https://www.creighton.edu/arts-sciences/cultural-social-studies/programs/socialwork
Program Director: Monica White
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is part of the Department of Cultural and Social Studies. The Social Work program's mission is "The purpose of the Creighton Social Work program is to facilitate learning experiences integrating both the art and science of social work practice. Social work students are educated to join with, assess and utilize best practices to address the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Integrating knowledge with care of the whole person is not only the cornerstone of a Jesuit education but required for accreditation, certification and licensure for the social work profession. This program provides "hands-on" learning experiences whenever feasible and provides quality supervision and support during the learning process to enhance the capacity and resiliency of our students.
The goals of the Social Work program are:
- Prepare undergraduate generalist social work practitioners, grounded in evidence-informed practice, to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities including an understanding and applicability of the global perspective for practice.
- Prepare entry level generalist practitioners who apply ethical decision-making based on the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics and the Ignatian charisms, integrating personal and professional ideals through mature self-evaluation and self-reflection.
- Prepare social work leaders committed to advancing social and economic justice and human rights along with reducing social and economic inequities in society.
The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Specific requirements for Admission and Progression in the Social Work program
- Students may declare a social work major during first or second year, after consultation with Program Director, Monica White or Field Education Director, Cathy Fox.
- Successful completion (grade C or higher) of one of the following SWK courses prior to junior-year application for practice-based courses; remaining courses will be completed during major course progression. Late-declaring students should contact Program Director, Monica White to discuss possible exceptions.
- a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Admission to the program is selective and is based upon an application process that includes: the declaration of the major, a written application and student assessment.
- The second step of the application process must be completed and admission determined before students may register for SWK 345 Practice I: Social Work with Individuals and Families.
Major Requirements (41 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Course Requirements | ||
| SWK 201 | Introduction to Social Work and Advocacy Skills | 3 |
| SWK 275 | Working with Infants through Adolescents - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1 | 3 |
| SWK 276 | Working with Adults through the Lifespan - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 2 | 3 |
| SWK 298 | Economics, Policy and Social Welfare | 3 |
| SWK 345 | Practice I: Social Work with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SWK 346 | Social Work Pre-Practicum 1 | 1 |
| SWK 347 | Social Work Pre-Practicum 2 | 1 |
| SWK 359 | Practice 2: Social Work with Groups | 3 |
| SWK 435 | Practice III: Social Work with Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SWK 440 | Social Work Leadership Grounded in Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive Practice | 3 |
| SWK 460 | Field Practicum Seminar I | 2 |
| SWK 461 | Field Practicum 1 | 5 |
| SWK 480 | Field Practicum Seminar II | 3 |
| SWK 481 | Field Practicum 2 | 5 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
CSWE standards require that social work majors enter their careers with solid foundations in relevant content areas. Students should, therefore, be alert to the following required support courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology: Self and Society | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Anthropology: Human and Cultural Diversity | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology: Culture, Ecology and Sustainability | ||
| Introduction to Anthropology: Social and Cultural Determinants of Health | ||
| Introductory Psychology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Research Design for the Social Sciences | ||
| Qualitative Methods, Ethnography, and Engagement | ||
| Research Methods And Statistics I | ||
| Political Science Research Methods 2 | ||
| Applied Research: Assessment and Evaluation | ||
In order to be eligible for field placement, a student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all required courses for the Social Work major and must be certified ready for practicum as detailed in the Social Work Student Handbook & Field Practicum Manual.
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in SWK 201, SWK 275, SWK 276, SWK 298, Support courses listed above, and Research courses.
Students must earn a grade of "C+" or better in: SWK 345, SWK 346, SWK 347, SWK 359, SWK 435, SWK 440, SWK 460, SWK 461, SWK 480, SWK 481.
Students may re-take the course 1 time to achieve the required grade.
Courses
SWK 170. Exploring Vulnerability and Resilience within Communities. 3 credits.
How do people become vulnerable or build resiliency? Is social welfare a private issue or a public concern? Consider the range of communities and what makes them more/less vulnerable or resilient. Explore the intersecting aspects of social conditions and how individuals and families make decisions from available options. Students will strengthen advocacy skills related to social justice. Satisfies Magis Core: Critical Issues in Human Inquiry. CO: COM 101.
SWK 201. Introduction to Social Work and Advocacy Skills. 3 credits.
Explore social work as a major option and learn advocacy skills that connect with career paths focused on social justice. Students will learn how to engage in generalist practice with foundational concepts including advocacy, empowerment, systems thinking, strength's-based perspective, and self-determination; exploring how they can work with people and populations commonly served in the community. Students will apply professional code of ethics and consider history of the profession from an evaluative perspective. Students will explore the social work major as an entry point to a social work career as well as other helping professions. Class includes community-based learning. Satisfies Magis Core: Understanding Social Science.
SWK 261. Social Welfare Needs of Vulnerable Populations:Exploring Helping Role from Social Work Perspective. 3 credits. FA, SP, SU
How do people become vulnerable? Is social welfare a private issue or a public concern? How are the needs of the vulnerable identified and addressed? This course identifies several social welfare issues such as poverty, homelessness, family neglect and abuse, mental health, health care and criminal justice. All of these areas are inherently complex revealing issues of social justice. Through study of research, exploration of cultural, personal and religious values this course examines how Social Work, like many disciplines works to assist, amend or alleviate the vulnerability of individuals, families and communities. CO: COM 101.
SWK 275. Working with Infants through Adolescents - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1. 3 credits. FA
Human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) is a foundational concept in social work and often used in other helping professions. HBSE provides the helping professional a lens to view individuals and families, recognizing that 'behavior is communication' and all behavior is influenced by the surrounding environment. This concept provides a system's perspective when working with individuals and families, providing multiple points of assessment, understanding, intervention, and evaluation. This course focuses on life-span development, focusing on pre-natal through adolescence, including biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural theoretical/developmental perspectives. It is a cross-disciplinary, intersectional approach to understanding human behavior. Satisfies Magis Core: Understanding Social Science.
SWK 276. Working with Adults through the Lifespan - Human Behavior and the Social Environment 2. 3 credits. SP
Human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) is a foundational concept in social work and often used in other helping professions. HBSE provides the helping professional a lens to view individuals and families, recognizing that 'behavior is communication' and all behavior is influenced by the surrounding environment. This concept provides a system's perspective when working with individuals and families, providing multiple points of assessment, understanding, intervention, and evaluation. This course focuses on life-span development, focusing on young through late adulthood and end of life; including biological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, and cultural theoretical/developmental perspectives. It is a cross-disciplinary intersectional approach to understanding human behavior. Satisfies Magis Core: Understanding Social Science.
SWK 289. Self-Care for the Helping Professions. 1 credit. FA, SP (Same CRJ 289)
This course provides students the opportunity to practice the Ignatian value of cura personalis by caring for the whole person. As an integrative, multi-modal approach that borrows from several theories and practices such as the spiritual exercises, yoga, breath-work, compassion fatigue and stress- management the students will explore the relationship between the mind and body to strengthen the emotional spirit. Self-care is an important practice management tool and as such students will develop self-care strategies to use while in the practice setting to enhance professional resilience. This course may be repeated once. This course is offered Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
SWK 298. Economics, Policy and Social Welfare. 3 credits. SP
Students examine social policies impacting individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students develop skill in policy analysis and advocacy at the local, state, federal and global levels. Civic engagement grounded in human rights are evaluated as core concepts. Students will develop skill in anti-racist, anti-oppressive policy analysis considering their historical context.
SWK 318. Applied Research: Assessment and Evaluation. 4 credits. FA, SP (Same as ANT/CRJ/HAP 318)
This course familiarizes students with foundational research methods for needs assessment and program evaluation commonly used in the social sciences. Satisfies Magis Core: Doing Science Science; Magis Designated Oral Communication, Designated Technology, Designated Statistical Reasoning P: Critical Issues in Human Inquiry (or HRS 100 or HRS 101), Oral Communication, Understanding Social Science, Mathematical Reasoning.
SWK 345. Practice I: Social Work with Individuals and Families. 3 credits. FA
Students develop skills to advance client/system well-being at the micro level, working with individuals and families. The course navigates the social work process (engagement, assessment, planning/goal setting, intervention, evaluation) integrating methods based on professional competencies. Emphasis on person-and-family-in-environment perspectives and eco-systems theory guide direct practice grounded in ethical guidelines and cultural humility. P: SWK 201 or SWK 275 or SWK 276; SWK major. CO: SWK 346.
SWK 346. Social Work Pre-Practicum 1. 1 credit. FA
Taken concurrently with SWK 345 Practice l: Social Work with Individuals and Families, students will immerse in community-based learning at a local social service agency. Students will complete 20 hours in the community with faculty-coordinated activities, connecting with social work competencies. Students will also complete on-campus social work learning lab integrating community-based learning with social work concepts and theories. P: SWK 201 or SWK 276 or SWK 275 or instructor permission; CO: SWK 345; Social Work major.
SWK 347. Social Work Pre-Practicum 2. 1 credit. SP
Students will engage in pre-practicum lab to advance skills for senior field practicum. Focus will be on professional socialization connected with social work competencies and career. Students will explore options for senior field experience, future career advancement, and post-graduation planning. Students will complete activities leading to agency placement for senior field practicum and professional advising for career planning connected with major, BSW degree, professional organizations/standards, and related certification/licensure requirements. P: Social Work major; SWK 345.
SWK 359. Practice 2: Social Work with Groups. 3 credits. SP
Prepares students to advance group system well-being at the mezzo level. Develops skills applying the social work process (engagement, assessment, planning/goal-setting, intervention, evaluation) with groups, connecting directly with social work competencies. Students will develop effective group dynamic skills related to cultural humility, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive methods at the mezzo level. P: SWK 345.
SWK 371. Social Work Issues. 1-3 credits. OD
Social work issues are examined in terms of both their historical development and their implications for current social work practice. Topics vary from semester to semester. Students may repeat course for credit up to 3 times with program director approval.
SWK 375. Working With the Elderly. 3 credits. OD
Presentation of information concerning the theory and practice of social services to the aged. Study of both institutional and community settings.
SWK 376. Family Dynamics. 3 credits. ENY (Same as CRJ 376)
This course will explore families through the lens of family stress theory, identifying interpersonal dynamics as well as adjustments in times of crisis. Course content will also include impacts of violence in family systems across the life span, including child abuse/neglect, inter-personal violence, elder abuse, and community violence.
SWK 377. Grief, Loss & Bereavement. 3 credits. ENY
Grief and loss are universal human experiences, yet helping professionals are often ill-equipped to support those they serve effectively through these times. This course explores issues related to death, grief, and loss throughout the lifespan to increase students' understanding, skill, and comfort in future practice. Theories and interventions are explored through developmental and cross-cultural perspectives. P: Sophomore standing.
SWK 389. Addictions: Substances, Processes and People. 3 credits.
Selected addiction theories and treatments are reviewed including substance addiction (alcohol, drugs), process addiction (gambling, sex, food, internet), and relationship addictions. Students examine the role of social workers, other professionals and friends in recognizing and managing addictive behaviors, and explore their own beliefs and values using a systems perspective.
SWK 399. Trauma Care for the Whole Person. 3 credits. ONY (Same as ANT 399, SOC 399, CRJ 399)
It is essential for social workers and helping professionals to be reflective practitioners and know how to effectively care for others as well as themselves. Students will explore the distinctions of trauma including: physical, psychological, social, historical, ongoing, and vicaríous trauma. This course is designed to examine the impact of trauma on the mind, body and spirit. Trauma care is not only for the individuals, families and/or communities with whom they work but also to develop resiliency in the mind, body and spirit of the helping professionals. P: Sophomore standing.
SWK 435. Practice III: Social Work with Organizations and Communities. 3 credits. FA (Magis: Intersections, Designated Ethics)
Prepares students to advance client/system well-being at the macro level. Students will apply concepts and principles of advocacy for social, economic, and environmental justice with marginalized and disenfranchised populations at the organization and community levels. Emphasis is on constructing and using ethical and professional social work frames of reference for social work practice and strengthening skills from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive perspective. Satisfies Magis Core: Intersections; Magis Designation: Ethics; P: SWK 345, SWK 346, Magis Core Critical issues in Human Inquiry, Magis Core Ethics course, SWK major.
SWK 440. Social Work Leadership Grounded in Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive Practice. 3 credits.
This class prepares undergraduate social work practitioners for self-assessment, reflection, and advocacy to lead using anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices. Focus is on student professional development as well as leadership roles that understand intersectionality, reckons with the field's own historical practices and policies, and its role in alleviating oppression and discrimination. P: SWK 435; SWK major.
SWK 460. Field Practicum Seminar I. 2 credits. FA
Seminar designed to integrate theories and skills learned in the classroom with their application in field experience. P: SWK 345; SWK 346; CO: SWK 461; SWK major.
SWK 461. Field Practicum 1. 4-5 credits. FA
Students are placed in community agencies delivering social welfare services for practical application of the theory and skills acquired in the classroom. On-site supervision provided by the agency and group supervision provided on campus. This course includes 220 hours community based field practicum experience. Students need to have access to reliable transportation. P: SWK 345; CO: SWK 460, SWK Major.
SWK 480. Field Practicum Seminar II. 3 credits. SP
Seminar designed to integrate theories and skills learned in the classroom with their application in 220 hour practicum field experience. Students complete a capstone project and presentation demonstrating mastery of the social work process. Satisfies Magis Designated Oral Communication and Written Communication course. P: Magis Core Contemporary Composition course, Magis Core Critical Issues in Human Inquiry course, Magis Core Oral Communication course, SWK 460, SWK 461, Senior standing, SWK major. CO: SWK 481.
SWK 481. Field Practicum 2. 4-5 credits. SP
Students are placed in agencies delivering social welfare services for practical application of the theory acquired in the classroom. On-site supervision provided by the agency and group supervision provided on campus. This course includes 220 hours community based field practicum experience. Students need to have access to reliable transportation. P: SWK 460; CO: SWK 480; SWK Major.
SWK 493. Directed Independent Readings. 1-6 credits. FA, SP, SU, W
Survey of literature related to a topic in social work not covered in student's course work. Undertaken in close cooperation with a supervising faculty member. May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: Sr. stdg or Program Director approval; SWK Major.
SWK 495. Directed Independent Study. 1-6 credits. FA, SP, SU, W
Student-initiated project on a focused topic in social work, utilizing library materials and involving close cooperation with a supervising faculty member. May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: Sr. stdg. or Program Director approval; SWK Major.
SWK 497. Directed Independent Research. 1-6 credits. FA, SP, SU, W
Student-initiated empirical project on a focused topic in social work, involving close coordination with a supervising faculty member. May be repeated to a limit of six hours. P: Sr. stdg.; SWK Major.