• Undergraduate Studies
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School of Social Work Home Page

Faculty

Lois Pierce, Professor, Director
Ph.D., Washington University
Uma Segal, Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Margaret Sherraden, Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Norman Flax, Associate Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Joan Hashimi, Associate Professor Emeritus,
Ph.D., Washington University
Sharon Johnson, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Thomas Meuser, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Shirley Porterfield, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison
Baorong Guo, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
M. Denise King, Assistant Professor
Ph.D, University of Maryland
Joseph Pickard, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Patricia Saleeby, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Washington University
Lori Curtis, Associate Teaching Professor
M.S.W., Washington University
Linda Vawter, Associate Clinical Professor
M.S.W., Washington University
Linda Wells-Glover, Associate Teaching Professor
M.S.W., Washington University
Patricia Rosenthal, Associate Clinical Professor
M.S.W., Washington University
Beverly Sporleder, Assistant Clinical Professor
M.S.W., Washington University

General Information

Degrees and Areas of Concentration
The School of Social Work offers courses leading to a bachelor of social work (B.S.W.), a master of social work (M.S.W.), and a minor in social work. The B.S.W. and the M.S.W. programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The programs stress the critical, empirical, and applied aspects of social work, incorporating a liberal arts perspective throughout the curriculum. There is a strong accent on community and agency field work as an integral part of the program. Professional social work education enables students to integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of the profession into competent practice.

Students must apply for admission into the B.S.W. and the M.S.W. programs. Undergraduate social work majors and Master's students should obtain a copy of the Student Handbook (available on the social work department's web page). BSW students must meet with a social work adviser for advisement each semester. Students in the B.S.W. or the M.S.W. program must set up an appointment with the practicum office one semester prior to enrolling in the practicum and attend a series of pre-practicum orientation sessions.

Undergraduate Studies

Objectives of The BSW Program

The BSW program has the following educational outcomes.  Students who graduate with a BSW will be generalist practitioners who:

• Have acquired basic theoretical knowledge of individual, family, group, organizational, community, and social systems dynamics and processes.
• Understand that oppression and injustice are endemic to human societies, recognize the forms they take and the mechanisms used to perpetrate them, and become cognizant of strategies of change that advance social and economic justice.
• Are knowledgeable about the roots, origins and history, of social work and about its current structures and issues it faces.
• Can conduct an initial assessment that identifies strengths/resources and problems with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
• Can identify the appropriate level(s) of intervention, including social policy, and conduct entry level intervention(s) at the individual, family, group, organization, and community levels—based on assessments of the relevant problems, strengths, and resources.
• Have developed critical thinking skills and the skills of problem solving with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
• Have acquired a realistic understanding of self and impact of self in social work practice, including the ability to use research to critically examine their impact on client systems.
• Have developed theoretical and practical understanding and sensitivity to experiences of diverse population groups (e.g. ethnic, racial, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability and religious) and acquired foundation skills in working with different systems.
• Understand the social work Code of Ethics and are able to apply these guidelines in entry- level social work practice.
• Self identify as social work professionals.
• Gain skills, tools, and resourcefulness to continue developing analytical and substantive abilities as lifelong learners.

General Education Requirements
Majors must satisfy the university and college general education requirements, except that proficiency in a foreign language is recommended but not required.

Courses required for the B.S.W. degree may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis except SOC WK 4800 and SOC WK 4850.

Admission Requirements
Students entering UMSL as freshman and as transfer students should indicate a pre-social work major. Students must apply to the program concurrently with SOC WK 3100. Admission to the program is conditional upon the successful completion of all necessary requirements.

Requirements for Admission to the Social Work program:
Junior standing
Submission of:

• Application for admission to social work program.
• Transcripts of all university work.
• Two letters of reference: one from a college or university professor and one other, preferably from a work or volunteer experience supervisor.
• Completion of SOC WK 2000, 2200, and 2201 or their equivalents or completion of an A.A. in Human Services.
• Satisfactory completion of all courses listed as prerequisites for SOC WK 3100, 3210, and 3510.
• Applicants may be asked to meet with the social work Admissions Committee.

Undergraduate Studies

Bachelor of Social Work
Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in social work and related-area requirement courses to enter field practicum. Candidates for this degree program must complete the core requirements including the following social work courses:
2000, Social Work and Social Problems
2200, Social Welfare as a Social Institution
2201, Social Welfare as a Social Institution Laboratory
3100, Introduction to Interventive Strategies for Social Work Practices
3210, Social Issues and Social Policy Development
3410, Research Design in Social Work (or 3230 SOC, 2219 PSYCH, or 2210 CRIMIN)
3510, Human Behavior in the Social Environment
3700, Diversity and Social Justice
4110, Interventive Strategies for Social Work with Individuals, Families, and Groups
4300, Interventive Strategies for Social Work with Organizations and Communities
4800, and 4850, Supervised Field Experience in Social Work I and II
4801 and 4851, Integrative Field Experience Seminar I and II

A minimum of 37 hours or a maximum of 50 hours must be taken in social work. A minimum of 30 hours is required in related area departments.

Evaluation of social work transfer credits will be done by a social work adviser on an individual basis.

Related Area Requirements
The following courses, or their alternatives, are required:

Biology
One course from the following:

1102, Human Biology
1131, Human Physiology and Anatomy I
1141, Human Physiology and Anatomy II
1202, Environmental Biology

ECON 1000, Introduction to the American Economy
POL SCI 1100, Introduction to American Politics
PSYCH 1003, General Psychology

Sociology:

1010, Introduction to Sociology
2160, Social Psychology
3220, Sociological Statistics (or 2201 PSYCH or 2220 CRIMIN) 

At least 9 additional hours must be taken in social work, sociology, political science, psychology, women's and gender studies, anthropology, criminology and criminal justice, or economics at the 2000 level or above. Hours taken in social work will apply toward the maximum of 50 hours that may be taken in social work courses. The School of Social Work may require students to pass a placement test to enroll in the next level course, provided this test or its equivalent is administered to all students seeking to enroll in that course.

Social work majors must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better in all course work specifically required for the major, with satisfactory grades in practicum.

Note Taking anthropology, biological sciences, economics, and Spanish courses is strongly recommended by graduate  schools of social work.

Requirements for the Minor in Social Work
Candidates must complete the following social work courses:
2000, Social Work and Social Problems
2200, Social Welfare as a Social Institution
3100, Interventive Strategies in Social Work Practice
3210, Social Issues and Social Policy Development
and one additional social work course at the 3000 level or above.

Graduate Studies

Objectives of The Department and The Masters of Social Work

The goals of the M.S.W. program of the University of Missouri- St. Louis are consistent with the land-grant public service mission of the University, the MSW feasibility study, and the educational mission statement of CSWE and are to:

• Prepare professional social workers to engage in ethical professional practice.
• Prepare social work students with a commitment to public or non-profit service.
• Provide a professional public university social work education to a diverse body of students, many of whom are non-traditional and place-bound.
• Prepare graduate level professional social workers with an appreciation for and ability to pursue life-long learning. 
• Provide educational opportunities and diverse learning environments in partnership with public and private graduate social work and related programs.
• Contribute to solving local, regional, and global problems and to promoting social change through teaching, research, and service.

Master of Social Work

Admission Requirements
Admission to the M.S.W. Program requires admission to the University of Missouri-St. Louis Graduate School and acceptance by the School of Social Work. Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:

Completion of a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting organization.

Completion of a liberal arts education including courses in the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical sciences. These courses must include one in human biology and one in statistics.

Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate course work and a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the major field.

Submission of the following documents by the admission deadline:

• A completed application to the UMSL Graduate School and a completed M.S.W. supplemental application
• Three written essays.
• Three letters of reference. – One from a professor in your major field of study, and one from a work or volunteer supervisor or other professional reference. Letters from employees/supervisees, friends, and family may not be used.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and university attended.
• Applicable fees.

Application Deadline
The deadline for application to the MSW program is February 15 for admission in the following fall semester. (See School of Social Work's website , for more details on additional deadlines.)

Admissions to the Advanced Standing Program
Applicants with a B.S.W., B.A.S.W., or B.S.S.W., from an accredited social work program may be given up to 24 credit hours of advanced standing for foundation social work courses. Admission to the advanced standing program is available to applicants who meet the general admission requirements and who: (1) have earned a bachelor's degree in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within five years of applying to the M.S.W. Program, and (2) have earned a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the social work foundation curriculum, and no less than a B in all courses that are applicable.

Course Waivers
A student who does not have a bachelor's degree in social work but who can document successful completion (with at least a B) of foundation courses from an accredited B.S.W. program within the last five years will be given course waivers and be allowed to replace these courses with electives.

Students from nonaccredited B.S.W. programs or students who have taken comparable course work in other undergraduate programs may take place-out examinations for select foundation courses; waivers will be given if students successfully pass place-out examinations. The waiver does not provide graduate credit; it is a mechanism for allowing elective courses to be substituted for required foundation courses.

Academic credit cannot be given for life experience and previous work experience, in whole or in part, in lieu of field practicum or foundation year courses.

Degree Requirements

The M.S.W. is a two-year program comprising a foundation year and a concentration year. All students are required to take the foundation year courses. These provide a common base of knowledge across all practice settings and populations. Beyond the general requirements of the Graduate School, the department requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of course work, of which 45 must be at the 4000 or 5000 level and 45 must be in social work or crosslisted with social work, including the following foundation courses:

5100, Generalist Social Work Practice
5200, Social Policy and Social Services
5300, Community Practice and Social Change
5350, Social Work and Human Service Organizations
5410, Research Methods and Analysis I
5450, Research Methods and Analysis II
5500, Foundations of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
5700, Diversity, Social Justice & Social Work Practice
5800, Graduate Field Practicum I
5801, Graduate Field Practicum Seminar

Upon completion of the 30 credits of foundation year requirements, students move into a year of specialization, called the concentration. The concentration year requires 30 hours of course work that includes 12 hours of elective graduate-level courses approved by the adviser. Students plan their degree program to reflect their career interests in the following concentration areas:

Family Practice
Social Work Leadership and Management     
Gerontology

To remain in good standing, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

The field practicum is an integral part of the concentration year. Students will complete 300 hours (two days of full-time work each week) of M.S.W. supervised practice in an agency during the Winter semester of the foundation year, and 660 hours total (three days of full-time work per week) in the concentration year. A student must receive a grade of B or better in the first-year field practicum course in order to be eligible to enter the second year field practicum. S/U grades are given for the concentration practicum.

Part Time Status
Students who enter the program as part-time students complete the foundation year in two years and the concentration course work in an additional two years. All students must complete the M.S.W. in four years.

Career Outlook

The bachelor of social work program prepares persons for entry-level employment in social welfare agencies, schools, hospitals, correctional institutions, social action and community organizations, and day care, geriatric, or rehabilitation and residential centers. The master of social work program prepares professionals for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Individuals currently working in social welfare can develop skills and increase employment and job advancement opportunities with the B.S.W. and M.S.W. degrees.  

Course Descriptions

Students who have earned 24 or more semester hours of credit at any accredited post-secondary institutions(s) before the start of the fall 2002 semester must meet the general education requirements stipulated in the UMSL 2001-2002 Bulletin.  The following social work courses fulfill the Social Sciences breadth of study requirements as described in that Bulletin:
2000, 2200, 3100, 3510, 3210, 4602, 3900, 3700, 4601, 4900, 4950, 5700

2000 Social Work and Social Problems (3)
Prerequisites: SOC 1010 or PSYCH 1003. Examination of the network of social programs and services developed in response to social problems in modern urban communities and the various roles and functions performed by helping professions.  Introduction to basic values, skills, and training involved in a helping relationship, as well as characteristics of clients seeking help and professional engaged in the helping process.

2102 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies (3)
Same as HIST 2102, SOC 2102 and WGST 2102. This core class is required for all Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate earners. This class introduces students to cultural, political and historical issues that shape gender.  Through a variety of disciplinary perspectives in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, the course familiarizes students with diverse female and male experiences and gendered power relationships.

2200 Social Welfare as a Social Institution (3)
Prerequisite: SOC WK 2000 or consent of instructor. A study of the: 1) development of social welfare services and the philosophy underlying the present practices and systems; 2) present social welfare programs with particular emphasis given to public income-maintenance provisions; 3) special welfare needs of blacks, aged, women, Hispanics, and Native Americans; and 4) the development of social work as a profession. This course may be taken by non-social work majors.

2201 Social Welfare as a Social Institution Laboratory (1)
Prerequisites: Simultaneous with SOC WK 2200. The lab session will be used for field trips to social agencies. This course is required for all Social Work majors.

2330 Asians in Migration (3)
Prerequisites: None. This course is a comparative analysis of the social and cultural diversity of the peoples of East, South, and Southeast Asia. Study focuses on their reasons for migration and the extent and quality of the social and cultural connections they maintain to their homelands. Implications of these cultures for students in a variety of disciplines are explored. This course satisfies the cultural diversity requirement.

3100 Introduction to Interventive Strategies for Social Work Practice (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 2200, SOC 1010 and PSYCH 1003, or permission of instructor. A presentation of basic knowledge, skills, and theory used for entry-level professional practice, such as problem assessment, interviewing skills, crisis intervention, and referral procedures. The course objectives also will be to teach students how to help clients negotiate systems effectively, and to use resources, services, and opportunities.

3210 Social Issues and Social Policy Development (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 2200, POL SCI 1100, and ECON 1000. The identification of issues concerning governmental provisions to meet contemporary social needs, with analysis of the principles and values underlying alternative solutions. A study of the processes by which citizen opinions and public policies evolve and are implemented in areas such as income maintenance, crime and delinquency, employment, family and child welfare, and public mental health.

3410 Research Design in Social Work (3)
Prerequisites: Satisfaction of Math Proficiency requirement and either SOC 3220, CRIMIN 2220, or PSYCH 2201. Students explore research concepts and procedures (hypothesis testing, sampling, measurement, and design) emphasizing issues in social work research. Students learn to collect, analyze and present data.

3510 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 1012 and SOC 2160 or PSYCH 2160 or permission of instructor. This course will focus on the normative stages in the life span, specifically how human development is affected by the physical environment and social status characteristics. Empirical information and theoretical views on human development will be included. Human development will be viewed as a complex interaction of individual developmental stages with family, social, and community systems.

3700 Diversity and Social Justice (3)
(Same as WGST 3700). Prerequisite: SOC 1010 or equivalent. Analyzes the structure, dynamics, and consequences of social and economic injustice, and the impact on diverse groups in American society. Examines theoretical models and practice principles for work with diverse groups.

4110 Interventive Strategies for Social Work with Individuals, Families, and Groups (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 3100, and SOC WK 3510. This course continues the presentation of basic knowledge and practice skills for entry level professional practice begun in SOC WK 3100. It builds on the generalized helping model, incorporating specialized skills for working with specific groups of clients (e.g., children, aged, mentally ill, and physically handicapped), with families and small groups.

4300 Interventive Strategies for Social Work with Organizations and Communities (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 3210 taken prior to or concurrently, senior standing. Continuation of basic practice skills with emphasis given to analysis and intervention at the organization and community levels. Includes assessment of available services, organization of client groups, efforts to modify resources for a client group unable to intervene effectively on its own behalf. Also emphasis on helping the practitioner evaluate the impact of intervention.

4376 Mental Health and Aging (3)
Same as GERON and PSYCH 4376. Prerequisites:  9 hours of psychology, graduate standing, or consent of instructor (MSW students normally take all foundation courses prior to enrolling in this course.) A survey of recent theory and research in mental health issues for older populations. The primary focus is on major Psychological disorders prevalent among the elderly and in treatment approaches for elders.

4398 Child Maltreatment: A Multidisciplinary Approach (3)
Same as PSYCH 4398. Focuses on clinical aspects of child abuse with attention to identification, reporting, intervention, and prevention. Perspectives from the disciplines of Psychology and social work are provided.

4399 Seminar: Child Sexual Abuse (1)
Same as PSYCH 4399. Provides intensive study in interviewing, legal issues, assessment, medical issues, and therapeutic intervention in cases of child sexual abuse.

4601 Abused and Neglected Children (3)
Prerequisite: SOC WK 3510 or equivalent. This course explores the major concepts necessary for understanding abused and neglected children and their families. Emphasis is placed on (1) defining the problem, including societal stresses which contribute to the abuse and neglect; (2) examining existing practice methods; and (3) understanding the role of the social worker on interdisciplinary teams.

4602 Child Welfare Practicum Seminar (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 4800, and consent of instructor. This seminar allows students to integrate previous course work with their experience in child welfare agencies. Classroom discussion will emphasize core competencies needed for child welfare practice.

4610 Domestic Violence: Theory, Problems & Practice (3)
Same as WGST 4610.  Prerequisites: SOC WK 3510 Focuses on theoretical and empirical understanding of domestic violence in US society and social work practice with battered women and their families.  This course addresses direct services, community organizing, and public policy changes to help end violence against women. Relationships between violence against women and other forms of oppression (e.g., racism, economic exploitation, heterosexism and social class) are explored.

4620 Addictions: Assessment and Intervention in Social Work Practice (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 4110 or SOC WK 5100 or equivalent (or are taking concurrently), or consent of instructor.  This class examines the interface of psychological, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of addiction.  This practice class is designed to deepen students’ abilities to address clients’ issues related to addiction and addictive behaviors, including: prevention, assessment, and intervention. It builds on the generalized helping model within systems perspective, and it introduces specialized skills for working with individuals, with specific groups of clients, with families, and with small groups. 

4650 Forensic Issues in Mental Health (3)
Same as CRIMIN 4650. This is an intensive course, investigating the intersection between the legal system and mental health.  Students will explore issues involved in civil and criminal trial proceedings such as insanity defenses, diminished capacity, and competency to stand trial, civil commitment, battered women and rape trauma syndrome, sexual abuse of children, child custody, and domestic violence.  In addition, the course will examine the roles of mental health practitioners as forensic evaluators, trial consultants, and expert witnesses in a variety of mental health related cases.

4655 Health and Mental Health of Racial and Ethnic Minorities (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 3700 or equivalent and graduate standing or approval of the instructor.  This course explores the major health and mental health conditions that adversely affect the well-being and social functioning of racial and ethnic minorities.  The course will explore the assessment of health and mental health conditions among varying minority groups, the availability of services to treat these conditions, the accessibility of services, and the quality of care provided to these groups.  Traditional barriers to care will be explored including cost of care, societal stigma, client fears, and language differences.  The course will also help students develop culturally competent approaches to working with racial and ethnic minorities that are individualized to a target population.

4800 Supervised Field Experience in Social Work I (4)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 4110 must be taken prior to or concurrently, SOC WK 4801 must be taken concurrently, consent of instructor. This course provides students practice experience in social service agencies. Students work at the agencies approximately 20 hours per week. The purpose of this experience is to familiarize students with agency operations. Selection of the agency is based on student education needs.

4801 Integrative Field Experience Seminar I (2)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and concurrent registration in SOC WK 4800. This seminar provides an opportunity for students to integrate previous course work with their experience in social work agencies. Classroom discussion will emphasize direct practice issues.

4850 Supervised Field Experience in Social Work II (4)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 4800, SOC WK 4801, and consent of instructor. This is a continuation of agency practice experience. Students work at the agency approximately 20 hours per week and may continue at the same agency as SOC WK 4801, or change agencies with the consent of the instructor.

4851 Integrative Field Experience Seminar II (2)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and concurrent registration in SOC WK 4850. This seminar is a continuation of   SOC WK 4801. Classroom discussion will emphasize administration and community organization issues.

4900 Special Study (1-10)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Independent study through advanced readings in method and philosophy on a topic of particular interest, or field research in an agency.

4911 Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Staff Management Issues (1)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing.  Same as POL SCI 4911 and P P ADM 4911. This course addresses issues involved in managing staff in nonprofit organizations. The course will cover the following topics: fundamentals of staff supervision; balancing supervisory processes with counseling and coaching; selecting, hiring, evaluating, and terminating staff; legal issues that affect these processes.

4912 Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Legal Issues in Governing and Managing Nonprofit Organizations (1)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Same as POL SCI 4912 and P P ADM 4912. This course addresses legal issues involved in managing and governing nonprofit organizations. The course will cover the following topics: The Board as steward of the organization; Director and officer liability; tax laws concerning charitable giving; legal issues in managing staff and volunteers (e.g., hiring, evaluating, and terminating employees); Missouri nonprofit law.

4913 Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Financial Issues (1)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing.  Same as POL SCI 4913 and P P ADM 4913. This course addresses financial issues involved in governing and managing nonprofit organizations. The course will cover the following topics: Cash flow analysis; budgeting; fund accounting; cost accounting (determining costs for programs and services); understanding and using standard financial statements, including balance sheets, cash flow statements, statements of activity, and operating and capital budgets.

4940 Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations (3)
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Same as P P ADM 4940, POL SCI 4940, SOC 4940.  Addresses the role and scope of the independent sector in the United States, as well as the leadership and management of nonprofit organizations within that sector. Topics include the economic and political scope of the independent sector, the role of volunteerism in a democratic society, and the role and scope of philanthropy. Topics in voluntary organization management and leadership include: the dynamics, functions and membership structure of NPOs, especially staff-board and other volunteer relations; governance and management of NPOs; resource mobilization; and program development management and evaluation.

4950 Seminar in Social Work Issues (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. A variable-credit course examining current and future considerations in designing and implementing social work service and delivery arrangements. Issues will be selected according to interests of the class. Course may be taken more than once for credit as different topics are offered.

4960 American Philanthropy and Nonprofit Resources Development (3)
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Same as POL SCI 4960 and P P ADM 4960. This course addresses the history, philosophy, roles and scope of philanthropy in the United States, including its role in the nonprofit, voluntary sector. It further examines the contemporary forces which impact philanthropy and charitable giving, both by institutions and individuals. The course examines the effective planning and management of development programs (e.g., annual giving), fund raising vehicles (e.g., mail solicitations) and the fund raising process, from planning through donor relations.

5100 Generalist Social Work Practice (3)
Prerequisite: SOC WK 4110 or equivalent or admission to the MSW program. Using a problem-solving approach, students develop theoretical and empirical understanding and practical application of generalist social work methods. Students gain knowledge and skills that include interviewing, assessment, crisis and short-term intervention, contracting, resource development, and case documentation needed for competent direct practice with diverse populations.

5200 Social Policy and Social Services (3)
Prerequisite: SOC WK 3210 or POL SCI 2420 or POL SCI 3460 or equivalent or admission to the MSW program. Covers the history and development of social welfare policies, legislative processes, and existing social welfare programs. Examines frameworks for social policy analysis, analyzes how social and economic conditions impact the process of social policy development and implementation, and introduces policy practice in social work.

5300 Community Practice and Social Change (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 4300 or SOC 4344 or equivalent or admission to the MSW program. Focuses on economic, social, and political theory and research on communities and social change. Examines conceptual models of community practice within the generalist model and develops skills in organizing, advocacy, and planning.

5350 Social Work and Human Service Organizations (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 3510 and 4300 or PSYCH 3318 or 3611 or equivalent or admission to the MSW program. Students develop theoretical and empirical understanding of groups and organizations, including concepts such as power and authority, structure, goals, membership, leadership, motivation, technology and organizational culture. Using organizations as settings for social work practice and as targets for change, students learn strategies and skills for assessment and intervention.

5410 Social Work Research Methods and Analysis I (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 3410 or SOC 3230 and 3231 or equivalent and SOC 3220 or equivalent or admission to the MSW program. The first of a two-course sequence designed to provide students with the knowledge base and skills for using scientific method to advance social practice, knowledge and theory. Focuses on research methods at different levels (e.g., individual, group, organization, and community). Covers quantitative and qualitative methods, research design, sampling, measurement, use of results, impact of research, and ethical considerations.

5450 Social Work Research Methods and Analysis II (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5410 or equivalent. Advanced course, focusing on analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to advance social work practice, knowledge and theory. Students learn to use and interpret various statistical procedures for analyzing quantitative data, including bivariate and multivariate analysis, and content and statistical analysis for qualitative data. Students apply these analytic techniques to social work case material using computer software applications.

5500 Foundations of Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3)
Same as WGST 5500. Prerequisites: SOC WK 3150 or equivalent or admission to the MSW program. Focuses on theoretical and empirical understanding of human behavior in the social environment using a life-span perspective. Introduces biological, behavioral, cognitive, and sociocultural theories of individuals, families, and small groups, and their implications for the professional social worker's understanding of socioeconomic status, gender, disability, ethnicity, race, and sexual orientation.

5610 Mechanisms of Aging I: The Aging Body (1)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and BIOL 1102 or equivalent. (Same as GERON 5610 and PSYCH 5610).  (MSW Students normally take all foundation courses prior to enrolling in this course.)  Introduces students with a social sciences/humanities background to the normal changes in the biology and chemistry of the aging human body and how these changes affect behavior.

5611 Mechanisms of Aging II: The Aging Brain (1)
Prerequisites:  SOC WK 5610, GERON 5610, PSYCH 5610 or equivalent or consent of instructor.  (Same as GERON 5611 and PSYCH 5611). (MSW students normally take all foundation courses prior to enrolling in this course.) Provides students with a social sciences/humanities background a basic introduction to the biology and chemistry of the aging human brain and nervous system and how these systems impact behavior.

5612 Mechanisms of Aging III: Diseases of Aging (1)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5610 and SOC WK 5611 or GERON 5610 and GERON 5611 or PSYCH 5610 and PSYCH 5611 or equivalent or consent of instructor.  (Same as GERON 5612 and PSYCH 5612).  (MSW students normally take all foundation  courses prior to enrolling in this course.) Provides students with a social sciences/humanities background with information on how diseases associated with aging  exacerbate the effects of aging on the human body, mind, and behavior.

5620 Dying, Grief & Death in Older Adulthood (3)

Same as GERON 5620. Prerequisites: Six hours of graduate level gerontology, psychology, counseling and/or social work coursework, or special approval from the instructor.  Undergraduates in their senior year may also request approval for entry from the Director of Gerontology.  For those planning to work with older adults in counseling, healthcare, hospice, and/or community support settings. Will examine trajectories to death in older age, the dying process, influences of medical and aging-related conditions, euthanasia and suicide, life extension and longevity, personal beliefs and existential responses, how individuals and families cope, ethical concerns, strategies for supportive intervention. Topics are addressed from clinical, supportive care, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

5700 Diversity, Social Justice & Social Work Practice (3)
Same as WGST 5700. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.  Analyzes the structure, dynamics, and consequences of social and economic injustice, and the impact on diverse groups in American society. Examines theoretical models and practice principles for work with diverse groups.

5800 Graduate Field Practicum I (2-4)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Provides integrative field experience in generalist social work practice. May be taken for 2 or 4 credit hours depending on time in agency during semester; 75 contact hours =1 credit hour. May be repeated once. A maximum of 4 credit hours will apply to the M.S.W. degree.

5801 Foundation Field Practicum Seminar (2)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Integrates academic content from foundation course work and experiential learning in field placements. Goals are to conceptualize the problem solving process in field practice, synthesize theory into a social work approach that encourages creative use of self, and underscore ethics and service to diverse groups in practice.

6100 Theory and Practice with Children and Youth (3)
Prerequisite: SOC WK 5100 or equivalent or consent of instructor and graduate standing. Examines theory and empirically-based assessment and intervention models for work with children and adolescents. The effects of family, peers, and societal context (e.g., poverty, racism) will be stressed in understanding youth problems such as drug abuse, academic failure, delinquency, adolescent pregnancy, and gang participation. The course will emphasize a multi-disciplinary approach using inter-agency collaboration and negotiation skills.

6120 Theory and Practice with Older Adults (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5410 or equivalent. (MSW students normally take all foundation courses prior to enrolling in this course.) Examines theory and empirically-based assessment and intervention models for work with the elderly. It includes the life circumstances of older adults and how that differs from younger adult populations; how ethnicity, gender, social class, and sexual orientation interact with age and create special intervention issues; discussion of ethical and value issues (e.g., client autonomy, rationing of health care); examination of family and community resources in providing care, and interventions with physically or mentally disabled elders and elders in residential settings.

6150 Theory and Practice with Families (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5100 or equivalent, graduate standing and departmental approval. Examines theoretical approaches to social work with families, including the impact of the social environment. Skills will include assessment, and multidisciplinary intervention with multi-problem families. Special emphasis will be given to poverty, chemical dependency, intra-familial violence, physical and mental illnesses, and working with family members of diverse cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, races, sexual orientation, and ability. Values and ethics will be emphasized.

6160 Advanced Interventive Strategies Across the Life Span (3)
Prerequisites:  SOC WK 5100 or equivalent or consent of instructor.  Examines theory and empirically-based assessment and intervention strategies for diverse populations across the life span.  Students will gain basic mastery of behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, brief therapeutic and supportive psychotherapeutic techniques and their appropriate use with children, adolescents, and young, middle, and older adults.  The course will also consider the effects of family, peers and societal context (e.g., poverty, racism, and ageism) in understanding psycho-social stressors particular to each life era, including academic failure and delinquency, substance abuse, physical and mental illness, family disruption and instability, and grief and loss issues.

6200 Family Policy (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5200 or equivalent or consent of instructor and graduate standing. Same as POL SCI 6416 and SOC 6200. Examines policy development, implementation and impact of social policies on children, youth, and families. International, focus, including topics such as economic support, health national, and state policies that affect basic family needs will be the care, child care and protection, and child and youth development. Intended and unintended consequences of existing policies on the family will be examined as well as future policy directions.

6250 Social and Economic Development Policy (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5200 or equivalent or consent of instructor and graduate standing.  Same as POL SCI 6418. Examines major trends and alternatives in social and economic development policy and practice in state, national, and international perspectives. Students will develop skills in policy analysis and development.

6400 Practice and Program Evaluation (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5410 and 5450 or equivalent or consent of instructor and graduate standing. Provides specialized knowledge in the use of qualitative and quantitative research skills to evaluate the effectiveness of social work practice. Topics will include single system design, group designs, and program evaluation. Students will design and conduct a research project associated with their advanced social work practicum. Results will be presented to the class and the agency. Value and ethical issues, particularly those relevant to client race and gender, will be emphasized as students develop and conduct their research.

6443 Health Care Policy (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Same as POL SCI 6443, GERON 6443 and P P ADM 6430.  (MSW students will normally take the social policy foundation course prior to enrolling in this course.) Survey course examining current issues in health policy that face the nation. Policies are placed in a historical context to show how issues have been influenced by different political and economic conditions. Secondary consequences and limitations of current trends in health policy are explored.

6449 Human Resources in the Public Sector (3)
Prerequisites: P P ADM 6600 or consent of instructor. Same as POL SCI 6449 and P P ADM 6490. Presents an overview of personnel and labor relations in the public sector. Particular emphasis placed on issues which are unique to the public sector, such as the merit system, the questions of representative bureaucracy and the constraints of personnel in the nonprofit sector. The topics include personnel reforms in the federal sector, equal employment and affirmative action policies, testing, selection, hiring, comparable worth, job evaluation, and labor relations including grievance arbitration and collective bargaining.

6491 Strategic and Program Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Same as POL SCI 6490 and P P ADM 6550. Strategic and program planning enable an organization to concentrate on efforts and set priorities guided by a mission, vision, and an understanding of its environment. Focus is on preparing a strategic plan and a program plan for a nonprofit organization and analyzing an organization's ability to deliver goods and/or services to its constituents in today's economic, social and political climate.

6630 Diagnosis and Related Pharmacology for Social Work Practice (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5100 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Designed for social work students, course will provide overview of development and treatment of selected mental health disorders classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In particular, course will examine, from a systems perspective, psychological and neuropsychological etiologies of mood, psychotic, personality, and other disorders and their preferred pharmacological treatment.

6640 School Social Work (3)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5100 or equivalent or graduate standing and consent of instructor. Examines role of social worker in school settings and includes work with youth, families, and communities in relation to the child or adolescent's functioning in school.

6650 Gerontological Assessment (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.  This course provides an overview of psychosocial assessment with older adults and their family caregivers.  Major areas of gerontological assessment practice are considered, including dementia, mood disorders, suicide, grief, alcoholism, elder abuse/neglect, family caregiving, and interdisciplinary team issues.

6800 Graduate Field Practicum II (2-6)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 5801 and SOC WK 5800. Provides integrative field experience in students' graduate social work practice concentration. May be taken for 2 to 6 hours' credit depending on time in agency during semester; 55 contact hours=1 credit hour. May be repeated once and/or taken concurrently with SOC WK 6850.

6850 Graduate Field Practicum III (2-6)
Prerequisites: SOC WK 6800. Provides advanced integrative field experience in students' graduate social work practice concentration. May be taken for 2 to 6 hours' credit depending on time in agency during semester; 55 contact hours=1 credit hour. May be repeated once and/or taken concurrently with SOC WK 6800.

6900 Directed Study in Professional Social Work (1-10)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Independent graduate-level study on a topic of particular interest through readings, reports, and field work under faculty supervision.

6950 Advanced Seminar in Professional Social Work (1-3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Focused study on selected issues, concepts, and methods of  professional social work practice. May be taken more than once for credit provided the course topic is different each time.