Sample Plan of Study

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.

Analysis of major historical, theoretical and empirical foundations of modern social work practice.

A comprehensive introduction to applications of statistics in the social sciences.

Develop anti-racist theoretical lens and approaches to research, policy, and practice.

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.

Learning theory, pedagogy and teaching strategies in social work education.

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

Analyze and advance social work leadership and advocacy at the macro level.

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. It culminates in a pilot qualitative inquiry into a problem of social, emotional, and/or academic learning of the student's choosing.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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