College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Social Sciences Department
Master of Social Work (MSW)

Full-Time Program Course Sequence:

Below is a outline of the courses for the first year Generalist Practice Sequence and the second year Specialization Sequence.

Part-Time Program Course Sequence:

Below is a outline of the courses for the part-time Generalist Practice Sequence and Specialization Sequence.

Course Descriptions:

SWK 510 - Social Work as a Profession 

This course introduces students to the profession of social work and the methods of social work practice. Students will explore the historical developments that shaped the profession and techniques of generalist practice. The course introduces theories that provide the basis for social work interventions and values and ethics that undergird professional social work practice.

SWK 511 - Lifespan Development and the Social Environment

This course examines the major social science theories that inform the social work profession's understanding of human behavior from a social systems perspective. Development across the life span is conceptualized as the interplay between nature and nurture where biological and psychosocial risk influence individual resiliency and environmental competence.

SWK 512 - Research and Social Problems

This course is designed to help students develop into effective practitioners/researchers. The course includes content on ethical standards of scientific inquiry, research design for qualitative and quantitative research, analyses and reporting, practice evaluation, and the utilization of research. Students will critically review research reports on Caribbean social problems in the media and professional journals.

SWK 513 - Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups

This practice course will introduce the development and application of empowerment and strengths-based interventions for the purpose of creating alternative African-centered healing models for practice with Caribbean families. The course will combine a historical overview of Caribbean families with an emphasis on the obstacles they encounter as threats to healthy development and family functioning. Special attention is devoted to unraveling the effects of African cultural legacies, slavery, and institutional racism on Caribbean family life.

SWK 514 - Foundation Practicum in Caribbean Settings I

Students are assigned to an approved social service agency 15 hours per week (150 total hours) under the supervision of an experienced social work professional. Field placements provide students the opportunity to integrate social work theory within an ethical framework and apply skills within an agency setting and Caribbean community context. The field setting will enable students to develop a greater respect for diversity and practice with populations at risk, to utilize critical thinking and problem solving, and to develop comfort in the professional role.