Courses Doctor of Social Work

Learners in this DSW first course develop their roles as future leaders and educators in the social work field. Learners analyze theories of adult learning for the purpose of teaching in academia and creating professional development trainings in agencies. Learners also evaluate technology tools used in leader/educator roles and apply the NASW code of ethics and standards for technology to course content. For DSW learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills by identifying a problem, developing project questions, and finalizing a project topic that is appropriate for the program. Learners use evidence to support the selection of theories, problems, and questions to guide further refinement of their topic. Learners establish an appropriate topic area, preliminary project design, and begin development of a literature review. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a project topic framework. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For DPA, DSW, PhD in Criminal Justice and PhD in Emergency Management learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in RSCH7864. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions.  Learners must complete Track 3 prior to beginning the comprehensive examination phase of the program. For DPA, DSW, PhD in Criminal Justice and PhD in Emergency Management learners only.  Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): PSL-V8926, completion of or concurrent registration in PSL8110 or PSL8120 or RSCH7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course assess the role of theory in social work practice at the micro, mezzo, macro, and meta levels. Learners critically appraise selected theories, perspectives, and models for relevance and evaluate the strengths and barriers regarding their application to practice. Through critical self-reflection, learners identify with specific theoretical orientations, as well as demonstrate recognition and respect for others’ theoretical orientations. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK8010.

Learners in this course analyze the various roles social workers take during disasters and crises (natural and man-made).  Learners assess how social workers must respond in an ethical, culturally competent, and organized way to address the high and increasing number of events on the micro, mezzo, macro, and meta levels, based on theoretical models and best practices. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK8025.

Learners in this course examine and integrate an understanding of leadership principles, skills, and applications in organizational or academic environments. Learners appraise and articulate the importance of cultural and ethical competency within a leadership context as well as a complex, global society. Learners investigate issues they may encounter in the field and determine how to address them through the practice of social work leadership. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK8010; completion of or concurrent registration in SWK8015. 

Learners in this course develop skills for the identification, writing, management, and evaluation of grants. Applying grant writing skills as social work leaders, learners create mission- and vision-statements, develop logic models, plan budgets, and analyze evaluation plans. Learners also asses how social workers in settings including academia, agency administration, and community development create funding sources, ethically manage and administer the funds, and evaluate the proposed outcomes. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in RSCH7860.

In this course, learners develop the ability to advocate for and create public policy, and evaluate how it impacts individuals, families, groups, and the community. Learners examine policies in light of diversity and globalization with emphasis on social justice. Learners also assess ethical concerns; policy analysis; advocacy strategies, including cross-system collaboration; and use of needs assessments. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK8020.

Learners in this course analyze clinical theories of social work based on ethical considerations, client diversity, and best practice as defined by the integration of practice wisdom and scientific knowledge, to ensure proper fit between clients’ needs and intervention. Learners also evaluate practice model(s) for client treatment with a focus on individuals and couples, and begin to apply this knowledge to supervision of colleagues. In addition, learners use research to examine cutting edge and emerging intervention strategies. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in RSCH7860, SWK8025, SWK8035.

In this course, learners examine concepts and theories related to diversity, such as critical race theory, through the lenses of complex systems, globalization, and the impact of technology. Learners evaluate systems as entities of social control, domination, and oppression in order to develop advocacy strategies for meaningful systems change and to apply practices that effectively address diversity. Learners also assess the impact of globalization and immigration on vulnerable populations and human needs, along with strategies to address these issues, including the use of technology to advance welfare and well-being for all. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK8045.

In this course, learners strengthen and apply their knowledge of clinical theories of social work based on ethical considerations, client diversity, and best practice as defined by the integration of practice wisdom and scientific knowledge. Learners also identify practice model(s) and apply them for client treatment as well as for supervision, with a focus on families and groups. In addition, learners appraise the development of new theoretical paradigms in the age of technology. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSL-V8926; SWK8055.

Learners in this course articulate their individual leadership philosophies, styles, skills, and approaches to effective leadership. Learners evaluate policy, practice, programs, and the use of technology at all levels in the social work field, while evaluating social change strategies and approaches. Learners identify the use of self as they develop professional skills of influence and mobilization for change to better advocate for client groups at all levels. Learners create an individual plan for their continued self-development as leaders in the field of social work. In addition, learners demonstrate knowledge of lobbying, advocacy strategies, program evaluation, and ethical issues and concerns. For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in RSCH7868, SWK8065.

In this course, learners attain a conceptual understanding of action research methods in public service leadership. Upon successful completion of this course, learners are able to evaluate research methodologies, analyze an action research study, and prepare an action research plan. Prerequisite(s): RSCH7868.

Learners in this course gain knowledge and skills in different types of program evaluation, including needs assessment, formative and summative research, process evaluation, and the design and use of logic model monitoring of outputs and outcomes. Learners build and apply practical experience through the design of a conceptual framework and a logic model, as well as the development of indicators and an evaluation plan to measure impact. Prerequisite(s): RSCH7868.

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and support as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the science and practice of the profession and solve organizational, institutional, or community concerns. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. DPA learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their program requirements. DSW learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to fulfill their program requirements. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.