The foundation is designed to provide an integrated system of courses that collectively introduce the student to the elements of the profession. There is emphasis on social work as a diversified profession with many functions and a variety of approaches. The foundation courses present content in human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies and services, research, social work practice, and field practicum. The student thus completes the foundation courses prepared to intervene at the individual, family, group, organization, and community levels. We are in the process of developing a field of practice in gerontology.
Students select a field of practice by the end of their first year.
The advanced curriculum includes advanced social work practice courses related to a specific field of practice, one year of field practicum, and the opportunity for research and policy analysis in the field of practice area. The field practicum is an integral part of the school's total education 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 field practicum is on the student's acquisition of practice knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes in working with diverse client systems within a service setting. Advanced standing students complete only the advanced year field practicum. In addition to the required courses in the foundation and advanced year curriculum, the school has developed a number of elective courses to provide knowledge in a range of areas relevant to social work practice.