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2023-2024 Course Catalog
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Catalog
2023-2024

Department/Program:

Social Work (Graduate)

Majors, Minors & Degrees:

Majors

Social Work (M.S.W.)

MSW Program Mission

The Master of Social Work Program at Nebraska Wesleyan University prepares students for advanced trauma conscious social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. We are committed to preparing our students to engage in critical thinking in order to integrate knowledge of systemic oppression to promote social justice, apply ethical standards and principles, and enhance strengths and resiliency among diverse populations.

MSW Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is split into a generalist curriculum and a specialized curriculum. The generalist curriculum consists of 32 credits hours, including the completion of a 400-hour practicum experience. Once students have completed the generalist curriculum, they will be allowed to progress to the specialized curriculum, which consists of 34 credit hours of advanced coursework, including a minimum of 500 hours of practicum experience. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program may be able to begin the program with advanced standing and start directly into the specialized curriculum.

Admissions Criteria

  • Undergraduate Degree (3.0 GPA) from an Accredited College/University with previous coursework in statistics as well as at least 9 credit hours of coursework in the social sciences, to include sociology, psychology, political science, and similar disciplines.
  • Submission of a resume documenting previous volunteer, internship, and/ or work experience.
  • 2 references (1 academic reference from previous faculty member [if possible]).
  • Writing sample formatted in APA style with the use of citations. The sample should demonstrate sufficient writing skill needed for graduate level coursework. The writing sample should be no more than 5 pages of writing with a title page and reference page (no more than 7 pages total). Applicants will be provided with prompts that should guide their response.

Determination of Advanced Standing:

Students who have earned an undergraduate degree in social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited educational institution or program recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors, may apply for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program and enter into advanced standing. Applicants must have received the undergraduate social work degree within 5 years prior of applying at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Students who completed an undergraduate degree in social work more than 5 years previous are eligible to apply for Advanced Standing and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Program will specifically consider social work coursework previously completed and its fit under the current CSWE standards and coursework required at the Generalist Level of the program. Students seeking Advanced Standing may be required to complete bridge content, not previously achieved in the student's baccalaureate education, to fulfill the requirements at the generalist level.  No student with a baccalaureate degree in social work will be required to complete content previously achieved in their undergraduate social work education.

Advanced Standing Admissions Criteria:

  • Undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE Accredited Program (3.0 GPA) from an Accredited College/University with previous coursework in statistics as well as at least 9 credit hours of coursework in the social sciences, to include sociology, psychology, political science, and similar disciplines. ** Degree must have been obtained within the past 5 years. For candidates who do not meet this criteria, applications will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
    • NWU MSW Program may require students to complete courses prior to admittance into the program.
  • For students who have completed an Undergraduate Degree in social work within the last 5 years, a practicum evaluation must be provided.
  • Submission of a resume documenting previous volunteer, internship, and/ or work experience.
  • 2 references (1 academic reference from previous faculty member [if possible]).
  • Writing sample formatted in APA style with the use of citations. The sample should demonstrate sufficient writing skill needed for graduate level coursework. The writing sample should be no more than 5 pages of writing with a title page and reference page (no more than 7 pages total). Applicants will be provided with prompts that should guide their response.

Courses

SOCWK 5000 History and Philosophy of Social Work in the United States (3 hours)

In this course, students will develop an understanding of the social work profession by learning diverse perspectives around the values, ethics, and goals that the profession entails along with the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics. Students will also learn about the history of social work as a profession, including the important people who have shaped the practices that social workers have used over time. Students will also identify the ways that the social and political environments bear on the problems faced by individuals and families, and communities in the United States and influence the environment has on social work practice. Finally, students will actively consider how the historical context of the social work profession and the values that the profession has adopted relate to their own personal and professional values and goals.  

 

SOCWK 5010 Human Behavior In Social Environment (3 hours)

In this generalist course, students with synthesize and examine the body of knowledge concerning how the individual, group, family, and community systems interrelate with each other and the larger social context from the lifespan stages from birth through adolescence, adulthood, aging, and death. Content will be drawn from the biological, psychological, sociological, eco-political, and cultural environmental systems. The importance of professional ethics in the assessment process is also examined.

SOCWK 5100 ANTI-OPPRESSIVE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE (3 hours)

In this generalist practice course, students will increase their knowledge and awareness of experiences of people of oppressed populations in relation to forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination within the history of the United States. Students will gain insight into historical, political and cultural realities of perceived and genuine differences.

SOCWK 5110 Social Welfare Policy, Serv, Delivery (3 hours)

In this generalist practice course students will study the historical development of social welfare policies, services, and institutions and address contemporary policy and service delivery issues. The social, political, and value systems that create policies are studied. A systems perspective focuses on the relationship between policy, services, and institutions at the local, state, and federal levels. International perspectives on social policy are discussed for comparative purposes. Primary areas of focus are public welfare, aging and mental health. Policy implementation and change are discussed.

Pre or Corequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History and Philosophy of Social Work in the United States.

SOCWK 5200 Micro Practice (3 hours)

In this generalist practice course students will explore social work theory and practice-based skills. Study of communication patterns, empathic response and assessment of client situations. Experiential learning through role playing, observation, and discussion will be integral aspects of learning throughout the course.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History and Philosophy of Social Work in the United States, SOCWK 5100 Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice , SOCWK 5230 Research Informed Practice.

SOCWK 5210 Group Practice (3 hours)

In this generalist course, students will identify the theoretical underpinnings as well as practical applications of group work as a vehicle for social work. Students will also explore how and why groups function and develop skills and techniques of membership and leadership.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History and Philosophy of Social Work in the United States, SOCWK 5100 Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice , SOCWK 5230 Research Informed Practice.

SOCWK 5220 Macro Practice: Comm Org, Plan, Admin (3 hours)

This is an introductory course in the administration and planning of social service organizations. Major emphasis is placed upon community organization, legislative analysis, management skills, program planning, and program evaluation. This is a practice-oriented course including simulations, community and agency-based experiences, in-class projects, and personal introspection.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History and Philosophy of Social Work in the United States

SOCWK 5230 Research Informed Practice (3 hours)

In this generalist practice course students will be provided and introduction and overview of research methods used in generalist social work practice. Course content includes both quantitative and qualitative methods and empathize critiquing research, program evaluation, methods of data collection and analysis, single-subject design, ethical considerations, and the application of evidence-based practice to improve policy and social service delivery.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History and Philosophy of Social Work in the United States, SOCWK 5100 Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice .

Pre or corequisite(s): SOCWK 5010 Human Behavior In Social Environment.

SOCWK 5270 Generalist Field Practicum (3 hours)

This course provides students with supervised learning experiences in selected social work agencies. The experience introduces a variety of social work practice roles and enables the student to apply social work knowledge, skills, and values in a real practice situation. Students will be required to complete 400 hours of practicum. The Field Director will place students in area agencies.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5000 History and Philosophy of Social Work in the United States and permission of Field Director.

SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience (3 hours)

In this advanced course students will be introduced to different types of traumatic events and the variety of social contexts these traumatic events take place. Students will gain a basic understanding of concepts associated with the neurobiology of trauma and recognize the importance of the social context in which trauma occurs. Students will learn how this knowledge informs one's social work practice. Students will evaluate how diversity and difference impact the experiences of trauma and resilience on clients at the micro and mezzo levels. Specifically, students will understand the impact of systemic oppression, discrimination, and the abuse of power and authority on individuals, families, and generations of individuals living within cultures over time. Students will understand trauma is an experience of disconnection from self and others. Students will value the role of affect regulation and self-awareness as key to experiencing connection to oneself and others.

SOCWK 5310 Theories for Advanced Social Work Practice (3 hours)

In this advanced practice course, you will learn theories that social workers use with individuals and families to guide ethical and professional behavior. This learning will give you foundational knowledge of theoretical orientations as well as practice in applying theories to the process of engagement, assessment, and intervention across diverse populations.

Pre or Corequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience.

SOCWK 5320 Advanced Practice With Groups (3 hours)

This advanced practice course will build upon basic attending skills and group dynamics and theory. Students will be provided with advanced practice skills in facilitating therapeutic group interventions.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience.
Prerequisite or corequisite(s): SOCWK 5310 Theories for Advanced Social Work Practice.

SOCWK 5330 Assessment and Treatment of Trauma (3 hours)

In this advanced practice course, students will learn to assess and treat trauma in light of the research evidence on risk and resilience, diversity and inclusion, and neurobiology. Assessment includes an introduction to trauma-specific measures and interview protocol to better understand the trauma and to make targeted treatment plans. Students will work in a simulation setting to engage, assess, and intervene with individuals and families and evaluate their own practice experience and ethical-decision making through self-reflection.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience, SOCWK 5310 Theories for Advanced Social Work Practice.

SOCWK 5340 Social Advocacy in Social Work (3 hours)

In this advanced practice course students will increase their abilities in their analytical and critical thinking skills related to policy analysis. Students will recognize the impact of trauma as a result of oppressive policy practices that limit access to basic human rights. Students will learn policy practice theories and skills to assist them in obtaining experience in policy advocacy at the local, state, and/or federal level. Students will explore policy change processes that will help to better meet the needs of those who have experienced trauma at the micro, mezzo, and/or macro level. Students will build and practice skills in advocating for client needs and overall well-being in order to create change at the policy level within communities, agencies and/or society. Students will also demonstrate skill in empowering oppressed client populations in advocating for their own needs. This course will focus on social, economic and environmental justice and their impact on the provision of services to all client populations.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience.

SOCWK 5450 Professional Ethics and Leadership in Social Work (3 hours)

In this advanced course students will explore a variety of theoretical models for leadership and management. Students will assess their own leadership style and engage in self-reflection to explore their role as future leaders in the social work profession. Students will also review the challenges that face leaders in today’s profession social work environment while upholding the ethical standards of the profession. Students will apply professional ethics and state and national laws to their practice as advanced social work practitioners.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5300 Nature of Trauma and Traumatic Experience.

SOCWK 5460 Trauma Conscious Social Work Admin (3 hours)

In this advanced practice course students will develop skill-based knowledge in the practice of supervision and program administration with individuals, groups, organizations and communities who have experienced trauma. This will include content focused on conflict and personnel management within the context of ethical, trauma conscious social work practice with diverse populations. Students will acquire the skills that will enable them to be effective supervisors and administrators in settings where individual, organization, and systemic trauma have been experienced.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5450 Professional Ethics and Leadership in Social Work.

SOCWK 5570 Advanced Field Practicum (1-10 hours)

This course provides students with supervised learning experiences in selected social work agencies. The experience provides students with opportunities to continue to develop and strengthen advanced social work skills and behaviors. Students will be required to complete 500 hours of advanced practicum.

Pre or Corequisite(s): SOCWK 5330 Assessment and Treatment of Trauma.

SOCWK 5580 Advanced Integrative Capstone I (2 hours)

In this advanced practice course, students have the opportunity to integrate and apply previous learning (academic and field) through the creation and implementation of a project to demonstrate mastery of knowledge, skills, ethics and values necessary for evidence-based trauma conscious advanced social work practice. This course will provide students with the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge base of the social work profession as well as develop and enhance professional presentation skills through creating and implementing trauma conscious evaluative practices at the individual and organizational level, including a self-evaluation.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5330 Assessment and Treatment of Trauma.

SOCWK 5590 Advanced Integrative Capstone II (1 hour)

In this advanced practice course, students have the opportunity to integrate and apply previous learning (academic and field) through the creation and implementation of a project to demonstrate mastery of knowledge, skills, ethics and values necessary for evidence-based trauma conscious advanced social work practice. This course will provide students with the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge base of the social work profession as well as develop and enhance professional presentation skills through creating and implementing trauma conscious evaluative practices at the individual and organizational level, including a self-evaluation.

Prerequisite(s): SOCWK 5580 Advanced Integrative Capstone I.