Social Work

The Social Work major is designed to prepare students for beginning social work practice and/or for graduate professional education. The student who satisfactorily completes our undergraduate curriculum in social work will be eligible to apply for licensure as a “Licensed Social Worker” in the State of Ohio.

The Social Work curriculum is based on the premise that a social worker needs a broad base of knowledge in the liberal arts, to include the study of human development and behavior and an understanding of social and cultural systems. Integrated into the content are concerns for social justice, racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity, and women’s issues. The curriculum is, therefore, interdisciplinary in nature.

An integral part of the Social Work Program is an educationally planned, professionally supervised field placement, which provides students the opportunity for experiential learning at an appropriate social work setting. Field work provides invaluable experience and preparation for employment in entry-level social work practice.

Social Work majors are strongly urged to also complete a psychology major or minor to better prepare them for the licensing exam and to improve their preparation should they later decide to enroll in graduate school.

Degrees

Courses

SW130: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK

Credits 4

This introductory course explores the history, values, ethics, and practice areas of social work. It examines the roles of social workers in diverse settings with an emphasis on social justice, advocacy, and empowerment.  Through varied learning methods, students will gain foundational knowledge and key skills, while understanding the profession and its impact. 

Learn ways to change the world for individuals, families, groups, agencies, schools, communities, counties, states, and across the USA. This course provides an overview of social justice and other needs/issues that social workers are involved with and experience. We will examine the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for social work practice, and the variety of problems, practice settings, and diverse client populations they can serve.

SW 210: Social Welfare Policy and Social Programs

Credits 4

This course examines the development of social welfare and programs in the United States from a rights-based, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive perspective. Students will analyze how policy intersects with social, racial, economic and environmental justice and the role social work in shaping and advocating  for policies that promote equity. 

Learn ways to change the world for individuals, families, groups, agencies, schools, communities, counties, states, and across the USA. This course provides an overview of social justice and other needs/issues that social workers are involved with and experience. We will examine the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for social work practice, and the variety of problems, practice settings, and diverse client populations they can serve.

SW210: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WELFARE AND SOCIAL WORK

Credits 4
Learn ways to change the world for individuals, families, groups, agencies, schools, communities, counties, states, and across the USA. This course provides an overview of social justice and other needs/issues that social workers are involved with and experience. We will examine the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for social work practice, and the variety of problems, practice settings, and diverse client populations they can serve.

SW230: INTRODUCTION TO ADDICTIONS COUNSELING

Credits 4

Engage in learning about research, theory, and through practical experiences in the community to help understand substance misuse and other addictive behaviors. Explore an array of techniques and skills for the assessment and treatment of substance use disorder and process/behavioral addictions. A strengths-based and client-centered perspective will be presented. This class assists in meeting the Preliminary requirements for obtaining an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistance Certificate (CDCA).

SW330G: PERSPECTIVES ON SUBSTANCE USE

Credits 4
Exploring substance use from a multicultural perspective will expand student’s understanding of the many factors that can contribute to addiction and substance misuse. Diverse theories of addiction and treatment will be explored and applied to current trends/issues related to addiction. Historical trauma will be highlighted to help understand its connection to current addiction challenges. This course is designed to assist in meeting the requirements for obtaining an Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Renewable Certificate (CDCA).

SW333: DIRECT PRACTICE WITH DIVERSE CLIENTS AND COMMUNITIES

Credits 4
Learn to recognize and address issues of diversity in direct practice starting with an exploration of the impact of personal biases and values when working with diverse populations. Build your own cultural competence/humility in order to effectively work with clients and communities from various backgrounds “ in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each” (NASW, 2015, p.13).

SW335: HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Credits 4
Explore human development and its many challenges across the lifespan from a biopsychosocial and systems perspective. Gain a broad understanding of developmental theories such as Erikson, Piaget, Bronfenbrenner, and others as well as the research that supports them. Become familiar with how current systems and policies are not equitable and create obstacles to healthy development on multiple levels. Enhance skills in applying these theoretical frameworks when working with clients on the micro- direct practice, mezzo- groups/communities/agencies, and macro- policy and programming levels of care.

SW341: General Practice with Individuals

Credits 4
An examination of the knowledge, values, and skills commonly used in direct practice with individuals by social workers and similar professionals in the fields of counseling, psychology, and criminal justice. Emphasis is on both understanding the dynamics of the professional helping process and on the development of specific skills, such as: interviewing, ethical decision-making, assessments, goal planning, and case documentation.

SW343: INTERVENTIONS WITH GROUPS AND FAMILIES

Credits 4
This course presents an examination of the knowledge, values, and skills commonly used by social workers and similar professionals when working with groups and families. Review evidence-based interventions for effective and ethical practice. Develop leadership skills including communication, engagement, facilitation of group processes, planning, problem solving, and self-awareness. Explore diversity issues and their impact on providing treatment. Students will learn to apply new skills and knowledge through engaging in class exercises and in leading in-class groups and activities.

SW345G: TRAUMA, RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE

Credits 4
This class will explore trauma/stress reactions, interventions, recovery, and resilience in the lives of children, adults, families, and communities. We will use a multicultural lens to explore the experiences of different groups in the USA and other countries. Special attention will be given to the many ways trauma can affect individuals biologically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially. We will review the signs and symptoms of trauma and ways to connect with those suffering from it. Areas highlighted will include Trauma Informed Care, Historical Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress, Adverse Childhood Experiences Veterans/Families Needs, Assault and Victimization. Interventions will be explored and practiced within the class and when possible in the community.

SW365: MACRO PRACTICE: PROMOTING POLICY AND COMMUNITY CHANGE

Credits 4
Address the nature and impact of policy decisions and programming on the social welfare of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Special attention will be given to disenfranchised, oppressed, and impoverished populations. Explore how to enact change at the organizational, community, societal, and global levels. Learn to provide advocacy and leadership through various orientations, perspectives, and practices with a focus on economic and social justice, equitable access/participation, human needs and rights, and political access. Engage in a group community change project throughout the semester and see how small steps can create real change and help those in need.

SW398 A: Social Work Field Placement 1

Credits 4

First semester of a two- semester internship at a social work agency where students gain hands-on experience and learn how to integrate classroom knowledge and skills with practice experiences. 

This course presents an examination of the knowledge, values, and skills commonly used by social workers and similar professionals when working with groups and families. Review evidence-based interventions for effective and ethical practice. Develop leadership skills including communication, engagement, facilitation of group processes, planning, problem solving, and self-awareness. Explore diversity issues and their impact on providing treatment. Students will learn to apply new skills and knowledge through engaging in class exercises and in leading in-class groups and activities.

SW495: CAPSTONE: SOCIAL WORK FIELD PLACEMENT

Credits 4
The Capstone for Social Work is a combination of practicum experience and classroom discussion and support. The focus is on learning by doing through the application of social work knowledge, values, and skills in a professionally supervised social service setting/agency for a total of 400 hours. Each field experience needs to be organized at least one semester ahead of the planned placement in order to complete interviews, background checks, paper work or other agency requirements. Students will coordinate with their field instructor and social service agency to create an appropriate field placement that meets all NASW requirements for social work licensure. Junior/Senior Social Work majors only.