All Social Work Courses

Undergraduate Courses

SWO 210 Applied Statistics for Social Work Practice (B,M)

Open only to majors and intent-to-major, this class provides a basic introduction to the conceptual and quantitative tools used to describe and interpret data in the conduct of social work practice and research. Students learn how to select, calculate, and interpret appropriate statistical methods applicable to common data analysis situations related to direct practice, administration and planning, and policymaking, including descriptive data analyses, nonparametric tests, and inferential statistical analyses. Meets SUNY M General Education Requirement. NYSED requires a minimum course grade of “C” (undergraduate sections) for certification. 3 Cr. Spring.

SWO 221 Intro to Generalist Social Work Practice (B)

This course provides an overview of professional social work. The course examines the historical development of the profession and introduces the profession’s values, ethics, and practice principles to identify trends in the profession with emphasis on undergraduate generalist practice. Prepares social work students for field practicum. The course requires students to complete three hours of volunteering at an approved social service agency as part of a larger service-learning project. Course requires a minimum grade of “C” for Major/Minor/Certification. Open only to majors. 3 Cr. Fall.

SWO 301 Human Behavior/Social Environment I (B)

This course explores the bio-psycho-social-spiritual and cultural functioning of human beings across the life span using an ecological-systems lens. Students will analyze major developmental theories for culturally responsive, generalist social work practice. Three credits. Open only to majors.Course requires a minimum grade of "C" for major. 3 Cr. Fall.

SWO 304 Case Management: The Generalist Method in Social Work Practi (B)

This course provides an introduction for effective case management skills in the profession of social work. Students will develop skills to create client-centered, culturally-responsive service plans, link clients to resources, and continuous case documentation. The focus will be how social workers approach case management and populations served. Open only to majors. Course requires a minimum grade of “C” for Major. 3 Cr. Spring.

SWO 310 Practice Informed Research and Research Informed Practice (B)

This course offers an overview of research methods as applied to the assessment and evaluation of social work interventions, methods, policy, and service delivery. It covers the principles of scientific inquiry, culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge and is designed to develop students’ ability to locate, interpret, and critically analyze research-based articles. Open only to majors. Course requires a minimum grade of “C” for Major. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SWO 311 Social Welfare Policy (B)

This course explores the role of the social worker in policy development and implementation. The course provides students with a basic understanding of the policy process, information on major social welfare policies, social welfare history, economic factors and political contexts, and how to advocate for social, political, and policy changes that address human needs and ameliorate social problems. Open only to majors. Course requires a minimum grade of “C” for Major. 3 Cr. Spring.

SWO 323 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (B)

This course explores how diverse identities experience discrimination, oppression, and marginalization, and how these perceptions and experiences relate to social, economic, and environmental justice and injustice. A human rights approach is utilized to identify ways in which oppression of vulnerable groups is perpetuated, as well as ideologies that foster exclusion. Students will begin to explore their own identity and the identify of others through a cultural humility perspective, understanding social and economic justice disparities, both in the United States and internationally. Students will recognize the role of social workers in addressing these disparities. Open only to majors, Required course requires a minimum grade of "C" for major/minor/certification. 3 Cr. Fall.

SWO 341 Micro Social Work Theories and Practice (B)

This course provides basic knowledge, theories, and skills as a foundation for generalist social work practice with individuals and families. More specifically, it analyses the application of theories and methods to social work practice with individuals and families, teaching communication skills, relationship-based social work skills and the utilization of generalist intervention model of change. Open only to majors. Course requires a minimum grade of “C” for Major. 3 Cr. Spring.

SWO 342 Mezzo Social Work Theories and Practice (B)

This course provides students with the knowledge and transferable skills necessary to utilize social group work as a modality in enhancing the well-being of individuals. Students are introduced to the principles of selected group work theories and techniques for effective undergraduate social work group practice. Open only to majors. Course requires a minimum grade of “C” for Major. 3 Cr. Spring.

SWO 441 Macro Social Work Theories and Practice (B)

This course provides basic knowledge, theories, and skills as a foundation for generalist social work practice with a focus on organizations, communities, and policy practice. Critical evaluation and application of macro-practice concepts are explored. Open only to majors. Course requires a minimum grade of “C” for Major. 3 Cr. Spring.

SWO 451 Social Work Field Instruction I (B)

$21 Course fee required. Prerequisites: SWO 210, 221, 301, 304, 311, 323, 341, 342. Corequisite: SWO455. Allows for the application of social-work skills and knowledge to implement tasks and strategies of an entry-level generalist social worker in a service delivery system. Requires minimum grade of "S" for major/minor/certification. Open only to majors. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

SWO 453 Social Work Field Instruction II (B)

$21 Course fee required: Prerequisites: SWO451 with "S" grade and SWO455 and Corequisite SWO457 with minimum "C" grades. Open only to majors. Provides a continuation of SWO 451 with an emphasis on elaboration and refinement of skills in a service delivery system. Requires a minimum grade of "S" for major/minor/certification. 4 Cr. Every Semester.

SWO 454 Social Work Field Instruction (Block) (B)

$21 Course fee required. Prerequistites: SWO210, 221, 301, 304, 311, 323, 341, 342 and Corequistie SWO 456 with minimum grade of "C". Prerequisite: open only to majors. Open only to majors. Combines SWO 451 and 453 in a concentrated, four-to-five day/week block field placement. Eight credits per semester, by arrangement with the Coordinator of Field. 8 Cr. Every Semester.

SWO 455 Seminar in Field Instruction I (B)

Open only to majors. This must be taken concurrently with Social Work 451. This course provides the opportunity to achieve integration of classroom learning with field experience; resolution of discontinuity regarding the development of social work competencies in the field setting; development and integration of responsibilities of social worker's professional role. Requires minimum grade of "C" for major/minor/certification. 2 Cr. Every Semester.

SWO 456 Seminar in Field Instruction (Block) (B)

SWO 210 221, 301, 304,323, 311, 341 & 342; Corequistie: SWO454 all with minimum "C" grade. Provides a continuation of SWO 455. Open only to majors. 4 Cr. Fall.

SWO 457 Seminar in Field Instruction II (B)

Open only to majors. Provides a continuation of SWO 455. Provides an opportunity to review and integrate course content from all of the program components. Requires a minimum grade of "C" for major/minor/certification. 2 Cr. Every Semester.

SWO 475 Women's Lives (A,I,W)

Examines women as clients, helpers, and policy makers in the context of social forces, values, and attitudes. Explores the theoretical, developmental, political and social implications of women's changing roles. Open to selected upper-division undergraduates. 3 Cr.

SWO 476 Issues of Aging in America (A,I)

Examines the older person as an evolving individual; bio-psycho-social elements in the aging process; major issues related to the older person, the aging process; and the society. Compares the needs of the elderly with the service systems program and discusses methods of intervention specifically needed for the older person. 3 Cr.

SWO 477 Perspectives on Older Adults and the Aging Family (A)

Provides in-depth analysis of select issues faced by older adults and their families using a multi-systems perspective and service learning activities. Bridging theory and practice, content utilizes a case study methodology to reflect practice-based situations encountered by health providers, older adults and their families. Topics include family caregiver/care recipient experiences, loss/resiliency, advance directives/end-of-life decision-making, impact of substance abuse on aging families, and elder abuse. 3 Cr. Spring.

SWO 479 People with Disabilities (A)

Provides an in-depth analysis of select issues faced by people with disabilities and their families using a multi-systems perspective and collaborative learning activities. Bridging theory and practice, the course content utilizes a case study methodology to reflect practice-based situations encountered by people with disabilities. Topics include: policy and laws with emphasis on the American with Disabilities Act and educational laws. Areas of study include vision and hearing loss, developmental disabilities and physical and mobility conditions. 3 Cr. Summer.

SWO 481 Social Problems in the Global Community (A)

Explores service in attempting to resolve social problems in the global community through micro and macro activities, from feeding the poor to engaging revolution. Students will explore the influences of history, culture, and practice arenas of services for the poor and particularly vulnerable populations in a variety of nations, with a view toward improving the lives of the exploited and disadvantaged. 3 Cr.

SWO 485 Practice with Sexual Minority Communities (A)

Uses a gay-affirmative framework to examine practice with gender identity and sexual orientation identity. History of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, including self-help and professional social service responses, will be discussed. Students will examine own biases and strengths within the context of gay-affirmative, social justice oriented practice. Intersectionality of racial and ethnic identity, social class identity and other cultural identities explored. 3 Cr. Summer.

SWO 492 Topics in Social Work (B)

Provides an intensive study of a specific topic with a small group of students. May be repeated for credit if TOPICS are different. 1-6 Cr.

SWO 497 Fall Prevention and Older Adults (A)

Social Work 497/597, an interprofessional elective, is designed to provide students with an opportunity to become trained as a matter of Balance ‘coach’ and implement the program for a group of older adults. The training will prepare students to lead a group of 12 older adults in an 8-session program. 3 Cr. Summer.

SWO 498 Integrative Approaches to Global Social Work – Russia (B)

This course is designed to introduce student to international social work practice abroad. The course works on developing knowledge and skills in culturally competent approaches that effectively enhance assets and empower individuals, families, groups, agencies and communities within an international context, specifically those impacted by trauma and domestic violence including child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence and elder mistreatment. This course provides a beginning knowledge base for international social work practice from a collaborative perspective with emphasis on reciprocity with the host culture, to address the challenges of child abuse and neglect, mental illness, family violence and substance abuse. 3 Cr.

SWO 499 Independent Study in Social Work (A)

Enables students to complete an independent project related to either academic or field study in an individually designed course. Enrollment by permission of and in consultation with social work faculty; and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. Credits Vary. 1-6 Cr.

Graduate Courses

SWO 576 Issues of Aging in America (A)

Examines the older person as an evolving individual; bio-psycho-social elements in the aging process; and major issues related to the older person, the aging process and the society. Compares the needs of the elderly with the service system's response and discusses methods of intervention specifically needed for the older person. 3 Cr.

SWO 577 Perspectives on Older Adults and the Aging Family (A)

Provides in-depth analysis of select issues faced by older adults and their families using a multi-systems perspective and service learning activities. Bridging theory and practice, content utilizes a case study methodology to reflect practice-based situations encountered by health providers, older adults and their families. Topics include family caregiver/care recipient experiences, loss/resiliency, advance directives/end-of-life decision-making, impact of substance abuse on aging families, and elder abuse. 3 Cr.

SWO 597 Fall Prevention and Older Adults (A)

Social Work 497/597, an interprofessional elective, is designed to provide students with an opportunity to become trained as a matter of Balance ‘coach’ and implement the program for a group of older adults. The training will prepare students to lead a group of 12 older adults in an 8-session program. 3 Cr.