West Virginia University
Course Information:
SOWK 151
Introduction to Social Work
Undergraduate
3 Credits |
Overview of the social welfare field and social work profession. Emphasizes social work values and ethics. |
SOWK 320
Social Work Methods 1
Undergraduate
3 Credits |
Presents a broad range of generalist practice knowledge, values and skills. Focuses on theories and interventions with individuals, and introduces evaluation of practice effectiveness. (30-hour service learning requirement.). |
SOWK 322
Social Work Methods 2
Undergraduate
3 Credits |
Builds on Methods 1 by focusing on more specific theories, methods, and intervention models with groups, communities, and organizations. Introduces program evaluation. (30-hour service learning requirement.). |
SOWK 360
Social Work and Research Statistics
Undergraduate
3 Credits |
Introduces and applies research and statistical methods social workers use to evaluate practice and programs, to critique research, to build knowledge for practice, and to address ethical standards of scientific inquiry. |
SOWK 400
Legal Issues in Social Work
Undergraduate
3 Credits |
Explores legal and ethical issues and obligations affecting social workers and social work practice. |
SOWK 513
Research Methods
Graduate
3 Credits |
Introduction to social work research methods, with the unifying theme of the importance of evidence-based practice. Content prepares students to develop, use, and communicate empirically based knowledge effectively. Research knowledge is used to provide high-quality services; initiate change to improve practice, policy and social service delivery; and evaluate practice at all levels. |
SOWK 540
Generalist Practice 1: Individuals, Families, and Groups
Graduate
3 Credits |
Development of a generalist framework for social work practice at the micro and mezzo levels. Reinforcement of engagement, assessment, and intervention skills with attention to strengths-based perspective and multi-culturally competent social work practice. Focus on developing theoretical knowledge as well as practicing and applying specific techniques necessary for generalist social work practice. |
SOWK 531
Social Welfare Policy and Programs
Graduate
3 Credits |
Development of foundational understanding and appraisal of social welfare policies and programs in the United States, and of the historical and contemporary forces that shaped their development. Introduces conceptual approaches to policy analysis and assesses selected social policies, programs regarding income maintenance, health care and social services with emphasis on impact in rural areas. |
SOWK 530
Professional Identity and Social Justice
Graduate
3 Credits |
Provides the basic framework for generalist social work practice, theory, and professional values. Examines social work practice from an empowerment, human rights and social justice perspective. Addresses contemporary issues in social work reflecting the unique needs of diverse populations, settings and social conditions. |
SOWK 541
Generalist Practice 2: Rural Community Macro Practice
Graduate
3 Credits |
Students learn to identify and understand social problems in rural communities. Development of knowledge and skills in community and organizational practice to assist rural communities effectively, to enhance their empowerment through acquisition and mobilization of resources. |
SOWK 616
Evaluation Research in Social Work
Graduate
3 Credits |
Prepares students to evaluate social work practice and health and human services programs. Students learn to design an evaluation study, collecting qualitative and quantitative data, and to report and interpret results while adhering to ethical research standards. |
SOWK 654
Organizational Administration and Leadership
Graduate
3 Credits |
Examination of concepts, principles, and skills of social agency and program administration from an integrated practice perspective. Includes programming, budgeting, staffing, organization, and management of social agencies and programs. Addresses relationships with constituents and other human service organizations and systems within a context of professional social work values and ethics, social justice, and human rights. |
SOWK 656
Financial Management and Grant Writing
Graduate
3 Credits |
Focus is on financial management and grant development in social service settings from an integrated practice perspective. Topics include accountability, budgeting, cost measurement, grant writing, and nonprofit management within the context of professional social work values and ethics, social justice, and affirmation of the human rights of diverse groups of people. |
Program Information:
School of Social Work
Social Work & Public Administration & Sociology/Anthropology
Services
Consultant Services
Workshops
Conferences
Technical Assistance
Degree and Certificate InformationDegrees
Degree/
Level | Title/
English Correspondence | Subject | Credit Hours | Working
Language | History |
|---|
Master of Social Work
Graduate |
MSW |
|
36-60 Hours |
|
|
Bachelor of Social Work
Undergraduate |
BSW |
|
120 Hours |
|
|
Certificates
| Gerontology Professional Certificate |
Information on Training and Other Services
| Placement Agencies & Field Instructors |
Approved placement sites host students during their field education experiences and provide them with a variety of learning opportunities, essential to their development and learning as a social worker. Social service agencies, medical facilities, counseling providers, advocacy organizations, and other health and human service providers are just some of the diverse agency types where social work students complete their field education and learn the critical skills necessary to be successful as social workers. Approved placement sites will usually have a BSW or MSW as an employee who will serve as the student’s Field Instructor and supervise their learning. However, the absence of a BSW/MSW does not prevent an agency from becoming a placement site.
Field instructors for BSW students must have either a BSW or MSW from an accredited Social Work program and have worked in the field for at least two years after earning their degree. Field Instructors for MSW students must have an MSW from an accredited Social Work program and have worked in the field for at least two years after earning their degree. The WVU School of Social Work works with Field Instructors that are part of an approved placement site, as well as independent social workers that work with students at agencies where no social worker is available to supervise their learning. |
Additional InformationIf you are a compassionate individual with an interest in human diversity and a desire to help others, then a bachelor of social work can help you reach your goals. WVU's curriculum prepares students for positions in the social work profession and can provide you with the opportunity to advance in higher education. WVU trains students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations around the country. Completing a BSW degree allows for immediate access to employment opportunities in fields such as child advocacy, public relations, human resources, public health and wellness promotion, justice system, and services to veterans.
WVU's faculty are active members of human service organizations throughout their communities. WVU seeks to benefit the lives of every resident in their city and state through our research, teaching and service.
This program educates graduate students in advanced integrated social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and social administration. The focus of this education is to produce competent and effective practitioners committed to enhancing social well-being and quality of life with particular emphasis on vulnerable and oppressed populations in small towns and rural areas characteristic of the Appalachian region.
All students will specialize in Advanced Integrated Practice. The curriculum prepares students to integrate micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills across service sectors and within interdisciplinary teams to effectively address social and human problems across a wide range of practice areas, with a particular emphasis on effective models of rural service delivery. Both the BSW and the MSW programs are nationally accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE).
The MSW Program offers social work education for the 21st century, incorporating digital literacy in both the on campus and online programs. The WVU MSW is ranked #72 by US News & World Report in their 2022 rankings of graduate schools of social work.
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