Social Work, Master's Program
Introduction
The mission of the Master of Social Work program is to advance human rights and social, economic, racial, and environmental justice by preparing students for competent, empowering clinical practice with vulnerable children, adults, and families of diverse backgrounds. In its efforts to enhance the dignity and rights of all people, particularly of historically oppressed populations, the MSW Program seeks to partner with diverse individuals, groups, and organizations at university, local, state, national and international levels.
Our fully online MSW program is designed to prepare students for responsible, professional social work practice with children and families across the lifespan. Coursework prepares students to assume practice and leadership roles and responsibilities in clinical social work practice, public child and family welfare programs, the protection of abused and neglected children, home-based services, foster care, adoption, school-based services, group and residential care settings, child guidance, parent education, family courts, family violence programs, military social work, adult protective services, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, child and family advocacy, as well as in major social service systems that include mental health, physical health, and corrections. Upon graduation, the MSW student will be able to demonstrate the following generalist practice behaviors:
Upon graduation, the MSW student will be able to demonstrate the following generalist practice behaviors:
- Demonstrate the ability to make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical use of decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to the context
- Demonstrate the ability to use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations
- Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and in oral, written and electronic communication
- Demonstrate the ability to use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply and communicate an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels
- Demonstrate the ability to present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply an understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels
- Demonstrate the ability to engage in practice that advances social, economic, and environmental justice
- Demonstrate the ability to use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings
- Demonstrate the ability to use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery
- Demonstrate the ability to identify social policy at the local, state, and federal levels that impact wellbeing, service delivery, and access to social services
- Demonstrate the ability to assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of, and access to, social services.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, the person-in-the-environment perspective, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, the person-in-the-environment perspective, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, the person-in-the-environment perspective, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to use inter-professional collaboration, as appropriate, to achieve beneficial practice outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to negotiate, mediate, and advocate with, and on behalf of, diverse clients and constituencies
- Demonstrate the ability to facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals
- Demonstrate the ability to select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, the person-in-the-environment perspective, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels
Upon graduation, the MSW student will be able to demonstrate the following specialized clinical social work practice behaviors:
- Demonstrate the ability to make ethical decisions in clinical social work practice by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, the NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice, the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapist, Rules and Regulations Chapter 135-7, Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct in research, and additional codes of ethics, as appropriate to the context.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how personal experiences and affective reactions may impact professional clinical judgment and behavior along with strategies to effectively manage them
- Demonstrate the ability to research and utilize culturally sensitive and effective services with children, families and/or vulnerable adults
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively work with children, families and/or vulnerable adults from diverse populations
- Demonstrate the ability to engage in practice with children, families and/or vulnerable adults in a manner that advances social, economic and/or environmental justice
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively translate research findings into effective practice with children, families, and/or vulnerable adults
- Demonstrate the ability to advocate with clients and constituencies to inform and influence agency, local, state, federal or global policies that impact children, families, and/or vulnerable adults
- Demonstrate the ability to develop a culturally responsive professional relationship with children, families and/or vulnerable adult clients
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively use multi-dimensional assessment tools with children, families and/or vulnerable adult clients
- Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate, select, and apply evidence-based interventions with children, families, and/or vulnerable adult clients
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate with other professionals to coordinate appropriate services for children, families, and/or vulnerable adult clients
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the processes and/or outcomes of clinical practice with children, families and/or vulnerable adult clients
Admissions Requirements
The MSW Application Packet contains several forms that must be completed before the file may be evaluated by the MSW Admissions Committee including:
- An official transcript from each regionally accredited college or university attended. The applicant's undergraduate education must reflect a sound liberal arts foundation, including at least 21 credits in the humanities, the social sciences, the behavioral sciences, and the biological sciences. The transcript must show a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
- Three professional letters of recommendation from persons who can address the applicant's ability and potential for successful graduate education and professional social work practice (e.g., former professors, employer, etc.), using the forms provided in the MSW Admissions Packet.
- Completion of the Personal Narrative Statement, following the Personal Narrative Statement Outline form included in the MSW Admissions Packet
- A professional resume. The applicant will submit a current resume that includes their complete work history. The applicant is asked to include a notation to explain any gaps in the work history.
- Personal Interview. An online personal interview with the MSW Admissions Committee is required to better evaluate the applicant's potential for successful advanced social work practice.
Regular Admission
For regular admission, the applicant must meet all the admission requirements of the Graduate Admission Office and the MSW program and have an overall undergraduate Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above.
Provisional Admission
Applicants who do not fully meet the requirements for Regular Admission (3.00 or above GPA) may be considered for Provisional Admission. The MSW Admissions Committee will evaluate each applicant on an individual basis. In some instances, the applicant may be required to fulfill prerequisites prior to provisional admission. An applicant under Provisional Admission is limited to nine semester hours and must achieve a grade of "B" or better in each course attempted. An applicant who attains less than a 3.0 GPA in each course will be withdrawn from the MSW Program. Provisional Admission status will be converted to Regular Admission status when the applicant achieves a "B" or better in each course taken under Provisional Admission status.
Program of Study
The MSW program is fully online (except for field internships) and is designed for working or non-traditional graduate students. Generalist Practice Year students attend classes primarily on Monday and Wednesday evenings, while Specialized Clinical Practice Year students attend classes primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Full-time students take two online classes each evening, with the first class beginning at 5:15 p.m. and ending at 7:45 p.m. and the second class beginning at 7:55 p.m. and ending at 10:25 p.m. Generalist Practice Year students enrolled in field internship also take a one-hour field seminar class on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Specialized Clinical Practice Year students enrolled in field internship also take a one-hour field seminar class on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Curriculum
The MSW Program consists of 64 credit hours taken in the following order:
| Code | Title | Semester Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 6000-Level Required Courses (First Year) | ||
| Generalist Practice Fall Classes | ||
| SOWK 6020 | Achieving Justice Diverse Wrld | 3 |
| SOWK 6021 | Hum Behav/Social Environment | 3 |
| SOWK 6031 | Direct Practice Methods 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 6011 | Social Welfare Policies & Prog | 3 |
| SOWK 6055 | Generalist Practice Field Experience I 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 6051 | Generalist Practice Field Seminar I 1 | 1 |
| Generalist Practice Spring Classes | ||
| SOWK 6032 | Theory/Pract Families/Groups 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 6033 | Theory/Pract Comm/Organization 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 6041 | Research in Social Work | 3 |
| SOWK 6056 | Generalist Practice Field Experience II 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 6052 | Generalist Practice Field Seminar II 1 | 1 |
| SOWK 6XXX | 6000-level Elective | 3 |
| SOWK 7000-Level Required Courses (Second Year) | ||
| Clinical Practice Fall Classes | ||
| SOWK 7021 | Family Dynam Through Life Cycl 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7041 | Evaluation Practice Child/Fami 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7031 | Assessment/Pract w/Child/Adole 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7131 | Psychopathology/Psychopharmaco | 3 |
| SOWK 7055 | Specialized Clinical Practice Field Experience I 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7051 | Specialized Clinical Practice Field Seminar I 1 | 1 |
| Clinical Practice Spring Classes | ||
| SOWK 7032 | Assessment and Practice w/Fami 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7033 | Assess/Pract Vulnerable Adults 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7011 | Legal/Ethical Iss Chld/Fam Pol 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7056 | Specialized Clinical Practice Field Experience II 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 7052 | Specialized Clinical Practice Field Seminar II 1 | 1 |
| SOWK 7XXX | 7000-level Elective | 3 |
| Total Semester Hours | 64 | |
- 1
Denotes courses that have prerequisites/corequisites that must be completed before registering.
Comprehensive Examination Policy
As required by the Georgia Board of Regents, a comprehensive examination is required of all MSW students. The examination is designed to test the ability of the student to demonstrate competencies in social work theory, practice, policy, and research. The examination is given in the Spring semester of the Specialized Practice year.
Degree Requirements
In order to graduate from the MSW Program, the graduate student must:
- Earn a grade of ''B" or better on all graduate work attempted, including transfer credits approved in advance of enrollment.
- Have no incomplete grades.
- Successfully pass the written MSW Comprehensive Examination.
- Complete all requirements for the MSW degree within four years from the date of first enrollment.
SOWK 6011 - Social Welfare Policies & Prog (3 Credits)
Examines the history and current structures of social policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery and the role of practice in policy development. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6020 - Achieving Justice Diverse Wrld (3 Credits)
Historical, political, and socio-economic forces that maintain oppressive structures, values, attitudes, and behaviors in society are examined. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6021 - Hum Behav/Social Environment (3 Credits)
Lays the theoretical groundwork for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations over the lifespan. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor. Offered: Fall.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6031 - Direct Practice Methods (3 Credits)
Provides students with the knowledge, values and skills to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate individuals. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW Program and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 6021. Offered: Fall.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 6032 - Theory/Pract Families/Groups (3 Credits)
Provides students with the knowledge, values and skills to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate families and groups. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW Program and completion or concurrent enrollment in SOWK 6021. Offered: Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6033 - Theory/Pract Comm/Organization (3 Credits)
Provides students with the knowledge, values and skills to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate communities and organizations. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW Program and completion or concurrent enrollment in SOWK 6021. Offered: Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6041 - Research in Social Work (3 Credits)
Provides students with the knowledge, values, and skills to employ evidence-based interventions to evaluate practice. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor. Offered: Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6051 - Generalist Practice Field Seminar I (1 Credit)
This first of two Generalist Practice Year Field Seminar courses provides MSW students with the opportunity to analyze and process their work in the field, further integrating classroom learning with social work practice experiences in the field placement. Prerequisites: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 6020, SOWK 6021, SOWK 6031, SOWK 6011; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 6055 and written consent of MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Fall.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 1
Other hours: 1
SOWK 6052 - Generalist Practice Field Seminar II (1 Credit)
This second of two Generalist Practice Year Field Seminar courses provides MSW students with the opportunity to analyze and process their work in the field, further integrating classroom learning with social work practice experiences in the field placement. Prerequisites: Completion of SOWK 6020, SOWK 6021, SOWK 6031, SOWK 6011, SOWK 6051, SOWK 6055; completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 6032, SOWK 6033, SOWK 6041, and a 6000-level elective; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 6056; and written consent of MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 1
Other hours: 1
SOWK 6053 - Foundation Field Seminar Block (2 Credits)
Lecture hours: 2
SOWK 6055 - Generalist Practice Field Experience I (3 Credits)
The first of two Generalist Practice Year Field Experience provides MSW Students an opportunity to integrate classroom learning and apply generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills in a practice setting with vulnerable populations. Field placements are coordinated before the semester begins and are under the supervision of an experienced master social worker to facilitate a wide range of learning opportunities that supports the development of generalist practice. Students will complete 225 clock hours (approximately 16 hours per week) in the field agency. No prior life or work experiences will be accepted in lieu of field experience. Prerequisites: Completion of, or current enrollment in SOWK 6020, SOWK 6021, SOWK 6031, SOWK 6011; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 6051; and written consent of MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Fall.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6056 - Generalist Practice Field Experience II (3 Credits)
This second of two Generalist Practice Year Field Experience provides MSW Students an opportunity to integrate classroom learning and apply generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills in a practice setting with vulnerable populations. Field placements are generally a continuation from the Fall semester field experience and are under the supervision of an experienced master social worker to facilitate a wide range of learning opportunities that supports the development of generalist practice. Students will complete 225 clock hours (approximately 16 hours per week) in the field agency. No prior life or work experiences will be accepted in lieu of field experience. Prerequisites: Completion of SOWK 6020, SOWK 6021, SOWK 6031, SOWK 6011, SOWK 6051, SOWK 6055; completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 6032, SOWK 6033, SOWK 6041, and 6000-level elective; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 6052; and written consent of MSW Field Director. Offered: Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 6057 - Foundation Field Exp Block (6 Credits)
Lecture hours: 6
SOWK 6130 - School Social Work (3 Credits)
Overview of the various social work-related theoretical perspectives, models, and programs for intervention with children and their families in school settings. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 6131 - Family Violence Across Lifespa (3 Credits)
Examines the various forms of violence in families, including intimate partner abuse, child abuse and elder abuse and best practices to meet their needs. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the instructor.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 6132 - Grief/Loss in Soc Wrk Practice (3 Credits)
This elective course focuses on engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating individuals, families, and groups experiencing grief and loss. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 6133 - Soc Wrk Prac w/Older Adults (3 Credits)
Examines the development stages of later adulthood, the aging process and best practices in meeting the needs of older adults. Prerequisites: Graduate admission; admission to the MSW program or consent of the instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 6134 - Special Topics in Social Work (3 Credits)
Topics vary from semester to semester depending on the needs and interest of the students and the southwest Georgia service area. Prerequisites: Graduate admission; admission to the MSW program or consent of the instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 6460 - International Social Welfare P (3 Credits)
This course will analyze key economic, political, and social policies currently affecting vulnerable populations around the world and the role of social work in addressing these issues, both internationally and locally. Students review and apply policy frameworks that promote human rights and sustainable development to a range of international problems such as poverty, health, status of women and children, the impact of global warming, etc. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7010 - Ethic Decis Making in Sowk Pra (3 Credits)
This course assists students acquire the knowledge base for identifying ethical issues and the skills necessary to resolve ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the instructor.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7011 - Legal/Ethical Iss Chld/Fam Pol (3 Credits)
Critical examination of current and proposed policies impacting children, vulnerable adults, and families over the lifespan. Prerequisites: Completion SOWK 6011 or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7021 - Family Dynam Through Life Cycl (3 Credits)
Provides the advanced theoretical bases for understanding complex family processes over the lifespan. Prerequisites: Completion of SOWK 6011 or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7031 - Assessment/Pract w/Child/Adole (3 Credits)
Examination of theories of childhood and adolescent development, clinical methods of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in SOWK 7021. Offered: Fall.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7032 - Assessment and Practice w/Fami (3 Credits)
Focuses on clinical engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation with families. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 7021. Offered: Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7033 - Assess/Pract Vulnerable Adults (3 Credits)
Focuses on clinical engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with vulnerable adults. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 7021. Offered: Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7041 - Evaluation Practice Child/Fami (3 Credits)
Applying research knowledge, values, and skills to the evaluation of clinical practice and services for children and families over the lifespan. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6041or admission to the ASU Graduate School and the permission of the Instructor. Offered: Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7051 - Specialized Clinical Practice Field Seminar I (1 Credit)
This first of two Specialized Clinical Practice Field Seminar courses provides MSW students with the opportunity to analyze and process their work in the field, further integrating classroom learning with social work practice experiences in the field placement. Offered only in the Fall semester. Prerequisites: Completion of SOWK 6052 and SOWK 6056; completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 7021, SOWK 7041, SOWK 7031, and SOWK 7131; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 7055: Specialized Clinical Practice Field Experience I; written consent of MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Fall.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 1
Other hours: 1
SOWK 7052 - Specialized Clinical Practice Field Seminar II (1 Credit)
This second of two Specialized Clinical Practice Field Seminar courses provides MSW students with the opportunity to analyze and process their work in the field, further integrating classroom learning with social work practice experiences in the field placement. Offered only in the Fall semester. Prerequisites: Completion of SOWK 7051 and SOWK 7056; completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SOWK 7032, SOWK 7033, SOWK 7011, and 7000-level elective; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 7056; written consent of MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 1
Other hours: 1
SOWK 7053 - Advance Field Block Seminar (2 Credits)
Lecture hours: 2
SOWK 7055 - Specialized Clinical Practice Field Experience I (3 Credits)
The first of two Specialized Clinical Practice Year Field Experience courses provides MSW Students an opportunity to integrate classroom learning and apply clinical social work knowledge, values, and skills in a practice setting with vulnerable populations. Field placements are coordinated before the semester begins and are under the supervision of an experienced master social worker to facilitate a wide range of learning opportunities that supports the development of clinical practice. Students will complete 225 clock hours (approximately 16 hours per week) in the field agency. No prior life or work experiences will be accepted in lieu of field experience. Prerequisites: Completion of all Generalist Practice Year course requirements, concurrent enrollment in SOWK 7021, SOWK 7031, SOWK 7041; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 7052; and written consent of the MSW-Field Coordinator. Offered: Fall.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7056 - Specialized Clinical Practice Field Experience II (3 Credits)
This second of two Specialized Clinical Practice Year Field Experience courses provides MSW Students an opportunity to integrate classroom learning and apply specialized clinical practice social work knowledge, values, and skills in a practice setting with vulnerable populations. Field placements are generally a continuation from the Fall semester field experience and are under the supervision of an experienced master social worker to facilitate a wide range of learning opportunities that supports the development of clinical practice. Students will complete 225 clock hours (approximately 16 hours per week) in the field agency. This course is only offered in the Spring semester. No prior life or work experiences will be accepted in lieu of field experience. Prerequisites: No prior life or work experiences will be accepted in lieu of field experience. Prerequisites: Completion of all first Specialized Clinical Practice Year coursework, SOWK 7031, SOWK 7033, SOWK 7011; concurrent enrollment in SOWK 7052; and written consent of the MSW Field Coordinator.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7057 - Advance Field Experience Block (6 Credits)
Lecture hours: 6
SOWK 7130 - Soc Work Prac Abus/Neglect Fam (3 Credits)
Examines the historical, legal, and best practices with abusing and neglecting families. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program and successful completion of SOWK 6021, SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7131 - Psychopathology/Psychopharmaco (3 Credits)
This course prepares social workers to understand the medical model of mental health practice (e.g., DSM-5-TR, mental health diagnosis, medications, etc.) and its place in clinical social work practice. Prerequisites: Admission to the ASU Graduate School. Offered: Fall, Summer.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7132 - Social Work with Groups (3 Credits)
Knowledge, values, and empirically supported practice skills for leading competent group work with children, adolescents, families, and vulnerable adults from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7133 - Behav Methods Soc Wrk Practice (3 Credits)
Examines brief behavioral and cognitive methods for treating a wide range of human problems, crises, and mental disorders. The course focuses on conceptualizing and assessing client problems, identifying appropriate treatment goals, developing comprehensive and differential treatment plans, conducting interventions, and evaluating client outcomes using research, consultation, and supervision. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
SOWK 7134 - Soc Wrk Prac Substnce Abus Fam (3 Credits)
Presents theories and methods in the assessment, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation of individuals with substance use disorders and their family members. Provides an overview of the causes of substance use disorders, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Focuses on treatment theories and techniques applied to working with individuals and families impacted by Substance Use Disorders. Selected theories include self-help approaches, cognitive and behavioral theories, family systems theory, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing. Substance abuse treatment models with diverse populations is examined. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7135 - Soc Wrk Prac/Military Families (3 Credits)
Evidence-based theories and methods in the engagement, assessment, prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and evaluation with military personnel, veterans, and their families. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7136 - Case Management (3 Credits)
Examination of theories, knowledge and clinical skills required for case management practice. Content focuses on inter-professional collaborative team-based approaches for patient/client assessment, care planning, service delivery coordination, and evaluating outcomes. Emphasis is on organizational context, theoretical models, social work roles, culturally sensitive approaches, biopsychosocial assessments, triage, advocacy, interdisciplinary and inter-organizational collaboration, record keeping, and supervision in case management. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
SOWK 7137 - Crisis Intervention (3 Credits)
Examination of the impact of specific crises on individuals and families such as lifethreatening illness, trauma, physical and mental disability, and death. Prerequisites; Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7138 - Supervision in the Social Scie (3 Credits)
Course focuses on the acquisition of the roles and essential knowledge and skills of supervisors, leaders, and administrators in social service organizations. Includes management and organizational theories, and research and theory regarding the practice of supervision. Students gain an understanding of the agency context and purposes, interpersonal insights and skill development, the importance of procedural and technical expertise, and ethical decision-making to address the complex problems facing leaders in social work. Prerequisites: Successful completion of SOWK 6021; SOWK 6031; SOWK 6032; and SOWK 6033. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
SOWK 7139 - Global Research (3-6 Credits)
A variable content elective graduate course focusing on selected topics in social work and social welfare. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program or admission to the ASU Graduate School and consent of the instructor. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3-6
SOWK 7141 - Directed Independent Study (3-6 Credits)
An individualized research study of a social work issue conducted under the direction and supervision of graduate faculty. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program, written consent of the sponsoring faculty member, and written consent of the MSW Program Director. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7155 - Field Experience Elective I (1 Credit)
Requires 75 clock hours of elective field work in an approved MSW-supervised social work setting. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program, completion of SOWK 6051; SOWK 6052; SOWK 6055; and SOWK 6056; and written consent of the MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Fall, Spring.
SOWK 7156 - Field Experience Elective II (2 Credits)
Requires 150 clock hours of elective field work in an approved MSW-supervised social work setting. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program, completion of SOWK 6051; SOWK 6052; SOWK 6055; and SOWK 6056; and written consent of the MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Fall, Spring.
SOWK 7157 - Field Experience Elective II (3 Credits)
Requires 225 clock hours of elective field work in an approved MSW-supervised social work setting. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSW program, completion of SOWK 6051; SOWK 6052; SOWK 6055; and SOWK 6056; and written consent of the MSW Field Coordinator. Offered: Fall, Spring.
SOWK 7158 - Core Components and Skills for Trauma-informed Practice (3 Credits)
This course will introduce students to the use of 12 common trauma-informed practice elements using an anti-racist framework in the intervention and treatment of traumatized children and their families. The course provides a trajectory for intervention that considers the impact of trauma, the intervention objective(s) that can be used to ameliorate that impact, and the identification of practice elements that, if used skillfully, will support the intervention objective. Thus, the course highlights how effective use of common trauma-informed practice elements relies on the interconnection of the impact of trauma, intervention objectives, and practice elements in the context of a sound therapeutic relationship.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Graduate.
Lecture hours: 3
SOWK 7400 - Policy in Rural Areas (3 Credits)