SOWK 501 Foundations of Social Work (History, Philosophy, & Theory
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
Foundations of evidence-based practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities within a framework of core
social work values and practice obligations. Students will examine how their value commitments align with professional social
work values. Situations are viewed from an ecological perspective, targeting for change all client and community systems that are
contributing to client problems. The history and dominant philosophies of the profession will be introduced. |
SOWK 511 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course introduces a foundational commitment in social work practice to recognizing the whole person. It includes a presentation of a theoretical and conceptual framework for understanding bio-psycho-social and spiritual factors in human development
across the life cycle. With a focus on the impact of individual relationships, family systems, group dynamics, and societal structures,
students will analyze the impact of viewing person through a holistic practice approach. |
SOWK 513 Social Work Research Methods
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
Focused on quantitative and qualitative research methods knowledge and skills with an emphasis on Social Work practice. Includes
an emphasis on evidenced-based practice along with a critical evaluation of empirical literature and basic research methodology
including construct operationalization; study design; selection, development, implementation, and evaluation of measures and
instruments. |
SOWK 514 Policy Planning & Analysis
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will introduce the tools and frameworks of policy analysis. Theories of policymaking and analysis will be presented and
utilized in course projects. Students will employ policy analysis tools to evaluate social welfare and organizational policies through
a variety of evaluative frameworks including professional social work ethics and Christian interpretations of justice and mercy. The
students will use planning tools to create change plans to improve policies. |
SOWK 615 Inequality, Diversity, and Social Justice
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course provides advanced theoretical and working knowledge about diversity, culture, and social justice. Students will learn to
identify and implement culturally competent strategies at the micro and macro levels when working with diverse groups. Attention
will be given to the social work values and Biblical perspective of diversity, human dignity and worth of the person. Current social
justice concerns will be considered using a framework of redemption and reconciliation. Implications for policy, service, and clinical treatment will be covered. |
SOWK 621 Applied Research Project
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course is designed to support students in conducting evidence-based practice research in an agency setting by evaluating
practice and planning for change. Case material will be drawn from real world practice situations students encounter in their field
placements. |
SOWK 653 Advanced Field Experience and Seminar
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
The Advanced Field Experience is designed to provide you with the opportunity to apply specialized social work knowledge, values,
and skills in a community agency under the supervision of a professional social worker. As part of the corresponding seminar, you
will be given opportunity to process your experiences with your fellow students in the seminar component. Throughout the Field
Experience and Seminar, you will develop and refine your conceptualizations and ways of thinking analytically about your specific
area of practice specialization. Working with your supervisor you will create a learning contract which will tailor your field experience to fit your specific needs and the requirements of the CSWE 2015 EPAS. The Advanced Field Experience provides students
with an opportunity to build on foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies through practice in an area of concentration.
Graduate students in the MSW Advanced Practicum are expected to meet and attain Advanced Competencies and Practice Behaviors as required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). During the advanced year students work towards autonomous
practice by graduation under the supervision of an experienced Master’s Level Social Worker trained as a field instructor. All students must complete 6 credits of Advanced Field Experience and Seminar which includes 450 hours in their practicum setting and
90 hours of coursework. |
SOWK 680 Organizational and Community Change Planning
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
In this course, students will learn to lead and manage a change effort at the organizational and community levels. Theories of social
and organizational change will be presented and critiqued. The course will explore visions of collective human flourishing, and
how that influences views on change. Students will be able to develop a plan for implementing and assessing change efforts in both
an organizational and community setting. |
SOWK 681 Nonprofit Administration & Organizational Theory
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will focus on organizational theories and administrative matters that are often unique to the nonprofit sector. Students
will explore the nonprofit sector as a reflection of civil society creation and development. Topics such as volunteer management,
commitment to mission and other management areas will be addressed. |
Community Organizing and Advocacy
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will focus on community organizing techniques and advanced advocacy skills to promote social and political change.
Students will explore examples from the Bible and other religious, academic, and human rights pieces to analyze organizing and
Special attention will be paid to the concepts of culture, oppression and privilege and the importance of culturally competent practice in neighborhoods, and communities. |
SOWK 683 Program Evaluation
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will build upon basic quantitative skills to develop a greater understanding of using quantitative analysis in research,
both practical and academic, and in program evaluation. Developing skills in evaluating effective and efficient programs will be
central to this course. An undergraduate course or working knowledge of statistics is a prerequisite for this course. |
SOWK 684 Budgeting & Public Finance
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will introduce basic principles of budgeting and finance as it relates to the public and nonprofit sector. Students will
gain competence in reading, creating, and developing budgets. Forecasting for future sustainability will be addressed in content and
in course assignments. |
SOWK 685 Grant Writing & Fundraising
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will prepare students to pursue funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations. Event planning, social media campaigns and other activities of fundraising will be covered as well as an introduction into grant writing. Students will apply their
learning with projects from their real-life work in their practicum |
SOWK 686 Leadership
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will examine the theory and practice of organizational leadership, with an emphasis on leadership in public and nonprofit organizations. This includes a study of the ethical dimensions of leadership as well as aspects of self-knowledge and evaluation
that will help students develop effective personal leadership strategies. |
SOWK 687 HR Management
Credit-Bearing
Graduate |
This course will introduce and discuss the major topics in Human Resource Management (HRM), particularly as they pertain to
employment in the public and nonprofit sector. This course will address the major HRM tasks of workforce design and planning,
managing employee competencies, and managing employee attitudes and behaviors while moving through the employment cycle
from recruitment, selection, and compensation to evaluation, training, development, and retention. |
