KSAWorks
KSAWorks
Knowledge • Skills • Abilities
Southwest Minnesota State University · Courses

SWRK

26 courses with the subject SWRK, 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.

SWRK 150Introduction to the Helping Professions3

Students talk about wanting to make a difference -to change the world in some way. This course helps students examine their ideas and values related to making a difference. The course emphasizes professional values and ethics and an understanding of historical and current trends affecting vulnerable populations. It offers students an opportunity to explore the wide range of roles and areas of specialization unique to the profession, including case management, direct services, counseling, child welfare, community-based mental health, health care, criminal justice, youth work, forensic social work and generalist social work. Explores the questions: Who needs help? Who helps? Where and How? What motivates people to help?

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 210Preparative Field Practicum0-3

Often, students in two-year schools will complete an internship or field practicum for credit for their AA or AS degree. When students transfer those credits to SMSU as part of the social work major, this course would be the course equivalent for those credits.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
0
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 234Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare3

This is an introductory social work course in which students will learn about the profession of social work, its fields of practice, values and ethics, policies and history of the social work profession, its interactions with contexts which shape practice, and its promotion of social and economic justice to advance human rights, alleviating critical social problems, and promoting well-being. The course will also offer knowledge and practice behaviors in engaging diversity and differences in social work practice. As an introduction to the social work profession, the course will discuss being a professional social worker and how to conduct oneself accordingly.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 242Introduction to Gerontology3

This course will introduce students to the field of aging and the impact of aging upon the individual, the family, and society. The course will also cover social, cultural, political, and economic issues facing older adults.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 250Social Services in Health Care3

This course focuses on how social workers in hospitals and clinics assist people in making better use of health care facilities, in preventing illness, in dealing with the impact of disability on themselves and their families, and in preserving their health. Emphasizes the necessity for effective collaboration with other health professionals in interdisciplinary health teams for optimum services.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 280Substance Abuse & Other Addictive Behaviors3

This course will acquaint students with issues of substance abuse and other addictive disorders. Students will examine current theories of addiction, discuss various treatment modalities, and come to understand the issues of assessment and intervention. Race, gender, and culture will be addressed throughout the course.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 286Special Topics1-4

Specialized study in social work, such as social work with select populations or selected issues.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 315Child Welfare3

This is an introductory course for students interested in a career in public, private or tribal child welfare services. This course is designed to provide students with an overview of child welfare services from historical, theoretical and practice perspectives. Community-based support services will be reviewed as well as services to children in their homes and services to children outside of their homes. Students will also discuss diverse family contexts and the domains and indicators of child well-being. Students will understand child welfare practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels within the problem-solving and ecological systems framework.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 321Workshop1-2

Selected continuing education topics in social work.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 330Basic Interviewing Skills3

This course is designed to provide students with practice in the use of a variety of interviewing techniques. The course will also allow the student to become acquainted with the professional literature of counseling and the role of ethics in social work and other helping professions.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 340Human Behavior in the Social Environment3

The theoretical aspects of the systems perspective as a framework for social work practice; integration of knowledge of biological, psychological, social-structural and cultural sources of behavior as they affect or are affected by human behavior; understanding of behavior and environment with a review of micro-level systems and an emphasis on macro-level systems. It is strongly recommended students have completed a biology course, Introduction to Sociology and a developmental or lifespan psychology course before taking SWRK 340.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 342Generalist Social Work Practice I3

An examination of models of generalist practice in working with individuals, families, and small groups from systems, life model, and Person-In-Environment perspectives. Reviews basic interviewing and interpersonal skills. Places emphasis on assessment of strengths and problems at various system levels, contracting, and intervention strategies. Practice evaluation, utilizing single-system designs, is examined. It is strongly recommended students have completed SWRK 340 and a developmental or lifespan psychology course before taking SWRK 342. Admission to major is required to register.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 343Generalist Social Work Practice II3

The course will focus on family roles, family dynamics, group dynamics, group structure and process, group types, functions, roles, stages of development, styles of leadership, skills of conducting groups, techniques, problem resolution and the reality and effects of group termination. The course shall emphasize the diversity of human behavior and experience, and recognize the uniqueness of each individual client. It is strongly recommended students have completed SWRK 340 and a developmental or lifespan psychology course before taking SWRK 343.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 344Generalist Social Work Practice III3

An examination of models of generalist practice in working with task groups, organizations, and communities. Emphasis will be placed on the role of generalist social work practice with the community, including skills for organizational relationship building, for planning and development of programs, methods of promoting social change, managing political processes, and practice and program evaluation. It is strongly recommended students have completed SWRK 342 and SWRK 343 before taking SWRK 344.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 351Diverse and At-Risk Populations3

Examines quality-of-life dimensions and outcomes of diverse and at-risk populations important to human service professionals, including age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation; dimensions examined include education, employment, health, housing, justice administration, and welfare.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 355The Impact of Poverty and Inequality3

Students will examine the Theories of Poverty and Inequity as well as look at the four systems of structural perspective on poverty: economic, political, cultural and social systems. Students will then identify and evaluate their own assumptions and learn how to become agents of change in American poverty.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 402Social Welfare Policy3

A critical examination of the evolution of social welfare policy in the United States and examination of the importance of social policy knowledge and skills for generalist social work practice. Students will conduct an analysis of specific social welfare policy and/or program. It is strongly recommended students have completed POL 220 or other American government course before taking SWRK 402.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 450Individual Study1-4

Limited to eight (8) hours, not more than four hours in a given subject area.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 484Pre-Field Practicum1

Course preparation for field practicum, including applying for admission to field practicum. Students, in consultation with the field director, select field practicum placements in social service agencies under the supervision of a social worker; includes completion of a learning outcomes contract and field agency orientation; examination of the mechanics of field placement, identification, and discussion of the uses of supervision in field practicum and a review of the NASW Code of Ethics, Minnesota Data Privacy Laws, and Minnesota Board of Social Work Licensing Laws. 40 hours agency orientation.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 485Social Work Field Seminar4

Capstone, integrative seminar on topics related to social work practice, with attention to issues and problems experienced in field instruction. Concurrent enrollment in SWRK 499 required.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 486Special Topics1-4

Specialized study in social work, such as social work with select populations or selected issues.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 487Social Work Field Seminar I2

Capstone, integrative seminar on topics related to social work practice, with attention to issues and problems experienced in field instruction. Concurrent enrollment in SWRK 497 required. This course requires the following prerequisite SWRK 484 - Pre-Field Practicum.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 488Social Work Field Seminar II2

Capstone, integrative seminar on topics related to social work practice, with attention to issues and problems experienced in field instruction. Concurrent enrollment in SWRK 498 required. This course requires the following prerequisite SWRK 484 - Pre-Field Practicum.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 497Field Practicum I4

At least 400 hours supervised field practice in community agencies and programs as a practical application of social work knowledge and skills gained from major coursework. Emphasis on direct work with clients, whether individuals, groups, or communities; taken concurrently with SWRK 487 where students use their experiences to analyze social work theory and practice. Concurrent enrollment in SWRK 487 required. This course requires the following prerequisite SWRK 484 - Pre-Field Practicum.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 498Field Practicum II4

At least 400 hours supervised field practice in community agencies and programs as a practical application of social work knowledge and skills gained from major coursework. Emphasis on direct work with clients, whether individuals, groups, or communities; taken concurrently with SWRK 488 where students use their experiences to analyze social work theory and practice. Concurrent enrollment in SWRK 488 required. This course requires the following prerequisite SWRK 484 - Pre-Field Practicum.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu
SWRK 499Field Practicum8

At least 400 hours supervised field practice in community agencies and programs as a practical application of social work knowledge and skills gained from major coursework. Emphasis on direct work with clients, whether individuals, groups, or communities; taken concurrently with SWRK 485 where students use their experiences to analyze social work theory and practice. Concurrent enrollment in SWRK 485, SWRK 415.

Subject
SWRK
Credits (min)
8
Credits (max)
8
Credit unit
Credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
catalog.smsu.edu

Source: Southwest Minnesota State University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61