NGO Education Survey

MSW 702 Social Welfare and Public Policy

This foundational (generalist I) course is an introduction to social welfare and public policy. The course will introduce the social welfare institution with an emphasis on understanding the historical development of social welfare as a response to human need, social welfare services, the philosophical base of social welfare, and the role of social work in service delivery. This course will also help students understand the role of social work practitioners in shaping public policy and policies in social service agencies within the United States.

MSW 711 Ethics Across Social Work Practice

This is a generalist II practice course that introduces students to ethics and moral decision making related to the field of social work. Students will develop theoretical, conceptual, and practical understanding of ethics through discussions, activities, and assignments. The course will address the history of ethics in social work practice, the NASW Code of Ethics, and current ethical issues in direct and Chair macro practice. Specific concepts such as human dignity, cultural humility, stigma, and modern technology will be explored. The course will also include briefings on broad areas of ethics including healthcare, public health, global bioethics, and human rights will also occur.

MSW 712 Integrated Health Seminar

The Sister Richard S. Guerin Integrated Health Seminar is a required course for students in the Carlow University Underserved and Rural Engagement (CURE) Fellowship. MSW students not in the fellowship program are welcome to take this course as an elective. The purpose of the seminar is to familiarize students with essential skills for working in the field of integrated healthcare and allow students to begin developing these skills. The seminar integrates direct practice integrated healthcare theories, concepts, skills, and knowledge to be applied to the students’ field learning experiences. This seminar is designed to promote collaboration between disciplines and prepare students for work in interprofessional healthcare settings.

MSW 713 Emerging Trends in Healthcare Social Work

Today’s healthcare environments are complex systems in which social workers are core members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams who possess the bio-psycho-social expertise to bridge the gaps between healthcare systems, individuals, families, groups, and communities. This course will foster knowledge about social work practice in healthcare from both direct practice and macro perspectives as well as develop the skills necessary for practice in healthcare. Students will explore the intersections between health, behavioral health, social work, and the other professional disciplines that work collaboratively in today’s healthcare system to gain an appreciation for the value of an integrated approach to care. In this course, students will learn about the foundations of healthcare and social work, social work roles in healthcare, the impact of illness on individuals, families, and communities, the cultural context of health and illness, and cultivate skills related to health literacy, patient advocacy, care coordination, healthcare ethics, medical decision making, and health advocacy

MSW 714 Human Behavior in the Social Environment

This foundational (generalist I) course focused on human behavior as understood through the interplay of psychological, biological, and social dimensions of human development. The life cycle of individuals is reviewed in the context of families, groups, and larger social systems including the cultural, social, and physical environment. This knowledge is useful to social workers and other practitioners in dealing with problem situations, whether created by individuals or by environmental factors. The course explores theoretical perspectives in a holistic approach grounded in the liberal arts. This course requires an in-depth case study analysis in which students demonstrate integrative knowledge and critical thinking in their application of the theories within the multidimensional perspective.

MSW 715 Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Humility

This generalist I course is designed to increase students’ awareness, knowledge, and skills related to diversity and cultural humility, including race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability status, and the intersections between and among these social identity groups. Students will learn to promote social work values, including anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all levels of practice including micro, mezzo, and macro. Additionally, students will learn essential skills needed to successfully work with underrepresented groups and cultures to appropriately provide services. The goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of practical social work approaches to diverse populations. Coursework ensures the consideration of diversity in decision 104 making through personal reflection and growth. Students will develop: A critical understanding of the role of culture and difference in the delivery of human service; A critical understanding of the varied and diverse makeup of communities and their citizens who engage with human services, and Cultural humility skills necessary for working as a professional social worker to dismantle oppressive practices.

MSW 716 Human Behavior in the Macro Environment

This generalist I course explores human behavior in groups, organizations, and communities to achieve an in-depth theoretical, conceptual, and practical understanding of the workings of the macro social environment. Students take an active role in their learning through engagement with a community, organization, and group. An ecosystem perspective is combined with sociology and group psychology theories that promote a working knowledge of the operation and interrelatedness of macro systems and human behavior. Primary consideration is given to concepts of empowerment, diversity, populations-at-risk, and the promotion of social and economic justice at the local, national, and global levels.

MSW 718 Social Work with Aging Populations

This elective course provides the knowledge base and context to teach students how to provide evidence-based social work practice with older populations. Theoretical approaches, biopsychosocial/spiritual assessments, cultural competence with diverse aged populations, assessing risk factors, legal and ethical considerations, chronic illness and disability, long term care planning, loss and bereavement, advanced care planning and end-of-life issues for best practice will be covered. Practice, planning and management from the micro and mezzo perspective will be covered as well as advocacy and policy from the macro perspective.

MSW 719 Applied Assessment in Crisis Response

This elective course focuses on issues related to traumatic, crisis-related, mass casualty events, and disaster- related incidents. Covered in this course are various types of critical events that behavioral health practitioners may encounter while working with individuals in crisis, however, we will also look at these incidents from a systems lens. Clinical assessment and treatment will be reviewed with an emphasis upon a general understanding of the techniques to modify, manage, and cope with traumatic events and human reactions to them.

MSW 720 Multidimensional Assessment and Methods

This generalist II practice course is designed to introduce MSW students to frameworks for treatment, therapeutic modalities, specialized clinical, organizational and community issues. Topics covered include social work values, multidimensional assessment, contemporary theories of social work as they relate to practice with diverse client systems, organizations, and communities. Students will gain knowledge and skills related to the theories behind various methods and techniques and continue to build upon them as lifelong learning takes place. In addition, virtual skill-building sessions are included as a key component of the course for students to practice various aspects of knowledge.

MSW 721 Human Services Management and Grant Writing

This advanced practice course is designed to prepare advanced generalist practitioners to assume middle management leadership positions and engage in the facilitation of change in contemporary human service practice. As outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers’ ethical responsibilities in practice settings include the use of supervision and consultation to enhance professional practice, administration within and outside of agencies to advocate for adequate resources to meet clients’ needs, and the assurance that social workers are diligent stewards of the resources of their employing organizations. The course introduces the processes and practices involved in organizational management, program advocacy, and grant writing. Human Services Management and Grant Writing is a course to develop the skills necessary to develop a funding grant proposal and to integrate the administrative responsibilities while working with non-profits and government agencies. This course is required for MSW students in the macro practice specialization and is an elective option for students in other specializations.

MSW 722 Mental Health: The Art of Diagnosis

This advanced practice course enhances student’s understanding of mental health and diagnosis as related to the social work profession. 105 The treatment of mental illness throughout history to the present day will be explored and students will learn about the cultural, psychosocial, and life experiences of those with mental illnesses and other diagnosable behaviors. Students will learn about conditions such as Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum and other Psychotic Disorders, Bi-polar Disorders, Trauma and Stress Related Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders, Personality Disorders and Autism Spectrum and other disorders of childhood. Students will learn about the DSM, the process of diagnosis and be able to apply this process in practice. This course is required for MSW students in the direct practice specialization and is an elective option for students in other specializations. This course is required for MSW students in the direct practice specialization and is an elective option for students in other specializations.

MSW 723 Applied Research: Assessment and Evaluation

This generalist II course is a required course for all graduate social work students, whether they are preparing for a career in direct practice, macro practice, or school social work. Scientific methods and principles of logic will be applied to assessment and evaluation of social work practice at the individual, family, and group levels, as well as social work programs serving larger populations. Students will learn about the purpose and types of case and program evaluation. They will learn how to select measures and evaluation designs based on their appropriateness for case and program applications. They will develop practice or program evaluation designs based on their desired specialization.

MSW 724 Strength-Based Leadership

This generalist II practice course is designed to prepare graduate level students for careers in team-based settings and leadership positions. This course focuses on self-reflection as a tool for students to examine their motivations, challenge their biases, and learn how to leverage their strengths when serving in the capacity of a social worker. In addition to self-reflection, this course informs students on transformational leadership practices and skills, clinical supervision, and feminist topics to create added value to their leadership style when serving as leaders in practice settings.

MSW 725 Treatment Approaches in Direct Practice

This advanced practice course examines an array of treatment approaches to provide a foundation for direct social work practice. It includes models based on Mindfulness/Person Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Trauma-Informed and other trauma focused treatment approaches with individuals, groups, and communities. Students will apply and practice assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills using these approaches, while comparing and contrasting their applications. This course is required for MSW students in the direct practice specialization and may be an elective option for students in other specializations.

MSW 726 Advocacy Practice for Social Justice

This advanced practice course examines selected historical phenomena to better understand future prospects. The course assists students in developing the repertoire of macro knowledge, skills, and values needed to analyze and assess social policies and political systems as they relate to client welfare. The course teaches students how to formulate macro interventions, advocate for, and work collaboratively in change and capacity building processes within organizations and communities, and to influence social policies and the political processes that affect the everyday lives and opportunities of clients. In addition, the course seeks to deepen students' understanding of distributive justice, human and civil rights, and the dynamics of oppression as well as the saliency of advocacy and social change action in pursuit of social and economic justice through responsible policy and political practice. This course is required for MSW students in the macro practice specialization and is an elective option for students in other specializations.

MSW 727 Complex Trauma

This advanced practice course is designed to introduce the graduate student to the field of complex trauma. Topics covered include the brain and trauma, veteran and service-related trauma, living in captivity, women and trauma, and the diagnosis and treatment of complex trauma. Students will learn skills about engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation for people who have complex trauma. This course is required for MSW students in the direct practice specialization and is an elective option for students in other specializations.

MSW 729 Housing and Social Welfare Policy in the United States

This graduate-level elective course focuses on housing as a crucial topic in US social welfare policy. Students will examine contemporary housing crises, including housing insecurity, housing cost burden, and lack of adequate, affordable housing. They will examine the centrality of housing to access to supports and resources (such as jobs, education, transportation, and health care) and disparities in wealth and health. Students will analyze and critique contemporary US policy responses to these crises.

MSW 730 Generalist Field Placement

Also referred to as Field Placement I, this course requires a supervised field placement in a selected human service agency that allows the student to apply theory, methods, and values in micro, mezzo, and macro practice in pursuit of mastery of knowledge, skills, and values of professional social work.

MSW 731 Generalist Field Seminar

Also referred to as Field Seminar I, this is a generalist seminar designed to bring MSW students together in a group setting to help integrate the field experience with practice skills and theories. This course prepares students to apply practice theories, models, and ethical principles in a specific social service delivery system. Emphasis is placed on promoting competence through strength-based, culturally competent, ethically grounded, trauma informed generalist practice.

MSW 732 MSW Field Placement II

This course requires a supervised field placement in a selected human service agency that allows the student to apply theory, methods, and values in their selected area of specialization.

MSW 733 MSW Field Seminar II

This is a seminar designed to bring students together in a group setting to help integrate the field experience with practice skills and theories with specific focus on each student’s selected area of specialization.

MSW 734 MSW Field Placement III

This advanced practice course requires a supervised field placement in a selected human service agency that allows the student to apply theory, methods, and values in their selected area of specialization.

MSW 735 MSW Field Seminar III

This is an advanced practice seminar designed to bring students together in a group setting to help integrate the field experience with practice skills and theories with specific focus on each student’s selected area of specialization.

MSW 736 Advanced Practice Colloquium

This generalist II practice course is taken in the final semester of the MSW program and focuses on student development of an integrative, professional orientation that links overall classroom learning and field learning to social work licensure and employment. This is a colloquium style course that also continues to address cutting edge issues, evidence supported practices and trauma informed approaches that are relevant to all areas of social work from micro to macro. While this is a generalist course, it is completed after MSW students have completed various specialization courses including specialization field hours so that students have a final classroom experience to consider their selected area of specialized practice through the lens of generalist reflections to ensure there is a bridge of knowledge than spans from generalist practice to areas of specialized practice.

MSW 740 Law for Social Workers

This course examines foundational concepts and practices of the legal system in the United States, as well as specific substantive areas of law that affect social workers in their practice. The course will assist social work students in understanding and practicing their role within the legal system and researching laws relevant to their intended areas of practice.

MSW 741 Social Work in Schools

This advanced practice course offers an orientation to social work practice in schools. Students will become familiar with traditional and changing roles and practices of social workers in schools, as well as with larger systemic trends, such as the movement toward schoollinked services and education reform. The course addresses prevention and intervention methods with children and youth at risk for school failure, as well as other behavioral and mental health problems. This course presents knowledge and skills for critically analyzing educational programs and policies for preschool, elementary, and secondary schools functioning under public and private auspices. This course is required for MSW students in the school social work specialization and is an elective option for students in other specializations.

MSW 750 MSW Colloquium: Ethics

This is an MSW elective taught by multiple MSW faculty members and designed to facilitate ethical contemplation as it relates to specific aspects of social work practice. Students will explore various ethically complex topics, examine their ethical implications, and analyze approaches to intervention using the NASW Code of Ethics and ethical frameworks designed specifically for social workers. Examples of topics covered in this 8-week course may include crisis response, eating disorders, urban gentrification, the aging LGBTQ Community, and Alzheimer’s disease.

MSW 752 Trauma-Informed Community Practice

This course prepares graduate social work students to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate practice at the community-level using a trauma-informed perspective. While trauma-informed care is widely used and recognized in work with individuals, families, and groups, it is equally important for work with larger systems, particularly communities that have experienced historic or contemporary trauma. Addressing community-wide trauma is an essential step for communities pursuing strategies of community building and economic development. This course emphasizes evidence-based strategies in community social and economic development, including models used in the United States and in the global south, in urban and rural contexts. This course is required for MSW students in the macro practice specialization and is an elective option for students in other specializations.

College: Carlow University

Department: College of Arts & Sciences Department of Social Work

Courses:

MSW 700 The Foundations of Generalist Practice

This is a foundational (generalist I) course that students must take in the first semester of the MSW Program. It is designed to provide social work foundation knowledge for working with individuals, families, small groups, and macro systems. It is designed to simulate the practice environment and introduces students to essential social work concepts and skills. Students will actively participate in virtual skill labs to practice intervention techniques, prepare written reports, and evaluate generalist practice knowledge and skills.