MSW Curriculum

Introduces the unique geographic region of Central Appalachian Ohio. Explores values, cultural systems, and social issues and examines the historical, economic, sociological, educational, spiritual, cultural, and political aspects of the Appalachian region and their impact on social welfare institutions and the services they provide.

Presents a multicultural historical review of social service delivery systems and the development of the social work profession, with a focus on the historic lack of attention to rural needs and rural policy. Consideration is given to the structure, operation, implementation, and outcomes of social services; values and ethics in social policy; the meaning of oppression and social justice; and the impact of social policy and social work practice on the needs of the poor and oppressed, including women, people of color, and other groups of particular concern to social work.

Theories and frameworks analyze the development, operation, impact, and strategies for change in today’s social welfare policies and services. Responding to contemporary policy development throughout the United States, with emphasis on federal, Ohio, and Appalachian-targeted policies, this course explores settings, population groups, and social policy. Students apply analytic skills to deepen their knowledge about how settings, populations, and issues are influenced and shaped by social needs, social policy, ethical questions, oppression, and concerns for social and economic justice.

Applies the bio-psycho-social framework, life course perspective, and systems theory to understanding human development and diversity.

First of a two-course sequence providing foundation knowledge and skills for social work practice. Provides a conceptual framework for generalist practice. Maintaining a person-in-environment focus, students utilize a strengths-based problem-solving model that incorporates awareness of the impact of social work values and ethics on all levels of practice. Students develop an understanding of how various aspects of diversity impact practice and formulate a range of practice interventions based on empowerment and social and economic justice in a rural environment. Also integrates content on social work practice methods and biological, psychological, and social theories of human behavior to enable students to assess individuals and families. The professional role, the nature of self-knowledge, self-discipline, and availability of other resources required for professional performance are emphasized.

Prepares students to apply social work research and interventions for generalist practice. The student will be assisted in progressively building a solid substructure of knowledge, skills, values, and ethics in social work practice in conjunction with professional development in the context of an individual field placement in an agency in rural Appalachia. Requires 16 hours per week in a social agency.

Examines the systems in which people live, work, and are served, with a focus on principles of social work practice that may be used to empower people to access, negotiate with, influence, and change various systems within communities and organizations. Integrates content on social work practice methods and biological, psychological, and social theories of human behavior to enable students to assess groups and the situations in which they are involved. The professional role, the nature of self-knowledge, self-discipline, and availability of other resources required for professional performance are emphasized.

Continues the preparation of students to apply social work research and theory to practice and to develop roles and interventions for generalist practice. The student will be assisted in progressively building a solid substructure of knowledge, skills, values, and ethics in social work practice, in conjunction with professional development in the context of an individual field placement in an agency in rural Appalachia. Requires 20 hours per week in a social agency.

Explores reciprocal influences of biology, psychology, and social functioning; analysis and beginning application of theories used in social work to assess systems at micro, mezzo and macro levels.

Emphasizes agency-based practice focused on bringing about planned change in the organization. Encourages students to be as analytical about their organizations as they are about individuals, groups, and communities, and emphasize the partnership that should exist between direct service practitioners and managers to develop a supportive and open problem-solving environment in the social service agency. Problem definition, problem assessment, identification of intervention, design of interventions, use of staff, intervention costs and intervention effectiveness are covered.

Prepares students to write a research proposal, in conjunction with their field supervisors, to address a problem of concern to their field agency. Explores quantitative and qualitative research methods, and the components of research proposal, including: problem formulation, development of hypotheses, and design of a sound, ethical study that conforms to IRB standards. The course also foreshadows data collection, analysis, interpretation and report writing.

This course builds on previous course SW 6941, where students reviewed the basics of social work research methods to write a research project proposal. During the course, students will learn statistical analyses including descriptive and inferential statistics to complete the proposed research project approved by OHIO IRB and/or ethical guidelines of conducting social work research.

Students will complete collection of data, and analysis of data using selective procedures. Students will use the appropriate analysis skills to analyze data collected for their evaluative or explanatory projects. Students will get experience of presenting their study verbally to their peers and other academic visitors such as field instructors and faculty members as well as write a publishable manuscript using APA style.

These two field practicum courses assist the student in progressively building upon the substructure of knowledge, skills, values, and ethics of social work practice which was acquired during the foundational field experience. Within a context of academic work in the four curricular areas in conjunction with an individual placement in an agency and a close mentoring relationship with a field instructor, the student will develop advanced clinical practice skills, will strive to clarify personal and professional values and ethics, and will further solidify a professional identity. Within this framework, the specialized clinical or administrative field practicum prepares the student for advanced social work service delivery in their area of specialization.

These two field practicum courses assist the student in progressively building upon the substructure of knowledge, skills, values, and ethics of social work practice which was acquired during the foundational field experience. Within a context of academic work in the four curricular areas in conjunction with an individual placement in an agency and a close mentoring relationship with a field instructor, the student will develop advanced clinical practice skills, will strive to clarify personal and professional values and ethics, and will further solidify a professional identity. Within this framework, the specialized clinical or administrative field practicum prepares the student for advanced social work service delivery in their area of specialization.

Develop skills for social work practice with children and adolescents living in rural communities. Students will learn to evaluate a variety of intervention methods and theories, as applied to working with children and adolescents in individual and group settings. Focuses on diversity, gender and rural communities as contributors to child and adolescent development and incorporates environmental and systems perspectives.

This course introduces students to the assessment and accurate diagnostic understanding of mental disorders. Includes a focus on treatment interventions. Additionally, includes a focus on bio-psycho-social spiritual assessments, the impact of difference and diversity, the impact of rural culture, and the implications of this knowledge for relationship building and treatment planning. Ethical issues related to assessment and diagnosis are also covered.

Prepares students to provide social work services to families in rural communities. It also integrates material from SW 651 and 652 such as social group work practice and assessment an intervention in rural environments. Enhances student understanding of practice with diverse populations, including non-traditional families in rural communities.