SOCW: SOCIAL WORK
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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Dr. Glenn Stone, Director, RiversBuilding
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)
The School of Social Work offers a program of classroom and fieldwork that leads to the master of social work (MSW)degree. The program is based on a relational perspective for advanced professional practice, leadership, and innovation inservice delivery. Paramount to this perspective is a commitment to economic and social justice. The curriculum leading tothe MSW degree is built on a liberal arts perspective. The MSW program at EastCarolinaUniversity has been developed in accordance with the policies and guidelines provided by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The School ofSocial Work offers two curriculum options: regular track and advanced standing.
The regular track program of study is a two year course of study and requires the completion of a minimum of 60 semesterhours. The initial year, referred to as the foundation year, is comprised of 30 semester hours focusing on developing theknowledge, skills, and values necessary to become professional social workers. This foundation is applicable across differentpractice settings, problem areas, and population groups. The foundation includes material on populations-at-risk, humandiversity, and social and economic justice, and is provided in courses addressing the areas of human behavior in the socialenvironment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, and social work research. In addition, a foundationpracticum provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and values taught in the first year in a“real world” setting. The second year of the regular track program is generally referred to as the advanced year. It buildsupon the foundation year and provides more thorough knowledge of complex policies, practice skills, evaluation skills, humanbehavior in the social environment, and field education.
Students who have graduated from a CSWE accredited bachelor of social work (BSW) program may apply for admissionto the advanced standing MSW program of study. Those accepted into this program attain the MSW degree after thecompletion of a minimum of forty-two semester hours over the course of one calendar year. Full time advanced studentsenroll in the summer, completing 12 semester hours. The remaining 30 semester hours are completed within the contextof the advanced year curriculum. A field practicum is required for both semesters of the advanced year.
Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in foundation content and areas of practice through the successfulcompletion of a comprehensive examination. The administration of the comprehensive examination takes place during thestudent’s advanced year.
ACADEMIC CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSURES
Students pursuing the MSW may complete a certificate program in one of the following areas: child welfare studies, gerontology,or substance abuse. Certification may be secured by focused study associated with the program’s three specializationsthrough the selection of electives.Students may also complete a licensure in school social work. In addition, the school participates in the North Carolina ChildWelfare Collaborative, a grant program.
Child Welfare Studies Certificate Program
The certificate in child welfare studies provides special skills and knowledge of child welfare practice. Goals of the certificateinclude enhancing the knowledge, skills, and understanding of child welfare practice for persons involved in the prevention,assessment, or treatment of children and families experiencing, or at-risk of, child abuse, neglect, or dependency. The certificate is housed in the College of Human Ecology, School of Social Work. Courses taken to fulfill the 15 s.h. certificate requirementsmay be taken as electives in the MSW curriculum.
Graduate students or professionals working in the fields of social work and other child-family focused areas may apply tothe certificate program.
Required courses (15 s.h.): SOCW 6006, 6007; CDFR 6406. MSW child and family specialization courses (SOCW 6422,6426) may substitute for the required social work courses for this certification. 6 s.h. of related electives must be approvedby the program coordinator.
Substance Abuse Certificate Program
The certificate in substance abuse will equip select criminal justice and social work graduate students with specific skills andknowledge in the area of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The goal of the certificate program is to increase the number ofcriminal justice and social work graduate students with the required knowledge and skills to work with clients who are drug users and/or abusers or who are charged with drug-related offenses. In addition, this certificate will allow graduate studentsan opportunity to become more sensitive to the laws governing drug abuse and drug-related offenses. Students will also learnefficient methods to design and implement effective substance abuse intervention strategies for this population.
Applicants seeking admission can be graduate students or professionals holding a masters degree working in the fields ofcriminal justice or social work. Admission is based on completion of the certification application and approval by the programcoordinator. Students enrolled in the certificate program must adhere to the program standards of the School of Social Work and the Department of Criminal Justice. Certificate recipients will receive 180 contact hours (12 s.h.) of substance abusespecific credit approved by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Board.
Required courses (12 s.h.): Choose from JUST 6005, 6008, or 6007; SOCW 6804, 6808, 6950, 6960.
ADMISSION
Applicants for admission as degree candidates in social work must fulfill the general admission requirements of the GraduateSchool of the university and of the School of Social Work.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MSW program is selective, and is determined by academic preparation and individual qualifications of theapplicant. Persons seeking admission must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution, a minimumGPA of 2.75 (4.0 scale) on all undergraduate work with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for their senior year.
All applicants to the MSW program must have completed the following liberal arts courses (or their equivalents) with aminimum grade of “C” as backgroundpreparationfor graduate study in social work:
1. two courses in the humanities;
2. an introductory course in psychology;
3. an introductory course in sociology;
4. an introductory course in political science;
5. one course in human biology;
6. two courses in English composition or an equivalent;
7. one course in statistics; and
8. one course in economics (micro or macro).
Intellectual maturity, emotional stability, motivation, and a capacity to work with people are essential qualifications. Prior workexperience in social work settings is highly valued.
In addition to the ECUGraduateSchool application, all applications must contain the following:
1. School of Social Work MSW Application;
2. three completed references in sealed envelopes;
3. official copies of transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended;
4. official copy of transcript from institution noting the conferral of undergraduate degree;
5. personal response to essay question presented on the mswMSW application;
6. a complete resume; and
7. GRE or MAT test scores.
Transfer Students
It is possible to be accepted as a transfer student from another graduate social work program under the following conditions:social work transfer credit must be graduate-level course work taken after earning a baccalaureate degree; course work musthave been completed at a graduate school of social work accredited by the CSWE within five years prior to the application;and the student must have received a minimum grade of B on transferred course work. Transfer students must meet any foundation requirements they have not already completed by taking the required courses or by passing proficiency examinations.They must meet all of the distribution requirements in their concentration and specialization in the advanced curriculumalso complete the required practice courses.Courses applied toward another degree cannot be used for credit toward the MSW; likewise, previous experience workingin the field of social work or a related field cannot be used as course credit toward the MSW. Transfer students must takea minimum of 30 s.h. in residence at EastCarolinaUniversity.
PROGRAM STANDARDS
Students enrolled in the MSW program are expected to adhere to the following program standards.
Nonacademic
The School of Social Work fully subscribes to and is guided by the NASW Code of Ethics ( Social work program applicants and students are expected to demonstrate professional behaviorwhich reflects a commitment to the ethics of the social work profession as exemplified in the Code of Ethics. Behavior andstatements contrary to these ethics may be cause for denial of the student’s admission to or continuance in the School ofSocial Work’s programs. Examples of behavior which would warrant a review include, but are not limited to, derogatory oraland written statements towards students, staff, faculty, agency representatives or clients. Derogatory statements concerningracial, ethnic or cultural background, handicap status, religion, socio-economic background, gender, sexual orientation or otherstatus may also warrant review.
The role of social worker involves working with people from a variety of backgrounds and with a wide range of issues andconcerns. It is important that the social work student not permit personal issues and/or conditions to interfere with this role.Students may be required to submit evidence of their physical and emotional well-being from qualified professionals forconsideration of their application, readmission, or continuance in the program.
All students mustare expected tocomplete their degree requirements within a four-year period from the date of first admission. When astudent withdraws from the School of Social Work, they must reapply to the Graduate School and to the sSchool of Social Work. As long as astudent maintains continuous enrollment, regulations applicable during their term of admission apply. When degree requirementschange during a student’s enrollment, the student may be extended the opportunity to choose the new requirements. Astudent who interrupts enrollment for one year or longer and is readmitted is subject to regulations in effect at the time ofreadmission. Even if readmitted, all required coursework mustshould be completed within the four-year matriculation period.
Prior Felony Convictions
The school does not require that applicants submit to a background check for possible criminal offenses. Applicants shouldrealize, however, that practicum agencies may require such a check. Applicants should be aware that having a prior felonyconviction or prior sanctions for unprofessional conduct may impact future potential for obtaining field placements, and socialwork employment and licensure. In addition, the school, as part of its process of practicum assignments, asks students whetherthey have a felony conviction (or non-contested felony) in their background. Students may be automatically denied admission,or if enrolled, terminated from the program, if they have not been truthful or have provided inaccurate information in theapplication concerning felony convictions.
Academic
A student whose grade point average falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation, and will be allowed to continuehis/her enrollment only with the written recommendation of the academic advisor and approval from the graduate programcoordinator. Removal from academic probation is granted when the grade point average is raised to 3.0 or above. Studentswho receive a grade of C in six semester hours of graduate credit, are ineligible to continue in the MSW program.
SOCW: SOCIAL WORK
5001. Human Behavior and Social Environment for the Human Service Professions (3) May receivecredit for one of SOCW 4800, 5001. P: Consent of dean and graduate standing. Development of social systems concept ofbio-psycho-social elements of man’s being. Emphasis on deeper self-awareness of one’s own behavior, attitudes, beliefs, andvalues as related to professional practice.
5400. Seminar in Aging Studies (3) Same as CDFR 5400; GERO 5400 Entry point for graduate certificate ingerontology; exit course for undergraduate minor in gerontology. P: Consent of instructor. Topics include historical perspectiveon aging issues, normal aging and pathology, aging program administration, aging policy development, research in gerontology,rural aging, and aging and ethnicity.
5900. Foundations of Social Work and Social Welfare (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Introduces socialwork profession and social welfare, policy, and services.
5901, 5902, 5903. Readings in Aging Studies (1,2,or3) Same as CDFR 5901, 5902, 5903; GERO5901, 5902, 5903 May count maximum of 3 s.h. toward baccalaureate minor in gerontology or graduate certificate ingerontology. P: Consent of instructor and chair of instructor’s home unit. Selected from monographs or journals. Focus onspecialized areas in which student has taken one or more courses in either baccalaureate gerontology minor or graduategerontology certificate.
5910. Foundation Skills in Social Work Practice (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Basic practice skills.Foundation for internship preparation.
6000. Advanced Social Work Methods with Individuals (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Advanced knowledgeand skill-building in clinical social work practice with individuals. Emphasis on generative theoretical approaches.
6001. Advanced Social Work Methods with Small Groups (3) Theory and practice interventions used withgroups.
6002. Advanced Social Work Methods with Families (3) Clinical social work practice with distressed anddysfunctional family systems.
6003. Social Work Intervention with Dyadic Systems (3) Contemporary theories of dyadic functioning andsocial work practice with intimate dyadic relationships, such as marriages and intimate, affectively bonded associations.
6004. Social Work Services in Schools (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Introduction and orientation to practicein school settings.
6006. Child Welfare: History and Policy (3) Explores history of child welfare policy and rights, roles, andresponsibilities of children, parents, communities, and government within American social policy for protection of children.
6007. Child Welfare Practice (3) Examines family-centered practice as used in investigating and managing cases ofchild abuse, neglect, and dependency.
6022. Perspectives on Death and Dying (3) Same as GERO 6022 and NURS 6022 Interdisciplinaryexploration of issues related to death, dying and bereavement.
6050. Ethics in Social Work Practice (2) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Values and ethics. Emphasis on ethicaldecision-making and resolution of ethical dilemmas.
6051. Qualitative Evaluation and Research in Social Work (2) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Methodsused in social work evaluation and research.
6053. Specialized Social Work Services for Families and Children (2) P: Graduate standing in SOCW.Conceptual and practice perspective regarding intensive and specialized services for families and children.
6054. Play Therapy with Children: A Social Work Perspective (2) P: SOCW 6422; graduate standing inSOCW. Play therapy in social work with children. Approaches, techniques, and materials used for assessment and intervention.Case studies.
6100. Introduction to Social Work Practice (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Preparation for generalist practicefrom a relational perspective.
6101. Social Work Practice with Groups (2) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Integration of theory and practicein small group treatment from social work perspective. Advanced knowledge and skills in group development, approachesto intervention, and leadership.
6102. Social Work Practice with Families (2) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Contemporary theories of clinicalpractice with families in social environment.
6110. Social Work Practice; Interpersonal Foundations (3)Concepts, theories and methods of clinical-community social work practice with an emphasis upon the relational nature of individual and family development and functioning.
6111. Social Work Practice; Community Foundations (3)Concepts, theories and methods of clinical-community social work practice with communities as they are related to individuals, families, and groups.
6140. Advanced Practice: Individuals and Families (3)Advanced concepts, theories and methods of clinical-community social work practice with an emphasis on individuals and families within the context of their development and functioning.
6141. Advanced Practice: Community Partnerships (3)Advanced concepts, theories and methods of clinical-community social work practice with an emphasis on partnerships between people and with social workers for the purpose of pursuing social justice.
6200. Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW.Concepts, methods, and theories related to practice with communities or organizations.
6201. Program Management in Social Work (2) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Concepts, methods, and theoriesrelated to management of social work programs.
6202. Program Development in Social Work (2) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Concept, tools, and methodsfor development of social work programs.
6222. Group Work with the Aged (3) Same as GERO 6222 P: Graduate School admission. Case management,group work, and other techniques and approaches in working with older people.
6322. Practice in Health and Aging (3) Social work intervention skills and application of theoretical concepts topractice in health settings.
6324. Social Work Practice with Developmental Disabilities (3) Practice from social work perspective.
6326. Advanced Policy in Health and Aging Settings (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Health care and agingsystems policies and organizational structures. Problems and issues of social work service delivery in health and aging.
6380. Interdisciplinary Practice: Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances andTheir Families (3) Same as CDFR 6380, NURS 6380, PSYC 6380. Overview of a system of care model to beused across disciplines in mental health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and their families. Preparesprofessionals to participate in holistic, interdisciplinary team practice in a variety of settings.
6392. Social Work Practice in Mental Health (3) Knowledge and skills needed to practice social work in rangeof mental health settings.
6394. Advanced Policy in Mental Health: A Social Work Perspective (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW.Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local policies related to social work practice in mental health settings. Emphasison professional’s role as client advocate in policy decision making and program development.
6422. Social Work Practice in Family and Children Services (3) Theory and modalities of intervention withchildren and families in various child welfare settings.
6426. Advanced Policy in Family and Children’s Services (3) P: Graduate standing in SOCW. Current statusof families in American society, social welfare policies, and practices. Family needs and means of advocating for neededchanges.
6550. Integrative Seminar (3)Integrates and synthesizes knowledge from all components of the MSW curriculum in diverse domains of practice.
6701. Psychopathology: A Social Work Perspective (3) Bio-psycho-social theoretical and social work perspectiveon psychopathology.