Course Descriptions
SW 101 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK 3.0 Credit(s)
Explores the profession of social work as a career choice. Focuses on generalist social work practice as a societal response to social problems with an orientation to professional knowledge, skills, values, and ethics.
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SW 140 PERSPECTIVES-FAMILY VIOLENCE 3.0 Credit(s)
The effects and characteristics of family violence from the legal, medical, and social perspectives. Incidence and preconditions of child abuse, spousal abuse, and elder abuse are studied.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SW 215 HUMAN RIGHTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND FAITH 3.0 Credit(s)
Drawing from the values and perspectives of Catholic Social Teaching through the lens of Social Work practice, this course critically examines social justice concepts and develops intercultural skills needed to address issues of social justice with individuals and diverse communities. Through the cultural immersion experience abroad, students will be engaged with local communities and participate in community-based learning opportunities which address issues such as: human rights, human dignity, solidarity with poor and marginalized communities, and the common good.
Offered: Spring Semester Odd Academic Years
SW 220 MEDICAL LITERACY 3.0 Credit(s)
The course is an interdisciplinary course to be co-taught by a Social Work faculty member and a Health Sciences faculty member. The course introduces students to medical concepts and terminology and understanding the impact of acute/chronic illness on individuals and families. The realities of accessing the health care system and the impact of the disparities of health care experienced by oppressed and marginalized populations are emphasized. Students who plan on internships or careers in health care settings will benefit from understanding the concepts and interdisciplinary team approach to health care delivery.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SW 224 HUMAN DIVERSITY/SOCIAL JUSTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
Provides a framework for understanding how diversity and inclusion shape the human experience, especially through consideration of cultural, structural, and constructed social and political norms.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SW 265 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY I 3.0 Credit(s)
Examines how social policy is formulated and implemented with a focus on the inequalities and inequities in social welfare policy that express institutional discrimination. Emphasizes the development of macro practice skills. Prerequisite: Take SW-101 and PO-121
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 266 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY II 3.0 Credit(s)
An introduction to the social service delivery system and resources, the values and ethics inherent in policy, and the role of the social work profession. Includes a global perspective on comparative social welfare systems. Prerequisite: Take SW-265
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 267 HUMAN BEHAV/SOCIAL ENVIRON I 3.0 Credit(s)
Theories of human development with emphasis on stages of the life cycle; human diversity; and the biological, psychological, socioeconomic, spiritual, and cultural influences on development. Prerequisite: SW 101, PS 110 and BI 101 or BI 103
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 268 HUMAN BEHAV/SOCIAL ENVIRON II 3.0 Credit(s)
A study of diverse family, group, community, and organizational systems and their impact on human development and behavior. Theoretical knowledge and assessment skills are emphasized. Prerequisite: Take SW-267
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 275 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I 3.0 Credit(s)
Emphasizes the generalist model of social work practice, the use of systems theory, the strengths perspective and professional values, and skills to facilitate the planned change and problem-solving process.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 276 SOCIAL WORK PRE-PRACTICUM 2.0 Credit(s)
Provides students with an orientation to practicum placement to prepare them for generalist social work and to assess student readiness for practicum. A prerequisite to SW 278 and SW 279.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 278 JUNIOR PRACTICUM 4.0 Credit(s)
Internship for two days each week in a human service agency where students are professionally supervised in social work practice with clients and the community. Prerequisite: Take SW-279
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 279 JUNIOR SEMINAR 2.0 Credit(s)
Scheduled concurrently with SW 278, the Practicum Seminar facilitates, reinforces, and supports field-based learning while emphasizing both the values and ethics of professional social work. The course assists students in developing Generalist practice skills, including active listening, interviewing, engagement, assessment, intervention planning, and termination. A prerequisite to SW 378 / SW 380 Prerequisite: Take SW-278
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 299 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL WORK 1.0-6.0 Credit(s)
Designates new or occasional courses that may or may not become part of the program's permanent offerings. Courses capitalize on a timely topic, a faculty member's particular interest, an experimental alternative to existing courses, etc. Prerequisites established by the program as appropriate for the specific course. Course title is shown on the student's transcript. Consult the current course schedule for available topics and current prerequisites.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 301 ASSESSMENT 0.0 Credit(s)
SW 375 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II 3.0 Credit(s)
Examines intervention skills with families, groups, communities, and organizations using the planned change process. Introduces spirituality in social work practice. Prerequisite: Take SW-275
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 378 SENIOR PRACTICUM I 4.0 Credit(s)
Professionally supervised senior internship for two days each week. Integration of theory with practice and the development of appropriate skills and knowledge, along with professional identification, values, and attitudes. Prerequisite: SW-278 SW-279;
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 379 SENIOR SEMINAR I 2.0 Credit(s)
Emphasis is on professional development, the use of research methods to evaluate one's own practice, and application of theory from the entire curriculum to professional practice. Prerequisite: SW-278 SW-279
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 380 SENIOR PRACTICUM II 4.0 Credit(s)
Professionally supervised senior internship for two days each week. Integration of theory with practice and the development of appropriate skills and knowledge, along with professional identification, values, and attitudes. Prerequisite: Take SW 378
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 381 SENIOR SEMINAR II 2.0 Credit(s)
Emphasis is on professional development, the use of research methods to evaluate one's own practice, and application of theory from the entire curriculum to professional practice. Prerequisite: Pre: SW-378 SW-379;
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 390 RESEARCH METH-SOCIAL WORK 3.0 Credit(s)
Development of research skills for evaluation and enhancement of social work practice. Emphasizes research designs, sampling, practice evaluation, program evaluation, measurement instruments, and basic statistics. Prerequisite: Take MA-131
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 391 RESEARCH PRACTICUM AND SEMINAR 3.0 Credit(s)
Research Practicum and Seminar is a continuation of Research Methods SW390. Students will learn techniques of project implementation, data analysis and report writing/dissemination and presentation. Pre-Requisite: SW 390 Prerequisite: TAKE SW-390
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 524 HUMAN DIVERSITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
This course provides students with the framework for understanding how diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 530 GROUP WORK 3.0 Credit(s)
This course presents theoretical and practical approaches to groups, with particular emphasis on the exploration of creating meaningful connections through mutual aid. Group members will develop skills to intervene and empower individuals and community members to bring about broader social change.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 535 FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 3.0 Credit(s)
Introduction of theoretical frameworks and skills of forensic social work practice across systems (macro, mezzo, and micro) affected by criminal justice involvement, with an emphasis on law and political advocacy.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 540 MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION 3.0 Credit(s)
This course develops knowledge and skills for working with client systems experiencing mental health and addiction issues with an integrated practice context.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 545 SW Practice With Lgbtq+community 3.0 Credit(s)
This course focuses on the relationship between sex, gender, sexuality and recognize how one's identity affects their daily lives, experiences and access to services. The marginalization and intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ Community will be explored, as well as exploring areas of vulnerability for the LGBTQ+ population such as hate crimes, suicide, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse as well as mental health and physical illness . A critical analysis of policies at micro, mezzo and macro levels will be used for identifying ways to engage, advocate and support the community at a variety of practice levels. A working knowledge of some of the specialized needs of, and practice with, the LGBTQ+ Community will be developed.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 550 LOSS & LIFE TRANSITION 3.0 Credit(s)
This course develops knowledge and skills for working with client systems experiencing transition and loss across the life cycle within an integrated systems context.
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SW 555 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 3.0 Credit(s)
This course develops knowledge and skills for working with children, youth, and families within an intergrated practice context.
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SW 560 TRAUMA-INFORMED PRACTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
Explores forms of trauma (early adversity, chronic, and historical) and associated impact across the lifespan. Includes neuroscience of trauma, effects on at-risk populations, and treatment from a social justice perspective.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 565 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY I 3.0 Credit(s)
This first course in the two-course policy sequence is designed to help students examine policy as a major component of social work practice. Through learning achieve in this course, students are expected to participate actively with others in creating new, modified, or improved service, resource, and opportunity systems.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 566 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY II 3.0 Credit(s)
Framework for understanding 1) social policy and process which is formulated, implemented and analyzed; 2) inequalities and inequities in social welfare as policy manifestations of institutionalized racism and sexism; 3) impact and interaction of policy with service delivery networks delivering services and resources. Prerequisite: Take SW-565;
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 567 HUMAN BEHAVIOR & SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 1 3.0 Credit(s)
Theories of human development with emphais on stages of the life cycle; human diversity and the biological, psychological, socioeconomic, spiritual and cultural influences on development.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 568 HUMAN BEHAVIOR & SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II 3.0 Credit(s)
The focus will include the biological, sociological, cultural, psychological and spiritual development of individuals throughout the life span. Prerequisite: Take SW-567
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 570 INTER-PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION 3.0 Credit(s)
This course is designed to develop inter-professional collaboration skills among multiple disciplines to prepare social workers to practice in a variety of settings.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 575 SOCIAL WORK GEN. PRACTICE I SOCIAL WORK GENERALIST PRACTICUM 1 3.0 Credit(s)
This course emphasizes the generalist model of social work practice, the use of systems theory, the strengths perspective and progessional values and skills to facilitate the planned change and problem-solving process.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 576 SOCIAL WORK GENERALIST PRACTICE II 3.0 Credit(s)
Emphasizes the generalist model of social work practice, the use of system theory, the strengths perspective and professional values and skills to facilitate the planned change and problem-solving process. This semester focuses on families and group. Prerequisite: SW 575 Prerequisite: Take SW-575
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 578 GENERALIST PRACTICUM & SEMINAR I 3.0 Credit(s)
Two-semester course where students will participate in an approved, social work practice field placement with the focus on the development and application of knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive/affective process within generalist framework. Pre/co-requisites = SW 524, SW567, SW575 Prerequisite: Take SW-524, SW-567, SW-575
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 580 GENERALIST PRACTICUM & SEMINAR II 3.0 Credit(s)
Second half of two-semester course where students will participate in an approved, social work practice field placement with the focus on the development and application of knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive/affective process within generalist framework. Pre-requisite = SW578 Pre/co-requisite = SW 576, SW568 Prerequisite: Take SW-578
Offered: As Needed All Years
SW 585 ASSESSMENT OF CLIENT SYSTEMS 3.0 Credit(s)
Assessment strategies for all systems to understand inter-systems perspective, influence system for case formulation in change efforts.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 586 CLINICAL ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course focuses on assessment and diagnosis of individuals and utilizes frameworks that place individuals within the context of their environment. Biopyschosocial-spiritural, cultural, and human diversity influences will be utilized for understanding mental health conditions.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 587 COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT 3.0 Credit(s)
This course examines and develops strategic-skills in the interaction between person and environment and creating organizational and community change in order to better meet the needs of diverse populations.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 588 PROGRAM & NON-PROFIT LEADERHIP 3.0 Credit(s)
The course is designed to help students understand how non-profits function and exercise leadership in society and how to exercise leadership within the context of these organizations.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 590 METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH 3.0 Credit(s)
This course covers the development of research skills for evaluation and enhancement of social work practice. Emphasizes research designs, sampling, practice evaluation, program evaluation, measurement instruments, and basic statistice.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 591 APPLYING RESEARCH IN PRACTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
This course advances students' research knowledge through applications of practice evaluation. Students will gain hands-on experience with single system research designs, evidence-based practice, and program evaluation design to strengthen clinical and community practice. Pre-requisite = SW590 or admission to Advanced Standing Prerequisite: Take SW-590 or admission to Advanced Standing
Offered: As Needed All Years
SW 592 RESEARCH FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
Students will learn how to carry out common types of evaluation typically implemented in practice, including needs assessments, single system design and program evaluation Prerequisite: Take SW-590
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 599 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL WORK 1.0-6.0 Credit(s)
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 600 ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT 0.0 Credit(s)
This course represents the Assessment Fee for Social Work Students.
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SW 601 ASSESSMENT 0.0 Credit(s)
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SW 624 ANTI-RACIST SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
This advanced equity and social justice course examines racist and white supremacist power structures and policies while building anti-racist practice skills that challenge, disrupt, and change racist policies.
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SW 675 SPECIALIZED INTEGRATED PRACTICE I 3.0 Credit(s)
This is the first of a two-semester specialized practice course building on the Generalist Practice framework. This course focuses on developing integrated social work practice skills for both clinical and community specializations. Clinical specializations will develop specialized skills in working with individuals, families and groups in a clinical setting while integrating community practice considerations. Community specializations will develop specialized skills in working with large groups, organizations, and communities within macro settings while integrating clinical practice considerations. The course will cover selected theoretical frameworks and evidence-based interventions with an emphasis on an integrated application. Students will develop competencies in using empirical and research evidence to inform practice strategies and models with diverse client populations.
Offered: As Needed All Years
SW 676 SPEC INTEGRATED PRACTICE II:MSW CAPSTON 3.0 Credit(s)
This is the second of a two-semester specialized practice course. In this culminating course, students will apply key content in the Master of Social Work curricula to design and defend a MSW Capstone project. The MSW Capstone project is a comprehensive demonstration of specialized practice integrated across all levels of social work practice in alignment with the mission of the School of Social Work. Throughout this course students will demonstrate progress on their Capstone in accordance with defined benchmarks and a final product. Students will work collaboratively with their instructor, peers, and key stakeholders to reach the benchmarks, integrate learning, practice leadership skills, and demonstrate their ability to apply social work knowledge, values, skills and cognitive and affective processes. Pre-requisite= SW675 Prerequisite: TAKE SW-675
Offered: As Needed All Years
SW 678 SPECIALIZED PRACTICUM & SEMINAR I 3.0 Credit(s)
This is the first of a two-semester course where students will participate in an approved, advanced, social work practice field placement specifically related to their chosen specialization. The field practicum will give students the opportunity to apply and integrate theory and course material in professional practice with diverse client systems and further extend and enhance the demonstration of the social work profession's core competencies. Students are placed in human service organizations and are supervised by a master's level social worker. Students are required to complete a minimum of 550 hours in the field over the course of the academic year. The field placement is offered concurrently with seminar class. The seminar class is an integrative process-oriented course designed to help students integrate knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession. The seminar is a combination of students from both specializations, direct clinical practice and direct community practice so students have the ability to learn from each other and further integrate social work Prerequisite: Take SW-586 or SW-587, SW-675
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 680 SPECIALIZED PRACTICUM & SEMINAR II 3.0 Credit(s)
Second half of two-semester course where students participate in an approved, specialized, social work practice field placement with the focus on the development and application of skills and cognitive/affective process within specialized framework. Pre-requisite = SW678. Pre/co-requisite = SW676 Prerequisite: Take SW-678
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW 700 SUMMER RESIDENCY 3.0 Credit(s)
Low residency on campus, candidates will attend a series of lectures, workshops and seminars in the following topics: theory, research design, data analysis, ethics, professional development, academic writing, pedagogy.
Offered: Late Spring & Summer Semesters All Years
SW 702 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course aims to provide students with the skills (1) to conduct thorough literature reviews, (2) to understand and critically assess quantitative research studies, (3) to apply the most appropriate research strategies in the pursuit of knowledge pertinent to social work- relevant topics, and (4) to gain proficiency with American Psychological Association publication standards to communicate research.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SW 704 MIXED METHODS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course covers the assumptions and mental models that inform different approaches to research and the ways in which qualitative and quantitative goals, questions, methods, analysis strategies, and presentation styles can be productively integrated in a mixed methods research approach. Students engage in critical analysis of empirical educational research to better understand the differences between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods methodologies as well as the philosophical and theoretical foundations for conducting mixed methods research. Students develop their own research proposal and dissertation prospectus in an area of interest utilizing an integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches, methods, and data for a single study.
Offered: Late Spring Semester All Years
SW 705 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course provides the skills necessary to design, conduct, and interpret qualitative research in educational settings. Students explore approaches to qualitative research, consider the questions qualitative research can answer, critically examine pivotal qualitative studies, and apply essential conceptual, digital, and methodological tools. This course culminates in a pilot qualitative inquiry into a problem of social, emotional, and/or academic learning of the students' choosing.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 710 SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH METHODS INTENSIVE 0.0 Credit(s)
This 2-week intensive course will review methods of social work research, introduce use of SPSS and basic statistical procedures, and prepare students for doctoral social work research and statistical analysis.
Offered: Late Spring & Summer Semesters All Years
SW 720 FOUNDATIONS OF STATISTICAL ANALYSIS 3.0 Credit(s)
A comprehensive introduction to applications of statistics in the social sciences.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SW 722 HISTORICAL/THEORETICAL CONTEXTS OF SW 3.0 Credit(s)
Analysis of major historical, theoretical and empirical foundations of modern social work practice.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SW 724 ADVANCED SOCIAL & RACIAL JUSTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
Develop anti-racist theoretical lens and approaches to research, policy, and practice.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SW 730 ADVANCED STATISTICAL ANALYSIS 3.0 Credit(s)
Focuses on quantitative methods and research strategies in frameworks of design, method, implementation, outcome, and relevance. This course includes practice of advanced quantitative procedures, analysis, regression models, and ethics. Prerequisite: Take SW-720
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 751 PEDAGOGY & SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION 3.0 Credit(s)
Learning theory, pedagogy and teaching strategies in social work education.
Offered: Late Spring & Summer Semesters All Years
SW 767 ADVANCED TOPICS IN POLICY & LEADERSHIP 3.0 Credit(s)
Analyze and advance social work leadership and advocacy at the macro level.
Offered: Late Spring & Summer Semesters All Years
SW 775 INTEGRATED SOCIAL WORK 3.0 Credit(s)
Students will analyze multidimensional models of integrated social work practice, assess intersections and influences on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, and develop strategies to advance integrated social work practices.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 798 QUALIFYING PAPERS 6.0 Credit(s)
In this course, doctoral students will focus entirely on preparing and writing their qualifying paper(s). Students will synthesize and critically evaluate an important and relevant body of literature related to a social problem. The topic should be relevant to social work's mission and the Sacred Heart University School of Social Work's mission to enhance social and racial justice and anti-racism in practice. Passing this course is required for advancement to candidacy. Students will work with their professor and mentor to determine an approach to their paper(s). Prerequisite: Take SW-720, SW-722, SW-724, SW-700, SW-751, SW-730, SW-775ýRCR-705, SW-767
Offered: Fall, Spring & Late Spring Sem All Years
SW 799 DOCTORAL SEMINAR/INDEPENDENT STUDY 3.0 Credit(s)
This course includes varied collaborative and interdisciplinary projects, giving students an opportunity to engage in special projects, interdisciplinary research, and inter-professional education, and includes the Summer low residency.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 800 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL WORK SEMINAR 3.0 Credit(s)
This doctoral seminar course will offer candidates an opportunity to explore special topics and conduct research specific to special areas of interest, including: Global Social Work, Public Health, Racial Justice.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 801 DISSERTATION PROPOSAL 3.0 Credit(s)
In this course, candidates will fully develop and defend their dissertation research proposal, including their research question(s), methods, and plans for dissemination. Students will collaborate with their advisor and committee.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SW 802 WRITER'S RETREAT 1.0 Credit(s)
This course is designed to support doctoral students in dissertation work. This course is a one week intensive on campus retreat with faculty support that continues throughout the semester.
Offered: Late Spring & Summer Semesters All Years
SW 899 DISSERTATION SEMINAR 3.0 Credit(s)
This course is designed for candidates working with their advisor and committee to conduct their dissertation research; tasks may include IRB proposal, data collections, data analysis, dissertation writing, consultation. Prerequisite: Take SW-801
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SW 900 CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION 0.0 Credit(s)
Continuous registration in the SSW PhD program for students who have completed 9 credits of Dissertation Seminar but are still working on their dissertations. Students must be registered for this course to maintain enrollment in the SSW PhD program. Prerequisite: take SW-899
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SW ELEC SOCIAL WORK ELECTIVE 1.0-9.0 Credit(s)
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SW ELEC SOCIAL WORK ELECTIVE 1.0-9.0 Credit(s)