University General Course Catalog 2013-2014

Dec 21, 2024

University General Course Catalog 2013-2014 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Master of Social Work, M.S.W.

The purpose of graduate social work education at the University of Nevada, Reno is to prepare advanced generalist social workers who will practice in public and private agencies. The program is committed to the enhancement of human well-being and the promotion of social and economic justice, with particular attention to the strengths and needs of the citizens of Nevada and the underserved populations of the state.

For students without a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program, the master of social work degree requires the completion of 62 credits of foundation and concentration level coursework, which can be completed through a two, three or four year program of study. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program must complete the 32 credits of concentration level courses in one year if full time, two years if part time.The admission and retention of students in all programs are subject to the professional judgment of the social work faculty.

The program does not offer any credit for life experiences. Thirty credits of foundation course work and field placements (600-level courses) provide students the opportunity to develop generalist social work skills, values and knowledge as well as the professional social work perspective. The concentration courses and field placements (700-level courses) provide instruction in the multiple methods, multiple theories and multiple levels of assessment which characterize the advanced generalist practitioner (AGP).

Students may elect Plan A: AGP Thesis Option or Plan B: Integrative Project Option during their concentration year of study. Students selecting Plan A should enroll in SW 797 - Thesis , a two semester course. The thesis is suggested for students committed to 1) developing a particular area of social work research, and 2) working autonomously under the direction of a thesis committee. It builds on strong foundation-level research skills and requires significant commitment and work during the summer preceding the concentration year. Plan B is designed for students who wish to demonstrate their mastery of advanced generalist practice competencies through the completion of a field-based project and a professional paper developed under the direction of a graduate advisory examining committee. Students choosing this option enroll in

SW 790 - Integrative Project Seminar I

and

SW 791 - Integrative Project Seminar II

during the final fall and spring semesters of their concentration year of study.

I. Foundation level:

SW 610 - HSBE I: Structural Factors and Macro Systems (2 units)
SW 611 - HBSE II: Micro and Mezzo Systems (2 units)
SW 620 - Social Work Methods with Individuals (2 units)
SW 621 - Social Work Methods with Groups (2 units)
SW 623 - Social Work Methods with Organizations, Communities and Legislatures (2 units)
SW 624 - Social Work Methods with Couples and Families (2 units)
SW 630 - Social Work History and Social Welfare Policy (3 units)
SW 640 - Elements of Evidence Informed Practice I (2 units)
SW 641 - Elements of Evidence Informed Practice II (2 units)
SW 674R - Overview of Addiction Prevention, Treatment & Recovery (3 units)
SW 680 - Foundation Practicum I (4 units)
SW 681 - Foundation Practicum II (4 units)

II. Concentration level:

SW 710 - Psychopathology in Social Work Practice (3 units)
SW 712 - Integrative Case Formulation (2 units)
SW 720 - Intervention Approaches with Individuals (2 units)
SW 721R - Intervention Approaches with Groups (2 units)
SW 723 - Strategies for Community Change (2 units)
SW 724 - Intervention Approaches with Families (2 units)
SW 725 - Administrative and Policy Practice (2 units)
SW 740 - Practice and Program Evaluation I (2 units)
SW 741 - Practice and Program Evaluation II (2 units)
SW 780R - Advanced Practicum I (4 units)
SW 781 - Advanced Practicum II (4 units)
Plan A: Thesis Option
SW 797 - Thesis (1 to 6 units)
OR
Plan B: Integrative Project Option
Committee-Guided SW Electives–600/700-level (3 units)
SW 790 - Integrative Project Seminar I (1 unit)
SW 791 - Integrative Project Seminar II (1 unit)

Note(s):

The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Program graduates are eligible to apply for social work licensure with the State of Nevada.

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. An application for a graduate assistantship can be obtained online at http://www.unr.edu/social-work To maintain an assistantship, students are expected to maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average, maintain satisfactory degree progress and perform the assistantship tasks in a satisfactory manner.

With graduate advisor approval, MSW students may apply more than 3 S/U units to the 62 units required.

For further information about the master of social work program or its graduate assistantships, contact the Director or the MSW Program Coordinator of the School of Social Work at (775) 784-6542.