NGO Education Survey

Department: Grad Cert Non-Profit Leadership

Courses:

MGT 6010 Developing Partnerships with Boards, Suppliers, and Clients

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

First of two courses examining biological, social, cultural, psychological, spiritual perspectives of human behavior, emphasizing interaction of these dimensions as they impact social functioning within the ecological systems framework. Introduce concepts of context and environment, diversity and difference, oppression, poverty, marginalization and alienation, privilege and power, as they shape human experience and identity. Include reflection on developmental influences affecting student’s own values, world view and professional development.

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MGT 6020 Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

An examination of fundraising strategies to support a nonprofit organization to meet its mission, vision, and goals. Review of trends, ethical and best practices for fundraising, including how to seek funding from government, corporate, private and individual donor sources. Topics include a comprehensive review of tools and strategies used in evaluating fundraising performance, donor development, project management, and funding campaign strategies.

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MGT 6110 Entrepreneurial Leadership in Non-Profits

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Feasibility and market research analysis for the start-up of a new nonprofit venture or a subsidiary entity. Assessment of a present nonprofit organization and introducing an organizational renewal initiative where appropriate: entity formation, values, mission, vision, goals, and operational objectives formation. The second half of the course provides students the opportunity to work with nonprofit executives in applying their competencies in the field in partnership with them.

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Department: Masters of Social Work

Courses:

SW 6170 Advanced Social Work Practice w/Children and Youth

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Advanced clinical social work knowledge and skills for working with children and adolescents with mental health risks. This course builds on knowledge of biopsychosocial functioning and assessment and is embedded in models of developmental resilience, developmental psychopathology, and stress biology, which contribute to learning and adaptive challenges. Students will incorporate an understanding of major classification systems including the DSM, Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood, the Diagnostic System of the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Students apply critical thinking strategies in order to gain an understanding of how labeling and stigma impact the conceptualization of mental disorders of children and youth. Prerequisites: SW 6060 and SW 6080.

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SW 5010 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation First of two courses examining biological, social, cultural, psychological, spiritual perspectives of human behavior, emphasizing interaction of these dimensions as they impact social functioning within the ecological systems framework. Introduce concepts of context and environment, diversity and difference, oppression, poverty, marginalization and alienation, privilege and power, as they shape human experience and identity. Include reflection on developmental influences affecting student’s own values, world view and professional development.

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SW 5020 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation Second of two courses examining the dimensions of human behavior and the social environment. This course builds upon theories and approaches presented in SW 5010: HBSE I, with a focus on human behavior development across the life course and the social system’s role in promoting or deterring health and well-being. Further exploration of the intersection of diversity and difference, social justice and oppression as relates to a person’s life experiences is accomplished. The positive value of human diversity in social work practice is stressed. Prerequisite: SW 5010

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SW 5030 Human Behavior Theory for Social Work Assessment

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

SW Electives (Minimum of 6 semester hours required.) Examines biological, social, cultural, psychological, spiritual perspectives of human behavior, emphasizing interaction of these dimensions as they impact social functioning within the ecological systems framework. The content explores human behavior concepts of development across the life course and the social system’s role in promoting or deterring health and well-being of various populations. Further exploration of the intersection of diversity and difference, social justice and oppression as relates to a person’s life experiences is accomplished. The positive value of human diversity in social work practice is stressed.

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SW 5100 Practice I

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation This is the first of the foundation year practice courses which familiarizes students with the profession of social work and to the methods of social work practice. The course introduces students to theoretical frameworks for organizing and conceptualizing social work practice. The principles, methods, and skills of advanced generalist social work practice with diverse individuals at various stages in the life cycle will be emphasized in this course. The focus will be on relationship building and communication skills to engage and assess individuals. The importance of self-awareness and the professional use of self will be underscored throughout the course as well as the values and ethics of the social work profession. The components of culturally-sensitive social work practice will also be highlighted.

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SW 5110 Practice II Groups and Families

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation Second in a sequence of methods courses grounded in the advanced generalist model of social work practice. Applies knowledge, skills, and values in working with families and groups. Interprets human behavior within the context of a family’s or group’s culture, ethnicity, worldview, strengths, developmental stages, and challenges within a systems theory framework. Develop clinical practice skills and methods for engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating with families and groups. Prerequisite: SW 5100.

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SW 5130 SW Practice in the Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Context

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Builds on the practice courses from a BSW and which familiarizes students with the profession of social work and to the advanced generalist methods of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The course introduces students to theoretical frameworks for organizing and conceptualizing social work practice. The principles, methods, and skills of advanced generalist social work practice with diverse individuals at various stages in the life cycle will be emphasized in this course. The focus will be on relationship building and communication skills to engage and assess individuals. The importance of self-awareness and the professional use of self will be underscored throughout the course as well as the values and ethics of the social work profession.

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SW 5190 Social Work Research

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation Prepares students to become educated consumers of evidence-based social work and Social science research to inform and improve practice, policy and social service delivery. Students are oriented to scientific and ethical approaches to building knowledge through the use of quantitative and qualitative research processes. The importance of understanding ethical considerations when conducting research with human subjects is emphasized.

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SW 5310 Social Welfare Policy

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation Introduces students to the concepts, history, and development of social welfare, social welfare institutions, and social policy within the United States and how they shape the context of social work practice. The evolution and current status of the profession of social work is described as it interfaces with social welfare development, policies, and practices. An analytic framework is utilized to identify trends and assess gaps in policies and programs, especially as they impact on minorities, women, and other vulnerable groups. Reform is discussed in terms of the policy alternatives, and the need for social work involvement is in political arenas, advocacy groups, and as a part of organizational change efforts in order to advance social and economic justice, service delivery, and how political and social ideologies influence policy development. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW program

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SW 5330 Diversity and Oppression

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation Examines the issues of diversity, oppression, and social justice. It is designed to prepare social work students to be knowledgeable of people’s biases based on race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, social and economic status, political ideology, disability, and how these contribute to discrimination and oppression. Students will learn about diverse cultures, family structure, roles, immigration, and assimilation experiences of marginalized groups. Students will also learn about the influence of the dominant culture on these diverse and marginalized (population at risk) groups.

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SW 5410 Field Practicum

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation This course is the foundation field placement which allows students to apply and integrate Social Work foundation knowledge, skills, values, and ethics with direct practice. The course is taken concurrently with the required foundation field seminar. The fieldwork experience provides students with supervised field-based assignments and tasks selected to complement Social Work foundation academic courses. Students will be exposed to a variety of social work roles such as case manager, counselor, advocate, organizer, administrator, facilitator, mediator, educator, and planner. Students are expected to develop knowledge, understanding, and skills concerning relationships with clients, supervisors, co-workers and external constituencies. In addition, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the context of social work practice as it relates to: multiculturalism and diversity; social justice and social change; prevention, promotion, treatment and rehabilitation; and research-based practice. The foundation placement requires a student to spend a minimum of 200 hours in a field agency. Prerequisite or corequisite: SW 5010 and SW 5100

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SW 5420 Field Practicum II

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation This course is the second Foundation field placement which allows students to further apply and integrate Social Work foundation knowledge, skills, values, and ethics with direct practice. The course is taken concurrently with the required foundation field seminar. The fieldwork experience provides students with supervised field-based assignments and tasks selected to complement Social Work foundation academic courses. Students will be exposed to a variety of social work roles such as case manager, counselor, advocate, organizer, administrator, facilitator, mediator, educator, and planner. Students are expected to develop knowledge, understanding, and skills concerning relationships with clients, supervisors, co-workers, and external constituencies. In addition, students will be expected to develop an understanding of the context of social work practice as it relates to multiculturalism and diversity; social justice and social change; prevention, promotion, treatment and rehabilitation; and research-based practice. The foundation placement requires a student to spend a minimum of 200 hours in a field agency. Prerequisite: SW 5410

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SW 5850 Community and Organizational Change

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prerequisite Sequence/Foundation A macro methods courses grounded in the advanced generalist model of macro social work practice. Students examine perspectives and structures of community, focusing on oppression, discrimination, poverty, marginalization, alienation, factors of diversity and difference as well as sources of privilege and power as they impact social well-being. The application of planned change processes at the community level in response to changing contexts and needs to promote social and economic justice, and to advance the equitable distribution of basic human rights and resources is emphasized.

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SW 6030 Social Work Practice Mental Health Settings

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Builds on introductory concepts and techniques employed in clinical work with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, including those who have substance abuse problems. The course will examine the primary social, political, economic, legal, and philosophical forces that have influenced mental health delivery in the United States over different historical time periods and the resulting organizational, the interface with other major service delivery systems, including welfare, criminal justice, primary health care, and social security will be addressed. This course will focus on policies and policy issues that define and influence the care and treatment of persons with mental illness from colonial times to the present. Topics to be included will be deinstitutionalization, managed care, psychiatric rehabilitation, cultural issues and disparities of care, services, professional certification and roles. Social aspects of health and illness, including cultural variations, health beliefs and behavior, and the impact of illness on the patient and the family, ae examined and their relevance for practice is discussed. Corequisite: SW 6060.

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SW 6050 Social Work Practice with Aging Populations

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Examines social work practice theories, social policies, multidimensional assessment, problems, and trends in social programs and services for older people. Focuses on diversity among older people, strengths and challenges of existing policies related to the well-being of an aging population; includes policies and programs in health, mental health, housing and income maintenance, institutional and residential care. Addresses service availability and delivery for various subgroups of the elderly population (including ability, age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, gender, sex and spirituality). Discusses implications of policy on services and provide a framework for analysis. Corequisite: SW 6060.

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SW 6060 Assessment of Mental Health Disorders

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course will focus on the etiology and application of prevention and treatment theories of individuals with mental disorders from a social work perspective. Biopsychosocial theories of coping, trauma, and etiology, the impact of mental health disorders on individuals and family members will be addressed. Classification systems of adult mental functioning and mental disorders will be presented, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and Person-in-Environment (PIE). Students will be taught to critically understand both the strengths and limitations of these classification systems.

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SW 6080 Social Work Approach to Practice w/Children and Youth

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Focuses on biological, psychological, and social experiences, challenges, and changes characteristic of children and youth viewed from a multicultural perspective. Normal development, as well as the prevalence, etiology, and prevention of a variety of developmental risks, will be reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of research and practice, with particular attention to the development of resiliency and social competence among children and youth. This course will also analyze how various environmental influences such as parental behavior, poverty, and social justice, impact development. Corequisite: SW 6060.

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SW 6090 Advanced Social Work Practice w/Aging Populations

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Focuses on advanced social work practice; direct and community-based social work intervention with older adults in individual, family, group, residential, and community-based settings. Students gain understanding of and proficiency in geriatric assessment skills, therapeutic modalities, evidence-based interventions and approaches, and case management practices. Taught from biopsychosocial-cultural-spiritual perspectives, focusing on strengths and challenges, and emphasizes social work practice in the context of existing and community and organizational social service and mental health delivery systems. Prerequisite: SW 6060.

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SW 6190 Practice-Oriented Research

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course examines the logic of inquiry and the necessity for an empirical approach to practice. This course involves a critical examination of practice through an understanding of methods associated with decision-making, critical thinking, and ethical judgment. Students formulate practice relevant research questions, locating and critically evaluating relevant research evidence with consideration of the extent to which it can be applied to diverse clientele, applying the best available evidence in intervention planning with the client, and evaluating the intervention. Students are expected to become familiar with issues related to the design, monitoring, and assessment of social work programs and interventions, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

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SW 6230 Community-Based Research in Social Work

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

The purpose of the course is to strengthen the competencies of students to undertake research in community practice. This course focuses on the ways in which community-based researchers and community members collaborate to conduct research on social issues and address social change. Such an endeavor calls for redefining scientific roles and methods. The goal of this course is to instill in students an understanding of theories, principles and strategies of Participatory Action Research (PAR). As well as the advantages and limitations of PAR projects. This course provides the opportunity for graduate students to develop new knowledge and skills that can be applied in community-based participatory research projects.

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SW 6240 Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Introduces advanced theory for clinical practice from which students build conceptual practice frameworks. Students choose and learn the components of a conceptually based practice approach in the context of social assessment, agency auspices, and the student’s developing theoretical framework. Clinical frameworks and interventions common across the field of behavioral health including harm reduction, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma informed service delivery, and evidence based practice. Evidence from research demonstrates that gender, race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and other aspects of diversity shape how symptoms of mental illness are experienced, interpreted, and expressed. The course includes both didactic instruction and experiential learning. This course examines how gender, race, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and other aspects of diversity shape how symptoms of mental illness are experienced, interpreted, and expressed. Prerequisites: SW 6030 and SW 6060.

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SW 6320 Social Work and Services

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Prepares students to perform managerial functions in public, nonprofit, and faith-based human service organizations with particular emphasis on those with programs developed and designed to improve individual, family, and community wellbeing. Specific attention is given to the topics of leadership, human resources, fund development, structure and governance, resource management, and efforts to link human service organizations through a comprehensive system of care.

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SW 6410 Advanced Practicum I

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course is the Advanced Year Placement which allows students to integrate their classroom learning from the foundational knowledge, values and skills gained in the first year of the MSW or the completion of the BSW program. Students are assigned to field work in social service settings which are designated as part of a specific concentration. Building on the foundation of knowledge, skills and values gained in the Core Year, or a BSW program; the purpose of the Advanced Year placement is to increase the student’s knowledge and competence in social work practice methods in specified fields of practice. The advanced standing field placement learning is developed for the social work practice experience within a setting that is relevant to the student’s area of concentration (Mental Health; Families & Children; Aging; or Community Practice).

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SW 6420 Advanced Practicum II

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

The second term of the Advanced Year Placement allows students to integrate classroom learning from the foundational knowledge, values and skills gained in the first year of the MSW or the completion of the BSW program. Students are assigned to field work in social service settings which are designated as part of a specific concentration. Building on the foundation of knowledge, skills and values gained in the Core Year, or a BSW program; the purpose of the Advanced Year placement is to increase the student’s knowledge and competence in social work practice methods in specified fields of practice. The advanced standing field placement learning is developed for the social work practice experience within a setting that is relevant to the student’s area of concentration (Mental Health; Families & Children; Aging; or Community Practice). Prerequisites: SW 6410 and one of the following courses: SW 6030, SW 6080, SW 6090, or SW 6820.

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SW 6510 Integrative Seminar

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

The capstone seminar provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate their readiness to practice social work at an advantage level in their area of concentration and to contribute to the professional knowledge and development of colleagues. Through application of advanced social work values, knowledge, and skills gained in their course work and internships, students demonstrate utilizing critical thinking and integrated knowledge to frame their professional identity. Corequisite: SW 6420.

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SW 6550 Interventions in School Social Work

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Advanced knowledge and skills critical to providing quality school social work interventions. Students learn evidence-based prevention and intervention approaches to working with stakeholders and communities to enhance personal, educational, and community growth. Current school- and evidence-based practices through a social justice lens with an emphasis on interventions to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Impairments, and other disabilities identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Students learn techniques to enhance collaboration between teachers, families, and school personnel and intervention strategies for promoting a positive, inclusive, and supportive school climate. Students will acquire the skills necessary to practice as a school social worker.

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SW 6560 Social Work in School Settings

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course will focus on the provision of social work services in schools utilizing an ecological approach with students, families, schools, and communities. The content areas will include: social-political influences, educational policies, advocacy with marginalized populations, disability services, mental health services, violence prevention, crisis intervention, family engagement, group work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and role of social workers in enhancing educational outcomes. Emphasis on school social work standards, values, ethics and cultural competence. Students will become familiar with traditional and changing social work roles and practices in schools as well as with larger systemic trends.

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SW 6710 Co-Occurring Disorders (AS/SW*)

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course focuses on the etiology and unique treatment needs of persons who have a mental health disorder in combination with a substance-related or non-substance-related disorder. Examination of key constructs that affect the family and community, including guiding principles, co-occurring disorders, specific mental disorders, diagnostic considerations, screening and assessment tools, treatment needs, evidence-based practice treatment models, medication management, and an integrated recovery oriented system of care.

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SW 6730 Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Students are familiarized with the range of child and adolescent psychological disorders seen in clinical practice across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on developmental factors, diagnostic issues, theoretical formulations, etiology, evidence-based treatments, and research based on these disorders. Students are prepared to understand development, developmental stresses, disruptions and challenges, and to identify research-informed social work interventions for individual children, and their caregivers across community-settings that provide primary and supportive mental health services. Students advance their knowledge of biopsychosocial functioning, and mental health assessment that is based upon models of developmental resilience, developmental psychopathology, and stress biology, which impact learning and create adaptive challenges.

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SW 6760 Interpersonal Violence

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course focuses on context and dynamics of interpersonal violence, with a focus on theories for prevention and intervention in addressing interpersonal violence. It emphasizes using an ecological systems perspective to assess and engage the multiple influences that contribute to interpersonal violence, including social, psychological, biological, cultural, and institutional. Students define a variety of forms of interpersonal violence and the dynamics of those social relationships. The course will focus on the impacts of abuse on victims, perpetrators, families, and communities. Students learn about the most common forms of prevention and intervention in interpersonal violence.

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SW 6770 Animal-Assisted Therapy and Human/ Non-Human Animal Bond (HUS/SW*)

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Students explore the human/non-human animal bond, and incorporate knowledge and skills utilized in animal-assisted activity, animal-assisted intervention (AAI), and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as therapeutic interventions. Theoretical frameworks, protocols, and practices of AAI/AAT with unique client populations are reviewed. The link between non-human animal abuse and other forms of violence such as domestic violence, child and elder abuse, are explored. Connections within ecological and empowerment contexts and the impact of therapy work on non-human animals are examined. Includes experiential application in real-world settings.

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SW 6810 Leadership in Community-Based Social Work Settings

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course will provide an introduction to community-based organizations from an eco-systems perspective. Students will understand the external and internal forces that impact the performance of community-based organizations. Students will be introduced major theories of organizational management and leadership for effective social work administration and planning. Students will have the opportunity to explore personal values; develop, demonstrate, and promote the values of the profession; and analyze ethical dilemmas and how these affect practice in a variety of community-based settings. Students will learn strategies that promote self-determination, equity, social and economic justice in community-based settings.

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SW 6820 Community Action Strategies

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

This course provides students with a structured overview of community action strategies. The course will define and characterize power and leadership dynamics in community; economic and class issues; determinants of health that relate to community; community assessments; and approaches and tools to use when conducting and evaluating community-organizing initiatives. This course will prepare students to facilitate community involvement in decision-making systems with a focus on diverse communities.

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SW 6850 Program Planning in Community-Based Agencies

Credit Bearing: 3
Level: Graduate

Processes of strategic planning and program development in human service organizations from problem identification through program design, resource organization, and implementation are examined. Special attention to designing programs and meeting the needs of at-risk populations. Students develop the analytical and interpersonal skills necessary for program planning and management and gain an understanding of the politics of planning in an organizational, inter-organizational, and community context. Students practice problem formulation and program planning related to their area of specialization and will design a social services program addressing a real-world social problem. Prerequisite: SW 6810.

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