-requisites: SOWK 6141. First of two courses in the research foundation curriculum. Introduction to social science research methods and their relevance to social work. Preparation to critically read research studies and produce applied research expected in social agencies. (Fall). Day or evening.

SOWK 6141 – Foundations of Social Work (3): Students are introduced to professional development as a social worker, with attention to social work history, ethics, professional identity, and critical thinking. Other topics include self-reflection, the importance of career-long learning, and practitioner comportment. Pre-requisites: None. Co-requisites: SOWK 6131. (Fall). Day or evening.

SOWK 6151 – Social Work, Social Justice, and Diversity: (3) This course examines individual, systemic, and ideological factors related to diversity and social justice. Theories and perspectives that contribute to understanding oppression and privilege are emphasized. Implications for social work practice, research, and policy are examined. Strategies to counter discrimination and oppression are identified. This course requires considerable critical analysis and self-reflection on the part of participants. Prerequisites: SOWK 6131, 6141, 6232, 6242. Co-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6441 (Fall). Day or evening.

SOWK 6202. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6101. Overview of theories related to human behavior with an emphasis on various theories of small groups, organizations and communities. System theories, social construction theories, and theories related to disenfranchised groups such as feminist theories and non-western, non-English speaking systems of thought are also integrated throughout the course. (Spring)

SOWK 6212 – Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3): This course expands social work students’ knowledge, values, and skills with regard to advanced micro practice with individuals, especially members of vulnerable groups. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6232, 6242, 6441. Co-requisites: SOWK 6222, 6442 (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 6222. Social Work Practice II: Organizations and Communities. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6121. The second course in the foundation practice sequence. Introduces foundation skills and theories of culturally competent social work practice with organizations and communities. Areas of focus include leadership development in nonprofit organizations and collaborative approaches to building and strengthening neighborhoods. (Spring).

SOWK 6232. Social Work Research II: Practice and Program Evaluation. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6131. The second course in the foundation research sequence. Introduction to a range of philosophies, methods, and activities involved in evaluation of professional social work practice and of social service programs. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches are explored. This practice and program evaluation course demonstrates how to engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Managing client data and critically analyzing, monitoring, and evaluating interventions are covered in-depth. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6131, 6141 Co-requisites: SOWK 6242. (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 6242 – Advocacy and Policy Practice (3): This course addresses the role of advocacy in the social work profession, tools for bringing about policy change, and use of advocacy to promote social justice, especially for vulnerable populations. Prerequisites: SOWK 6131, 6141 Co-Requisites: SOWK 6232 (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 6252. Mental Health Assessment. (3): This course provides an overview of social work theories related to mental/behavioral health assessment. Social constructivism frames many of these theories for the purposes of conceptualizing diagnostic classifications, as well as human strengths and resiliencies. While, social work practice behaviors are understood within the context of human behaviors and the social environment, and applied for responsibly engaging and assessing behavioral health consumers via the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6212, 6222, 6232, 6242, 6441, 6442. Co-requisites: None. (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 6313. Advanced Social Welfare Policy. (3) Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Standing Program. This course introduces the subject area of social welfare policy as a central concern of the social work profession. Policies and programs designed to deal with personal and societal disruptions that result from social and economic changes are presented in historical context. The theory, philosophy, and research basis of current policies in the areas of aging, family and child welfare, health, mental health, and poverty and public welfare are presented. The policy making process, policy analysis, and implications of policy for program design, service delivery, and for social work practice are discussed. (Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 6323. Advanced Interpersonal Practice. (3) Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Standing Program. Designed for advanced standing students, this course has an integrated twofold purpose. First, it offers an overview of social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, and organizations and communities that solidifies student understanding of foundation practice theory and methods. Second, it builds upon foundation theory and methods by introducing students to the Program’s advanced practice conceptualization of interpersonal practice and the related fields of practice emphases. Students will develop a basic understanding of interpersonal practice with individuals, families, and small groups and how foundation theory and methods can prepare them for the study of interpersonal practice within a selected field of practice emphasis. (Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 6343. Advanced Social Work Practicum and Seminar. (3) Prerequisite: Admission to the Advanced Standing Program. Designed for advanced standing students, this field internship course has an integrated twofold purpose. First, it solidifies student’s preparation in foundation social work practice methods and skills with individuals, families, small groups, and organizations and communities. Students will demonstrate their understanding of foundation theories and concepts by applying practice methods and skills across systems and with diverse clients. They will demonstrate the ability to accurately assess client systems, formulate and carry out plans of intervention, and evaluate the effectiveness of practice. Second, students will develop an emerging understanding of interpersonal practice with individuals, families, and small groups and how foundation practice theories and methods can prepare them for utilizing interpersonal practice methods within a selected field of practice emphasis. (Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 6441. Social Work Practicum I. (3) Pre- or corequisite: SOWK 6121 and SOWK 6101. The foundation field practicum prepares students to apply generalist social work knowledge, skills, values, and ethical principles gained in the classroom to actual practice at a social service agency. Students work in an approved field site under the supervision of a UNC Charlotte field instructor and attend a monthly seminar. Prerequisites: SOWK 6131, 6141, 6232, 6242. Co-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6151. (Fall). Day or evening.

SOWK 6442. Social Work Practicum II. (3) Continuation of SOWK 6441. (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 6635. The Social Context of Mental Health. (3) Cross-listed as SOCY 6635, PSYC 8636, and PPOL 8636. Prerequisite: Admission to graduate program or permission of instructor. This course draws upon contributions from the field of psychiatry, psychology, social work, and anthropology. The focus is on mental health and illness it is social context, with an emphasis on the relationship between social structure and mental health/disorder. We will examine the social factors which shape psychiatric diagnosis, the effects of socio-demographic variables on mental health, and the role of social support and stress for different groups. The course also examines the organization, delivery, and evaluation of mental health services, and mental healthcare policy. (Every other year)

SOWK 6895. Directed Independent Study. (1-6) Prerequisite: Permission of the department and instructor to be obtained in the semester preceding the semester in which the course is to be taken. Guided individual study in topics related to Social Work that are not offered in the MSW curriculum or available through elective courses in other graduate programs at UNC Charlotte. May be repeated for credit for different topics. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

SOWK 7090. Special Topics in Social Work. (3) A topics course that is only available for graduate credit. May be repeated for credit for different topics. (Fall, Spring, Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 7103. Human Behavior and the Social Environment III. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6202. Overview of theories related to mental health and mental illness. Content on the responsible use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Social Construction theories and theories related to deviance and social control will be emphasized. (Fall)

SOWK 7123. Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Individuals. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6222. As a part of a three- course advanced practice sequence the focus of this course is on multi-theoretical and multi-method approaches for advanced interpersonal practice with individuals. Emphasis is on in-depth assessment, intervention, and evaluation of services with attention to time-limited and empirically supported methodologies. (Fall)

SOWK 7124. Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Families. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6222 or 6323. As a part of a three course advanced practice sequence the focus of this course is on multi-theoretical and multi-method approaches for advanced interpersonal practice with families. Diversity among family systems and time-limited intervention models for social work practice with families are emphasized. (Spring)

SOWK 7010 School Social Work (3 cr.) Students will explore school social work practices from a theoretical as well as practical point of view. The course also focuses on the roles of school social workers and the type of issues they confront. Prerequisites: SOWK 6131, 6141, 6232, 6242. Co-requisites: None (Fall, Spring, Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 7015: Child Welfare (3 cr.) Students will examine the history, purpose, and goals of child welfare services in North Carolina and in the United States. Course information will be provided from the context of the child- and family-centered model that guides child welfare services. Prerequisites: None Co-requisites: None (Fall, Spring, Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 7020: Social Welfare and Philanthropy (3 cr.) This elective course introduces MSW and other graduate students to philanthropy and allows them, through a community-based project, to experience two predominant aspects of philanthropy – grant making and fundraising – with an emphasis on supporting the well-being of vulnerable populations. Prerequisites: SOWK 6131, 6141, 6232, 6242. Co-requisites: None (Fall, Spring, Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 7025: Social Development in Malawi (3 cr.) Students will actively participate in several pre-departure class lectures and work sessions. They will travel to Malawi for 11 days and engage in service-learning activities aligned with social development in rural Malawi. Experiential projects will be designed and implemented by students using funds they raise. Sustainability and anti-oppressive approaches to social development will be highlighted. Prerequisites: None Co-requisites: SOWK None. (Fall, Spring, Summer). Day or evening.

SOWK 7125. Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups and Families. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6222. As a part of a three course advanced practice sequence the focus of this course is on multi-theoretical and multi-method approaches for advanced interpersonal practice with small groups. Emphasis is on various approaches to group development and facilitation including social change, therapeutic factors, leadership, composition, contracting, goal setting, and evaluation. This course expands social work students’ knowledge, values, and skills with regard to advanced micro practice with groups and families especially vulnerable populations. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6212, 6222, 6232, 6242, 6441, 6442, 7103 Co-requisites: SOWK 7443 (Fall). Day or evening.

SOWK 76222. Advanced Social Work Practice with II: Organizations and Communities I. (3) Prerequisite: SOWK 6121. The second course in the foundation practice sequence. Introduces foundation skills and theories of culturally competent social work practice with organizations and communities. Areas of focus include leadership development in nonprofit organizations and collaborative approaches to building and strengthening neighborhoods. This course builds on the foundational theories and skills introduced in Social Work Practice with specific attention to communities and organizations as primary client systems. It introduces theories that inform and guide practice in communities and organizations. It builds advanced skills in engaging and assessing communities and organizations. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6232, 6242, 6441. Co-requisites: SOWK 6212, 6442 (SpringFall). Day or evening.

SOWK 7223. Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities II. (3). This course builds advanced practice skills in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions at the community and organizational levels. It also builds skills in leadership and ethical decision-making. It emphasizes the use of critical thinking and self-awareness concerning leadership and ethical challenges in community and organizational contexts. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6212, 6222, 6232, 6242, 6441, 6442, 7103, 7123, 7443 Co-requisites: SOWK 7444, 7651. (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 7443. Social Work Practicum III. (64) Prerequisite: SOWK 6442. Corequisite: Enrollment in at least one advanced social work practice class (SOWK 7123, SOWK 7124, or SOWK 7125). Students work in an approved social service agency developing specialized social work skills in their area of focus. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced social work practice skills that indicate an integration of theories, research, and policies in relation to their area of specialization within interpersonal practice. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6212, 6222, 6232, 6242, 6441, 6442, 7103. Co-requisites: SOWK 7125. (Fall). Day or evening.

SOWK 7444. Social Work Practicum IV. (34) Prerequisite: SOWK 7443. Corequisite: Enrollment in at least one advanced social work practice class (SOWK 7123, SOWK 7124, or SOWK 7125). Continuation of SOWK 7443. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6212, 6222, 6232, 6242, 6441, 6442, 7103, 7125, 7443. Co-requisites: SOWK 7222, 7651. (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 7651. Field of Practice SeminarReflection &and Synthesis. (3) Prerequisite: Student must be in the last semester of the MSW curriculum. This is a capstone course in which the student prepares a comprehensive paper describing the major historical and current theories, philosophies, and research issues of social work practice, policy, and human behavior in the social environment, related to the field of practice in which the student has indicated a specialization. The student will be expected to present sections of the paper at least twice during the semester. SOWK 7651 is designed to provide MSW students with an opportunity to practice personal reflection, synthesize their learning from the MSW program, and demonstrate competency. Prerequisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6212, 6222, 6232, 6242, 6441, 6442, 7103, 7123, 7443 Co-requisites: SOWK 7222, 7444. (Spring). Day or evening.

SOWK 7627. Seminar in Advanced Practice: Supervision and Staff Training. (3) Prerequisite: Student must be in the last semester of the MSW curriculum. Students may choose to satisfy their social work elective requirement with this course. This seminar is for students who anticipate working in traditional social welfare organizations in the public or private sectors. The focus of this seminar is on knowledge and skills that a social worker will need to succeed in practice in large organizations. Included is content on supervision, staff training and development, and the role of the professional in large organizations. Pre-requisites: SOWK 6121, 6131, 6141, 6151, 6232, 6242. Co-requisites: None. (Spring). Day or evening.