Social Work (SWRK)
SWRK 433G Ethical Issues and Dilemmas in Social Work 3 Hours
An examination of professional ethics and common ethical dilemmas in social work. Models of ethical decision making are applied in case vignettes.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 436G Services to Children 3 Hours
A survey of institutional and community services with focus on principles of social services for children and their families.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2023
SWRK 501 Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice 3 Hours
Expands culturally competent standards of practice used in making effective assessments and providing interventions across cultures, including rurality. Note: Not appropriate for advanced standing MSW students.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 510 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Hours
Examines behavior within the context of families, groups, organizations, communities, and cultures. Topics include developmental stages of the individual within multiple systems with a particular focus on issues of diversity.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 520 Generalist Social Work Practice 3 Hours
Presents micro level theories as they apply to individuals and families. Foundation level skills are tied to theory for practice including communication skills, case management skills, and assessment skills. Field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings may be required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 560
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 522 Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice 3 Hours
An introduction to group work based interventions in social work, including dynamics of group interaction, stages of group development, and group types. Experiential exercises are used to promote understanding of group processes.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 501 and SWRK 510 and SWRK 520 and SWRK 560
Corequisite(s): SWRK 561
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 523 Rural Community Organization and Development 3 Hours
Teaches knowledge, skills, and values of advanced macro level social work practice with a focus on complex skills in community development, economic development, and organizational change within the rural community.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 501 and SWRK 510 and SWRK 520
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 530 Foundation of Social Welfare Policy 3 Hours
Foundations to social policy, social welfare, and the American society. Introduction to analytical and critical thinking about social welfare policy and processes.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 540 Foundations of Social Work Research Methods 3 Hours
Basic skills, knowledge, and values of social work research methods. Introduces single subject design and program evaluation.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 560 Generalist Field Practicum I 3 Hours
A beginning application of advanced social work principles and practice skills in a human services environment. Field experiences in an appropriate off-campus setting is required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 520
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 561 Generalist Field Practicum II 3 Hours
Continued application of advanced social work principles and practice skills in a human services environment. This is a continuation of SWRK 560. Field experiences in an appropriate off-campus setting are required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designating or assigned sites.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 520 and SWRK 560
Corequisite(s): SWRK 522
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 571 Introduction to Kentucky Child Welfare Practice 3 Hours
Focuses on understanding problems and issues faced by children and families within an ecological framework. Examination of the complexities of social work practice within the Kentucky child welfare system.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022
SWRK 572 Interpersonal Violence: Social Work Practice 3 Hours
Provides students with the research, practice, and policy knowledge necessary for understanding, assessing, and intervening in various forms of interpersonal violence. Additionally, students examine their own values, beliefs, and biases related to working in this area of social work practice.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 573 Assessment and Case Management of Child Sexual Abuse 3 Hours
Prepares students to identify family dynamics associated with childhood sexual abuse, advocacy, crisis assistance and intervention. Students gain knowledge and skills required to interview children, families, and offenders, assess needs, make appropriate referrals, and prepare for the placement of the child. Students will learn the social worker's role in a multi-disciplinary team and increase their preparation for and participation in related judicial proceedings.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022
SWRK 574 Enhancing Safety and Permanency for Children 3 Hours
Students develop professional social work practice knowledge and skills in the delivery of services to children and youth in foster and out of home care as well as families (birth, relative, foster, and adoptive) who care for them. Students are prepared to enhance the safety and permanency of children receiving services from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022
SWRK 576 Advanced Casework Practice in Child Welfare 3 Hours
Training in advanced levels of casework in a child welfare practice setting. Note: This is one of three administration and supervision courses offered by the Credit for Learning Program along with SWRK 577 and SWRK 578. Permission of the Credit for Learning (CFL) Program required.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 577, SWRK 578
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 577 Supervision of Advanced Casework in Child Welfare 3 Hours
Core concepts and competencies in casework supervision in child welfare. Note: This is one of three administration and supervision courses offered by the Credit for Learning Program along with SWRK 576 and SWRK 578. Permission of the Credit for Learning (CFL) Program required.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 576, SWRK 578
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 578 Coaching and Mentoring Child Welfare Practice 3 Hours
Supervision, coaching and mentoring theory, research, practices, and policies in child welfare. Note: This is one of three administration and supervision courses offered by the Credit for Learning Program along with SWRK 576 and SWRK 577. Permission of the Credit for Learning (CFL) Program required.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 577, SWRK 576
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 579 Partnership in Assessing Children and Families 3 Hours
Provides students with a comprehensive introduction to assessment and provision of ongoing services in cases of child maltreatment as well as abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022
SWRK 600 Maintaining Matriculation 1 Hour (repeatable max of 2 hrs)
Maintaining matriculation while completing a thesis or comprehensive examination.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 622
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021
SWRK 610 Social Work Administration and Supervision 3 Hours
Develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary for advanced practice focusing on the social work roles of administration and supervision. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 612 Social Work in Diverse Rural Areas 3 Hours
Addresses issues of diversity, including rurality, in multi-level advanced social work practice for Advanced Standing students.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 620 Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches for Rural Practice 3 Hours
Focuses on knowledge, skills, and values for advanced micro level social work within a rural area. Topics include clinical interventions with individuals, families, and groups, empowerment and interdisciplinary approaches. Note: Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 660
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 622 Integrated Social Work Practice with Families 3 Hours
This course builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the generalist social work practice classes. Knowledge and skills related to the social work processes for planned change using engagement, assessment, planning, implementing, evaluating, terminating, and follow up in working with families will be taught. Note: Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 610 and SWRK 620 and SWRK 623 and SWRK 660
Corequisite(s): SWRK 661
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 623 Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention 3 Hours
Focuses on clinical processes of assessment and diagnosis for rural-centered social work practice. Topics include theories within the Bio-Psycho-Social paradigm, frameworks for organizing and formulating diagnostic understanding with diverse populations. Note: Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 630 Rural Social Welfare Policy 3 Hours
Focuses on policy analysis with emphasis on skills in legislative advocacy and decision making related to social policy and services for rural areas. Includes local and state government decision-making. Note: Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 660
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 637 Theories of Addiction 3 Hours
This course involves introduction to theoretical, philosophical and historical premises of addictions. Topics include professional ethics, diversity, family roles and relationships, and dual diagnosis. Note: Admission to or completion of approved graduate program in a helping profession required.
Equivalent(s): PSY 637, CNS 637
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 640 Applied Social Work Research 3 Hours
Focuses on skills, knowledge, and values for evaluation of advanced rural social work with emphasis on single subject design and program evaluation. Students conduct a research project on their practice. Note: Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 661
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 647 Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 3 Hours
This course involves the selection, administration, and interpretation of assessment methods and techniques used to diagnose addiction disorders, as well as the development of appropriate treatment plans and issues involved in individual, group and family treatment planning.
Prerequisite(s): CNS 637 (may be taken concurrently)
Equivalent(s): CNS 647, PSY 647
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 660 Advanced Generalist Field Practicum I 3 Hours
An advanced application of social work principles and practice skills in a human services environment with a specific population. Field experiences in an appropriate off-campus setting are required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites. Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Corequisite(s): SWRK 620
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
SWRK 661 Advanced Generalist Field Practicum II 3 Hours
The capstone course, a continuation of SWRK 660. Application of advanced social work principles and practice skills in a human services environment with a specific population. Field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings are required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites. Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Prerequisite(s): SWRK 620 and SWRK 660
Corequisite(s): SWRK 622
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 667 Counseling Substance and Process Addictions 3 Hours
Counseling issues to substance abuse diagnosis, treatment and aftercare programs involving individual, group, family and other systems.
Equivalent(s): CNS 667, PSY 667
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 671 Social Work and the Law 3 Hours
Introduction to legal issues in social work. Identifies similarities and differences between legal and ethical obligations and dilemmas. Topics include courtroom evidence, procedure and testimony.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021
SWRK 672 Child Sexual Abuse 3 Hours
Dynamics, causes, and effects of child sexual abuse across the life span. Focuses on interventions, skills, and knowledge for working with families and individuals experiencing child sexual abuse. Note: Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; winter 2022
SWRK 673 Grief and Loss: Issues and Interventions 3 Hours
Dynamics of grief and loss. Theories/models for interventions that are relevant for advanced direct social work practice in rural settings.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; winter 2022; winter 2023
SWRK 675 Expressive Therapies in Social Work Practice 3 Hours
This course will focus on the use of expressive therapies in social work practice from a holistic perspective that embraces alternative practices for personal change and growth. Students will obtain knowledge from various theories and models with interventions that are relevant for individual, family and group social work practice which extends what is known as the traditional "talking cure". Note: Completion of all required 500 level MSW courses required.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
SWRK 676 Social Work with Migrants 3 Hours
Examine terms associated with migrants, the history of immigration in the U.S., cultural competency and migrant populations, theoretical underpinnings, effective interventions, the most vulnerable migrant groups, and the role of social work.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 678 Environmental Justice: Theory, Policy, and Practice 3 Hours
Examines the relationship between environmental practice and social inequity, with grounding in relevant theories, policies, practice and evaluation of micro, mezzo, and macro intervention.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 679 Professional Social Work Writing Seminar 3 Hours
Common social work writing tasks include documentation of client services, psychosocial assessments including diagnostic impressions, court reports often including recommendations for removal of children or jail time, grant proposals, and additional discipline specific writing requirements. This course will help students develop advanced social work writing skills in these areas critical for successful advanced professional practice.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 680 Social Work in Sports 3 Hours
Focuses on the role of social workers in sport. Theories and policies informing social work practice in sport will be examined. Focuses on the role of social work within an interprofessional team that works to support athletes. Applies social work values, ethics, and competencies to sport social work. Addresses the well-being of the athlete, assessment, intervention, and social justice.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; winter 2023
SWRK 681 Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders 3 Hours
This course will prepare students to assess, diagnose, and treat PTSD and Other Trauma and Stressor related disorders in diverse settings. Evidenced Based Practice standards for specific populations will be explored. Suicide assessment, prevention, and treatment will be integrated throughout the course due to the increased risk factors with traumatic experiences. Themes of countertransference, secondary trauma, and burnout will be woven into the course.
Prerequisite(s): (SWRK 623 with a minimum grade of B or permission of instructor)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2023
SWRK 682 Suicide Assessment and Intervention for Social Work 3 Hours
This course will further prepare students to assess and intervene with client systems experiencing suicidal ideation. Evidenced Based Practice standards for assessment will be reviewed. DSM criteria will be examined for diagnoses that increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions. Best practices for intervention and safety planning will be of focus. The Social Worker’s role at various levels, to include Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), will be explored.
Prerequisite(s): (SWRK 623 with a minimum grade of B or permission of instructor)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
SWRK 685 Human Trafficking: Theories, Policies, & Intervention 3 Hours
Students will learn important terminology, typologies of human trafficking, and gain an understanding of the scope of the problem, both domestically and globally. Students will holistically examine the problem of human trafficking from a micro perspective to a macro perspective.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; spring 2023
SWRK 695 Special Topics in Social Work 3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)
An in-depth examination of a selected topic in social work. Topics will vary.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; summer 2022
SWRK 698 Selected Readings in Social Work 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
An independent study with a faculty member focusing on the development of a literature review or thesis topic pertaining to an agreed upon area within rural centered social work practice. Note: Completion of the 1st year of MSW or advanced standing required.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Social Work (157)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021