msw course descriptions.

The following social work courses are open only to students who have been admitted to the MSW and/or MSW-MPA programs. Exceptions are granted only by the UNO School of Social Work.

Course listings can be obtained prior to each semester at the School of Social Work, through academic advisors, and on the School of Social Work website. Listings will include the course number, title, number of credit hours, and the semester and time of day in which it is usually offered. Course offerings may be changed without prior notice.

SOWK 8016 — Social Work with American Indians: (3) Rotating; minority content course
This course provides the student with a broad study of the origins, influences and issues of the American Indian which affect social work practice. The usefulness of established social work generalist methods is explored. Alternative methods applicable to culturally diverse people are presented. Experiential learning is emphasized. Prereq: SOWK 8130 or BSSW degree

SOWK 8026 — Social Work with African American Families: (3) Rotating; minority content course
This course seeks to develop in students an awareness and understanding of some of the social conditions and cultural traits of the African American family in North America. This course will be the foundation for the adaptation of the social worker’s practice to meet the needs of the African American community. Prereq: SOWK 8130 or BSSW degree

SOWK 8036 — Social Work with Latinos: (3) Rotating; minority content course
This course is intended to develop in students awareness, familiarity and understanding of some of the social conditions and cultural traits of the Latino community, with special emphasis on Mexican-Americans. This course will be the foundation for the adaptation of the social worker’s practice to meet the specific needs of this ethnic community. Prereq: SOWK 8130 or BSSW degree

SOWK 8046/GERO 8696 — Working with Minority Elderly****: (3) Rotating; minority content course
This course is interdisciplinary, designed to provide the student with knowledge of the differing status, attitudes, and experiences of the elderly within four major minority groups, and to examine the various service systems and practice models in terms of their relevance and effectiveness in meeting needs of the minority elderly. Prereq: SOWK 8130 or BSSW degree

SOWK 8070 — Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (HBSE I): (3) Fall
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (HBSE I) is the first of two required Foundation-level courses in the human behavior sequence. This course covers the major contributions of the biological, behavioral and social sciences relevant to understanding the person-in-environment. Emphases are on the social systems framework, personality theories, and individual development through the life cycle. The primary goal of this course is to enable the student to utilize—from an interactional perspective—a variety of theoretical approaches to understanding human behavior and the numerous environmental and institutional forces that influence it. The relevance of this interactional perspective of the person to social work practice is highlighted through an analysis of issues and experiences that might be encountered by social workers. Prereq: Undergraduate Human Biology.

SOWK 8080 — Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (HBSE II): (3) Spring
Human Behavior and the Social Environment II (HBSE II) is the second of two required Foundation-level courses in the human behavior sequence. This course provides an understanding of the impact of membership in a minority culture upon human behavior and social functioning. Major frameworks of personality and human behavior are reviewed in light of their contributions and limitations to understanding minority populations. Prereq: SOWK 8070 (HBSE I) and completion of Biology prerequisite.

SOWK 8090 — Social Welfare Policy: (3) Fall
This course is an introduction to social policy analysis. It examines social policy in an historical perspective and in the context of political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of society. Basic concepts and choices are explored in such areas as values and ethics, social purposes, means, and probable effects. Prereq: None.

SOWK 8110 — Institutional Oppression: (3) Spring
This course examines the problems and issues of institutional racism and sexism as they relate to social injustice and social policy. The course concentrates on the analysis of related institutional barriers and constraints affecting racial minorities, the GLBT community, and women. Attention is given to the role of social work practice in dealing with institutional barriers affecting these populations. Prereq: None.

SOWK 8130 — Generalist Practice I: (3) Fall
This course serves as an introduction to common core social work concepts including values and ethics, skills, tasks, and activities which are essential to the practice of social work and which serve as a foundation for further professional growth. Constructs from general systems theory are used both as a way of organizing knowledge and of viewing a range of systems that could be engaged as the social worker practices with individuals. Social work practice is presented as a goal oriented, planned change process which is sensitive to cultural diversity. Emphasis is on both theoretical and experiential learning. Prereq: SOWK 8070, concurrently.

SOWK 8150 — Generalist Practice II: (3) Spring
This course is designed to build on the concepts, skills, tasks and activities introduced in SOWK 8130. Social work practice is presented as a goal-oriented, planned change process with an emphasis on groups, organizations, and communities. The focus is on developing skills in planning, collaboration, empowerment and advocacy to effect change. Prereq: SOWK 8130, and SOWK 8080 prior to or concurrently.

SOWK 8160 — Generalist Social Work Practicum I: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
This course is designed to provide individualized and experiential generalist learning offered within the setting of a social service agency. The student will be introduced to a variety of social work practice roles, develop professional relationships with client systems, and learn to apply a number of interventive modalities to effect change. In order to facilitate integration of classroom theory with practice, students will attend a seven-week seminar (two hours per week). Prereq: SOWK 8070, 8090, and 8130, prior to or concurrently; and permission of the School. If all prerequisites are met, SOWK 8160 may be taken in a block format with SOWK 8170 during one semester. If taken concurrently, it must be taken two semesters in a row. See Practicum (Melanie, please include a link here to the Practicum page) for practicum-related information and policies.

SOWK 8170 — Generalist Social Work Practicum II: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
This course is designed to provide supervised, individual, generalist learning experiences in selected social welfare agencies. It introduces graduate students to beginning direct and indirect social work practice. Prereq: SOWK 8160 prior to or concurrently; SOWK 8080,8110, 8150, and 8190, prior to or concurrently.

SOWK 8190 — Research and Computer Applications*: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
Emphasis is placed on the use of research in social work practice. Social and behavioral science research methods are reviewed. Research reports exemplifying the method are evaluated; theories, major concepts, principles, and findings are identified, and their use in social work practice is explored. Research on racism, minorities, social status, disabilities and Third World populations is reviewed. Students gain beginning skill in using computer programs for statistical analyses, spreadsheet applications, and database management. Prereq: Undergraduate or graduate social research methods course, plus an introductory statistics course. Students enrolled in 63-credit hour Foundation Program will have met this requirement at the foundation level.

SOWK 8220 — Clinical Social Work with Individuals:(3) Fall, Spring, Summer
This advanced course provides an in-depth study of several theories of personality and behavior, and of therapeutic approaches derived from the theories. Major focus is on therapy with individuals, but application to family systems is also considered, as well as the fit of each theory within the broader social systems framework. Prereq: SOWK 8170 (8170 can be taken concurrently. However, 170 hours must be completed prior to enrollment in 8220) or BSSW degree, and SOWK 8190 prior to or concurrently.

SOWK 8230 — Clinical Social Work with Groups: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
This advanced course provides knowledge of and experience in working with groups as systems. It includes both assessment of dynamics as well as developing skills in intervention modalities appropriate for working with various types of groups such as psychotherapy groups, families, growth and support groups, and other structured goal- oriented groups (i.e. boards and committees). Please note: Students must also register for the laboratory (0 credit hours) to practice small group participation and leadership. This is part of the three hour course time. Prereq: SOWK 8220 and permission of the School.

SOWK 8240 — Social Work Practice with Children: (3) Spring
This advanced micro practice course provides an overview of several social work interventions used with children and adolescents. A brief review of normal child development and the family life cycle is the context for presenting a range of children’s problems and special needs. The course will cover several intervention models and address their application in various service settings and in individual, group, family, and social action formats. Issues relevant to providing clinical services to minority clients will also be covered. Prereq: SOWK 8220 and permission of the School.

SOWK 8250 — Social Work Practice with Families: (3) Fall, Spring
The family is considered as a system for social work intervention. Several theories of family interaction are considered; alternative modalities of family treatment are studied; interventive skills are developed. Prereq: SOWK 8220 and permission of the School.

SOWK 8260 – Social Work Practice with Older Adult: (3) Fall
The purpose of this course is to examine aging and the interaction of the biological, psychological, emotional, spiritual, social, economic, and environmental factors within a systems framework. Prereq: SOWK 8220 and permission of the School

SOWK 8270 — Social Work Practice with Sexual Concerns: (3) Spring
The course provides a brief intensive review of current theory and research in human sexuality and an emphasis on treatment and therapy approaches used for a variety of sex- related problems of individuals, couples and families. Prereq: SOWK 8220 and permission of the School.

SOWK 8280 — Social Work Practice with Couples and Changing Family Structures: (3) Fall
This is an advanced practice course designed to prepare students to provide therapy for couples and families experiencing problems in intimacy, marital, divorce, or remarriage adjustment. Prereq: SOWK 8220 and permission of the School.

SOWK 8290 — Social Work Practice in Health and Mental Health: (3) Spring, Fall
This seminar focuses on the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of mental disorders in children, youth and adults, including both acute and chronic psychological and psychosomatic disorders. It considers theoretical modalities; the therapeutic relationship; and the influences of gender, socio-economic conditions, ethnicity, and culture. It reviews the present socio-political dimensions of mental health services including managed care systems, relevant research, and ethical issues related to the delivery of mental health services. Prereq: SOWK 8650, SOWK 8220 and permission of the School.

SOWK 8400 — Advanced Social Work Practicum I**: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
To provide individualized professional experience in advanced direct and indirect social work practice in the chosen concentration.
Prerequisites
For Clinical Social Work concentration students: SOWK 8190 and 8220 prior to; and one required practice course prior to or concurrently; permission of the School.
For Integrated Social Work Practice concentration students: SOWK 8190, 8220 and 8510 prior to; a required practice course from concentration, prior to or concurrently; permission of the School.
For MSW-MPA Dual Degree students***: SOWK 8190 and 8220 prior to; and a required practice course from Integrated concentration, prior to or concurrently.

SOWK 8410 — Advanced Social Work Practicum II**: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
To provide individualized professional experience in advanced direct and indirect social work practice in the chosen concentration, building upon opportunities provided and competence achieved in Advanced Practicum I (SOWK 8400).
Prerequisites
For Clinical Social Work concentration students: SOWK 8400 and a second practice course prior to or concurrently.
For Integrated Social Work Practice concentration students: SOWK 8400 and a second practice course from concentration, prior to or concurrently.
For MSW-MPA Dual Degree students***: SOWK 8400 and PA 8010, 8050 and 8090, prior to; a second required practice course in concentration or in Public Administration, prior to or concurrently.

SOWK 8420 — Advanced Social Work Practicum III: (1-3) Fall, Spring, Summer
To provide a third advanced practice opportunity in a selected social welfare agency or practice setting for refinement/addition of micro or macro social work practice skills. Prereq: SOWK 8400 prior to; SOWK 8410 prior to or concurrently; permission of the School.

SOWK 8510 — Personnel Administration and Supervision: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
This advanced practice course is an introduction to the administration of social welfare programs in the areas of administrative leadership, supervision, and personnel practices. It is intended to provide a basic understanding for professionals who work in agency settings and a foundation for administrative practice. It is expected that those who become administrators will build upon this base with specific ethical, legal, technical, and procedural knowledge related to their type of agency and level of responsibility. Prereq: SOWK 8170 or BSSW degree.

SOWK 8540 — Social Welfare Planning: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer
This advanced core course introduces students to several theories of social planning, focusing on the strengths and limitations of each. Students develop skills in applying the planning process to selected policies, programs, organizations and communities, in partnership with and/or on behalf of client groups, particularly vulnerable or oppressed populations. Assessing needs, developing goals and objectives, gleaning support, and creating budgets are skills developed in this course. Prereq: SOWK 8170 or BSSW degree.

SOWK 8550 — Social Justice and Social Advocacy: (3) Fall
This advanced macro practice course provides an internationalist perspective on social and economic injustices experienced by people in the world. There is a critical analysis of the U.S. Constitution, the ideologies it seeks to perpetuate, and the nature of resulting democracy. This course covers militarism, imperialism, capitalism, fascism, socialism and communism. Also addressed are practice implications for social work in challenging social and economic injustices. Prereq: SOWK 8170 or BSSW degree.

SOWK 8560 — Advanced Community Practice: (3) Spring
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to community organizing and development in the United States and to develop an understanding of the theory, methods, and skills of community practice. The course is designed to help students develop an analytical and empirical approach to communities and community practice. Prereq: SOWK 8170 or BSSW degree.

SOWK 8570 — Administration of Social Welfare Agencies: (3) Spring
This course is an advanced macro practice course on the administration of social welfare programs and focuses on the areas of resource acquisition, strategic planning, and nonprofit marketing. It is intended to provide understanding and skills for social work professionals who work as planners and administrators in agency settings. Students have the opportunity to write a grant proposal for a project of their choice. Prereq: SOWK 8170 or BSSW degree.

SOWK 8600 — Permanence for Children:(3) Fall; social issues/policies/service delivery course
The course is designed for the student to acquire an understanding of the issues involved in providing services to those persons who have been affected by dependency, child abuse and neglect; and to acquire skills in working with children, biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and other systems involved in the welfare of children. Prereq: SOWK 8130 or BSSW degree

SOWK 8610 — Social Work and Family Violence: (3) Spring; social issues/policies/service delivery course
This course explores the problem of family violence in American society. It includes characteristics of abuse, description of victims of abuse, and prevention and intervention strategies using societal systems. Prereq: SOWK 8130 or BSSW degree

SOWK 8650 — Social Work in Health and Mental Health: (3) Fall, Spring; social issues/policies/service delivery course
This course is for the social work graduate student who is seeking specialized knowledge of social work practice in medical and mental health settings. It considers the current systems of physical and mental health service delivery, issues surrounding the provisions of services, and the role of the social worker in medical and mental health care programs. Prereq: SOWK 8130 or BSSW degree

SOWK 8700 — Social Work and Addictive Disorders: (3) Spring; social issues/policies/service delivery course
This course studies addictive disorders and how they impact the individual’s functioning. Topics covered are the assessment of psychological characteristics of individuals who tend to develop these disorders, family adaptations and responses, and physiological addictive processes. Treatment interventions are presented with emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse and addiction, and on eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Also considered are gambling, sexual addiction and/or sexual compulsivity. Factors relevant to cultural diversity are explored (e.g. gender, age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status). Prereq: SOWK 8130, or BSSW degree

SOWK 8806 — Social Work and the Law: (3) Rotating; social issues/policies/service delivery course
This course presents the fundamental principles of criminal and civil law that have relevance to the practice of social work. Topics include the legal system; legal research methods; professional ethical/legal responsibilities and liabilities; family law; criminal law; juvenile law; personal injury law; employment discrimination law; capacity to make contracts and wills; rights of institutionalized patients; and rights of children with handicaps to an education. Prereq: Admission to the School at the graduate level or permission of the School

SOWK 8816 — Spirituality and Social Work Practice: (3) Rotating; social issues/policies/service delivery course
In this course, the term “spirituality” refers to the human striving for a sense of meaning, purpose, values, and fulfillment. Spirituality is expressed through diverse forms in our clients’ lives; it is central to our clients’ understanding of suffering and their attempts to resolve it. Therefore, social work practitioners need to be prepared to respond in an effective spiritually-sensitive manner. This course examines major issues pertaining to spiritually-sensitive social work practice in regard to clients of diverse religious and nonreligious ( i.e., outside sectarian institutional contexts ) perspectives. Prereq: Admission to the MSW program

SOWK 8856/GERO 8856 — Hospice and Other Services for the Dying Patient/Family*****: (3) Fall; social issues/policies/service delivery course
This course is designed to involve students in the recognition of fears, concerns and needs of dying patients and their families by examining the hospice concept and other services available in our community. Factual information, readings, professional presentations, films, and experiential exercises are offered to aid the student in understanding hospice as an alternative to the traditional medical model, so that when the “cure” system is no longer functional, then the “care” system, hospice, can be offered. Prereq: Admission to the MSW program

SOWK 8866 — Women’s Issues and Sexism: (3) Rotating; social issues/policies/service delivery course
This course focuses on the issues of feminism and sexism in social work practice and their implication for social service delivery systems, social policy, and practice modalities. Prereq: Admission to the MSW program.

SOWK 8886 — Topical Seminar in Social Work: (2-4) Variable; social issues/policies/service delivery course
Advanced topics and experiences in social work theory and practice. Specifics are announced when the course is offered. The topics selected are consistent with faculty expertise and student needs. This course may be repeated for up to nine hours credit. Prereq: Admission to the MSW program.

SOWK 8900 — Special Studies in Social Welfare:(3) Fall, Spring, Summer; advanced special studies/social welfare resource course
Special studies in a selected area of social welfare to deepen the student’s knowledge in that particular area. Prereq: Graduate-level standing and permission of the School

SOWK 8940 — Evaluation of Social Programs: (3) Spring; advanced special studies/social welfare resource course
A study of the various issues and methodology of social program evaluation. Evaluation of agency organizational structure, program design and effectiveness, and social impact are covered. Prereq: SOWK 8190

SOWK 8950 — Research Methods in Clinical Practice: (3) Fall, Spring
A study of the various issues involved in clinical research methodology. Introduction to the tools for documenting the effects of micro practice interventions (including single-case design, standardized measurement, self-report data, self-monitoring, etc.). Prereq: SOWK 8220 and SOWK 8190

SOWK 8960 — Research Other Than Thesis: (3) Fall, Spring, Summer; advanced special studies/social welfare resource course
Students prepare a research proposal, carry out the proposed study, and prepare a detailed report of the purpose, design, outcome and meaning of the study. For additional details, contact the School. Prereq: SOWK 8190 and permission of the School

SOWK 8990 — Master’s Thesis: (6) Fall, Spring, Summer; advanced special studies/social welfare resource course
Under the supervision of the thesis instructor and the thesis committee, the student will complete a thesis research. For additional details, contact the School. Prereq: SOWK 8190 and permission of the School.

Public Administration Courses*****

PA 8010—The Public Economy: (3) This course focuses on microeconomics and its application to policy and management in the public and non-profit sectors. The concept of efficiency is developed along with the goal of social equity to help determine the roles of the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Some key issues examined are: the balance between equity and efficiency, government intervention in the market, privatization of public services, and cost benefit analysis.

PA 8050—Survey of Public Administration: (3) The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the art and science of public administration and to enable the student to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities requisite to the pursuit of graduate education in public administration.

PA 8090—Organization Theory and Behavior: (3) A study of the various approaches to understanding public organizations and people in them with special emphasis on the design, functioning and management of public agencies.

PA 8300—Policy Design and Implementation: (3) This course examines the formulation, adoption, implementation and evaluation of public policy. Important topics include the basic features of American government, the causes and determinants of public policies, the dynamics of decision-making in the public sector, the obstacles to \"successful\" public programs, and the criteria for the assessment of a public program\'s impact. Special emphasis is given to the role public managers play within the policy process. Prereq: PA 8010, 8050, and 8090

PA 8400—Public Budgeting: (3) The purpose of the course is to familiarize public administration students with the basic characteristics and features of public budgets and enable them to deal competently with them. Prereq: PA 8010, PA 8050

PA8440—Organization Developing & Planned Change in the Public Sector: (3) This course provides students with the theories and skills necessary to manage organizational change in the public sector. To accomplish this will require that the student become versed in the strategies of organizational development (OD) and planning in the public sector while at the same time mastering intervention techniques. Prereq: PA 8010, PA 8050, PA 8090, PA 8120 and completion of at least 24 hours in the MPA.

PA 8480—Seminar in Public Financial Administration: (3) The study of public finance administration policy and techniques areas. Emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of public finance administration with particular emphasis on the purposes, processes and issues associated with particular techniques or technique areas. Prereq: PA 8010 and PA 8050

PA 8530—Strategic Planning & Management in Public & Non-Profit Organizations: (3) This course is designed to have the student understand the relationship between public policy, agency strategy, agency operation and the delivery of public services to citizens. It will provide the student an opportunity to devise a model strategy for a public agency or jurisdiction, introduce a variety of systems for managing particular tasks within the public sector and give the student the opportunity to construct operating procedures for a specific public program or subprogram. Prereq: PA 8010, PA 8050, PA 8090,and PA 8120

PA 8720—Health Care Finance: (3) Health care finance represents an analysis of health care concepts, issues and trends from a health care and an organizational perspective. Application of specific principles, concepts, and techniques of financial management to health care systems will be addressed. Examination of the role and responsibilities of health care administrators in relation to financial management will also be explored. Prereq: PA 8120 OR PSM 806 OR PSM 820

PA 8896—Special Topics in Public Administration: (3) A course with the purpose of acquainting the student with key issues and topics of special concern to public and non-profit management that they otherwise would not receive elsewhere. No more than six hours of total credit in PA 8896 and PA 8906 can be taken without prior permission by the graduate program committee. Further, each topic in the course will need the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies prior to being offered. Prereq: PA 8010, PA 8050, PA 8090

* SOWK 8190 is common to both the Foundation and Advanced Standing MSW Programs. For Foundation students proceeding to Advanced Standing Program, the total credit hours required at the Advanced Standing Program is 36 credits, because SOWK 8190 has been completed.

** Students who wish to qualify for Nebraska Licensure must have 300 clock hours of tasks supporting direct client services that encompass mental health services under the supervision of a licensed MSW while in practicum; 150 hours of which must be direct face-to-face contact in a work setting providing mental health services

The Nebraska Affidavit of Supervised Practicum or Internship for Mental Health Practice defines mental health services as "treatment, assessment, psychotherapy, counseling, or equivalent activities to individuals, couples, families, or groups for behavioral, cognitive, social, mental, or emotional disorders, including interpersonal or personal situations." If necessary, the student may use one-third of their 300 hours of foundation-level practicum (a maximum of 100 clock hours) of direct client contact of which 50 clock hours must be face-to-face in a work setting providing mental health services under LCSW supervision toward licensure.

*** The MSW-MPA Dual Degree program is part of the Integrated Social Work Practice concentration. Practicum consists of 512 hours that may or may not be in the same agency. 256 hours are required in advanced-level direct service, and 256 hours in indirect service within the same agency or in a public administration setting. If a student wants to seek Nebraska licensure, extra direct service hours may be taken and the optional SOWK 8420 utilized if necessary. Before the indirect service practicum is taken, the core Public Administration courses must be completed.

****If a cross-listed course is closed when attempting to register, try again within the other department under which it is cross-listed. If SOWK 8046 is closed, try registering under GERO 8696.

*****Please contact the School of Public Administration regarding course offerings.