Faculty: Graduate School of Health Sciences

The main focus of the social work major is on promoting social justice, improving human welfare, and helping individuals, families, and communities address and overcome social and economic challenges. Students acquire skills in case management, clinical practice, community organization, policy analysis, research methods, preparing them for careers in social service agencies, healthcare institutions, schools, and community organizations.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles and values of social work practice.
• Develop skills in case management and clinical practice.
• Learn techniques in community organizing and advocacy.
• Explore policy analysis and social welfare programs.
• Analyze research methods and data analysis techniques in social work.
• Develop critical thinking, empathy, and cultural competence.
• Understand ethical considerations and professional standards in social work.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Social Work - Overview of the principles, values, and history of social work.
2. Case Management and Clinical Practice - Techniques for assessment, planning, and intervention with individuals, families, and groups.
3. Community Organizing and Advocacy - Strategies for organizing communities and advocating for social justice and promoting social change.
4. Policy Analysis and Social Welfare - Analysis of social welfare policies and programs and their impact on society.
5. Research Methods in Social Work - Techniques for conducting research, data collection, and analyzing results in social work.
6. Human Behavior and Social Environment - Understanding human development, behavior, and the impact of the social environment on individuals and families.
7. Cultural Competency and Diversity - Principles of cultural competence, diversity, and inclusive practices in social work.
8. Ethical Considerations in Social Work - Professional ethics, values, and legal considerations in social work practice.
9. Field Education/Practicum - Real-world experiences in social work environments, such as social service agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, or community organizations.
10. Capstone Project/Integrative Seminar - Comprehensive project or integrative seminar applying social work skills, such as conducting a community needs assessment, developing a policy analysis, or designing a clinical intervention plan.

Assessment Methods:

• Case management and clinical practice reports, community organizing and advocacy projects, policy analysis and social welfare studies, research methods and data analysis reports, essays on human behavior and social environment, cultural competency and diversity projects, ethical considerations in social work essays, field education/practicum reports, capstone projects/integrative seminars, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Introduction to Social Work" by various authors.
• "Case Management and Clinical Practice" by various authors.
• "Community Organizing and Advocacy" by various authors.
• "Policy Analysis and Social Welfare" by various authors.
• "Research Methods in Social Work" by various authors.
• "Human Behavior and Social Environment" by various authors.
• "Cultural Competency and Diversity" by various authors.
• "Ethical Considerations in Social Work" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of sociology, psychology, and an interest in social work and community service.

Duration of the Major:

Typically 4 years for a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). For advanced practice, a Master of Social Work (MSW) usually takes 2 years.

Certification:

Graduates can obtain licenses and certifications such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exams, depending on the region and specific requirements.

Target Audience:

Aspiring social workers, case managers, community organizers, policy analysts, and professionals seeking to work in social service agencies, healthcare institutions, schools, community organizations, government bodies, and related fields. This major equips students with practical and theoretical skills necessary to excel in social work and support careers in various roles within social service agencies, healthcare institutions, community organizations, and related fields.