Program director
Kimberly Freeman
The social work profession centers on improving the quality of life for people and enhancing human potential for full, productive participation in society. With this philosophy at its core, the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program, offered through the School of Behavioral Health, emphasizes an ecological perspective that focuses on the interaction of a person or system with their environment. Reflecting this stance is Loma Linda University's motto, "To make man whole," and its heritage as an international leader in the delivery of health-care services and related facilities. The combination of these influences has guided the development of the generalist curriculum, clinical practice specialization, and selection of practicum sites for the Master of Social Work Program.
The mission of the Master of Social Work Program at Loma Linda University is to prepare competent, ethical, and compassionate advanced social work practitioners who possess the knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills necessary for practicing whole-person care in advanced practice and leadership roles within behavioral health institutions and agencies.
The goals of the Master of Social Work Program are to:
Reflected in the goals above are the following nine social work competencies that describe the knowledge, values, skills, and the cognitive and affective processes that define and inform generalist and clinical practice. By the end of the program, the graduate should be able to:
The M.S.W. degree curriculum is built upon a liberal arts perspective. Applicants whose undergraduate degrees do not reflect this perspective may be asked to enroll in additional courses.
Prerequisite requirements must be completed before admission to the M.S.W. degree program.
The program begins with first-year, generalist content common to all graduate social work education. The generalist practice curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and the person-in-the-environment framework. Students learn to promote social well-being, and build upon the strength and resiliency of all human beings through a range of prevention and intervention practice methods when working with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Integrated within the curriculum, students learn to apply ethical principles, critical thinking, and research-informed practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, while maintaining an emphasis on diversity, advocacy for human rights, and social and economic justice.
The clinical practice specialization builds upon the strengths-based and ecological practice perspectives of the generalist curriculum by extending, expanding, and enhancing students' abilities to effectively engage in advanced clinical practice. This requires the integration of generalist and clinical practice theories and intervention methods as applied to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Theoretical perspectives include empowerment, strengths approach, attachment, child development, risk and resiliency, trauma, cognitive neuroscience, family systems, cognitive behavior, and psychodynamics—all of which are enhanced by the person-in-the-environment perspective. These theoretical underpinnings support student skill acquisition and development through clinical specialization courses with a firm grounding in engagement, diagnostic assessment, problem-solving, social policy, and evidence-informed treatment approaches. Clinical practice experiences also address the needs and rights of all persons, promoting social and economic justice. Clinical students learn to recognize and understand the importance of continuous self-reflection and practice evaluation.
Program options have been designed to address the varying needs of students. As such, the program offers two-, three-, and four-year options. Students completing the two-year option cannot be engaged in regular full-time employment. An advanced standing option is also available to qualified B.S.W. degree graduates (see below).
An online M.S.W. degree program is offered to meet the varying needs of students not able to attend a traditional program. Degree requirements for the M.S.W. online cohort are the same as those required for the on-campus cohorts for the three-year, part-time option. A separate application portal has been created for the online M.S.W. program option. Online courses use a combined synchronous and asynchronous format requiring students to attend via Zoom Wednesday and some Tuesday evenings. Practicum placements are completed in person (one full weekday per week) and local to the student as available and with approval of the program.
Inquiries about this program should be directed to Kimberly Freeman, M.S.W., degree program director.
Due to the use of online and hybrid teaching formats, visas are not available to international students; therefore, international students cannot not be accepted into the M.S.W. Program.
Students who have earned a B.S.W. degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program within the past five years have the opportunity to remove areas of redundancy in their education through consideration for advanced standing. In their personal statements, which are part of the application for admission to the M.S.W. degree program, B.S.W. degree graduates may request consideration for advanced standing status and, thus, have the opportunity to complete the M.S.W. degree in 12 months. Students completing the advanced standing track must begin the M.S.W. degree program during the Summer Quarter, which requires individuals to submit all components of their application packet by January 15 of the enrollment year. Exceptions to this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. See the M.S.W. Handbook on the department website for more specific information: http://behavioralhealth.llu.edu/programs/social-work/msw-social-work.
Transfer students who have taken courses in an M.S.W. degree program accredited by CSWE may transfer up to 20 percent of the 78 units required for the M.S.W. degree at Loma Linda University, unless otherwise approved. Evaluation of all courses is conducted on a case-by-case basis using course outlines, transcripts, and course catalog entries to review and assure adequate equivalency. The Academic Standards Committee evaluates these equivalencies. The 20 percent transfer of units is limited to credits that have not already been applied to a degree and for which a B (G.P.A. of 3.0) grade or better has been recorded. Transferred course grades are not calculated into a student’s G.P.A. earned while matriculating through the program at Loma Linda University.
Advanced standing may be given to individuals with a master's degree for equivalent courses taken that apply to another degree in the areas of research methods and statistics—if the content and area of study demonstrate appropriate compatibility with competencies required for professional social work and behavioral health. These requests are assessed by the Academic Standards Committee to meet the equivalency requirements previously described.
Professional, field practicum grades/credits are not typically transferable—review is made on a case-by-case basis. Consideration may be given if there is clear evidence that the student has met the practice competencies of the M.S.W. degree program.
No academic credit is given for life experience and/or previous work experience for any part for the M.S.W. degree program (i.e., generalist and clinical practicums, courses in the generalist, or clinical specialization curricula).
The M.S.W. degree advancement G.P.A. provides an initial predictor of success. The first 4 units completed toward the M.S.W. degree, including units acquired during non-matriculation, must be completed with a G.P.A. of 3.0. Students who fail to achieve this level may be dismissed from school. Students receive orientation to the process and requirements of the M.S.W. degree advancement G.P.A. during the new student orientation.
When all generalist coursework is completed, students are required to pass the program's qualifying review (see the M.S.W. Handbook). The intent of this process is to assist faculty members and students in the assessment of strengths and areas for improvement, provide feedback, foster an environment of self-evaluation, and encourage heightened participation in individualized academic development.
Field practicums are regarded as an integral part of the Social Work Program. These offer opportunities for students to integrate and apply theoretical and research knowledge with social work practice and interventional skills in institutional or agency settings. Practicums are designed and selected to provide maximum learning opportunities under the supervision of a qualified field instructor. As such, experiences are patterned to build upon one another, presenting the increasing challenges present in the continuum of generalist to clinical practice. Students complete 1,080 hours of field work in a qualified setting and 120 hours of concurrent integrated consultation for a total of 1,200 hours.
The emphasis of SOWK 757A Generalist Practice Consultation, SOWK 757B Generalist Practice Consultation, and SOWK 757C Generalist Practice Consultation (480 hours of practicum and 60 hours of consultation or nine generalist practicum units) is on achieving generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills that include developing rapport with agency personnel and clients, acquiring interview skills, and obtaining beginning-level psychosocial assessment and intervention capabilities. The content of the concurrent consultation sessions further supports this perspective, providing students with opportunities to integrate their practicum experiences with their developing professional identity.
The emphasis of SOWK 787A Clinical Practice Consultation, SOWK 787B Clinical Practice Consultation, and SOWK 787C Clinical Practice Consultation(600 hours of practicum and 60 hours of consultation or 12 clinical practicum units) reflects the clinical practice specialization, and provides the depth and breadth of learning opportunities that underpin the acquisition of advanced practice capabilities. Specifically, clinical practicum experiences are expected to promote increased insight and understanding of agency and/or client systems, building on the generalist skills achieved during the first year of study.
The program includes completion of coursework in applied research. An individually authored thesis option is available for students meeting program criteria. These study options aim to develop knowledge for the advancement of social work practice and provide guided experiences in the conduct of research applicable to a variety of professional and academic settings. Guidelines for these options are provided by the program.
Each student completes a wholeness portfolio as part of their generalist and clinical practice experience. This review of the student's individualized objectives and professional development begins during the first year of study and culminates during the second year as the student completes the final quarter of the clinical practicum. This experience emphasizes deep self-reflection regarding specific wholeness areas such as physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, professionalism, and lifelong learning as well as integration of the core values of Loma Linda University. It is seen as a capstone academic experience that facilitates closure as well as the final stage of reflection and review in the development of transitioning professional.
Students are required to have a laptop computer. For computer specifications, see the department website.
Students interested in completing combined degrees in social work should view the list of combined degree programs in this CATALOG.
The Master of Social Work Program is accredited to provide master's degree-level education by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The next reaffirmation will be completed in 2025. CSWE may be contacted at 1600 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314-3457; telephone: 703/683-8080; email: info@cswe/org.
In addition to Loma Linda University admission requirements, admission to the Social Work Program is governed by the policies and procedures established by the School of Behavioral Health.
Admission requirements for both the main campus and online M.S.W. Program include the following:
Applicants must meet the minimum academic and professional compatibility criteria established by the program. These criteria include:
A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with lower grade point averages will be considered if the last 45 quarter credits (30 semester units) of non-field practica coursework shows significant improvement or if they have additional attributes that demonstrate preparedness and an appropriate fit for graduate social work education. Further consideration will also be given to individuals who provide evidence of additional graduate coursework, certifications, and/or training that illustrate preliminary preparation for a career in social work. Students who are admitted to the Social Work Program with a cumulative G.P.A. below 3.0 may be required to participate in individualized academic assessment and a targeted learning assistance program.
Demonstration, through the application and interview processes, of compatibility with the profession of social work, ability to develop and nurture interpersonal relationships, communication skills, self-awareness, professional comportment, critical thinking skills, fit with the mission and values of Loma Linda University and the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology, and the capacity to successfully complete the Master of Social Work curriculum. Interview content and process may vary based on integration agreements with CSWE accredited B.S.W. programs.
The M.S.W. degree consists of 78 units of didactic coursework and 21 units of professional practica experience. Students must maintain a program grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and meet the knowledge, skills, and professional performance competencies outlined by the program.
A grade of B or better indicates a student has mastered knowledge, skills, and professional practice performance competencies outlined by the program. In order to progress successfully through the program and complete the degree, students must meet the G.P.A. and course repeat expectations set by the School of Behavioral Health in the general regulations section of this CATALOG.
| Generalist curriculum | ||
| SOWK 510 | Diversity Theory in Practice and Research | 3 |
| SOWK 513 | Human Behavior in a Culturally Diverse Environment | 4 |
| SOWK 514 | Social Welfare History and Policy | 4 |
| SOWK 517 | Practice I: Individuals | 4 |
| SOWK 518 | Practice II: Groups | 3 |
| SOWK 519 | Practice III: Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 520 | Practice IV: Families 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 548 | Research Methods | 5 |
| SOWK 574 | Practice V: Administration, Management, and Supervision | 3 |
| SOWK 578 | Field Orientation 1 | 0 |
| SOWK 585 | Legal and Ethical Aspects in Health and Behavioral Health Services | 3 |
| Clinical practice specialization curriculum | ||
| SOWK 613 | DSM: Diagnosis, Diversity, and Differences | 4 |
| SOWK 617 | Social Justice and Global Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 620 | Psychopharmacology in Clinical Practice | 2 |
| SOWK 647 | Integrated Behavioral Health Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 648 | Co-occurring Processes and Interventions | 3 |
| SOWK 661 | Psychodynamic Therapies | 4 |
| SOWK 662 | Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies | 4 |
| SOWK 663 | Crisis and Trauma Interventions | 3 |
| SOWK 681 | Behavioral Health Policies and Systems | 2 |
| SOWK 695A | Advanced Research Methods 3, 7 | 2 |
| SOWK 695B | Advanced Research Methods 3, 7 | 2 |
| SOWK 695C | Advanced Research Methods 3, 7 | 2 |
| Required cognate | ||
| RELR 540 | Wholeness and Health 8 | 3 |
| General selectives | ||
| Select 6 units from one of the following lists: 6 | 6 | |
Population groups | ||
| Diversity and Aging | ||
| Therapeutic Interventions with Older Adults | ||
| Child Abuse and Family Violence | ||
| Clinical Interventions with Service Members, Veterans, and Families | ||
| Special Topics in Social Work | ||
| Medical Social Work | ||
| Child Welfare Practice | ||
| Children's Psychotherapy | ||
| Children and Families Policies and Services | ||
Problem areas | ||
| Fundamentals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy | ||
| Expert Testimony: Procedure and Practice | ||
| Structural and Multidimensional Family Therapy | ||
| Special Topics in Social Work | ||
| Recovery in Behavioral Health | ||
| Advanced Policy Projects | ||
| Advanced Professional Projects | ||
| Total Units | 78 | |
| Professional practica experience | ||
| Generalist practicum and seminar | ||
| SOWK 757A | Generalist Practice Consultation 2,5,8 | 3 |
| SOWK 757B | Generalist Practice Consultation 2,5,8 | 3 |
| SOWK 757C | Generalist Practice Consultation 2,5,8,9 | 3 |
| Clinical practicum and seminar | ||
| SOWK 787A | Clinical Practice Consultation 4,5 | 4 |
| SOWK 787B | Clinical Practice Consultation 4,5 | 4 |
| SOWK 787C | Clinical Practice Consultation 4,5 | 4 |
| Total Units | 21 | |
Not eligible for waiver.
Hours: 160 + 20; Not eligible for waiver
Thesis option is available for students meeting program criteria. Once approved students will take SOWK 697 (4 units) and SOWK 698 (2 units) in place of SOWK 695ABC (6 units).
Hours: 200 + 20
700-numbered courses are not calculated into the total didactic units required for the degree.
Students wishing to take courses that are not included in this list of approved selectives must obtain an academic variance through the department's Academic Standards Committee prior to enrolling in the course.
SOWK 695ABC is equivalent to SOWK 695.
SOWK 678 substitutes SOWK 757ABC for Advanced Standing students with approval of the program. This course is not calculated into the total didactic units required for the degree.
Students not passing the Qualifying Review at the completion of SOWK 757C must take SOWK 595.
Two (2) years (six [6] academic quarters) — based on full-time enrollment; part time permitted
SOWK 510. Diversity Theory in Practice and Research. 3 Units.
Examines and applies contemporary theories of diversity from a critical perspective. Includes intersectionality and use of a culturally grounded paradigm for engaging diverse populations at all levels of practice.
SOWK 513. Human Behavior in a Culturally Diverse Environment. 4 Units.
Provides the basis for understanding human development and life transitions throughout the life span within an ecological perspective. Orients the student to the generalist social work approach to understanding human behavior in a cross-cultural context, with a focus on normal behavior from birth through senescence. Provides a theoretical foundation on which to build social work-practice skills. Five units required of students who matriculated prior to Summer 2022.
SOWK 514. Social Welfare History and Policy. 4 Units.
Provides students with an understanding of the historical foundations of the social work profession, including its influence in the development of the U.S. system of social welfare. Examines the societal perspectives and contradictions that have affected the development and evolution of contemporary social policies and services in the U.S. Emphasizes understanding of the role of race, gender, and perception of human needs in shaping social policy.
SOWK 517. Practice I: Individuals. 4 Units.
Requires conducting a biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment and developing a full range of beginning intervention strategies for working with individuals. Emphasizes special problems experienced in micro-systems with diverse and at-risk populations. Focuses on goal-setting, assessment, and successful interventions with attention to cultural values that influence development and resolution of psychosocial problems.
Prerequisite or concurrent: Social work practicum.
SOWK 518. Practice II: Groups. 3 Units.
Provides students with an understanding of generalist social work practice with diverse and underserved groups. Includes a survey of small-group constructs, research, and principles of ethical application. Emphasizes differentiation among the types of individuals, situations, and presenting problems best served through group processes and intervention methods.
SOWK 519. Practice III: Organizations and Communities. 3 Units.
Utilizes an ecological systems framework and an empowerment practice model within the macro context. Includes combating systemic racism and oppression, intersectional justice, underserved communities, population outcomes, community organization, interagency relationships, leadership skills, and cultural sensitivity.
SOWK 520. Practice IV: Families. 3 Units.
Introduces family interventions, examining views and issues regarding contemporary family structures and functions, and focusing on concepts and techniques used to promote adaptive family functioning with attention to cultural differences. Fulfills state requirement for content in family violence.
SOWK 548. Research Methods. 5 Units.
Reviews quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in order to provide students with an understanding of the scientific and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Emphasis on critically evaluating research to facilitate use of evidence-based practices. Experiential learning supports development of knowledge and skills in computer assisted data analysis to conduct and interpret t-tests, ANOVAs, and regressions.
SOWK 550. Clinical Interventions with Service Members, Veterans, and Families. 2 Units.
Provides multi-disciplinary understanding of military culture and skills and application of evidence-based clinical treatments that foster resilience and provide relief to service members, veterans, and their families. Gives attention to issues of diversity, ethics, and use of self throughout clinical case discussion. Discusses clinical issues specific to this population, along with individual, family, and community interventions.
Prerequisite: PSYC 580 or SOWK 757C.
Cross-listing: COUN 550, PSYC 550.
SOWK 574. Practice V: Administration, Management, and Supervision. 3 Units.
Provides macropractice knowledge, skills, and perspectives of administrative and supervisory practices needed to develop, support, and maintain effective service delivery. Topics include role identification and development, professional development and ethics, strategic planning, decision making, management of organizational behavior, use of information systems, budgeting, documentation and reporting, resource development and utilization, and staff development.
SOWK 578. Field Orientation. 0 Units.
Provides students with the policies and procedures for completing the program's practicum requirements. Begins the process of examining social work values and ethics as students are introduced to the NASW code of ethics and fundamental principles of professional behavior prior to beginning their field practicum.
SOWK 584. Special Topics in Social Work. 1-4 Units.
Lecture and discussion, under the direction of a faculty member, on a current topic in social work. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 units applicable to degree program.
SOWK 585. Legal and Ethical Aspects in Health and Behavioral Health Services. 3 Units.
Focuses on legal mandates or concerns that interact with and affect the practice of social work. Includes: sources of legal authority, the judicial system, and legal standards applicable to particular proceedings; legal implications of the social worker/client relationship; consent to treatment; and, confidentiality.
SOWK 595. Practice Development. 1 Unit.
Provides tutorial coursework aimed at ameliorating difficulties associated with meeting the generalist practice professional performance competencies of the M.S.W. degree program (see M.S.W. Student Handbook).
SOWK 599. Directed Study. 1-4 Units.
Limited to matriculating master's degree students in social work who wish to pursue independent investigations in social work practice or policy under the direction of a department faculty member.
SOWK 613. DSM: Diagnosis, Diversity, and Differences. 4 Units.
Provides hands-on experience using the DSM-5-TR, including the presentation of mental health conditions, conducting differential diagnosis, and administering the Mental Status Examination (MSE) from a person-in-the-environment perspective. Emphasizes an understanding of diversity and human differences.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757C.
SOWK 617. Social Justice and Global Practice. 3 Units.
Emphasizes global practice strategies to evoke positive change along with methods to address social, economic, environmental, and human rights injustices that compromise the ecological well-being of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757A, SOWK 757B, SOWK 757C.
SOWK 620. Psychopharmacology in Clinical Practice. 2 Units.
Examines common psychopharmacology medications used in the treatment of mental disorders in the DSM-5-TR. Addresses basic medication classifications, notable side-effects, and potential pharmacodynamic interactions. Gives specific attention to how social workers can integrate this knowledge into current evidence-based clinical interventions within various practice settings.
Prerequisite: SOWK 613.
SOWK 647. Integrated Behavioral Health Practice. 2,3 Units.
Focuses on the wholistic (bio-psychosocial-spiritual) approach to integrating behavioral health within primary care and other health-care organizations. Emphasizes the fundamental interrelationship between health and behavioral health, including the physical and emotional impact of discrimination, economic and social oppression, and trauma and violence on health and disease across the life span. Three units required for students matriculating under the 2023-2024 catalog and beyond.
SOWK 648. Co-occurring Processes and Interventions. 3 Units.
Addresses assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals experiencing mental, emotional, and behavioral disturbances with co-occurring chemical dependency. Presents behavioral health treatment strategies and substance abuse counseling techniques from within a biopsychosocial-spiritual paradigm.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757A, SOWK 757B, SOWK 757C.
SOWK 651. Medical Social Work. 2 Units.
Orients students to medical social work in hospitals and other health care environments. Gives attention to the ecological practice perspective, biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment, brief interventions, and the roles and responsibilities of membership in an interdisciplinary health-care team, including the requirements of follow-up care and engagement in the development of community health-care systems as an aspect of accountable health-care environments.
SOWK 653. Child Welfare Practice. 2 Units.
Connects children and families in relationship to environmental stability. Focuses on associations among the physical and mental health of children, families, and environmental permanency. Emphasizes development of parental and social support capacities, and requisite knowledge and skills to help children deal with identity issues and concerns of joining a new family. Addresses impacts of race, ethnicity, gender, economic deprivation, physical illness, and disability.
SOWK 658. Children's Psychotherapy. 2 Units.
Considers treatment techniques appropriate for young children with a wide range of diagnoses and behavior problems. Emphasizes the integration of theory and practice of psychotherapy with the ecological perspective of social work practice. Discusses diagnosis, phases of treatment, and special communication issues. Research, ethical, and value issues addressed.
SOWK 659. Recovery in Behavioral Health. 2 Units.
Provides students with an understanding of philosophies, theories, models, and techniques used in psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with severe mental illness. Emphasizes understanding the recovery paradigm and the process of reclaiming the individual's social interactions and life. Focuses on concepts/techniques for establishing and maintaining therapeutic alliances with the family and strengthening family’s coping and participation in treatment.
SOWK 661. Psychodynamic Therapies. 4 Units.
Provides basis for understanding theoretical aspects of psychodynamic therapy, concepts and techniques of various types of psychodynamic interventions (e.g., interpersonal therapy and short-term dynamic therapy), and empirical data regarding efficacy of this treatment orientation for diverse populations. Requires engagement in practice simulations, observation, and/or demonstration of psychodynamic therapy techniques.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757C.
SOWK 662. Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. 4,5 Units.
Provides understanding and practice of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) for diverse populations. Reviews CBT theories and interventions, including a range of cognitive-behavioral strategies such as systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring, and contingency management. Emphasizes progressive models including ACT, DBT, and MBCT. Requires participation in practice simulations. If enrolled prior to the 2021-2022 catalog, must complete 5 units.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757C.
SOWK 663. Crisis and Trauma Interventions. 3 Units.
Examines the nature, characteristics, and neurobiology of crisis and trauma in addition to long-term effects on psychosocial functioning. Presents crisis theories and interventions for children and adults exposed to trauma with emphasis on suicidology, school violence, domestic violence, and child, dependent adult, and elder abuse. Includes ethical, legal, and cultural factors of crisis intervention along with strategies for responding to individuals, families, and communities.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757B.
SOWK 673. Program Planning and Implementation. 5 Units.
Orients students to the range of issues, knowledge, and skills required in designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs. Students build on knowledge obtained in other concentration courses. Integrates the course focus through the development of a comprehensive program proposal for the students' practicum agency or other identified community group.
Prerequisite: Qualifying Review or permission of the Academic Standards Committee.
SOWK 675. Supervision. 3 Units.
Examines administrative, educational (clinical), and supportive supervisory functions combined with an ethical decision-making model. Emphasizes supervisory skills necessary for the development of staff capable of functioning creatively and independently. Discusses principles and techniques of staff development and explores and a variety of approaches.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757A, SOWK 757B, SOWK 757C.
SOWK 678. Advanced Standing Practice and Consultation. 2,4 Units.
Provides a bridge quarter to integrate the B.S.W. degree experience with the second year of the M.S.W. degree program. Reviews generalist social work practice and defines additional competencies required for advanced practice. Addresses individualized needs for further development, including application of professional ethics and judgment, use of self as a therapeutic tool, and self-awareness. Student completes 200 practicum hours concurrent with 20 hours of direct practice consultation.
Prerequisite or concurrent: SOWK 578.
SOWK 679. Advanced Professional Projects. 2 Units.
Preparation for lifelong learning through continuing professional development and targeted collegial networking as essential aspects of transitioning into roles as professional social workers. Includes planning and commitment to recognizing, assessing, and formulating intentional plans for continuing professional knowledge and skill development, professional networking and mentoring, and licensure and certifications.
SOWK 680. Children and Families Policies and Services. 2 Units.
Provides students with an understanding of the major social-policy issues affecting the current organization and delivery of human services for children and families. Analyzes current debates about the tensions between social policy and the doctrine of family privacy, with attention to the legal basis of state interventions and judicial decisions affecting family relationships, including parent to parent and child to parent.
SOWK 681. Behavioral Health Policies and Systems. 2 Units.
Addresses federal, state, and county policies and systems that affect the delivery of public and contracted behavioral health services. Addresses how differences between political perspectives, treatment philosophies, and consumer preferences can result in conflicting views that influence service options and choices. Promotes the clinical benefits of advocating for, developing, and delivering culturally relevant, recovery-oriented therapeutic partnerships.
Prerequisite: SOWK 757A, SOWK 757B, SOWK 757C.
SOWK 684. Advanced Policy Projects. 1 Unit.
Enhances understanding of the interconnections between politics, policy making, and policy analysis through first-hand participation in a political action campaign. Choices for projects may focus on local initiatives or those coordinated annually through the California chapter of NASW. Registration required for two consecutive terms.
SOWK 695. Advanced Research. 6 Units.
Supports students in advancing their research knowledge through examination and application of a broad spectrum of quantitative and qualitative research methods—including rapid assessment, single-subject design, quality assurance, and program evaluation. Didactic and laboratory experiences draw on students' advanced practice and develops their capacity to differentiate and apply the most appropriate and widely used research designs and methods used in practice settings.
SOWK 695A. Advanced Research Methods. 2 Units.
First in a three-course sequence addressing quantitative and qualitative research methods used in professional practice settings. Addresses research designs and methods of practice evaluation and renewal with attention to federal and state requirements for assessing intervention effectiveness. Emphasizes self-evaluation and evaluation of practice effectiveness with individuals and families.
SOWK 695B. Advanced Research Methods. 2 Units.
Second in a three-course sequence addressing quantitative and qualitative research methods used in professional practice settings. Addresses research designs and methods of practice evaluation and renewal with attention to federal and state requirements for assessing intervention effectiveness. Emphasizes practice evaluation groups as well as design and implementation of quality assurance studies for monitoring work with specific populations.
SOWK 695C. Advanced Research Methods. 2 Units.
Third in a three-course sequence addressing quantitative and qualitative research methods used in professional practice settings. Addresses research designs and methods of practice evaluation and renewal with attention to federal and state requirements for assessing intervention effectiveness. Emphasizes evaluation at program, organizational, and community levels.
SOWK 697. Applied Research. 2 Units.
Supports students choosing to complete the thesis option. Provides research matriculation in the collection and analysis of data for the thesis. Students required to register for two quarters, or a total of 4 units.
Prerequisite: SOWK 548.
SOWK 698. Thesis. 2 Units.
The culminating work of the student's independent research, under the direction of the research advisor. Registration during the quarter in which student defends research and submits the final document to the department and School of Behavioral Health.
SOWK 704. Older Adult Interventions and Services. 1 Unit.
Provides subject content in the laws related to older adult interventions and services, as required by the state of California for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Does not count toward the M.S.W. degree or the Case Management Program certificate.
SOWK 757A. Generalist Practice Consultation. 1.5,3 Unit.
Provides experiential learning opportunities in generalist social work practice through a practicum arranged by the program's director of field education. Requires 160 practicum hours concurrent with 20 hours of direct practice consultation.
Prerequisite or concurrent: SOWK 578.
SOWK 757B. Generalist Practice Consultation. 1.5,3 Unit.
Provides experiential learning opportunities in generalist social work practice through a practicum arranged by the program's director of field education. Requires 160 practicum hours concurrent with 20 hours of direct practice consultation.
Prerequisite: SOWK 578.
SOWK 757C. Generalist Practice Consultation. 1.5,3 Unit.
Provides experiential learning opportunities in generalist social work practice through a practicum arranged by the program's director of field education. Requires 160 practicum hours concurrent with 20 hours of direct practice consultation.
Prerequisite: SOWK 578.
SOWK 787A. Clinical Practice Consultation. 2,4 Units.
Provides experiential learning opportunities in clinical social work practice through practicums arranged by the program's director of field education. Requires 200 practicum hours concurrent with 20 hours of clinical practice consultation.
Prerequisite or concurrent: SOWK 678 or SOWK 757C.
SOWK 787B. Clinical Practice Consultation. 2,4 Units.
Provides experiential learning opportunities in clinical social work practice through practicums arranged by the program's director of field education. Requires 200 practicum hours concurrent with 20 hours of clinical practice consultation.
Prerequisite: SOWK 678 or SOWK 757C.
SOWK 787C. Clinical Practice Consultation. 2,4 Units.
Provides experiential learning opportunities in clinical social work practice through practicums arranged by the program's director of field education. Requires 200 practicum hours concurrent with 20 hours of clinical practice consultation.
Prerequisite: SOWK 678 or SOWK 757C.
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