Social Work (SWO)

SWO 4315  Foundations for Social Justice  (3)  

Examines theories and practices of social justice as related to oppressed groups in a multicultural society utilizing religious and nonreligious perspectives. Addresses issues of power, inequality, and privilege, and the diverse experiences of oppressed groups in framing strategies to promote social justice.

SWO 4316  Trauma, Loss, and Mourning  (3)  
Cross-listed as PAST 7340  
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or graduate student  

Specialized knowledge and skills for loss and grief and therapeutic interventions for the bereaved, including bereaved children. Preparation for work with loss of relationship and health across the lifespan. Emphasis on religious faith and grief, and the response of faith communities and religiously affiliated providers to suicide, divorce, loss of parental rights, and other disenfranchised grief.

SWO 4317  Human Trafficking  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or graduate student  

This course is designed to help students gain a better understanding of contemporary human trafficking and modern day slavery. The roles that entities such as government, the media, faith-based organizations, organized crime, and culture play in this complex human rights and social (in)justice issue will also be explored.

SWO 4393  Sociology of Aging  (3)  
Cross-listed as GRT 4393, SOC 4393  
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing  

Impact of aging upon individuals and society, as well as the reactions of individuals and society to aging. Social gerontology is the principal focus of attention of the course.

SWO 4395  Aging and Mental Health  (3)  
Cross-listed as GRT 4395, SOC 4395  
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing  

Mental health needs and related problems of aging individuals with considerable discussion of approved mental health treatments for such persons.

SWO 4V80  Special Topics  (1-3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Upper-level standing or graduate student  

Provides instruction in areas of social work knowledge, values, and/or skills that are not available in the standard social work baccalaureate or graduate curricula. Course may be repeated up to six times with different topic of study, not to exceed a maximum of six semester hours.

SWO 5190  Introduction to Advanced Internship  (1)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 5301, or a grade of B or better in SWO 5492, or a grade of B or better in SWO 4492; and credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5337 and 5379; and credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5376 or 5377  

Introduction to the advanced internship in a specialization

SWO 5213  Cross Cultural Interactive Seminar IV  (2)  
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor  

Through this course, students have the opportunity to synthesize learning from the explicit and implicit social work curriculum of the MSW program, identify major learning gleaned through the program, and prepare for reentry into their social work practice in international context.

SWO 5282  Evaluation of Practice I  (2)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing Program or credit for 5381 and 5492  

Selection and implementation of outcome-based evaluation of practice protocols to inform intervention decisions by advanced practice social workers.

SWO 5283  Evaluation of Practice II  (2)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 5282  

Selection and implementation of outcome-based program evaluation protocols to inform intervention decisions by advanced practice social workers.

SWO 5298  Capstone  (2)  
Pre-requisite(s): Credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5490 or 5790, and credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5283  

Integrative seminar to demonstrate readiness to practice social work at an advanced level in the student's area of specialization.

SWO 5301  Advanced Practice Readiness I  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission into the Master of Social Work program  

This course prepares students for entrance into Baylor's Advanced standing MSW Program. Introduces the mission of the program with an emphasis on integrated faith and social work practice, the strengths perspective, and building communities. Overviews the professional foundation to include human behavior and the social environment and social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.

SWO 5310  International Social Work  (3)  

This course provides students the opportunity to conceptualize international social work practice in domestic contexts and abroad. Through four seminars and an experiential learning weekend, students explore social work within a human rights framework; develop cultural competency; grasp specific international social issues, strengths, and intervention strategies; and contextualize social work skills with international client systems.

SWO 5311  International Research and Strategic Planning  (3)  

In this course, students identify and analyze a global social issue of their choice, research systemic causality of the issue, explore best practice models, and create a strategic approach for addressing the issue utilizing accumulated research and governmental, non-governmental, and congregational resources. This multidisciplinary course explores community interventions informed by engineering, nursing, business, and public health.

SWO 5320  Human Diversity & Social Justice  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Master of Social Work Program  

Provides foundational content to understand better how diversity and difference shape the human experience and are critical to forming identity. Dimensions of intersectionality are explored and examined considering privilege and marginalization. Students learn to identify structural mechanisms of oppression and strategies for interrupting systems of power to create equity and inclusion in professional and community contexts.

SWO 5322  Social Policy For Social Work Practice  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Credit with a C or better in SWO 5320 or SWO 5221  

Introduces the historical context of social policy and services in the United States, the analysis of current developments, and how social workers influence social welfare policy and provide social services.

SWO 5323  Organizational Leadership & Management  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing Program or credit in SWO 5322 and SWO 5363 or SWO 5463  

Credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5491. Prepares students to perform managerial functions in public, nonprofit, and faith-based human service organizations. Specific attention is given to the topics of leadership, human resources, fundraising, grant writing, organizational development, resource management, structure and governance, and efforts to link human service organizations in an integrated community-wide service delivery system.

SWO 5335  Theoretical Frameworks for Community Social Work Practice  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing Program, or a minimum grade of a B in SWO 5492  

Guides advanced practice social workers in the evaluation and selection of frameworks for community change. Emphasizes values, professional role, and cultural influences on how change is envisioned, enacted, and evaluated.

SWO 5337  Advanced Clinical Theories and Models  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing program or credit in SWO 5492  

Prepares students to learn and apply developmental, sociological, psychological, and therapeutic theories to the needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The course explores advanced clinical theories and empirically informed and emerging models for practice.

SWO 5338  Clinical Diagnosis in Social Work  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing program or a minimum grade of a B in SWO 5492  

This course utilizes a strengths-based social work perspective to examine common diagnoses of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, associated assessment tools, and areas for professional, ethical, and cultural consideration in the diagnostic process.

SWO 5351  Human Behavior Theory: Person & Environment  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the MSW Program  

This course prepares students to understand the foundational theoretical base of social work that drives and informs practice. Students gain applicable knowledge of the complex experiences of individuals, families, and informal and formal social networks and communities.

SWO 5361  Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5351  

In this course, students practice skill development by applying the steps of the generalist intervention model (engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, and termination/transition) to create diversitysensitive care management plans for individuals and families. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master’s degree.

SWO 5362  Social Work Practice with Groups  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5361 or SWO 5561  

Knowledge, values, and skills needed for working with groups. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master’s degree.

SWO 5363  Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B in SWO 5361 or SWO 5561  

A minimum grade of B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5362. This course prepares students for ethical and effective social work practice with communities and organizations. Students will learn models and skills that relate to macro social work practice. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master's degree.

SWO 5370  Clinical Social Work Practice I  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of a C or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5337 or SWO 5338  

Prepares students with specialized knowledge of theories and practice models and skills for advanced clinical practice within a broad array of practice contexts. Students learn to assess and intervene at the levels of individual, family, and group with some discussion of organizational and community practice. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master's degree.

SWO 5375  Community Social Work Practice I  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5335  

Prepares advanced-practice social workers to promote community problem-solving and development. Emphasizes community assets; leadership development; and change strategy selection, enactment, and evaluation. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master's degree.

SWO 5376  Health Practice & Policy  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing Program or credit in SWO 5322 and credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5491; and credit in SWO 5363 or SWO 5463  

Prepares students for practice within health contexts. Uses social work knowledge, skills, and values to prepare students to assess and intervene at individual, family, and group levels in healthcare settings. Discusses policy, justice, and equity issues related to health and healthcare access.

SWO 5377  Social Work Practice & Advocacy with Children & Families  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing Program or credit in SWO 5322 and credit in SWO 5363 or SWO 5463  

Credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5491. Emphasizes the application of theory, models, and skills in practice contexts with children and families. Includes instruction on models and theories and the impact of crisis and trauma on the family. Exposes students to various themes in child and family practice, such as grief, levels of need, strengths, and collaborative work.

SWO 5378  Community Social Work Practice II  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of a B in SWO 5375  

Continuation of 5375. Prepares advanced practice social workers to promote community problem-solving and development. Emphasizes community assets; leadership development; and change strategy selection, enactment, and evaluation. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master’s degree.

SWO 5379  Advanced Clinical Practice: Individuals, Families, and Groups  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5337  

A grade of B or better must be received in this course in order to complete the requirements for the master’s degree. Prepares students with specialized knowledge and skills for advanced clinical practice within a broad array of practice contexts. Uses social work knowledge, skills, and values to prepare students to assess and intervene at the levels of individual, family, and group with some discussion of organizational and community practice. The course provides an overview of major theoretical clinical practice models.

SWO 5380  Clinical Social Work Practice II  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of a B in SWO 5370  

Students learn transdiagnostic clinical treatment models and skills. Emphasis is given to students demonstrating clinical skills that address a wide range of client contexts and goals. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master’s degree.

SWO 5381  Research for Social Work Practice  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Credit with a C or better in SWO 5320 or SWO 5221  

Critical evaluation and use of research and conducting research in one's own professional practice.

SWO 5382  Clinical Evaluation for Practice Improvement  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing Program; or credit in SWO 5381 and a minimum grade of a B in SWO 5492  

Emphasizes the importance of systematic, consistent monitoring of client outcomes as a critical part of effective clinical social work practice. Building upon skills of thorough, accurate assessment and effective client rapport, this course focuses on the next steps of collaborating with the client system (individual, family, group) to monitor feasible clinical outcomes that inform the treatment process and the continuous improvement of practice.

SWO 5384  Program Evaluation for Practice Improvement  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to the Advanced Standing program; or credit in SWO 5381 and a minimum grade of a B in SWO 5492  

Apply systematically derived, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed decisions for continuous quality improvement of human service systems, programs, and congregations.

SWO 5395  Capstone Seminar  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of a B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5490  

Integrative seminar at the end of the MSW process to provide students the opportunity to demonstrate key social work competencies at an advanced level in their area of specialization. Students develop a presentation that reflects competency in the goals and objectives of the social work program. Students create professional development plans to demonstrate readiness to enter, contribute to, and develop within the social work profession.

SWO 5463  Professional Practice with Communities and Organizations  (4)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of B or better in SWO 5561 and credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5362  

A grade of B or better must be received in this course in order to complete the requirements for the master’s degree. Knowledge, values, and skills needed for working with communities and organizations.

SWO 5490  Part II Advanced Internship  (4)  
Pre-requisite(s): Credit in SWO 5335, SWO 5337 or SWO 5338; a minimum grade of a B in SWO 5494; a minimum grade of a B in SWO 5375, SWO 5370 or SWO 5379; a minimum grade of a B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5380 or SWO 5378; and credit or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5323, SWO 5376 or SWO 5377  

Second of two terms of the advanced internship in a specified area of specialization. This is the second part of SWO 5494.

SWO 5491  Foundation Internship I  (4)  
Pre-requisite(s): Credit of a C or better or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5320 or SWO 5221 and a grade of B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5361 or SWO 5561  

Orientation and introduction to internship, at least 240 hours of applied learning, and an integrative seminar. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master's degree.

SWO 5492  Foundation Internship II  (4)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of a B in SWO 5491; a minimum grade of a B in SWO 5361 or 5561; a minimum grade of B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5362; a minimum grade of a C or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5381 and SWO 5322; and a minimum grade of B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5463 or SWO 5363  

Social Work Internship, including at least 240 hours of applied learning and an integrative seminar. This is the second part of SWO 5491 with the addition of more sophisticated social work practice opportunities and expectations. A grade of B or better must be received in this course to complete the requirements for the master's degree.

SWO 5494  Part I Advanced Internship  (4)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of a C or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5337, SWO 5338, or SWO 5335; and a minimum grade of a B or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5370, SWO 5379, or SWO 5375  

Introduction and first of two semesters of the advanced internship in a specified area of specialization.

SWO 5561  Professional Practice with Individuals and Families  (5)  
Pre-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment in SWO 5221  

A grade of B or better must be received in this course in order to complete the requirements for the master’s degree. Knowledge, values, and skills needed for working with individuals and families.

SWO 5790  Advanced Internship  (7)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 5323 and 5337; and a grade of B or better in SWO 5190 or 5494; and a grade of B or better in SWO 5376 or 5377; and a grade of B or better in SWO 5379  

Advanced internship in specialization area

SWO 5V70  Independent Study in Social Work  (1-3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor  

Independent study in Social Work course may be repeated up to six times with different topics of study, not to exceed a maximum of six semester hours to fulfill elective credit.

SWO 5V80  Advanced Special Topics  (1-3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Graduate student  

Provides advanced instruction in areas of social work knowledge, values, and/or skills that are not available in the standard social work graduate curriculum. Special topics in social work. Course may be repeated up to six times with different topic of study, not to exceed a maximum of six semester hours.

SWO 6331  Christianity, Ethics, and Social Work  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Explores research, theory, and practices related to religion and spirituality as they can inform social work practice. Specific emphasis is placed on the role of religion in contemplating the meaning of well-being and social justice.

SWO 6332  Social Policy and the Religious Sector  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Through current research, congregations and religiously affiliated organizations are examined, specifically through the lens of history, social work practice, social capital, and organizational theories, behaviors, and identities.

SWO 6333  Religious and Cultural Diversity  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Draws on the world religions to reflect on divergent cultural, ethical, and helping systems for believers. Offers the foundations for helping by looking within a wide variety of religious traditions for support and understanding.

SWO 6342  Academic Leadership and Administration in Social Work Education  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Explores research, theory, and practices of leadership in social service organizations, social work education, and communities.

SWO 6343  Program Evaluation  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

This course focuses on planning evaluation research for human service and educational programs and will prepare students to develop program evaluations to help agencies document their outcomes.

SWO 6351  Theory and Model Development for Social Work Practice  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Students will critically examine historic, philosophical, aesthetic, and social science foundations for classic and current social work intervention theories and models.

SWO 6352  Higher Educational Teaching and Learning in Social Work  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 6351  

This interactive course prepares students for teaching in higher education. Exploration of learning styles, content delivery, teaching methods, curriculum and lesson plan development, and critical thinking stimulation prepares the student to develop and deliver courses in social work higher education venues. The course uses theory and practical skill development, including demonstration of teaching methods and student learning.

SWO 6353  Teaching Practicum  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 6351 and 6352  

Students work with their peers and the instructor as they navigate all aspects of planning and executing a successful course of instruction for social work students.

SWO 6380  Quantitative Research for Social Work  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Focuses on quantitative research methodology as applied to research in the human services and social work. Emphasizes the epistemological basis of different research methods, forming appropriate research questions and hypotheses, conducting literature reviews, developing research designs, and selecting and applying preliminary data analysis techniques.

SWO 6381  Statistical Analysis for Social Work  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

An overview of statistical tests used to analyze data in social work. Emphasizes critical-thinking skills needed to evaluate others’ use of statistical tests as well as to conduct one’s own analyses, choose a statistical test, check that assumptions have been met, and interpret SPSS output. The course covers: correlation, Student’s t-test, the ANOVA family, linear regression, and logistic regression.

SWO 6382  Qualitative Research for Social Work  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Study of the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative methods. Students explore the similarities and differences between post-positivism and constructivism as they develop qualitative proposals for social work research.

SWO 6384  Introduction to Doctoral Research  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

This course assists students in articulating a broad research agenda as a solid foundation for developing a dissertation topic, becoming familiar with and articulating the state of the current literature within their research agenda, and becoming socialized to scholarly and first phase of dissertation proposal writing, the publication process, and ways in which a strong empirically-informed argument can strengthen a research grant proposal.

SWO 6385  Measurement in Social Work  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 6381  

Content prepares students for questionnaire construction and sample selection in conjunction with measurement development.

SWO 6386  Advanced Qualitative Research  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 6382  

Focus is on the theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects of collecting, managing, and analyzing data from different qualitative traditions. Specific content is tailored to topics relevant for dissertation research.

SWO 6387  Research Practicum  (3)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 6381 and 6382  

Students refine proposals from the quantitative and qualitative courses, submit them for review, and carry out the studies from problem formulation to submission of two manuscripts suitable for peer-reviewed journal publications.

SWO 6V00  Dissertation Proposal and Prospectus  (1-3)  

Prerequisites(s): SWO 6381, SWO 6382, SWO 6583, SWO 6284, SWO 6385, SWO 6386. Research for doctoral students studying for preliminary examinations, preparing a topic proposal, or writing a prospectus in anticipation of candidacy. The course may be repeated.

SWO 6V76  Special Topics in Social Work Practice and Research  (3-6)  
Pre-requisite(s): SWO 6351, SWO 6380, SWO 6382, and SWO 6384  

Special topics in social work practice and research. May be repeated for credit, provided that the topic is not duplicated, for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

SWO 6V99  Dissertation  (1-12)  
Pre-requisite(s): Admission to PhD program; SWO major  

Research, data analysis, and writing and oral/written defense of an approved doctoral dissertation. At least nine hours of SWO 6V99 are required. Students may not enroll for dissertation hours until they have been officially accepted into candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.