Course Information

Advanced Standing Program (begins in May):

Field Experience:
All students complete field internships and will spend a substantial amount of time serving an agency as part of the requirements for the MSW degree.  Hands on social work practice is central to your academic experience. Your field experience, under the supervision of an accomplished social worker and the direction of your faculty liaison, will help you make the transition from student to social work professional. Students are typically in field a minimum of two full days per week.  Students in the Regular Program complete a total of 900 hours in field over four semesters. They complete 400 hours during the first year of the program (foundation level year) and 500 hours during the second year of the program (concentration level year). Students in the Advanced Standing program complete a total of 500 hours in field over two semesters. Field placements are assigned by the Coordinator of Social Work Field Education, based on the student’s preparation and learning needs as determined by the program.  After receipt of their acceptance letter to the program, students will receive a packet of information from the Coordinator of Social Work Field Education.

SOWK 600 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3 credit hours)

This foundation course presents an overview of human behavior and social environment theories in relation to social work ethics, values, diversity, populations-at-risk, and culturally competent practice utilizing a strengths perspective. Students learn a social systems framework and employ selected ecological concepts for integrating theories and under-standing the complexity of human behavior within environmental and societal contexts, taking note of traditional and alternative paradigms. Individual development will be examined with attention to life course theory, and socio-cultural factors.

SOWK 602 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3 credit hours)

This course builds on the framework, theories, and perspectives introduced in SOWK600. It focuses on human behavior and the social environment from the perspective of families, small groups, organizations, and communities.

It explains traditional and alternative paradigms. Connections to generalist social work practice and interventions are made. Students consider the linkages and applicability of the learning to the population of their specialized interest. Prerequisite: SOWK600.

SOWK 604 Social Welfare, Social Policy, and Social Work (3 credit hours)

This course provides a knowledge base for understanding the social welfare system and its relationship to the history and development of social work as a profession. It examines the economic, social, political forces and trends, as well as the philosophy, values and beliefs which shape public and private social policies and programs, and impact social work practice. Special attention is paid to inequities and deficiencies in the institutional policies and socioeconomic structures impacting on various population groups. Students examine current federal policies and consider their impact on family life.

SOWK 606 Social Policy and Social Policy Practice (3 credit hours)

This course builds on the knowledge base for understanding the social welfare system and its relationship to the social work profession provided in SOWK604. Students explore the connection between social problem and policies, obtain concepts and frameworks for analysis of social policies, and develop skills in assessing, analyzing, formulating, influencing, and promulgating social policies which promote well-being, and economic and social justice. The ethical base for policy practice is explored. Special attention is paid to family-policy issues. Prerequisite: SOWK604.

SOWK 608 Social Work Research I (3 credit hours)

This foundation course focuses on qualitative and quantitative research methods used by social workers. It emphasizes hypothesis formulation, research designs, ethical considerations, measurement, sampling, data collection, and data analysis needed for building knowledge for practice and for evaluating service delivery in all areas of practice.

SOWK 609 Social Work Research II (3 credit hours)

This course builds on SOWK608 and focuses on needs assessment and program evaluation. It emphasizes program accountability in social services. Students learn to determine needs of client populations and to determine the effectiveness of programs in achieving outcomes. They also apply needs assessment strategies and program evaluation techniques to their field of interest. Prerequisite: SOWK 608.

SOWK 612 Social Work Practice I (3 credit hours)

This course orients students to the helping processes in social work, using systems and ecological perspectives, strengths orientation, and problem solving and interactional approaches. It delineates the generic core, knowledge, ethics, value, and skills of the profession and integrates systems levels, cultural competency, and economic and social justice. It emphasizes the professional use of self, self-awareness, communication, observation, documentation, relationship building, and interviewing skills. Open only to majors.

SOWK 613 Social Work Practice II (3 credit hours)

This course builds on the foundation of Social Work Practice I for an in-depth look at modern social work practice skills. A central focus is the relationship of theory and research to social work micro, mezzo and macro practice, highlighting its political dimensions as well as social and cultural context. Social work practice decisions are underpinned by a theoretical and research perspective and delivered with sensitivity to diverse populations. Prerequisite: SOWK612. Open only to students formally admitted to the program.

SOWK 622 Field Education Internship I (3 credit hours)

This practicum provides a structured learning opportunity for students to experience and internalize generalist social work knowledge, values, ethics and skills within an agency setting. It requires a minimum of 200 hours of practice in an agency each semester, for two semesters. Practicum students receive professional instruction and supervision from a qualified agency based field instructor. Open only to students formally admitted to the program.

SOWK 623 Field Education Internship II (3 credit hours)

This practicum is a continuation of SOWK622, and provides a structured learning opportunity for students to experience and internalize generalist social work knowledge, values, ethics and skills within an agency setting. It requires a minimum of 200 hours of practice in an agency each semester, for two semesters. Practicum students receive professional instruction and supervision from a qualified agency based field instructor.  Open only to students formally admitted to the program.

SOWK 699 Principles of Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (3 credit hours)

This is a three-credit course that prepares the student for entry into the advanced year of the Master of Social Work Program. The course provides the student with a review of important theories, concepts, principles, knowledge, values and skills of generalist practice. The course prepares the student for entry into the concentration of advanced social work practice with a focus on families. Only students who have been admitted to the advanced standing program may enroll in this course. The prerequisite for this course is a degree with a major in social work from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (or international program approved by CSWE as equivalent).

SOWK 717 Family Social Work Practice I (3 credit hours)

This course builds on the foundation of social work principles, theories and techniques in understanding the dynamics of the family and family intervention. Students will begin the process of creating an integrative family practice framework by demonstrating an understanding of the constructs associated with the family, theories associated with family practice and assessment processes utilized in working with families in multiple, family social work practice settings. Prerequisites: SOWK612, SOWK613, SOWK622, SOWK623. Open only to majors.

SOWK 719 Family Social Work Practice II (3 credit hours)

This course synthesizes the broad context of family practice learned in Family Practice I into a focused, integrative family practice framework. During this course, students will learn to effectively engage, assess and provide intervention for families within the context of family environments commonly encountered by social work practitioners. An emphasis is placed on implementing the social work process with vulnerable families that confront issues related to social injustice, poverty, discrimination and physical and emotional challenges. Prerequisite: SOWK717.

SOWK 722  Field Education Internship III (3 credit hours)

The advanced practicum provides a structured learning opportunity for students to apply and internalize family social work practice knowledge and skills within an agency setting. It is based on a liberal arts perspective and builds upon the experience of the core field practicum.  This field practicum requires a minimum of 250 hours of practice in an agency each semester, for two semesters. Advanced practicum students receive professional instruction and educationally directed supervision from a qualified agency based field instructor. The concurrent Field Seminar focuses on the synthesis of classroom and field learning. A structured format includes discussion of relevant field issues and enables students to compare their practice experiences. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in mutual support and problem solving. Open only to majors who completed the foundation year.

SOWK 723  Field Education Internship IV (3 credit hours)

The advanced practicum provides a structured learning opportunity for students to apply and internalize family social work practice knowledge and skills within an agency setting. It is based on a liberal arts perspective and builds upon the experience of the core field practicum.  This field practicum requires a minimum of 250 hours of practice in an agency each semester, for two semesters. Advanced practicum students receive professional instruction and educationally directed supervision from a qualified agency based field instructor. The concurrent Field Seminar focuses on the synthesis of classroom and field learning. A structured format includes discussion of relevant field issues and enables students to compare their practice experiences. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in mutual support and problem solving. The seminar meets weekly. Open only to majors who have completed the foundation year.

SOWK 740  Family Diversity I (3 credit hours)

This course provides students with a deepened understanding of cultural diversity, an expanded knowledge of human and social environment theory, and information on practice models and strategies, that respond to the needs of oppressed population groups and populations-at-risk and promote economic and social justice. A systems and ecological framework is maintained, allowing for the incorporation of multi-theoretical models and applications. Focus is on multi-level systems interventions, with attention to policy and research consideration. Prerequisite: SOWK602.

SOWK741  Practice for Families and Children in Child Welfare  (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on the characteristics, strengths and service needs of families and children in the Child Welfare system. It examines and builds policy and practice skills related to family preservation services, child maltreatment, substitute care and permanency planning. The course considers family events within an ecological systems approach and works to build appreciation and sensitivity to various family forms and cultural patterns.

SOWK 742  Mental Health Practice in Social Work with Individuals and Families  (3 credit hours)

This course is offered as an elective. It builds upon courses in family-based practice, research, policy, human behavior and the social environment, and differential assessment. Mental health policies as well as ethical and diversity issues in mental health are examined. Current best practices for specific disorders of adults, children, and adolescents, which may be exhibited across fields of practice are presented. Special issues of unique contexts and client types are addressed. Emerging best practices of recovery in mental health are presented, which fit well with the empowerment of mental health consumers and strengths-based practice.

SOWK 743  Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Interventions with Families (3 credit hours)

This course presents an orientation to working with families in social work practice, with special attention to interventions with ATOD misusing families. In approaching interventions for ATOD misusers, it is essential to address their problems within the context of their larger social environment, specifically, the family. Family focused clinicians seek to understand the ATOD misuser from an ecological perspective. This means understanding the subtle complexities identifying reciprocal relationships, and pinpointing the influences between the ATOD misuser and others within his or her environment. This ecological approach assists the family clinician in establishing the influences and interactions that may contribute to ATOD misuse patterns and ultimately guide family interventions in a direction that addresses the relationships between the ATOD misuser and his or her environment.

SOWK 744  Administrative Social Work Practice (3 credit hours)

This course prepares individuals to develop the skills necessary to manage human service organizations in an increasingly complex environment of competing values and demands.  Topics covered include: organizational theory, strategic planning, board development, basic skills for managers, supervision and personnel management, budgeting and financial management, public relations and lobbying, organizational growth, change, crisis and decline, the problems of women and minorities as managers, cultural diversity and resolving ethical problems.

SOWK 798  Family Practice Integrative Seminar I (3 credit hours)

This seminar focuses on the integration of the knowledge, value, and learning experiences of the total MSW program. It prepares and provides the framework for the student's completion of a major competency paper in the following semester, inclusive of content from all social work courses, and centering on a specific population group in a family context. Students have the opportunity to dialogue on professional issues through topical discussions, and examination of students' research activities. Completion of the foundation courses is required.

SOWK 799  Family Practice Integrative Seminar II  (3 credit hours)

This seminar is a continuation of SOWK798, promoting the integration and synthesis of the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession, and the total learning of the MSW program. Students complete their research and write their competency paper, centering on a specific population group in a family context, demonstrating theoretical preparation for advanced famly practice. There is opportunity to dialogue on social and contemporary practice, and to present their practice frameworks and findings. Completion of foundation courses is required.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines (completed file must be received by):
January 18th - Advanced Standing Program 
March 22nd - Regular Program **Applicants who wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship should apply by February 15^th.

Applications received after these dates will be considered only if appropriate internship opportunities remain available. The total application packet will be considered in making admission decisions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All admission materials should be sent to : School of Graduate Studies, 219 Meadville Street, Reeder Hall - 3rd Floor, Edinboro, PA 16444 or via email gradstudies@edinboro.edu or via fax 814-732-2611  

1. Complete the online graduate application  (http://gradschool.edinboro.edu).

2. Application fee: $30.00 for new students; $7.00 for current or former Edinboro students.

3. Official transcripts reflecting a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.  This should include one course evidencing significant content in human biology, as well as a minimum of 21 semester hours of credit (or equivalent) distributed within a liberal arts curriculum in humanities, mathematics, physical and biological sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and fine arts.

4. Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Advanced Standing and a 2.80 for the Regular 60 credit program.

5. Applicants to the Regular program with an overall GPA of less than 2.80 must produce scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the general aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  Required scores are related to the applicant’s GPA level.

6. Professional resume.

7. Personal statement, please click here for specific directions.

8.Two Letters of Reference, only references using the reference form will be accepted.

If you are interested in transferring credits from another degree you will need to fill out the Transfer Credit Form and submit it to the address listed above.

An advance tuition deposit of $150 shall be paid by all new students in the Master of Social Work program. This deposit is required within two weeks of acceptance of an offer of admission to the Graduate School. This student deposit is a guarantee of the intention of the applicant to register at the University for the term indicated on the admissions letter. Upon receipt, the University will credit the $150 deposit to the student's account. Applicants who subsequently cancel their application or fail to register shall forfeit their advance deposit; there will be no full or partial refunds.

For information or assistance regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with a disability, contact Dr. Robert McConnell, Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), at (814) 732-2462 t/tty or mcconnell@edinboro.edu. For additional information, visit the OSD web page.

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• How long will it take me to complete the program?
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