Social Work

This course introduces students to the history, processes, and effects of public policy in the United States. Students will explore how policies are created, implemented, and evaluated, as well as the roles played by government institutions, interest groups, and citizens in shaping outcomes.

This course examines how race, class, and social identities shape human experience, social structures, and community life. Students will engage with sociological and historical perspectives to understand social inequalities and cultural differences. The course encourages students to reflect on how Christian values inform the pursuit of human dignity across diverse global societies.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of abnormal psychology, focusing on the diagnosis of mental health conditions and understanding associated behaviors. Students will analyze various disorders through case studies, applying diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5-TR while also examining the ethical considerations involved in treatment. The curriculum is designed to equip working professionals with practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to roles involving mental health care and supporting individuals with atypical behavior.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of psychological principles and their direct application to personal and professional success. Students examine the key factors that influence psychological health, learn evidence-based strategies for managing stress and emotions in professional and personal environments, and develop the practical skills necessary to build resilience and cultivate strong, positive relationships. The goal of this course is to equip students with valuable insights and tools to enhance their overall quality of life and career satisfaction.

Interpersonal Communication is the study of theories and practice in verbal and nonverbal communication with a focus on interpersonal relationships. Emphasis is on improving interpersonal skills and increasing communication competence in everyday social exchanges, and applying effective conflict strategies. Topics include perception, listening, friendships, professional and family relationships, building and maintaining healthy relationships, and recognizing the dark side of human relationships.

This course introduces students to the profession of social work, exploring its historical roots, core values, and ethical principles. It examines social justice concepts and their application to diverse populations, addressing issues of inequality, oppression, and human rights. Through a focus on advocacy and empowerment, students will learn how social workers contribute to creating a more equitable society.

This course provides an introduction to the rights and freedoms of diverse groups and individuals in the United States. It explores the historical development and legal interpretations of these rights, focusing on landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped civil liberties. The course will explore various social identities—such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexual orientation—shape individual experiences and societal structures. It explores historical and contemporary issues related to prejudice, discrimination, and privilege, fostering an understanding of their impact on institutions and interpersonal relationships. Students will develop a critical perspective on diversity, learning to appreciate different viewpoints and engage in constructive dialogue to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

This course introduces students to foundational theories of human behavior and development from a social work perspective. It examines major theoretical frameworks, including systems theory, ecological theory, and psychodynamic approaches, to understand how individuals interact within their social environments. The course emphasizes the application of these theories to diverse populations, focusing on the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence human functioning across the lifespan.

This course introduces students to the foundational principles and skills necessary for effective social work practice with individuals and families. It covers essential helping processes, including engagement, assessment, intervention, and termination, while emphasizing the importance of building therapeutic relationships. Students will learn about various evidence-based practices and ethical considerations for empowering clients to address challenges and achieve their goals within their social environments. This course includes shadowing a professional social worker.

This project-based course introduces students to the principles and methods of social work practice with groups and communities. It integrates the theoretical foundations of group dynamics and community organization with practical tasks to prepare students to facilitate effective interventions that address shared needs and goals. Through a focus on empowerment, social action, and collaborative problem-solving, students will learn to build capacity and promote positive change at the mezzo and macro levels of practice. This course includes shadowing a professional social worker.

This course provides an introduction to the child welfare system and evidence-based behavioral interventions for children and families. It examines the causes and consequences of child maltreatment, exploring the roles and responsibilities of social workers in child protective services, foster care, and adoption. Students will learn how to apply intervention strategies to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of children while supporting their families.

This course introduces students to the principles of research-informed social work practice, emphasizing the critical importance of using evidence to guide professional decisions. It explores how to locate, evaluate, and apply evidence-based interventions and culturally competent practices to meet the needs of diverse client populations. Students will also learn to utilize research to inform evidence-based advocacy at the state level, influencing policies that promote social justice and human rights.

This course provides an introduction to the historical and current social welfare policies in the United States from a social work perspective. It examines the evolution of policy development and its impact on diverse populations, exploring the political, economic, and social forces that have shaped the American welfare state. Students will learn to critically analyze how social policies address issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice, and how they influence the delivery of social services.

This course integrates academic learning with practical experience through a 200-hour field internship in a social service agency. Students will apply social work knowledge, values, and skills to real-world situations while completing assignments related to their client cases, assessments, and interventions. This hands-on experience, guided by a field instructor, allows students to develop professional competence and ethical practice in a supervised setting.

Continuing in the same agency placement as the Internship 1 course, this course includes an additional 200-hours of internship. Students will complete tasks at their internship related to all 9 social work core competencies, including micro, mezzo, and macro social work intervention.