The student thus completes the foundation prepared to intervene at the individual, family, group, organization, and community levels. The concentrations are the major focus of the advanced curriculum. They are organized around the fields of practice in which social workers are most often employed. These concentrations are in the areas of mental health, health, children and families, and gerontology. A focus on the justice system is also available.
Students select a field of practice concentration by the end of their first year.
Various other options are available for completing the research requirement in the second year of study. In addition, each concentration presents content specific to its field of practice. The practicum is an integral part of the school's total educational program and provides each student with the opportunity to apply concepts, principles, and theories learned in the classroom to practice. The major focus in the practicum is on the student's acquisition of practice knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes in working with diverse client systems within a service setting. Practicum is guided by curriculum goals and objectives.