Masters Desgree

Course Descriptions

SW 500 - Values and Ethics: An Orientation to the Philosophy of Social Work
Explores value dimensions of social work, ethical decision-making, and alternatives to western cultural values and practices with a focus on the possibilities and limitations inherent in any system of values.
SW 530 - Social Welfare Policy and Services
Examines economic, historical, political, and socio-cultural aspects of social welfare policy; values and ideologies that shape social welfare policy, programs and services; policy formation, advocacy and analysis.
SW 540 - Generalist Social Work Practice
Applies knowledge and skills for advanced generalist practice guided by the values of social justice and empowerment. Includes a skill-building lab.
SW 541 - Social Work Practice in Native American Communities
Builds understanding of the spiritual, historical, and cultural variables affecting the well being of Native American communities. Includes a lab for learning culturally relevant skills.
SW 550 - Human Development, Diversity & Relationships: Change through the Life Course
Theories in human relations and development in the context of shifting paradigms and meaning for daily life experiences. Indigenous and other cultural ways of knowing.
SW 555 - Foundation Internship/Seminar
Opportunity to engage in a community setting to establish generalist social work practice knowledge and skills, guided by personal and professional values of social justice. Emphasis is on engagement with multiple levels of service to benefit people and their environment. 480 hours minimum, concurrent model.
SW 570 - Dynamics of Groups, Agencies, Organizations and Communities
Theories in development and dynamics of larger social systems. Explores role of social worker as an integral part. Emphasizes diversity, indigenous cultures, and social justice.
SW 582 - Methods of Social Work Research
Explores the philosophical, ethical, theoretical and political aspects and methodologies of research, including implications for practice and policy, particularly on rural, indigenous and impoverished communities.
SW 630 - Legal and Political Social Work
Examines current law and/or policy that promotes or inhibits societal development. Explores ways in which community involvement can lead to the realization of social justice.
SW 640 - Advanced Practice in Child Welfare and Indian Child Welfare
Examines Child Welfare policies and practices from historical, political, cultural and economic contexts. Emphasizes conceptual and interact ional skill building for improving services to impoverished rural families.
SW 641 - Advanced Practice in Mental Health
Presents philosophy and theories in mental health practice. Skills and methods in assessment, intervention and prevention in multi-level practice as they related to diversity.
SW 642 - Advanced Practice in Problematic Substance Use
Provides knowledge and theories that explore substance abuse problems, and skills for prevention and treatment. Addresses social policies and the prevalence of substance abuse within diverse groups of people.
SW 643 - Community Work
Prepares students to engage in practice focused on working with community and social systems to support individual, family and community well being with an emphasis on community mobilization and participation.
SW 644 - Advanced Practice in Public, Private, and Tribal Organizations
Emphasizes principles and methods of social work practice for organizational planning, administration, and management. Students develop knowledge, values, and skills for intra- and inter-agency capacity building.
SW 655 - Advanced Internship/Seminar
Opportunity to demonstrate advanced generalist skills, knowledge, and values within a community based setting to promote social, economic, and environmental justice. 480 hours, Concurrent model.
SW 680 - Special Topics in Advanced Social Work Practice
Selected topics.
SW 687 - Capstone Seminar
Culminating experience of MSW studies designed to unite curriculum areas with each student's evolving and unique style of practice. Includes development and presentation of a portfolio.
SW 699 - Independent Study
Directed study of problem/issues or special theoretical analytical concerns.