MSW Foundation Content

In the first year of their graduate study, students take courses which provide a common base of knowledge across all practice settings and populations.

Upon completion of these 30 credit hours, students will have the core knowledge, skills, and values of the profession to move into an area of specialization based on their career interests. Students cannot proceed to their concentration choice without having successfully completed foundation courses. Full time students will complete the foundation in one year; part time students will complete the foundation coursework in two years.

The following table shows the organization of the foundation year.

First year Fall (15 hours)	First Year Spring (15 hours)
5200 Social Policy & Social Services (3) 5500 Foundations of Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3) 5350 Social Work and Human Service Organizations (3) 5410 Research Methods & Analysis I (3) 5100 Generalist Social Work Practice (3)	5700 Diversity and Social Justice (3) 5300 Community Practice and Social Change (3) 5450 Research Methods & Analysis II (3) 5801 Graduate Field Practicum Seminar (2) 5800 Graduate Field Practicum I (4)

Each of the foundation courses are briefly described below:

5700 Diversity and Social Justice for Social Work(3)
The course analyzes the structure, dynamics, and consequences of social and economic injustice, and the impact on diverse groups in American society. Examines theoretical models and practice principles for work with diverse groups.

5200 Social Policy and Social Services (3)
This course covers the history and development of social welfare programs, policies, legislative processes, and existing social welfare programs. Examines frameworks for social policy analysis, analyzes how social and economic conditions impact the process of social policy development and implementation, and introduces policy practice in social work.

5500 Foundations of Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3)
Focuses on theoretical and empirical understanding of human behavior in the social environment using a life-span perspective. It presents biological, behavioral, cognitive, and socio-cultural theories of individuals, families, and small groups, for the professional social worker’s understanding of socioeconomic status, gender, disability, ethnicity, race, and sexual orientation.

5100 Generalist Social Work Practice (3)
Using a problem solving approach, students develop theoretical and empirical understanding and practical application of generalist social work methods. Students gain knowledge and skills that include interviewing, assessment, crisis and short-term intervention, contracting, resource development, and case documentation needed for competent direct practice with diverse populations.

5350 Social Work and Human Service Organizations (3)
Students develop theoretical and empirical understanding of groups and organizations, including concepts such as power and authority, structure, goals, membership, leadership, motivation, technology and organizational culture. Using organizations as settings for social work practice and as targets for change, students learn strategies and skills for assessment and intervention.

5300 Community Practice and Social Change (3)
This course focuses on economic, social, and political theory and research on communities and social change. Students examine conceptual models of community practice within the generalist model and develop foundation skills in organizing and advocacy.

5410 Research Methods and Analysis I (3)
This course is the first of a two-course sequence designed to provide students with the knowledge base and skills for using scientific method to advance social practice, knowledge, and theory. The course focuses on research methods at different levels (e.g. individual, group, organization, and community). It covers quantitative and qualitative methods, research design, sampling, measurement, use of results, impacts of research, and ethical considerations.

5450 Social Work Research Methods and Analysis II (3)
This course is an advanced course focusing on analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to advance social work practice, knowledge, and theory. Students learn to use and interpret various statistical procedures for analyzing quantitative data, including bivariate and multivariate analysis, and content and statistical analysis for qualitative data. Students apply these analytic techniques to social work case material using computer software applications.

5801 Graduate Field Practicum Seminar (2)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor and concurrent registration in SW 5800. Seminar integrates academic content from foundation course work and experiential learning in field placements. Goals are to conceptualize the problem solving process in field practice, synthesize theory into a social work approach that encourages creative uses of self, and underscore ethics and service to diverse groups in practice.

5800 Graduate Field Practicum (4)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Provides integrative field experience in generalist social work practice.