Social Work (MSSW)

Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.

500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.

MSSW 600. Topical Seminar3 Units

Description: Topical Seminar in Social Work.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 601. Human Behavior in the Social Environment I3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through Kent School of Social Work.

Description: The course provides content on theoretical perspectives of biopsychosocial development and the application of theoretical perspectives to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The focus is on person in environment.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 602. Social Welfare Policy I3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through Kent School of Social Work.

Fee: An additional $75.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This class focuses on the historical context and evolution of social welfare policy, and how dominant values and contextual factors shape policy in a broad range of social welfare arenas.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 603. Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice Practice3 Units

Description: This generalist course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills for social work practice with people who are subject to various forms of oppression such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, ageism, and ableism operating at the individual, community, and institutional levels of society. Diversity, strengths, and social justice practice are emphasized. Developing greater professional and personal awareness about the impacts of various forms of oppression is addressed.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 604. Micro Social Work Practice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SW 670 (or concurrent); restricted to students admitted to Kent School of Social Work.

Description: The focus of this class is on the development of the knowledge and skills necessary for generalist social work practice with individuals, families and small groups. This class is designed to provide students with an understanding of the social work profession's mission, values, ethics and roles.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 605. Macro Social Work Practice3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SW 604; SW 671 (or concurrent); restricted to students admitted to the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: The focus of this class is on the development of the knowledge and skills necessary for generalist social work practice with larger groups, organizations and communities.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 610. Foundation Couple and Family Therapy Practicum I3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, and families under the supervision of a state-or AAMFT- approved supervisor. This course will allow students to apply assessment and treatment skills learned in SW 700, SW 701, and SW 702.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 611. Generalist Couple and Family Therapy Practicum II3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Prerequisite(s): MSSW 610.

Corequisite(s): MCFT 722 and MSSW 605.

Description: Students will conduct assessment and interventions with individuals, couples, and families under the supervision of a state-or AAMFT-approved supervisor, as well as a MSSW approved supervisor. This course will allow students to apply assessment and treatment skills learned in MCFT and MSSW courses at the generalist level.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 612. Advanced Couple and Family Therapy Practicum I3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): SW 611.

Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, and families under the supervision of a state-or AAMFT-approved supervisor. This course will allow students to apply assessment and treatment skills learned in SW 700, SW 701, and SW 702.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 613. Specialized Couple and Family Therapy Practicum II3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): SW 612.

Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, and families under the supervision of a state-or AAMFT-approved supervisor. This course will allow students to apply assessment and treatment skills learned in SW 700, SW 701, and SW 702.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 615. Mental Health3 Units

Description: Focus on theory, critical issues and problems in mental health.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 618. Social Work and Incarceration3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: The overarching aim of this course is to enhance student knowledge and skills related to strengths-based, macro-level social work practice and advocacy in adult incarceration. By the end of the course, students will have knowledge and skills critical to identifying, describing, appraising, and advocating for policy and practice revision regarding adult incarceration.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 619. Human Behavior in the Social Environment II3 Units

Prerequisite(s): SW 601; restricted to students admitted to the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: The course provides content on theoretical perspectives of biopsychosocial human development and the application of theoretical perspectives to individuals, dyads, and families. The focus is on human development across the lifespan.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 620. Forensic Interviewing and Assessment3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: This 3-credit course covers key components of child forensic interviewing and assessment including pre-interview planning, forensic interviewing typology, and potential challenges and clinical considerations in the forensic interview. The course is designed for graduate students majoring in social work, criminal justice, education, sociology, psychology, counseling, nursing, and other areas where knowledge of child maltreatment investigation and advocacy are necessary.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 621. Special Populations in the Criminal Justice System3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: The overarching aim of this course is to enhance student knowledge, understanding and skills related to strengths-based, mezzo-and-micro-level social work practice with special populations in the criminal justice system. By the end of this course students will develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills to identify the risks and needs associated with these populations at multiple systemic levels and evidence-based assessment and interventions strategies.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 622. Social Welfare Policy II3 Units

Prerequisite(s): SW 602; restricted to students enrolled in the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: This class focuses on the interrelationships between problem conceptualization, policy options, and their impact on social work practice and clients. Students will develop their ability to critically assess current service delivery problems as they impact client needs, with particular attention to vulnerable population groups.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 623. Forensic Social Work Integrative Seminar I1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: Supervision of student social work practice with a variety of indviduals, groups, communities, and society as related to legal issues and litigation in both civil and criminal justice systems. (Grading will be on a Pass/Fail basis).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 624. Forensic Social Work Integrative Seminar II1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

Description: Continuation of supervision of student social work practice with a variety of individuals, groups, communities, and society as related to legal issues and litigation in both civil and criminal justice systems. (Grading will be on a Pass/Fail basis).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 625. Children and Families3 Units

Description: Focuses on practice with children and families within an ecological framework. The complexity of practice with children and families within various human service delivery systems is examined.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 626. Research Methodology and Design3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: This course provides students the generalist knowledge for scientific inquiry. It covers all aspects of the research process from problem formulation to writing of the research report. It introduces students to qualitative, quantitative, and single-subject methods of conducting research and evaluating practice.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 627. Military Social Work3 Units

Description: This course is designed to develop competence in providing services to active duty, reserve, National Guard, veterans, and their families. It focuses on a wide range of challenges, strengths, and interventions that social workers need to learn and utilize in practice when working with this population. It is recognized that returning veterans from the Global War on Terrorism and their families in addition to the millions of veterans from previous military service likely will exceed the capacity of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veteran Affairs, consequently, many of these service members will be seeking assistance from social workers in the civilian sector.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 628. Military Social Work Seminar I1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Military Social Work specialization.

Description: Military social work is a specialization of social work that provides services to persons who have served or are serving in the military and their families. MSSW students who are specializing in military social work are required to take this one credit hour seminar per semester that extends over two semesters of their final year at Kent School of Social Work. It provides students with an opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge that they are learning in the classroom with practical experiences in their field placements. In the seminar students from different practice settings will participate and share the diversity of problems and approaches to the practice of military social work.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 629. Military Social Work Seminar II1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Military Social Work specialization.

Description: Military social work is a specialization of social work that provides services to persons who have served or are serving in the military and their families. MSSW students who are specializing in military social work are required to take one credit hour seminar per semester that extends over two semesters of their final year at the Kent School of Social Work. It provides students with an opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge that they are learning in the classroom with practical experiences in their field placements. In the seminar students from different practice settings will participate and share the diversity of problems and approaches to the practice of military social work.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 630. School Social Work: Policy and Practice3 Units

Description: Designed to prepare students for social work practice in the public schools. It assumes that you have a foundation of knowledge in social work policy, practice, research, and human behavior in the social environment. It also assumes that you had some field practice or work experience in a human service setting, preferably a school. Examines a range of practices and policy issues related to the delivery of social work services in school settings. Addresses current federal and Kentucky laws as they relate to practice with school age children and their families. School social work professional standards, program development and licenser receive attention as well. An ecological and risk and resiliency framework for practice will be emphasized throughout the course. Additionally, the practice section is based on best practices and narrative social work. Finally, special attention is given to children living in poverty.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 631. Personality: Concepts and Evidence3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory completion of a course in introductory psychology, or instructor's permission.

Description: A systematic presentation of theories and research evidence relevant to personality; such as psychoanalysis and its derivatives, field, self, reinforcement theories, etc.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 632. Intro Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Issues and Social Welfare3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce contemporary topics related to the social welfare of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) individuals. Issues addressed are related to development, health disparities, family, research, history and ethics.

Note: Course is cross-listed with SW 332.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 633. Social Work and Human Sexuality3 Units

Description: This course provides knowledge about physical, behavioral, cognitive, emotional and spiritual aspects of human sexuality.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 635. Rights of Children3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 636. Death & Grief3 Units

Description: This course provides students with knowledge and skills to prepare master's level social workers for effective, evidence- and theory-informed practice with persons experiencing life-limiting illness or disease, their informal and formal caregivers, and persons coping with loss, broadly. Specific attention is paid to ethical intervention with persons who are dying or experiencing grief. Course content relates to affective responses to death and grief, intersectionality, and the decolonization of death and grief studies.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 637. Seminar-Introduction to Social Work Leadership/Management1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Fall Only

Description: In this seminar related to their Leadership/Management practicum, based on their practicum experiences, films and articles, students will begin to apply theories, methods and practices for leading a productive organization and effectively managing staff, and conflict. Social work's ideological role in society presents unique ethical challenges. Students will be oriented to the National Association of Social Work (NASW) and other standards and techniques for ethical leadership compliance. Finally, students will assess their potential for exerting successful social work leadership/management throughout their practicum and careers.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 638. Seminar-Introduction to Social Work Leadership/Management1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Term Typically Offered: Spring Only

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 639. Crisis Intervention3 Units

Description: The major constructs and principles of crisis theory are analyzed in light of their pragmatic application with clients in crisis. Students use complex case analysis in their application of theory to practice. Taught from a strengths perspective and using a narrative approach, this class emphasizes a client-centered perspective.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 640. Evidence-Based Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SW 605 and SW 671 or enrollment into 30 hour program.

Corequisite(s): SW 672.

Description: The focus of this class is on using specialized problem-solving practice models and critical thinking skills designed to guide everyday decisions social workers make, whether they function as direct service providers or case manager supervisors.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 641. Social Justice Policy3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SW 603, SW 605, and SW 671 or admission to the 30 hour program.

Description: This course focuses on the changing global context of macro practice and the interconnectedness between individual, mezzo, and macro system levels. Students will explore how dominant political ideologies influence the construction of and responses to contemporary social problems. We will discuss how social policies have been critical tools to address inequity while also being mechanisms of stratification. Students will engage with theories of social justice, with an emphasis on initiating community-level changes. This course gives students conceptual perspectives on community organizing and structural social work; through these perspectives, students will develop a repertoire of strategies to make substantive societal changes.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 642. Psychopathology3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SW 605 and SW 671, or SW 701, or admission to the 30hr program.

Description: This course examines concepts of labeling theory, stigma, strengths perspective, and the clinical use of diagnostic classification of psychopathology from a social work perspective. The implications of various definitions of psychopathology and the uses of diagnostic systems to inform practice policy and to promote social justice are considered.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 643. Introduction to Social Work Leadership/Management3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: What does it mean to be a social work leader? In this course, social work students will be oriented to the theories, styles, traits and factors which build successful social work leaders and managers. Whether working in a small or large non-profit, public or private system or in the for-profit world, select knowledge, skills and abilities are essential to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations effectively. coursework will include assessing your leadership/management style and potential, exploring real world case studies and experiencing leadership/management simulations. The course will stress the importance of leading for diversity and inclusion in promoting social justice in organizations, community and society.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 644. Supervision: Developing Skills for Your Future3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Description: This supervision course provides students with instruction, practice experiences and skills development related to effective supervision in various social service contexts. The course focuses on several models of supervision that are grounded in systems theory, developmental theory, organizational theory, leadership theories, adaptive change theory, and social justice theory. Supervision as related to leadership and the organizational contexts will be explored. There will be a focus on practical skills related to supervision of staff and of volunteers. These skills will include administrative, clinical, supportive, developmental, and educational supervision, as well as performance evaluation.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 647. Psychosocial Practice in Oncology I Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families in Healthcare3 Units

Description: As students grow into advanced practice social workers, this course focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to work with people with cancer and family members, with special attention on inter-professional teamwork. Students will learn theories and models that help understand how cancer disrupts people's lives and guide evidence-based interventions. This course is open to students who want to work with people with other chronic and life-limiting diseases.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 648. Psychosocial Practice in Oncology II: Social Work Practice to Promote Health Equity3 Units

Description: This course focuses on social determinants of health to understand health equity and inequity at the individual, group, community, and socio-political levels. Students will learn the role social workers and healthcare systems have in perpetuating health disparities. The knowledge and skills needed to minimize health disparities at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels are covered. This course is open to students who want to work with people with other chronic and life-limiting diseases.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 649. Psychosocial Oncology Seminar I1 Unit

Description: Students will participate in an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum in palliative care (iCope) The seminar will assist with planning future goals for their career development upon graduation.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 650. Psychosocial Oncology Seminar II1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Description: Students will participate in an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum in palliative care (iCope) . The seminar will assist with planning future goals for their career development.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 651. Foundations of Family Therapy3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through Kent School of Social Work.

Description: This course is designed to give students a comprehensive and substantive understanding of the family life cycle, family dynamics, systemic thinking, and interactional theories. Students will also be introduced to the role of the marital and family therapist in Terms of relationship to clients, as a relational approach to understanding clients, and the self of the therapist.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 652. Introduction to Child Welfare Practice3 Units

Description: This course focuses on skills of screening, investigation, assessment, case planning, and service delivery within the child welfare system.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 653. Services to Children3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 654. Exceptional Child3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 655. Family Violence3 Units

Description: The focus of this course is on understanding, screening for, assessing, and intervening in various forms of family violence.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 656. Assessment & Case Management of Child Sexual Abuse3 Units

Description: This course is designed to prepare students to screen, assess, and intervene in situation involving child sexual abuse.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 657. Group Methods3 Units

Description: All major aspects of group life are explored and there is an emphasis on the purposes, content, and forms of various group experiences. The social worker's role in facilitating the group process is detailed and there is a special emphasis placed on the beginning processes associated with group methods.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 658. Group Psychotherapy3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 659. Introduction to Family Therapy Practice3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: This course is designed to familiarize the social work student with a family systems framework and a broad range of established family systems that have shaped the practice of couple and family therapy. Theory and technique will be reviewed to assist the development of process skills necessary for addressing the multiple dynamics associated with counseling individuals, couples and families through the lens of marriage and family therapy.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 660. Motivation and Change: The Process of Change and Strategies to Elicit Intrinsic Motivation.3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Admitted to Kent School of Social Work.

Description: Understanding the process of behavior change and developing interviewing skills that elicit intrinsic motivation to change. Class content is in the form of books and guides on Motivational Interviewing, a popular proven practice method.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 661. Special Issues in Alcohol and Drug Counseling3 Units

Description: This course includes highly specialized and advanced topics in addiction treatment to prepare students to begin practice in Alcohol and Drug Counselor training. Content will round out and complete a basic course of study for alcohol and drug counselors that was not adequately addressed in substance abuse and motivational interviewing classes. These advanced topics will 1) generally aid students in submitting the application for certification as alcohol and drug counselors, 2) provide students with required case management training for working in a licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility, and 3) prepare students for working within multidisciplinary teams and gain familiarity with clinical supervision methods utilized in substance abuse treatment programs. 4) Students will become familiar with the use of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) a very common assessment tool widely used in substance abuse treatment settings.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 662. Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to Kent School of Social Work students.

Description: Examines current issues associated with substance abuse. Prevailing paradigms related to substance abuse are explored and pragmatic intervention strategies for dealing with those abusing substances are presented and applied.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 663. Enhancing Safety & Permanency of Children in the Child Welfare System3 Units

Description: This course focuses on practice knowledge and skills in the delivery of services to children and youth in foster and out of home care and families that care for them.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 664. Social Work and the Law3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: This course is designed to: 1) familiarize social work students with the legal system and the various roles of social workers within the legal arena, 2) increase the social work students' understanding of the impact of the legal system on social work clients and client groups, 3) increase the social work students' understanding of the interface of law with professional social work practice, and 4) develop and enhance the skills needed by the professional social worker in situations where social work and law interface.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 665. Supervision, Training, and Consultation3 Units

Description: This course focuses on concepts of learning, competence, motivation and growth. How each of these is applied in supervision, training, consultation in both one to one and group settings is emphasized.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 666. Collaborative Practice with Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services3 Units

Description: This course focuses on preparing students to practice collaboratively with substance abuse, mental health, and child welfare services to screen, assess, manage, and refer families to MH and SA services.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 667. Negotiation,Mediation, and Conflict Transformation3 Units

Description: This course integrates communication and negotiation theory and skills with the values and strategies of social work. Through reflective practice, the course will increase learners' skills in creating a space for people in conflict to communicate more effectively with one another. Students will practice negotiating for agreements and resources, mediating disagreements, and advocating on behalf of disenfranchised and vulnerable persons.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 668. Program Evaluation in Social Work3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SW 626, SW 605, and SW 671, or admission into the 30-hour program.

Description: This specialized research course is focused on program evaluation that is aimed at helping students integrate research and practice skills, and prepares students to evaluate services and programs using research methods and research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 669. Advanced Research Practice II3 Units

Prerequisite(s): SW 668; access to a social services agency where projects from this class can be implemented (via practicum, work, or other access to an agency); and restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: This course prepares students to disseminate best practices information to micro and macro practice settings,and evaluate the impact of their dissemination efforts via use of quantitative and qualitative methods and analysis.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 670. Generalist Social Work Practicum I3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work & Family Science.

Corequisite(s): MSSW 604 or MCFT 701.

Fee: An additional $43.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This course, along with MSSW 671, comprise the generalist fieldwork experience. This class is taken concurrently with SW604 Micro Social Work Practice in order to enhance the integration of the theoretical and conceptual contributions of coursework with the field experience. This course includes a two-week self-paced, online orientation to practicum. Students are required to successfully complete the two-week course the first two weeks of the semester, before reporting to practicum sites. Orientation activities are directly connected to practicum and require contact with field instructors via email and phone prior to students starting at the practicum site. Orientation topics will include an overview of social work and social work education; the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics; an overview of reflective practicum trauma-informed practice, and anti-oppressive practice; and preparation for and maximization of the practicum experience.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 671. Generalist Social Work Practicum II3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work & Family Science.

Corequisite(s): MSSW 605.

Fee: An additional $43.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This course is a generalist fieldwork experience and taken concurrently with Macro Social Work Practice (SW605). The practicum assists the student in developing a social work perspective and opportunity to demonstrate social work behaviors while working with a variety of client systems (individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities). The practicum experience provides for the integration of theoretical and conceptual learning across the generalist courses related to human behavior, social justice, social work practice, policy and research.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 672. Specialized Social Work Practicum I3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work.

Corequisite(s): SW 640.

Fee: An additional $43.00 is charged for this course.

Description: This course is designed to provide an educationally supervised practicum within a human services organization. The practicum integrates class assignments and assists in the development of a social work perspective and skills in working with a range of client systems: individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, communities, and the larger society. This experience provides for the application and integration of theories learned throughout the generalist courses including human behavior and the social environment across the lifespan, social justice/diversity, organizational and community dynamics, policy, and research. Students are required to complete a 16-hour self-paced, online orientation before reporting to practicum sites.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 673. Specialized Social Work Practicum II3 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through the Kent School of Social Work.

Corequisite(s): SW 677.

Fee: An additional $43.00 is charged for this course.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 674. Administration of Human Delivery Systems3 Units

Description: Theoretical and emphirical literature on complex organizations are examined to increase effectiveness in identifying and resolving problems.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 675. Child Welfare Supervision, Coaching and Mentoring Practices & Policies to Achieve Best Outcomes3 Units

Description: This course focuses on understanding and applying principles and skills of supervision, coaching and mentoring in the field of child welfare.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 676. Program Design, Implementation and Change3 Units

Description: Explores utilization and application of theories and evaluative research in the design, implementation, and change of social programs and interventions.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 677. Mezzo Practice and Integrated Social Work Practice with Complex Cases3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): SW 640, SW 641.

Description: The course focuses on theories, knowledge and skills needed in working with organizations in the areas of creating change, conducting agency assessments, networking, leadership, strategic planning, project development and management, team building, meeting management, budgeting and finances, fundraising and grant writing, marketing, and interfacing with the media, with a special emphasis on working with groups and organizations that work on behalf of oppressed populations. The last weeks in the course focus on reinforcing and integrating skills from all three practice courses through case-based study conceptualizing practice issues/interventions on macro, mezzo, and micro levels simultaneously.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 678. Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization Practicum Seminar1.5 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization.

Description: This is a required seminar for Advanced Practicum ADCS students designed to achieve two goals: 1) Enhance knowledge of research supported group counseling methods in the treatment of substance abuse (all students); and 2) advance special knowledge and skills related to one of the following: a) criminal justice and treatment of substance abuse (immersion practicum students) or b) leadership (rotational practicum students).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 679. Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization Practicum Seminar-Spring Semester1.5 Units

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization.

Description: This is a required seminar for Advanced Practicum ADCS students designed to achieve two goals: 1) Enhance knowledge of research supported family engagement methods in the treatment of substance abuse (all students); and 2) advance special knowledge and skills related to one of the following: a) criminal justice and treatment of substance abuse (immersion practicum students) or b) leadership (rotational practicum students).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 681. Social Gerontology3 Units

Description: Explores societal, cultural, and individual issues associated with aging and the field of aging itself. The field of social gerontology is discussed; the biological, physiological, psychological, and social contexts of aging are examined; and the students explore what it means to age.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 682. Social Work Practice with Older Persons3 Units

Description: Specific knowledge, skills and values associated with social work intervention with older persons are the emphasis of this course. There is an emphasis on the heterogeneity of the population of older Americans and issues associated with diversity. Taught from a strengths perspective using a narrative approach, this course will provide the learner with pragmatic skills needed to work with diverse populations of older adults.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 684. Spirituality and Social Work3 Units

Prerequisite(s): This course is restricted to students in the Kent School of Social Work.

Description: Provides an in-depth examination of the meaning of spirituality for social work practice. Students will broaden their knowledge of basic spiritual and religious doctrines and principles and analyze their application to social work by applying this knowledge within various social work settings.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 685. Planning and Community Development3 Units

Description: Integrates theories of social science and social work as it develops student skills, knowledge, values in social planning and community development. There is a special emphasis placed on conceptual and practice skills necessary for successful social planning and community development.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 686. Gerontology Specialization Lab I1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Corequisite(s): MSSW 672.

Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of gerontology clients and their families community agency settings.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 687. Gerontology Specialization Lab II1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Corequisite(s): SW 673.

Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of gerontology clients and their families community agency settings.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 688. Policy Analysis3 Units

Description: Demographic, political, economic and other influences are considered as they act upon policy development and related social problems.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 689. Interpreting and Promoting Human Service Programs3 Units

Description: This course familiarizes social workers with the use of media in promoting and interpreting social welfare policies and programs.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 690. Macro Social Work Practice in the Health Field3 Units

Description: Provides overview of major issues in organization and delivery of health services and the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 691. Mental Health Specialization Integrative Seminar I1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Completion of Foundation requirements and acceptance into Mental Health Specialization.

Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of clients and their families with mental health needs in community agency settings.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 692. Mental Health Specialization Integrative Seminar II1 Unit

Grading Basis: Pass/Fail

Prerequisite(s): Completion of Foundation requirements and acceptance into Mental Health Specialization.

Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of clients and their families with mental health needs in community agency settings.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 694. Social Work in Health Fields3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 695. Cultural Context & Social Services with Latinx Individuals Families & Communities3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Description: This course surveys a variety of historical & contemporary social justice issues necessary for understanding the culture & well-being of Latinx & Latin American individuals, families, & communities. The legacies of colonization, genocide, & slavery of Indigenous & African populations, will be explored. Particular attention will be paid to the impacts of class, race, & language in contemporary Latinx communities. Transmigration, immigration, refugee status & asylum seeking, & their legal & psychosocial implications, also will be covered. Social justice movements in response to systemic oppression, political unrest, & violence occurring in Latin American & in the United States also will be reviewed. In addition, cultural values that may be particularly salient & meaningful to Latinx peoples as well as techniques identified by grassroots organizations &/or the research literature as culturally-responsive approaches for engaging, assessing, &/or intervening with these populations.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 697. Advanced Topical Seminar3-4 Units

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

Description: This course focuses on the development of positive mental health and health in populations at risk.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

MSSW 699. Independent Study1-4 Units

Description: Opportunity for the student, under the supervision of a sponsoring faculty member, to pursue individualized study related to research or practice that is not included in regular courses in the curriculum.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

Social Work (MSSW)

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