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Students
choose and develop 2 areas of specialization: one in social work methods
and one in an area of concentration. Students should select both the methods
and concentration area at the beginning of the MSW program. This will
enable them to enroll in the appropriate courses and to arrange suitable
field placements.
Methods: Select one
from the following:
- Direct
Practice. Students who wish to deal with the changing impact
of interpersonal and social problems on individuals, families, and groups
through direct service should choose this specialty.
- Macro
Practice. This method is for students who are interested in
planned change with organizations and committees. Students will prepare
for roles in planning, policy practice, administration, program development
and community practice.
- Double
Methods. Students who are interested in gaining knowledge and
skills in working with individuals, families, groups, communities, and
organizations may want to consider a "Double Method" sequence.
This involves taking methods coursework and field experience in both
Direct Practice and Macro Practice and requires approximately one extra
semester of coursework (4-5 additional credits). Coursework for the
second method is taken instead of other course electives. Four semesters
of field are required with two semesters for Direct Practice experience
and two semesters of Macro Practice experience. Students who have interests
in the range of social work practice methods would benefit from this
option.
In addition, students
select one area of concentration:
Behavioral
and Physical Health
The behavioral and physical health concentration is designed to prepare
students for advanced social work practice involving the delivery of health,
mental health and addictions services to individuals, families, small
groups, and the community. Students are exposed to issues, approaches,
and technologies for application in prevention, treatment, administration,
and policy. These are related to risks and problems with: alcohol and
other drugs, mental health and mental illness, intimate partner violence,
community violence, cognitive and physical disabilities, physical illness,
and other behavioral health concerns across the lifespan. Course work
provides students with knowledge, values, and skills to prepare them for
professional practice in a variety of private and public settings related
to physical health, mental health, addictions and substance abuse.
Gerontology
The concentration in gerontology is designed to aid students in understanding
the complexity of the aging process from the perspective of the individual,
family, society, and social policy. The concentration will cover the physical,
psychological, and social processes of aging including family roles and
responsibilities, cultural diversity, social support networks and the
use of health and social services. Major developmental issues during the
second half of life will be presented and interventions to facilitate
adaptation to developmental change will be described. Course work will
enable students to: understand late-life mental disorders; develop assessment
skills; formulate, implement, and evaluate treatment plans; and, become
aware of issues related to age and ageism as they influence social work
practice.
Family
and Child Welfare
The social work profession has a long history of commitment to ensuring
the welfare of children. Furthermore, professionals recognize the family
system as being significant in the lives of children. The family system,
in its various forms, represents a significant social institution, essential
to communities and to society as a whole. This concentration focuses on
the study of family systems, child and family welfare, and interventions
to enhance the lives of children and families. Students in this concentration
develop the advanced practice knowledge and skills necessary to provide
services to children and families in a wide variety of settings.
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