14 courses with the subject SW, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
SW 202Introduction to Social Work3.00
This course introduces the social work profession, including its history, foundational values, ethical principles, and diverse areas of practice. Students will explore the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and its application in professional decision-making. The course examines key theoretical frameworks, systems of practice, and the profession’s commitment to advancing social justice, human rights, equity, and inclusion. Students will gain an understanding of the multidimensional roles of social workers across various fields, including social services, mental health, substance use treatment, child welfare, criminal justice, violence prevention, healthcare, education, and aging services. This course serves as a foundation for future social work courses, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills for ethical, culturally competent, and justice-oriented practice. Semester
SW 301Human Behavior in the Social Environment II3.00
This course expands on human development theories, focusing on macro-level influences that shape individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Students will examine the impact of systemic factors, including race, religion, poverty, trauma, oppression, and inequality, on health, well-being, and development. Through a multidisciplinary lens, students will explore structural and environmental influences that affect diverse populations and apply theoretical frameworks to engage, assess, and intervene and evaluate clients and constituencies. Semester
SW 311Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations3.00
This introductory theory and practice course explores ecological and social justice theories as foundational frameworks for understanding the complexity of working with diverse clients in a global context. Students will examine key social justice concepts, differentiating between diversity, equity, inclusion, and equality, as well as prejudice, racism, discrimination, microaggressions, and privilege. Through a critical lens, students will analyze how individual, institutional, and structural discrimination operate in a global context. Emphasizing reflective practice, self-awareness, and cultural humility, this course integrates intersectionality and racial identity development theories to inform client-centered and culturally appropriate social work interventions. Students will develop practical skills for engaging in anti-oppressive, strengths-based, and empowerment-oriented practice. Semester
SW 320Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families3.00
This course prepares students to engage in ethical, culturally responsive, and effective social work practice within micro-level settings by introducing students to generalist social work practice with individuals and families. The course emphasizes theoretical frameworks for assessing strengths, needs, and challenges with diverse clients. Students will develop skills in engagement and rapport building with clients through a series of video role plays demonstrating their skills conducting assessments, integrating empowerment-based, client-centered, and evidence-informed approaches to formulate mutually agreed-upon intervention goals and objectives. Students will learn to apply appropriate intervention strategies that align with research knowledge, ethical principles, and the values and preferences of diverse individuals and families. This course prepares students with the skills to engage in ethical, culturally responsive, and effective micro-level social work practice with individuals and families. Semester
SW 321Generalist Practice with Organizations and Communities3.00
This course explores direct social work theories and interventions at the community and organizational levels, emphasizing their role in enhancing client outcomes and shaping effective service delivery. Students will analyze how supervision, leadership, and management influence direct services, organizational effectiveness, and systemic change. Through the application of assessment frameworks, students will learn to identify, analyze, and address community and organizational challenges, develop strategic solutions, and implement change initiatives. The course integrates the NASW Code of Ethics and professional ethical principles in macro practice, examining how macro-level decision-making intersects with micro and mezzo social work practices to create sustainable, client-centered interventions. This course prepares students to engage in ethical, evidence-informed, and equity-focused macro social work practice that supports communities, organizations, and direct service providers. Semester
This course explores social work theories and interventions for groups, emphasizing the role of group work in mezzo, and social work practice. Students will examine group dynamics, stages of group development, leadership roles, rapport-building techniques, and assessment methods grounded in theoretical frameworks. The course highlights the ethical responsibilities of social workers in group settings, aligning with the NASW Code of Ethics and best practices in mezzo-level social work. Students will explore various types of social work groups, including therapeutic and clinical groups, educational, support, self-help, social action and advocacy groups. Students will develop group facilitation skills, conflict resolution strategies, and culturally responsive engagement techniques. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to plan, implement, and evaluate group interventions that address the needs of diverse populations across various social work settings. Students will learn the knowledge and skills to engage in ethical, evidence-based, and effective group work practice. Semester
This course provides an exploration of the child welfare system, including its services, policies, and interventions designed to protect children and strengthen families. Students will examine theories of abuse and neglect, family risk and protective factors, as well as the roles of public and private systems in addressing child maltreatment. Emphasizing trauma-informed, strengths-based, and family-centered approaches, the course integrates social work values and ethical principles in assessing and responding to child welfare concerns. Topics covered include reporting, foster care, adoption, group homes, independent living for youth aging out of the system. Students will analyze systemic influences, policies, and practices in child welfare systems preparing them to engage in ethical and effective trauma-informed interventions that promote child safety, permanency, and well-being. This course prepares students to work effectively within child welfare systems, advocating for child protection, family empowerment, and systemic change to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Semester
This course explores theoretical frameworks related to intimate partner violence, focusing on power, control, and abuse within relationships. Students will examine the dynamics of intimate partner violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and other forms of family violence, as well as the structural and systemic factors that contribute to these issues. Through an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach, students will learn to identify warning signs of abuse, apply empirical assessment strategies, and develop safety planning interventions. The course also covers legal protections, including the process of applying for protective orders and examining relevant state laws. Additionally, students will explore social service interventions that support survivors and promote family safety and well-being. This course prepares students to engage in ethical, advocacy-driven, and survivor-centered social work practice in addressing family violence. Semester
SW 311 Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations , SW 320 Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families , SW 321 Generalist Practice with Organizations and Communities , or SW 323 Generalist Practice with Groups , Final two semesters prior to graduation.
Corequisite
SW 436 Seminar
SW 436Seminar2.00
This course supports students in integrating their field practicum experience with the knowledge, values, and skills gained throughout the BSW curriculum. Emphasizing ethical practice, professional development, and reflective learning, students will explore how the NASW Code of Ethics guides direct client work, social work interventions, and policy engagement within field agencies. Key topics include the role of supervision, cultural humility, self-care, and reflective practice in professional growth and readiness for generalist social work practice. Students will critically analyze their field experiences through journals, case presentations, and class discussions, demonstrating their ability to apply social work competencies, cognitive and affective processes, and ethical decision-making in real-world settings. Semester
This course examines the influence of federal, state, and local policies on social work practice and service delivery. Students will explore the impact of social policies and programs on client outcomes, with an emphasis on how policy decisions shape service accessibility, effectiveness, and equity. The course will introduce theories of policy analysis, policy advocacy skills, and policy development, preparing students to navigate and influence the policy landscape. Additionally, students will examine the historical foundations of key social policies related to poverty, child welfare, aging, veterans’ services, education, healthcare, mental health, and juvenile and criminal justice. Semester
