Social Work Courses | 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog | SIU

This is the first course of two in the University Partnership Program in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and SIUC. This course includes content developed by the IL DCFS that focuses on the fundamental knowledge required for child welfare licensure in Illinois. Students wishing to qualify for employment within DCFS or Private Child Welfare Agencies upon graduation must also complete SOCW 482 and pass DCFS Licensure exams offered during the course. Course can also serve as a stand alone elective. Open to Undergraduate and Graduate students.

Credit Hours: 3

This is the second course of two in the University Partnership Program in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and SIUC. This course includes core competency developed by the IL DCFS that focuses on the current child welfare policy, practice, and research issues intended to prepare students for employment in Illinois public and private child welfare agencies. Students wishing to qualify for employment within DCFS upon graduation must also complete SOCW 480 and pass DCFS Licensure exams offered during the course. Prerequisite: SOCW 480. Open to Undergraduate and Graduate students.

Credit Hours: 3

Provides opportunity for students to conduct independent research with the guidance of a faculty member. Topics of research are identified by the student and faculty member. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Life span development. Students acquire a foundation knowledge in human development in the social environment over the life span. Normal development stages and impacts of social systems on the growth of individuals in diverse populations of rural areas is emphasized. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes the development of advanced intervention skills related to generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in multiple-service, community-based agencies characteristic of rural areas. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

Selective examination of the theoretical basis of development and inter-relational aspects of individuals and families throughout the life span. Normal development stages and impacts of social systems on the growth of individuals in diverse populations of rural areas is emphasized. Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 512 and SOCW 522. Grade of B or better is required. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program with eligibility for Advanced Standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Examination of issues involved in delivering social services to various ethnic and cultural groups. Sensitizes students to personal, familial, or community problems of ethnic or cultural origin. Implications for understanding social services to populations who have experienced discrimination are discussed. Restricted to admission to the program.

Credit Hours: 2

Examination of systems and advanced generalist practice theories within the context of rural, integrated and multiple-service social services delivery systems. Specific practice examples will be used to facilitate understanding of how theory guides practice with families, groups, organizations and communities. Restricted to admission to the MSW program.

Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry within social work practice and covers the application of basic concepts of research methodology to social work including problem formulation, research design, sampling, measurement, and data analysis. Includes single-system methodology as it applies to social work practice in rural areas. Prepares students to conduct an individualized single-system project based on practice intervention with clients or systems in their practicum setting in the final semester of their studies. Prerequisite: an introduction to statistics course or concurrent enrollment allowed. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

Selective examination of inductive and deductive methods in social work knowledge building. Includes research methodologies and group designs as applied to social work practices in rural areas. Prepares students to conduct an individualized single-system project based on practice intervention with clients or systems in their practicum setting in the final semester of their studies. Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 502 and 522; Grade of B or better is required. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program with eligibility for Advanced Standing.

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the historical development of social welfare and professional social work in Europe and the United States. The course introduces a systematic framework for policy analysis with particular attention paid to policies affecting diverse rural populations, women and minorities. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

Selective examination of the historical development of social welfare and professional social work in Europe and the United States. Uses a systematic framework for policy analysis with particular attention paid to policies affecting women, low income, oppressed, and diverse rural populations. Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently with SOCW 502 and 512; Grade of B or better is required. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program with eligibility for Advanced Standing.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a basic knowledge of psychopathology and how it impacts individual functioning and family dynamics. Students become familiar with the theoretical basis and the basic structure of DSM-5 and models of interdisciplinary clinical practice in mental health. Prerequisite: Completion of transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) or foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B). Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

This course focuses on the application of research methods especially in evaluating programs or program components in the area of concentration and to the practicum experience. Includes content on self-evaluation in practice. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in SOCW 511 or SOCW 512 and an introduction to statistics course. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

In-depth examination of the history and practice of social work in primary and secondary schools. Roles of school social workers and practice approaches are emphasized. Prerequisite: SPED 300 or SPED 420 and completion of transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) or foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B). Restricted to admission to the MSW Program and School Social Work Endorsement Program.

Credit Hours: 2

Examination of law and legal procedures that relate directly to social work practice in general. Legal perspectives of a specific concentration field of practice are discussed in depth.

Credit Hours: 3

Seminar which is taken concurrently with Foundation Practicum I (SOCW 541B). The seminar emphasizes the relationship between the practicum experience, social work practice, policy, human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) and research curricula. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 541B. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 2

Field practicum which is taken concurrently with Foundation Practicum Seminar I (SOCW 541A) and is a structured and supervised on-site field practice in a selected agency. Practicum is equivalent to 12 hours per week for 15 weeks (a total of 360 hours) over two semesters. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 541A. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 2

Seminar which is taken concurrently with Foundation Practicum II (SOCW 542B) and serves as a continuation of SOCW 541A. The seminar emphasizes that relationship between the practicum experience, social work practice, policy, human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) and research curricula. Prerequisite: SOCW 541A&B; Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 542B. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 2

Field practicum which is taken concurrently with Foundation Practicum Seminar II (SOCW 542A) and serves as a continuation of SOCW 541B, which is the second structured and supervised on-site field practice in a selected agency. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: SOCW 541A&B; Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 542A. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 2

Concentration specific practicum seminar with concurrent field practicum (SOCW 543B). Practicum seminar focuses on the application of advanced generalist theory, knowledge and skills covered in the curriculum within the specific concentration area (Children, Youth and Families/School Social Work; Health/Mental Health). Prerequisite: Completion of transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) or foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B). Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 543B. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

On-site concentration specific field practice in an approved agency with appropriate supervision equivalent to 20 hours per week for 15 weeks (a total of 607 hours is required to be completed in two semesters) with a concurrent seminar. The practicum focuses on the application of advanced concentration theory, knowledge and skills covered in the curriculum. Graded S/U. Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 543A. Prerequisite: Completion of the transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) or foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B). Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

A continuation of the concentration specific practicum seminar concurrent field practicum SOCW 544B. Continuation of SOCW 543A. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 543A&B. Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 544B. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

A continuation of the concentration specific practicum of 20 hours per week in the field for 15 weeks with a concurrent seminar, SOCW 544A. Graded S/U. Continuation of SOCW 543B. Prerequisite: SOCW 543A&B; Concurrent enrollment with SOCW 544A. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

Knowledge and skills particularly useful for practice in social services with application to case materials. Theories, models and techniques of modern human service counseling, especially suitable to multiple-service agencies in rural settings.

Credit Hours: 3

Knowledge and skills particularly useful for management and supervision in social services with application to case materials. It essential for social workers to acquire skills in working with groups in diverse settings. The required skills range from elementary to more complex, depending on the demand of the agency and client(s) tasks. Social work practice with groups is utilized in a variety of social service settings like family services, foster care and adoption, corrections, halfway houses, substance abuse treatment centers, physical rehabilitation, private psychotherapy clinics, nursing homes, mental hospitals, public schools, community centers and many others.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will cover all aspects of traumatic stress and disaster relief work. Topics covered include introduction to disaster relief work, shelter operations, family services, first aid and CPR certification, disaster health & mental health services including the theoretical bases for these services, critical incident, stress management, community recovery and rebuilding, and policy development for disaster preparedness and community rebuilding.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the opportunities and challenges associated with medical social work. Lectures, on-site visits, guest lecturers, directed literature reviews, and classroom discussion are used to focus on the integration of generalist social work practice, research, and ethics with various areas of medical care.

Credit Hours: 3

This is an elective course that provides a comprehensive introduction to social work with persons involved in substance abuse. Topics to be covered include: Explanation of the use and abuse of Central Nervous System Depressants, narcotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, marijuana, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs; biological, psychological, and sociological theories of addiction; DSM 5 diagnostic criteria of substance abuse/dependence, social consequences of substance abuse; treatment strategies for harm reduction; community resources available and attention to the special needs diverse populations. The class may issue selective invitations to the practitioner community to enrich seminar discussion.

Credit Hours: 3

Knowledge and skills particularly useful for management and supervision in social services with application to case materials. This course provides an in-depth exposure to the principles and practice of family therapy from a social work perspective which emphasizes self-determination and family strengths. The class will focus on the foundations of family therapy and the application of these concepts with an emphasis on special populations and family challenges.

Credit Hours: 3

This class provides necessary knowledge to understand the grant writing process starting with the grant seeking stage through the post-proposal stage. Students will develop the essential skills to identify write/prepare and submit grants for non-profit organizations. The role of grant writing in overall fundraising and its importance for social agencies and organizations are discussed.

Credit Hours: 3

Child welfare interacts with entire families as well as focusing on direct intervention with children to ensure all children live in safe, permanent, and stable environments that supports their well-being. This course provides learning opportunities and baseline knowledge on substance use and mental health problems among families involved in the child welfare system, facilitates cross-systems work, and incorporates cultural awareness and competency in child welfare practice.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a framework of knowledge, values, skills and experiences for spiritually sensitive social work practice. It prepares students to respond competently and ethically to diverse spiritual and religious perspectives by using a comparative, critically reflective approach to content.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides knowledge of policy and practice for students preparing for employment in child welfare and mental health. Students will learn about major themes concerning adoption and related issues. This expertise can assist prospective and existing adoptive families with important issues that arise during and after the adoption process. The course also addresses guardianships and other custodial arrangements, including foster care.

Credit Hours: 3

This online distance education course provides a broad overview of the systemic analysis of the military culture and bureaucracy and introduces clinical practice strategies of social work intervention with military personnel and their families to improve the mental health and health of this population. This class at graduate level will be beneficial to students seeking greater understanding on working with this population, while at undergraduate level this class will orient students with military culture, the challenges this population and their families face while reintegrating to civilian life. The course also provides an overview of the resources that are available to help this population.

Credit Hours: 3

(May be repeated with different sections)

Credit Hours: 3

This is the first of a two-part sequence that emphasizes health and mental health delivery within systems theory and an advanced practice skills framework. Includes case studies and exercise aimed at practice with diverse populations in rural areas. Prerequisite: completion of transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) or foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B). Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

The second part of the sequence on advanced skills in health and mental health. Continuation of SOCW 551. Application of treatment modalities. Prerequisite: Completion of SOCW 543A&B and SOCW 551. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

This course applies a systematic analytical framework for a critical and in-depth analysis of federal, state and local policies that shape programs affecting health and mental health in rural settings. Examines how policy impacts practice with diverse populations. Prerequisite: Completion of transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) or foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B). Restricted to Admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as GRON 559) Examination of the nature and etiology of mental health problems facing older Americans. Review of research reports to build a theoretical basis for mental disorders.

Credit Hours: 3

This is the first part of a two-part sequence that emphasizes family-centered practice (family preservation, integrated services) within systems theory and an advanced practice skills framework. Includes case studies and exercises aimed at practice with diverse populations in rural areas. Prerequisite: completion of transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) or foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B). Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

The second part of the practice sequence on advanced skills. Continuation of SOCW 561. Application of treatment modalities. Prerequisite: SOCW 543A&B & SOCW 561. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

This course applies a systematic analytical framework for a critical and in-depth analysis of federal, state and local policies that shape programs affecting children, youth and families in rural settings. Examines how policy impacts practice with diverse populations. Prerequisite: completion of foundation courses (SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B) or transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522) . Restricted to admission to the MSW Program.

Credit Hours: 3

Exploration of policies, programs, practice and legislative trends affecting public service in school social work. Prerequisite: SOCW 533. Restricted to admission to the MSW Program and the School Social Work Endorsement Program.

Credit Hours: 2

Examines the major psycho-social and ecological theories of human aging within the framework of social work practice. Extrapolations of those theories and application of them to social work practice and research are emphasized.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as GRON 575) Examination of public policies that impact on the quality of life of the elderly. Major programs are identified and analyzed. Future policy issues are discussed.

Credit Hours: 3

Examination of selected knowledge and skills useful for gerontological social work practice. In-depth study on specific topics will be conducted. Prerequisite: SOCW 570.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Individualized advanced research projects related to student interest. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: completion of foundation or transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522 or SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B).

Credit Hours: 1-4

Critical examination of the nature and scope of social welfare programs in other nations including: personal social services, income maintenance, health care and social development programs.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Provides an international perspective for the study of social work groups, organizations and communities. Focuses on the examination of assessment and problem-solving interventions and cross-cultural comparisons of policy and practice.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Provides an international perspective for the study of social work groups, organizations, and communities. Focuses on the examination of assessment and problem-solving interventions and cross-cultural comparisons of policy and practice.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Preparation of a final research paper as partial requirement for the M.S.W. degree. Graded S/U only. Prerequisite:completion of foundation or transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522 or SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B).

Credit Hours: 1-4

A partial and optional requirement for the M.S.W. degree. A written report of the student's research project in the chosen area of concentration. Graded S/U only. Prerequisite: completion of foundation or transition courses (SOCW 502, 512, & 522 or SOCW 500, 501, 504, 510, 511, 521, 541A&B, & 542A&B).

Credit Hours: 3

For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs or who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

Credit Hours: 1