Foundation Curriculum
Concentration Curriculum
MSW Elective Courses
School Social Work Concentration
Post-M.S.W. Type 73 School Social Work Courses
Servant Leadership Elective Courses
M.S.W. Course Descriptions
Foundation Curriculum
Social Welfare
SWK6140 Social Welfare Policy and Institutions
3 semester hours
Major social welfare programs are reviewed within an overall policy analysis framework.
Forces that impact on social policy such as American individualism and issues
such as poverty, racism, and gender inequity are addressed. Historical forces which
have contributed to the development of current social services are reviewed.
No prerequisites.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
SWK6150 HBSE I: Theories of Human Development I
3 semester hours
This course, based in an ecological systems perspective, follows human development
from infancy to adolescence in the context of family and larger environments.
The course includes research-based knowledge about physical,
socio-emotional and cognitive development. This course emphasizes both knowledge
and application of human development theories to social work assessment
and practice.
No prerequisites.
SWK6160 HBSE II: Theories of Human Development II
3 semester hours
This course, based in an ecological systems perspective, follows human development
throughout the entire adult lifespan in the context of family and larger
environments. The course includes research-based knowledge about physical,
socio-emotional, and cognitive development. This course emphasizes both knowledge
and application of human development theories to social work assessment
and practice.
Prerequisite: SWK6150.
Social Work Practice Theory and Methods
SWK6370 Social Work Practice I
3 semester hours
This course is the first in a sequence of five practice courses covering the foundation
and concentration years in the MSW program. In Social Work Practice I,
students are introduced to specific theoretical and skills-based core concepts of
generalist, individual, family and couples social work direct practice.
No prerequisites.
SWK6381 Social Work Practice II: Group Work
3 semester hours
The course examines social work practice from a macro perspective introducing
group work practice skills.
Prerequisite: SWK6370.
SWK6382 Social Work Practice II: Community
3 semester hours
The course examines social work practice from a macro perspective introducing
community direct practice skills.
Prerequisite: SWK6370.
SWK6390 Social Work Practice with Diverse & Vulnerable Populations
3 semester hours
This course is an exploration of historical and current economic, social, cultural
and political forces that affect a wide range of minorities. Focus is on development
of ethnic-sensitive, culturally competent practice skills. Self-awareness and
attitudes towards self, others and differences are explored.
No prerequisites.
SWK6500 Social Work Perspectives on Psychopathology
3 semester hours
This course presents psychopathology through a distinctly social work perspective.
The course includes bio-psycho-social assessment and treatment models, including
the use of DSM-IV-R. The course emphasizes assessment, advocacy, direct service,
interdisciplinary collaboration, and use of community resources and supports.
The person is not defined by diagnosis or condition. Mental illness is seen
through a strengths perspective and within a social context. Persons are viewed
holistically, as participating members of their families and communities.
No prerequisites.
Research
SWK6250 Research I: Methodology
3 semester hours
This course is the first in a sequence of two required research courses. Students are
introduced to ethical social work research using scientific inquiry. Class material
provides an overview of various research methods and design elements. The course
highlights creating, performing, and evaluating outcomes of practice and policies.
No prerequisites.
Field Instruction
SSWK6730, 6740 Field Instruction I, II
3 semester hours each
Sequence of two consecutive semesters beginning in the Fall. Experience in practice
in professional agency under instruction of qualified practitioner; a minimum
of 450 hours over two semesters. This foundation-level field experience is designed to build transferable skills in engagement, case management, counseling, group
facilitation, documentation and referral. The 10 Core Competencies of Social
Work Practice are measured at the middle and end of the internship experience.
No prerequisites.
Concentration Curriculum
Research
SWK6283 Practice & Program Evaluation
3 semester hours
Students will plan, design, and conduct an evaluation study of an intervention or
program. Students will choose between a single-subject design study or program
evaluation. The study will relate to the student’s field practicum or another area
approved by the research professor.
Prerequisites: SWK6250; completion of statistics course with “C” or better.
Social Work Practice and Policy
SWK6511 Social Work Practice III: Clinical Concentration I
3 semester hours
This course builds upon the generalist practice knowledge and skills acquired in
the foundation year. Required of students in the Clinical Concentration, the
course will focus on the major clinical theories and methods essential to working
in all clinical arenas of the social work practice field.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6521 Social Work Practice IV: Clinical Concentration II
3 semester hours
A continuation of SWK6511, this course will further enhance and expand the
clinical concentration student’s knowledge and skill in clinical social work practice
with diverse clientele in all types of clinical settings and focuses on an integrative
approach to clinical social work practice.
Prerequisite: SWK6511.
SWK6533 Advanced Social Policy
3 semester hours
Examination of policies relevant to social work practice. Health and mental health
policy. Agency-level policy within the context of state- and federal-level policy. Students
will utilize a policy practice model to complete policy research projects relevant
to social work practice.
Prerequisites: SWK6140, SWK 6370 and SWK 6382.
Advanced Field Instruction
SWK6750, 6760 Field Instruction III, IV
3 semester hours each
Sequence of two consecutive semesters beginning in the Fall. Experience in practice
in professional agency under the instruction of a qualified practitioner; a
minimum of 600 hours over two semesters. Students completing specialization
curriculum will complete internship in specialization area at this time. Advanced
practice skills are developed, as well as completion of research study within the
internship setting, during this advanced internship.
Prerequisites: Completion of the foundation curriculum, SWK6730 and
SWK6740.
School Social Work Concentration
The following courses are required for those who plan to be a school social
worker. The courses are taken in place of the electives for those not pursuing
school social work.
SWK5610 Social Work Practice with the Exceptional Child
3 semester hours
This course examines major causes and characteristics of students in the public
school setting evidencing exceptionality. The psychology, identification, and
methods of serving exceptional individuals and their families will be considered.
While the focus of this course is an understanding of the various exceptionalities
and how that impacts a student’s education, the course will provide a social work
perspective for practice related to prevention, intervention and evaluation.
No prerequisites.
SWK6410 School Social Work Policy and Practice I
3 semester hours
This is the first of a two-course sequence for students doing their internships in
the public school setting leading to state certification as school social worker. This
course focuses on practice. It prepares students to provide school social work services
to individuals, groups, families, the school system, and the community. This
course covers the roles of the school social worker and the skills needed to perform
the various roles. Special attention is given to assessment, prevention, and
intervention across systems on behalf of school children and their families.
Prerequisites: Foundation curriculum and SWK5610.
SWK6420 School Social Work Policy and Practice II
3 semester hours
This is the second of a two-course sequence for students doing their internships
in the public school setting leading to state certification as a school social worker.
This course focuses on policy and legal issues related to providing school social
work services to individuals, groups, families, the school system, and the community.
This course covers state and federal special education mandates and other
laws and policies related to public school children and their families. Special
attention is given to ethical and legal implications of these laws and policies and
their effect on the education of children.
Prerequisite: SWK6410.
Social Work Electives
SWK5100 Social Work Gerontology: Social Work & Older Adults
3 semester hours
Major theories of aging and their implications for social work practice. Focus is
on community services for the aged and an examination of current issues and
trends related to the service delivery system. Required course for gerontology
specialization.
No prerequisites.
SWK5110 Social Work Gerontology: Biology and Health of Aging
3 semester hours
Overview of normal changes of aging and the major health concerns related to
the later years. Required course for gerontology specialization.
No prerequisites.
SWK5300 Forensic Social Work
3 semester hours
Introduction to social work and the criminal justice system through the study of
mental health and its interaction with the law. Students review the care and treatment
of offenders (who are mentally ill) in the criminal justice system.
No prerequisites.
SWK5500 Social Work Statistics
3 semester hours
Statistical methods course acquaints the student with data analysis using SPSS.
Basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics, descriptions of central tendency,
dispersion, association and difference; inference via statistical estimation,
hypothesis testing, and tests of significance are covered to enable students to conceptualize,
apply and interpret statistical methods in relation to problems which
confront the field of social work.
Prerequisite: Social Work Research I.
SWK5550 Spanish for Social Workers
3 semester hours
This course will include the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and vocabulary
that will be most beneficial to those in the field of social work. Active use of the
language will be emphasized during all meeting times. Special attention will be
paid to pronunciation and topics of special interest to the participants. Simple
readings with a focus on culture and how it impacts social work will also be studied.
It is expected that all students will work diligently in order to master the material
that is covered in class and the text.
No prerequisites.
SWK5725 Effects of Trauma on Children
3 semester hours
This course will focus on children and adolescents who have been exposed to significant
trauma and/or loss. Child trauma theory, impact of trauma and loss, and
assessment of traumatized children will be explored. Factors such as the therapeutic
relationship, working with caregivers, self-care for social workers, and the
critical need for supervision will be examined. Skills will be developed to directly
treat children of trauma to assist with the management of their symptoms, healing
from trauma/loss memories, and increasing coping skills to prepare for future
challenges.
No prerequisites.
SWK5740 Family Violence: Issues and Intervention
3 semester hours
Socio-cultural analysis of victimization in the family, with particular focus on the
problems of battering and sexual abuse. The course addresses, through the examination
of various theoretical perspectives, the question of violence against women,
child physical abuse/neglect/sexual abuse; and the problem of elder abuse.
No prerequisites.
SWK5750 Substance Abuse
3 semester hours
Presented from an ecological and family systems perspective, this course provides
current information that will enhance the student’s ability to work effectively with
individuals and families who are both directly and indirectly affected by substance
abuse. Emphasis is placed on current research. Relevant social policies and societal
attitudes are considered.
No prerequisites.
SWK5770 Social Work with Older Adults
3 semester hours
This course consists of the study of major theories of aging and their implications
for social work practice. Focus is on community services for the aged and an examination
of current issues and trends related to the service delivery system.
No prerequisites.
SWK5790 Social Work Practice and Sexual Diversity
3 semester hours
Course provides students with a knowledge base critical in developing an understanding
of, and appreciation for, people of diverse sexual identities and gender
expressions. Intent of course is to develop social workers who are capable of working
with sexual minorities from a theoretically integrative perspective.
No prerequisites.
SWK5810 Selected Topics
3 semester hours
Selected topics that support foundation social work courses and are of interest to
students but are not a regular part of the curriculum.
No prerequisites.
SWK6030 Bereavement Counseling
3 semester hours
This course presents the theoretical framework for working with bereaved individuals
and an examination of cultural attitudes toward death, other life losses,
and what effect these attitudes have on individual grief reactions. This course
highlights the therapeutic skills needed when working with the bereaved.
No prerequisites.
SWK6040 Social Work and Spirituality
3 semester hours
This course presents the knowledge and skills needed to provide social services
to persons with spiritual needs and dilemmas. A person-in-environment perspective
is used in understanding the meaning of spirituality for clients and appropriate
methods to utilize in responding to them.
No prerequisites.
SWK6060 Fundraising for Social Work
3 semester hours
Conceptualization and implementation of soliciting and acquiring income
through philanthropy and other private donations, grants, fee for service, investment
and other means geared to the special needs of nonprofits.
No prerequisites.
SWK6100 Social Work Gerontology: Assessment and Intervention with Older Adults
3 semester hours
This course will examine the advanced study of clinical treatment of older adults.
Focus will include different mental health issues presented by older adults, such
as, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, adjustment disorders due to relocation or loss
of loved ones and chronic illness. Successful treatment models with older adults
will be presented framed in the life course perspective.
Prerequisite: SWK6511 or concurrent enrollment; or consent of professor.
SWK6110 Social Work Gerontology: Families & Groups
3 semester hours
Study of older adults in group settings including the family, community living,
work environment, and society. Required course for gerontology specialization.
Prerequisites: SWK6370, SWK6381 or consent of professor.
SWK6200 Addictions Counseling I
3 semester hours
This course is the first of two courses designed to address the specific treatment
approaches utilized in working with the addicted population. Specific treatment
approaches as well as common assessment tools will be reviewed. Various career
opportunities within the realm of the addictions field will be explored. Students
will be introduced to the concept of the legal impact that drugs and alcohol have
on society and will have an opportunity to experience either drug court or DUI
court as part of their learning experience. Specific Illinois state rules which govern
treatment will be discussed (Rule 2060) as well as rules and laws of confidentiality.
Standardized treatment protocol, such as utilizing the American Society of
Addiction Medicine (ASAM) will be formally explained. The various levels of care
and treatment settings will be explored so that students planning on pursuing certification
can begin thinking of an internship placement that will be a good match.
Prerequisites: SWK6340 and SWK6350.
SWK6340 Survey of Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment
3 semester hours
This course will address a variety of topics as they relate to addictions in a number
of settings. The course is intended to serve as the foundation course for students
pursuing or considering obtaining a valuable clinical credential from the
Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.
(IAODAPCA). This will be the first in a series of four courses that will be addictions
specific. Students pursuing this specialization will be required to complete
an internship that documents addiction-related clinical work. Students completing
this curriculum track will be eligible to test for dual credentials upon graduation:
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) as well as the CADC.
No prerequisites.
SWK6350 Psychopharmacology
3 semester hours
This course is the second in the sequence of four required courses in the addictions
specialization. The course will address the drugs commonly used by the
addicted population. The following topics will be explored and discussed in the
course: the effect of drugs on the body and specific systems within the body; the
effect of alcohol and drugs on different populations such as women and the elderly;
current trends of drug use; common myths about specific drugs; specific
treatment approaches and complications; current controversial topics related to
drugs in society; medications used to help the addicted population as well as those
who suffer from mental illness(es); and changes in brain chemistry as a result of “process addictions.”
No prerequisites.
SWK6400 Addictions Counseling II
3 semester hours
This is the second course specifically designed to address specific treatment
approaches utilized in working with the addicted population. In this course students
will continue building their expertise of addictions through analysis and
evaluation of specific treatment approaches found to have positive outcomes with
the addicted population such as Motivational Interviewing and Reality Therapy.
Students will study and develop an understanding of the impact that the addicted
person has on their family members as well as analyze various treatment options
for families. In addition, the course will address the following topics: DUI laws
and implications for treatment; issues of prevention programs; examination of substance abuse from macro, mezzo, and micro levels; fundamental issues of effective
treatment plans; relapse process and prevention plans; importance of working
relationships with other service providers in case management function; roles
of practitioners in treatment settings; and the process of addiction.
Prerequisites: SWK6340, SWK6350 and SWK6200.
SWK6440 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals
3 semester hours
This advanced social work practice elective focuses on contemporary approaches
to directed social work practice with individual client systems.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6450 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families 3 semester hours
This advanced social work practice elective emphasizes the ability to assess and
engage families and to plan and implement effective interventions with a wide
variety of families.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6460 Advanced Social Work Practice with Couples
3 semester hours
This advanced social work practice elective will focus on a variety of theories and
approaches to social work practice with couples.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6470 Advanced Social Work Practice with Children
3 semester hours
This advanced social work practice elective will encompass the theory, methods
and skills necessary for understanding and working with children on all levels of
social work practice.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6480 Advanced Social Work Practice with Adolescents
3 semester hours
This advanced social work practice elective will examine a variety of theoretical
and practical approaches to working with adolescents and their environment.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6512 Social Work Practice III: Leadership and Community Practice
3 semester hours
This course builds upon the generalist practice knowledge and skills acquired in
the Foundation Year. The course will focus on management and administration
in the human services. Includes decision-making and leadership styles; basic tasks,
roles, skills of managers; management processes such as financial and human
resource management. Use of the competing values framework (a meta-theoretical
model) to integrate management skills of boundary-spanning, human relations,
coordinating, and directing.
Prerequisite: Foundation curriculum.
SWK6522 Social Work Practice IV: Leadership and Community Practice
3 semester hours
A continuation of SWK6512, this course will prepare the student to do planning,
administration, and organizing in social service agencies. This is a practice course
that focuses on a broad range of material related to macro practice. Students will
be exposed to many of the practice tasks that administrators must deal with to
perform their roles effectively.
Prerequisite: SWK6512.
SWK6560 Hospital Social Work
3 semester hours
This course will synthesize principles from the social work code of ethics in the
medical setting following the generalist theory of practice. An overview of the
variety of medical settings and situations in which social workers practice will be
explored. Students will have an opportunity to determine if the medical field is
the challenge they are looking for in social work.
No prerequisites.
SWK6565 Grant Writing for Social Work
3 semester hours
Selected topics that support advanced social work practice courses and are of
interest to students but are not a part of the regular curriculum.
No prerequisites.
SWK6570 Counseling Theories in Social Work
3 semester hours
Individuals are very different. What is useful and helpful for one individual may end up having a complete opposite effect or impact on another. As social workers, we need to have a variety of tools and skills at our disposal when working with the variety of clients we tend to come in contact with. Therapy approaches/techniques are one of these tools.
This class will introduce you to a variety of tools to help you meet your client’s goals. Where do you start? How do you end? Understanding yourself as a therapist/worker is also critical when helping others. The role of a supervisor will be briefly explored.
This course will also review many of the classic therapeutic approaches (such as Gestalt, Adlerian and Cognitive-Behavioral) that have been around for awhile. We will also discuss and practice some of the newer, “post-modern” techniques (i.e. – Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy {DBT}). We will see how these techniques are utilized with not only the individual client, but also with family and couples as well.
No prerequisites.
SWK6580 Fundraising
3 semester hours
Conceptualization and implementation of soliciting and acquiring income
through philanthropy and other private donations, grants, fee for service, investment
and other means geared to the special needs of nonprofits. (Note: This
course does NOT cover grant writing in depth. Grant writing is covered in the
macro practice sequence.)
No prerequisites.
SWK6710 Expressive Therapy for Children
3 semester hours
This course is designed to explore the expressive therapies, such as, art, clay,
dance, drama, music, sand and writing. Through the creative therapies, social
workers will become self-aware of the use of imagination, mind, body and emotions.
Students will understand the affect of expressive therapy on children from
diverse populations with diverse needs. Assessment and intervention of such treatments
will be examined. The intermodal treatments will allow the social worker
students to alter their approach based on the clients’ needs, or through using
multiple forms of expression with the same client to aid with deeper exploration.
No prerequisites.
SWK6720 Social Work with Vulnerable Children and Families
3 semester hours
This course will focus on the practice implications for social workers within the
juvenile justice system and substance abuse treatment programs. Current and
historical policies and research specific to the juvenile justice system will be examined.
Coursework and lectures will investigate all phases of the contemporary
juvenile justice system and examines juvenile rights, the nature and explanation
of delinquency, truancy, classifications of juvenile offenders, juvenile courts and
corrections, as well as effective treatment programs. Students will gain an understanding
of the legal process, including due process, adjudication, alternatives to
incarceration and forensic evaluation. Collaboration with protective services,
treatment programs and court services will be evaluated.
No prerequisites.
SWK6725 Child Welfare Services
3 semester hours
Theory, principles, issues, and trends in social work with children and youth; common
and special needs. Case management, treatment planning, case monitoring.
Exploration of authority-helper role and problems of working with
non-voluntary clients.
No prerequisites.
SWK6810 Selected Topics
3 semester hours
Selected topics that support advanced social work practice courses and are of
interest to students but are not a part of the regular curriculum.
No prerequisites.
SWK6830 Directed Study
SWK6980 Independent Study
Post-M.S.W. Type 73 School Social Work Courses
SWK5610 Social Work Practice with the Exceptional Child
3 semester hours
This course examines major causes and characteristics of students in the public
school setting evidencing exceptionality. The psychology, identification, and
methods of serving exceptional individuals and their families will be considered.
While the focus of this course is an understanding of the various exceptionalities
and how that impacts a student’s education, the course will provide a social work
perspective for practice related to prevention, intervention and evaluation.
No prerequisites.
SWK6430 School Social Work Certification Course
3 semester hours
This course is designed for post-M.S.W. graduate students seeking school social
work certification from the Illinois State Board of Education. It provides an orientation
to social work practice in the public school setting. It covers important
historical, legal, and political developments that affect the modern day roles and
functions of the practitioner in the school setting. The course provides a basic
understanding of the types of students served, resources and knowledge needed
to deliver services and an overview of the public school system. This course is a
requirement for state certification as a school social worker.
Prerequisites: M.S.W. post-graduate and approval by School Social Work Coordinator.
SWK6670 Field Instruction: Post-Master’s School Social Work
3 semester hours
This course is designed for students in the post-graduate program leading to state
certification for school social work. This field course is designed to integrate the
prior professional experiences of students who have practiced social work outside
of the public school setting with the unique knowledge and skills required by
this setting. Students, in conjunction with the school of social work and their field
instructors, design a unique learning experience that allows them to transfer skills
developed in other settings to the public school arena and to learn addition
knowledge and skills necessary for providing school social work services. Instruction
limited to post-master’s students.
Prerequisite: Consent of School Social Work Coordinator.
Servant Leadership Electives
The Master of Arts in Leadership for Service (MLS) courses are based upon the philosophy of servant leadership, and the premise that leaders have the opportunity to affect change that alters the life experience of those they lead and those their organization serves. Leadership guided by the commitment to serve others is enriched by the personal development of the leader. The social work profession calls its practitioners to guide individuals toward the inclination and ability to lead productive, rewarding lives; therefore, the MLS courses might be of benefit and interest to MSW students as they determine their program electives.
MLS 5100 Servant Leadership (3 Credit Hours)
This course explores the philosophy of Servant Leadership. Students will consider a general organizational ethic, meaning the moral principles and values governing organizations, as well as the feasibility of servant leadership practice within those. The characteristics of the servant leader and application of the same to various distinct career disciplines will be considered. No prerequisites. This course has also been offered as MBA 6810.
MLS 5400 Stewardship, Ethics/Values, Trust (1 Credit Hour)
This course examines Stewardship and its related components, including Trust. We will contrast a service orientation versus martyrdom, and individually identify the roots of Ethics and Values as well as how they inform a personal leadership framework.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
MLS 5450 Self Awareness, Team Building, Presence (1 Credit Hour)
We will examine mindsets and biases that support and defy our leadership potential as individuals, and contributory potential within a group. We will explore the concept of presence and flow both individually and within a group.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
MLS 5500 Motivation, Empowerment, Coaching (1 Credit Hour)
This course will contribute to the growth of the skills helpful to truly empathize with the goals and needs of others, in order to remove the obstacles blocking the inherent self motivation in beings, as well as inspire value added coaching.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
MLS 5550 Authenticity, Vulnerability, Humility (1 Credit Hour)
We will explore the essential Authenticity required for Servant Leadership, provide insight as to how to navigate the resultant Vulnerability, all in the pursuit of organizationally productive humility.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
MLS 5600 Followership, Usefulness, Changing the Pyramid (1 Credit Hour)
This course explores the practice and importance of effective followership, its potential impact on organizational structure, and those structures that indicate or are indicated by Servant Leadership. The commitment to Usefulness as defined by the rights and responsibilities of organizational citizenship will be considered.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
MLS 6300 Foresight, Intuition, Listening (1 Credit Hour)
Foresight driven by Intuition and Continuous Learning will be examined, as well as strategies and skills essential to the productive management of resultant organizational change.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
MLS 6350 Conceptualization, Creativity, Systems Thinking (1 Credit Hour)
We will engage in activities to empower individual Creativity, coupled with the introduction of Systems Thinking. The intersection of these two is where executable Conceptualization is born.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
MLS 6400 History of Servant Leadership, Sustainability, Faith/Culture (1 Credit Hour)
This course will survey the presence of Servant Leadership in history. A broad variety of faith and cultural perspectives will be analyzed regarding differences and commonalities. We will explore the financial sustainability supported by Servant Leadership.Prerequisite: MLS 5100.
