Department of Social Work
Social workers help people manage and overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges, such as poverty, addiction, discrimination, physical and mental illness, and abuse. They provide individual, family, and group intervention; facilitate crisis prevention and intervention; advocate and participate in political action; provide management and leadership in social welfare and nonprofit agencies; and collaborate with communities to develop necessary social and economic resources. Social workers are especially committed to advancing social justice and increasing opportunities for vulnerable populations.
SOCW 250, Introduction to Social Work, 3 Units
This course introduces students to the social work profession, social welfare system, and related policies in the United States. Students examine the requirements for social work practice, learn to articulate the identity of the profession, and explore the various settings of social work practice.
SOCW 251, Social Welfare Policy and Service, 3 Units
This course examines social welfare policies and programs developed to meet human needs in American society. The course explores diversity of political, cultural, historical, economic, and ideological influences on social welfare policy. The course explores how critical thinking advances social and economic justice and delivery of effective social work services.
SOCW 275, Social Justice Foundations for Human Rights, 3 Units
Students in this course examine personal and societal assumptions and biases regarding race, age, social class, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. Students evaluate causes of community concern in the areas of civil rights, immigration, poverty, human trafficking, disabilities, and war, and review issues of oppression and discrimination. Course material gives students insight and self-awareness for their interactions with individuals of different cultural backgrounds. Students practice developing action plans to promote social justice in targeted groups. Meets the APU Core: Intercultural Competence general education requirement.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
SOCW 310, Human Behavior and the Social Environment I, 3 Units
This course is a study from a multi-theoretical perspective of the interaction of cultural, biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental reciprocal interactions. This course focuses on human development from birth through adolescence. The knowledge of human behavior and the social environment will be applied utilizing bio-psycho-social-spiritual frameworks to guide the process of assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing, recommended SOC 120 and PSYC 110
SOCW 311, Human Behavior and the Social Environment II, 3 Units
This course is a study from a multi-dimensional perspective of the interaction of cultural, biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that promote or deter the development of individuals from young adulthood through old age and death. This course builds upon the material presented in HBSE I, and further explores theoretical models for understanding and assessing macro systems.
Prerequisite: SOCW 310 and Sophomore standing
SOCW 332, Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, 3 Units
This is the first of a two-semester, three-course practice sequence wherein the student will identify professional generalist social work practice behaviors. The course will develop the student's ability to think critically and apply social work ethical principles to guide practice. The course uses evidence-based practice methods in practice which engage, assess, intervenes, and evaluates individuals and families.
Special Fee Applies
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance into the Social Work Major
SOCW 333, Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations, 3 Units
Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations is another course in the generalist social work practice sequence. The Course will focus on macro social work practice, community organizing, and development. The course will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for ever-changing contexts and the social service delivery systems used to respond to such contexts.
SOCW 335, Community Transformation, 6 Units
This course offers a formal and experiential study of the transformation of urban, multicultural communities with the goal of developing a service ethic through a semester-long internship. Involves directed reading, reflective papers, a service practicum, and group discussions-- aimed at both the transformation of the student community and the wider L.A. community. Course is available only through the L.A. Term Program.
SOCW 350, Aging: Implications for Policy and Practice, 3 Units
This course offers an introduction to social work practice with older adults with attention given to current research, policies, and problems faced by the elderly, and the impact of the older adult population on society. Resources, programs, and services which focus on the well-being for the older adult population will be introduced.
Prerequisite: SOCW 251 or instructor consent
SOCW 351, Child Welfare, 3 Units
Students explore programs and policies that have been developed to meet the well-being of children and families. The issues affecting these programs and policies are studied to determine how policy impacts the delivery of child welfare programs.
SOCW 360, Social Work Practice with Groups, 3 Units
Social Work Practice with Groups is another course in the generalist social work practice sequence. This course introduces students to utilize group theories and leadership skills in social work practice. Students will demonstrate mezzo practice knowledge and skills by identifying, analyzing, and implementing evidence-based interventions designed to achieve client goals.
SOCW 380, Understanding International Social Problems and Services through Study Abroad, 3 Units
Through classroom instruction, time spent in an international setting, and debriefing sessions, students in this course learn about social problems and social welfare systems of service delivery outside of the United States. Emphasis is on a global perspective of social work practice, enriching cultural experiences, and a comparison of domestic and international methods of addressing human needs through social policies and programs.
Prerequisite: SOCW 333 and SOCW 360; or instructor approval.
SOCW 400, Fundraising, Grant Writing, and Fiscal Decision Making, 3 Units
This course prepares students for potential fundraising, grant writing, program design and evaluation, and fiscal decision-making responsibilities in human services organizations. Students assess local agencies and analyze funding resources, strategies, skills, and decision-making processes. Assignments focus on grant writing, developing fundraising strategies, and applying knowledge of ethical management and fiscal practices.
Prerequisite: SOCW 333
SOCW 410, Family Violence, 3 Units
Family violence is an in-depth study from a system's perspective of violence that occurs in families. This course provides an overview of child abuse, spousal abuse, abuse between intimate partners, and elder abuse. The course explores the theory and research as to the causes of abuse, including individual and family factors, elder abuse, gender issues, community and societal influences, and cultural factors. This course explores the policy and programs developed to deal with these crises. Finally, methods of assessment and intervention are investigated as applicable to both professional and personal situations.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing or instructor consent
SOCW 411, Intimate Relationship Violence: Assessment and Intervention, 3 Units
This course is an in-depth study of intimate relationship violence, exploring the theory and research as to the causes of violence, gender and sexuality issues, community and societal influences, and cultural factors. Methods of assessment are investigated, as are policies and programs developed to intervene within micro and macro contexts. Course, with additional fee, meets California domestic violence counselor certification.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or instructor's consent.
SOCW 415, Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and Intervention, 3 Units
This course provides an overview of substance use disorders from a bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual perspective. Unique issues relative to children/adolescents, women, people with disabilities, LGBT individuals, the elderly, and minorities are explored. The course focuses on a review of various types of substance use disorders; theory on the etiology and process of substance use disorders and their treatment; information on assessment, referral, and treatment resources; and exploration of the historical and current responses to substance use disorders in the community as well as in the Church.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or instructor's consent
SOCW 420, Suffering: Theological and Practical Perspectives on Disabilities, 3 Units
This course examines theological perspectives to understand the role of suffering in the human experience. Focusing on persons with disabilities, students explore their personal values, gain understanding of bio-psycho-social-spiritual components of disability, access available resources, and develop strategies to help churches/agencies develop inclusive programs.
Prerequisite: 3 units of SOT and Junior standing
SOCW 425, Introduction to International Development, 3 Units
This course provides students with an opportunity to consider the theories and "on the ground" issues concerning international development. In addition, because non-governmental organizations are the primary organisms through which international development is conducted, students will familiarize themselves with the strengths and limitations these organisms bring to the development process.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
SOCW 430, Introduction to Nonprofit Management, 3 Units
Students go out into the world and work for nonprofit organizations. The goals of the course are to enrich student perspective regarding nonprofits, to give them opportunity to apply their knowledge to the analysis of nonprofit managerial situations and to provide them with an understanding of the opportunities and power of nonprofit management.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
SOCW 440, Social Work and Law, 3 Units
Students in this course gain an increased understanding of the United States legal system and learn how to apply this understanding within social work practice. Students engage with case law as it pertains to the field of social work and social services. Students also have opportunities for critical analysis, and for refining of advocacy and problem-solving skills.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or instructor approval.
SOCW 445, The Intersectionality of Identity: Being Black and Female, 3 Units
This course will examine the lived experience of women from the African diaspora of various locations, eras, as well as theories and social movements of black women activism. The course will examine how black women have shaped and influenced civil rights, black power, immigration policy and feminism-womanism. This course will review perspectives and theories from notable scholars including Kimberle Crenshaw to Rev. Suzan Johnson Cook, Sylvia Wynter to bell hooks, Shirley Chisolm to Laverne Cox, and Ella Baker to Tarana Burke. This course will examine how these and other women from the African diaspora challenged inequality and injustices in race, gender, class and other identities as well as the impact and contributions to the faith community. Through exploration and critical analysis of media and events, leadership and advocacy, students will examine the social, cultural and political influences of women from the African diaspora, particularly challenging stereotypes and the hegemonic narrative of black women.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing or Instructor approval
SOCW 450, Asian American Communities: Mental Health and Wellness, 3 Units
Students in this course undertake an interdisciplinary exploration of mental health issues among Asian Americans, examining the cultural, social, and historical factors that contribute to mental health disparities in this population, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities for improving mental health outcomes. Students develop an understanding of the diversity of experiences within the Asian American community and the importance of culturally sensitive and responsive mental health interventions.
Prerequisite: SOCW 310 and sophomore standing
SOCW 466, Field Internship I, 4 Units
This social work practicum provides a setting for the development of practice skills and an opportunity for the integration of knowledge, skills, and values in social work. Students complete a minimum of 400 hours in an approved agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 310, SOCW 311, SOCW 333 or SOCW 335, SOCW 360,
Corequisite: SOCW 467
SOCW 467, Senior Practicum Seminar I, 3 Units
This seminar course integrates the generalist practice knowledge and skills of a social work professional. Students learn how to identify and conduct themselves as professional social workers in their respective internship contexts. Evidence-based practice skills are developed to help students engage in research-informed practice and learn how practice shapes research. This course comprises the first semester of a two-semester course sequence.
Prerequisite: SOCW 310 (C or above), SOCW 311 (C or above), SOCW 333 or SOCW 335, SOCW 360.
SOCW 468, Field Internship II, 4 Units
This social work practicum provides a setting for the development of practice skills and an opportunity for the integration of knowledge, skills, and values in social work. Students complete a minimum of 400 hours in an approved agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 466, SOCW 467
Corequisite: SOCW 469
SOCW 469, Senior Practicum Seminar II, 3 Units
This final Social Work Seminar will focus on integration of learning and practice in preparation for beginning generalist social work practice for students currently in field placement. Students will identify, critique, and apply evidence based practice models in field practice. Emphasis will be placed on practice skills of engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation according to the NASW Code of Ethics.
Prerequisite: SOCW 310 (C grade or above), SOCW 311 (C grade or above), SOCW 333 or SOCW 335, SOCW 360, SOCW 466
SOCW 478, Social Work Research Methods, 3 Units
This course prepares students for evidence-informed practice and research by introducing a range of social science research methods, skills in research evaluation and critique, and development of a social science research proposal informed by their field internship practice experience.
Prerequisite: MATH 130.
SOCW 479, Social Work Research Project, 3 Units
In this course, students prepare for evidence-informed practice and research by conducting an empirical study based on the research proposal completed in SOCW 478 Social Work Research Methods. Students learn to apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgment through the process of data collection, data analysis, and writing a research report.
SOCW 495, Special Topics, 1-6 Units
Special topics courses offer undergraduate-level content that will augment the set social work curriculum. These courses include a wide range of specialized topics relevant to professional social workers. The unit value of these courses range from one to six unit credits, depending upon the specific contact hours and course workload.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing; Acceptance into the Social Work program.
SOCW 497, Readings in Social Work, 1-4 Units
This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussion, and writing arranged between, and designed by, a student of upper-division standing and a full-time professor. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
SOCW 499, Thesis/Project, 1-6 Units
This course is an opportunity for undergraduate students to explore an idea, contribute to research, examine industry trends/methods, or develop a project under the guidance of a faculty member.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
SOCW 510, Social Work Foundations in Law and Ethics, 1 Unit
This course covers foundational law and ethics in social work practice, including mandated reporting, telehealth policies, self-care, and technology use. Content incorporates critical thinking, ethical decision making, and professionalism as reflected in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) competencies.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program
SOCW 511, Introduction to the Social Work Profession, 2 Units
Content focuses on the history, identity, values, ethics, scope of practice, and knowledge base of the social work profession. Students explore ways their own backgrounds and beliefs are likely to influence professional activities, and examine the specific relationship of faith perspectives to social welfare policy and practice. Attention is given to developing professional writing and critical thinking skills.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program
SOCW 512, Social Welfare Policy and Policy Practice, 3 Units
The course provides an introduction to American social welfare policies, offers a historical overview of political influences on social work practice, and presents different models for political advocacy. Content focuses on political and client advocacy with attention to the relevance of professional ethical standards and faith perspectives to policy practice.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program
SOCW 513, Micro-Theory and Human Development, 3 Units
Students in this course focus on theories that inform micro-level social work practice with individuals and families using a biopsychosocial and spiritual framework. Human development across the life course is addressed with psychosocial theory's life stages to assist with the contextualization and integration of theories to meet the needs of diverse populations in practice.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program
SOCW 514, Practice I - Interviewing and Assessment, 3 Units
This course begins a two-course sequence that provides the foundation for social work practice with individuals and families. Content includes legal and ethical practice, stages of the helping process, interviewing and assessment skills with adults, children, and families, clinical assessment and diagnosis using the DSM, and strategies for critically analyzing and sharing assessment information.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program
SOCW 515, Field Seminar I, 1 Unit
Field seminars meet in conjunction with field coursework and provide students opportunities to discuss practice situations, professional development issues, the relationship of field to classroom learning, and skills necessary for effective practice. Generalist foundation year field seminars (I and II) focus on beginning generalist social work practice skills, understanding agency and community context, and professional ethics.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Social Work program;
Corequisite: SOCW 516
SOCW 516, Field I, 3 Units
The purpose of field internship is to provide a professional setting for students to practice generalist foundation social work skills and to provide an opportunity for the integration of knowledge, skills, values, and ethical faith integration in practice. Students complete a minimum of 480 hours by the end of semester I and semester II at an approved and designated social welfare agency.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Social Work program;
Corequisite: SOCW 515
SOCW 517, Generalist Practicum I, 3 Units
This first-semester practicum course includes supervised generalist internship experience in an agency setting and integrative in-class seminars. Students gain experience in applying and integrating foundational generalist social work practice skills, values, and professional ethics with diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, and apply a foundational antiracist and antioppressive social work practice framework. In-class seminars support the practicum internship experience with presentations and discussions on practice situations, professional development, ethical faith integration, and skills necessary for beginning-level social work practice. Students complete a minimum of 480 practicum hours by the end of their generalist practicum year at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program
SOCW 518, Generalist Practicum II, 3 Units
This second-semester course is a continuation of the supervised generalist internship sequence in an agency setting and integrative in-class seminars. Students gain experience in the application and integration of generalist foundational social work practice skills, values, ethical decision-making, and professional ethics with diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Students apply a foundational antiracist and antioppressive social work practice framework. In-class seminars support the practicum internship experience with presentations and discussions on practice situations, professional development, ethical faith integration, and skills necessary for effective social work practice. Students complete a minimum of 480 practicum hours by the end of their generalist practicum year at an approved and designated agency.
SOCW 522, Diversity and Social Justice, 3 Units
Content will focus on diverse populations in American society and ways historical and contemporary patterns of oppression and discrimination may influence social work practice. Specific attention is given to self-awareness and to professional commitments to marginalized groups and processes of advocacy, coalition-building, and other ways of developing effective alliances to promote social justice.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program
SOCW 523, Macro-Theory and Communities/Organizations, 3 Units
Students in this course focus on macro-level theories and social work practice with organizations and communities. Models of practice that include comprehensive assessment, integrating an understanding of various forms and mechanisms of discrimination and oppression and their relevance to macro-level interventions, are examined. Social work with organizations and communities embraces efforts to protect human and civil rights for the advancement of social and economic justice.
Prerequisite: SOCW 513
SOCW 524, Practice II - Intervention and Evaluation, 3 Units
This course ends a two-course sequence that provides the foundation for social work practice with individuals and families. Content includes goal-setting and contracting, planning and implementing change strategies, utilizing evidence-based practice research, interdisciplinary collaboration, advocacy, resource development, and practice evaluation.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514
SOCW 525, Field Seminar II, 1 Unit
Field seminars meet in conjunction with field coursework and provide students opportunities to discuss practice situations, professional development issues, the relationship of field to classroom learning, and skills necessary for effective practice. Generalist foundation year field seminars (I and II) focus on beginning generalist social work practice skills, knowledge and use of self, and professional ethics.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, and SOCW 516;
Corequisite: SOCW 526
SOCW 526, Field II, 3 Units
The purpose of field internship is to provide a professional setting for students to practice generalist foundation practice skills and to provide an opportunity for the integration of knowledge, skills, values, and ethical faith integration in practice. Students complete a minimum of 480 hours by the end of semester I and semester II at an approved and designated social welfare agency.
Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program, SOCW 515, and SOCW 516;
Corequisite: SOCW 525
SOCW 527, Research for Evidence-Informed Practice, 2 Units
The content of this course prepares students to critically evaluate social work research and evidence-informed social work practice, along with the ethical use of research methods to improve clinical practice. Concepts include problem identification, hypothesis formulation, measurement, sampling, qualitative and quantitative research designs, data collection methods, data analysis, and outcomes evaluation. Students explore how science, scholarship, and the politics of knowledge development can facilitate the mission of social work.
Prerequisite: Statistics course
SOCW 528, Research for Data Driven Change, 2 Units
This course will introduce critical evaluation of social work research and its ethical application towards data-driven decision-making within community practice settings. Concepts include: problem identification, hypothesis formulation, measurement, sampling, research design, data collection methods, data analysis, and program evaluation. Students will explore how science, scholarship, and the politics of knowledge development can facilitate the mission of social work.
Prerequisite: Statistics course
SOCW 529, Human Rights and Sustainable Development Policy, 2 Units
Content will focus on the relevance of human rights and sustainable development policy to macro-level social work practice in the U.S. and abroad. Topics will include advancement of human rights for social, economic and environmental justice and sustainable development strategies for poverty alleviation, universal education, public health, sanitation and housing, food security, access to clean water, population control and climate change. Analysis of existing global social policies will apply existing political, ideological, religious, cultural, age, and gender frameworks to explain current conditions and future trends. Secular and Christian perspectives will be explored.
SOCW 530, Organizing for Community Change, 3 Units
This course expands foundation year macro-level practice content to enhance theoretical understanding and develop skills in the promotion of community, organizational, and policy change to enhance social well-being and advance social justice. Special attention is focused on collaborative efforts, coalition building and participatory methods to facilitate sustainable change. Additional topics include assessment of social service delivery systems, advocacy, and professional ethics in macro practice. The importance of engaging diverse communities, recognition of underrepresented and underserved populations, and utilizing cultural humility in practice are emphasized.
Prerequisite: SOCW 523
SOCW 531, Human Rights and Sustainable Development, 2 Units
Content will focus on the relevance of human rights and sustainable development to macro-level social work practice in the U.S. and abroad. Topics will include advancement of human rights and economic justice, poverty alleviation, politics, religion, culture, age, gender, and public health conditions on human rights and development-related activities. Secular and Christian perspectives will be explored.
SOCW 532, Advanced Community Practice, 3 Units
This course expands foundation year macro-level practice content to include community entrance, engagement, participatory action research, and collaborative strategies to advance policies and programs supporting community interests and desired resources. Additional topics include empowerment, development of cultural competence, identification of oppressive cultural structures, globalization, and professional ethics. Engaging diverse communities and cultural humility are emphasized.
Prerequisite: SOCW 523
SOCW 533, Social Work Leadership and Management, 3 Units
This course provides an overview of effective leadership and management practices within the social service sector. Topics include legal and ethical issues in administration, such as managing organizational change; employee and stakeholder diversity; organizational culture; conflict resolution; group behavior; employee hiring, training, and development; employee morale; and budgeting. Emphasis is on professional written and verbal communication.
Prerequisite: SOCW 523
SOCW 534, Field Seminar III, 1 Unit
Field Seminar III focuses on presentation and discussion of student experiences in specialization field internships. Specific emphasis is placed on demonstration and evaluation of advanced practice skills, interventions, supervision use, cultural responsiveness, professional ethics, and faith integration issues addressed in coursework.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526;
Corequisite: SOCW 527 and SOCW 539 (clinical specialization) or SOCW 528 and SOCW 535 (community leadership and program administration specialization)
SOCW 535, Field III - Community Leadership and Program Administration, 3 Units
The purpose of field internship is to provide a setting for students to develop advanced community practice skills and an opportunity for the ethical integration of knowledge, skills, values, and faith in social work. Students complete a minimum of 480 hours (600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of semester I and semester II at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526;
SOCW 536, Adult Behavioral Health and Diagnosis, 3 Units
This course begins a two-semester advanced clinical practice sequence focusing on adult behavioral health. Content includes advanced application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5); symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment strategies associated with psychiatric conditions; brain functioning and chemistry; psychotropic medications; and managed care expectations. Cultural and faith perspectives are integrated throughout the course using clinical best practices.
SOCW 537, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health and Diagnosis, 3 Units
This course focuses on behavioral health issues experienced by children and adolescents, and discussion of the effects of trauma on social and emotional development. Diagnostic issues affecting children and related treatment interventions are explored in the contexts of child welfare, school-based behavioral health, and healthcare settings. Research-informed approaches are taught, to improve functioning and well-being of children and adolescents. Laws impacting work with minors and families, as well as ethical issues for social work practitioners, are presented. Course content meets California education requirements in the area of child abuse assessment for LCSW licensure.
SOCW 538, Clinical Practice with Groups, 3 Units
This course presents different theoretical approaches and treatment strategies associated with clinical social work practice with groups. Topics include group development stages, professional ethics in practice with groups, leadership principles, diversity issues, and evaluation methods.
Prerequisite: SOCW 513
SOCW 539, Field III-Clinical Practice, 3 Units
The purpose of field internship in the clinical specialization year is to provide a setting for students to develop advanced practice skills and an opportunity for the integration of knowledge, skills, and social work values as applied to clinical practice across the life span continuum. Students complete a minimum of 480 hours (or 600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of fall and spring semesters at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526;
SOCW 540, Educational Policy, 3 Units
This course introduces policies and legislation that impact delivery of school social work services in the United States education system. Landmark local, state, and federal policies are presented for analysis and application to the public school setting, critical for gaining an understanding of the challenges for school social work practice. Historical and current perspectives including racism, equality, and access to public education are discussed.
Prerequisite: Completion of generalist foundation curriculum; admission to the PPS program (required for students seeking the PPSC).
SOCW 541, Capstone Leadership Project, 3 Units
This course prepares students for professional leadership roles in social work settings and supports completion of their capstone leadership projects. Content integrates development of leadership skills, self reflection, professional use of self, interprofessional practice, use of research to inform practice, and knowledge of program context to implement sustainable change in organizations. Professional ethics and decision making, which influence the leadership role in social work, are examined.
Prerequisite: All generalist foundation courses and completion of first semester of specialization courses.
SOCW 542, International Social Work Policy and Practice, 2 Units
Content will focus on international social work practice at multiple systems levels. Topics will include comparison of United States' and international social welfare policy, differing theoretical and religious perspectives, neo-liberal economic development policies, globalization, and issues immigrants and other marginalized groups. Practice content will address poverty alleviation, conflict and post-conflict reconstruction, displacement and forced migration concerns.
SOCW 543, Program and Grants Management, 3 Units
Systematic program planning with a focus on outcomes is a critical component in operating effective human service programs. Students will become familiar with program design and program evaluation methodologies, and the tools most commonly used to assess human service programs. This course also prepares students for fundraising and grant writing in human service organizations. Students assess agencies and stakeholders and analyze funding resources, performance measures, strategies, skills and decision-making processes. At the completion of this course, students will be prepared to design and implement programs and conduct outcome evaluations to ensure program efficiency and effectiveness for clients, staff and external funding sources.
SOCW 544, Field Seminar IV, 1 Unit
Field Seminar IV focuses on presentation and discussion of students experiences in specialization year field internships and preparation for masters-level social work employment and licensure. Specific emphasis is placed on critical thinking and communication of professional judgments, integration of theory, assessment, intervention, and evaluation, as well as professional development issues.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526, SOCW 534, SOCW 535 or SOCW 539;
SOCW 545, Field IV - Community Leadership and Program Administration, 3 Units
Field internship provides a setting for students to utilize advanced community practice skills and an opportunity for the ethical integration of knowledge, skills, values, and faith in social work. Students complete a minimum of 480 hours (600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of semester l and semester II at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526, SOCW 534, and SOCW 535;
SOCW 546, Family Therapy in Context, 3 Units
This course focuses on family practice contexts and theories of child welfare and family therapy. Content includes social worker roles and scope of practice in child welfare practice, and current approaches to assisting families in the child welfare system. Also included is the demonstration and practice of family therapy, application of theory, and assessment and intervention on diverse family systems. Course material also addresses legal and ethical problem solving related to contemporary professional ethics and statutes and regulations related to family law.
SOCW 547, Health and Behavioral Health Policy, 2 Units
This course explores American social welfare policies relevant to health and behavioral health care. Course content includes the historical and social contexts of health and behavioral health care, and the roles of the public and private sectors in shaping contemporary trends and issues, particularly among vulnerable communities. Topics include healthcare reform, integrated care, access/treatment disparities, advocacy and policy reform, and the recovery model.
Prerequisite: SOCW 512
SOCW 547A, Applied Clinical and Advanced Policy Practice, 3 Units
Students in this course explore the convergence of clinical social work theoretical/practice models, professional/ethical considerations, and health/behavioral health policy practice. Content involves case-based learning, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, and integrates a trauma-informed, relational social work perspective with a focus on addressing antiracism and health/behavioral health disparities in vulnerable communities.
SOCW 548, Field IV - Clinical Practice, 3 Units
Field internship in the clinical specialization year provides a setting for students to develop advanced practice skills, and an opportunity for the integration of knowledge, skills, and social work values as applied to clinical practice across the life span. Students complete a minimum of 480 hours (or 600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of fall and spring semesters at an approved, designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526, SOCW 534, and SOCW 539;
SOCW 549, Advanced Practicum I: Clinical Practice, 3 Units
This course includes supervised internships in an agency setting and integrative in-class seminars specific to the clinical specialization. Students develop advanced clinical practice skills across the life span continuum from an antiracist and antioppressive perspective, with access to a broad range of complex practice opportunities. Emphasis is on critical thinking and communication of professional judgments; integration of theory; advanced clinical engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation; supervision use; cultural responsiveness; professional ethics; and ethical faith integration applied in practicum work with individuals, families, and groups. The seminars focus on presentations and discussions of student internship experiences, along with integration of classroom theory and practice. Students complete a minimum of 480 practicum hours (600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of their specialization year at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 517, SOCW 524, and SOCW 518;
Corequisite: SOCW 574
SOCW 550, Advanced Standing: Intermediate Praxis, 3 Units
Advanced Standing courses bridge the BSW and MSW programs. Students in this course focus on micro- and macro-level theories and the relevance of different worldviews, using case examples drawn from professional social work. Models of practice with diverse communities and social welfare organizations are examined. Students have opportunities for further development of self-awareness regarding the ways beliefs and values, such as faith, may affect practice and professional identity.
Prerequisite: Admission to Advanced Standing MSW program;
Corequisite: SOCW 551
SOCW 551, Advanced Standing: Social Work Ethics and Practice, 3 Units
This advanced-standing course provides overviews of the legal and ethical practice standards in social work, and addresses the skills required for effective engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, and groups. Assignments focus on social work practice skill development, application of documentation standards, use of evidence-informed practice methods, and integration of legal and ethical issues impacting practice.
Prerequisite: Completion of BSW degree; statistics course with a grade of C or higher.
SOCW 552, Program Planning and Evaluation, 3 Units
Systematic program planning with a focus on outcomes is a critical component in operating effective human service programs. Over the course of this semester, you will become familiar with program design and program evaluation methodologies, and the tools most commonly used to assess human service programs. Additional topics will include identification and use of performance measures, the roles of evaluators and stakeholders, the influence of the political environment, technology applications, and applicable ethics related to program design and evaluation. At the completion of this course you will be prepared to design and implement programs and conduct outcome evaluations to ensure program efficiency and effectiveness for clients, staff and external funding sources.
Prerequisite: Completion of generalist foundation coursework
SOCW 553, Field V Clinical: School Social Work, 3 Units
The PPSC school social work field internship provides a setting for students to develop advanced clinical practice skills in preparation for practice in school settings, and an opportunity for the ethical integration of knowledge, skills, values, and faith in social work. Students accrue field hours at an approved and designated school site in the fall and spring semesters of their specialization year; a total of 600 hours (450 in school social work and 150 in child welfare and attendance) is required by the end of the spring semester. This is the first of a two-semester course sequence with SOCW 555.
Prerequisite: MSW Students: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, & SOCW 526. Post-MSW Students: MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, and acceptance into the APU PPSC program.
SOCW 554, Field Seminar V Clinical: School Social Work, 1 Unit
This seminar course focuses on discussion of student experiences in the PPSC school social work field internships. Emphasis is on demonstration and evaluation of advanced practice skills, interventions, supervision use, cultural responsiveness, professional ethics, and faith integration issues addressed in the PPSC field experience. This is the first of a two-semester course sequence with SOCW 556.
Prerequisite: MSW Students: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, & SOCW 526. Post-MSW Students: MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, and acceptance into the APU PPSC program.
SOCW 555, Field VI Clinical: School Social Work, 3 Units
The PPSC school social work field internship provides a setting for students to develop advanced clinical practice skills in preparation for practice in school settings, and an opportunity for the ethical integration of knowledge, skills, values, and faith in social work. Students accrue field hours at an approved and designated school site in the fall and spring semesters of their specialization year; a total of 600 hours (450 in school social work and 150 in child welfare and attendance) is required by the end of the spring semester. This is the second of a two-semester course sequence with SOCW 553.
Prerequisite: MSW students: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526, SOCW 553, and SOCW 554; Post-MSW students: MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, and acceptance into the APU PPSC program.
Corequisite: SOCW 556
SOCW 556, Field Seminar VI Clinical: School Social Work, 1 Unit
This seminar course focuses on discussion of student experiences in the PPSC school social work field internship. Emphasis is on demonstration and evaluation of advanced practice skills, interventions, supervision and consultation, cultural responsiveness, professional ethics, and faith integration issues that occur in the field internship experience. This is the second of a two-semester course sequence with SOCW 554.
Prerequisite: MSW students: SOCW 514, SOCW 515, SOCW 516, SOCW 524, SOCW 525, SOCW 526, SOCW 553, SOCW 554. For Post-MSW students: MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, and acceptance into APU PPSC program.
SOCW 557, Advanced Practicum II: Clinical Practice, 3 Units
This final practicum course continues the supervised internship experience in an agency setting and integrative in-class seminars specific to the clinical specialization. Students develop advanced clinical practice skills across the life span continuum from an antiracist and antioppressive perspective, with access to a broad range of complex practice opportunities. Emphasis is on critical thinking and communication of professional judgments; integration of theory; advanced clinical assessment, intervention, and evaluation; supervision use; cultural responsiveness; professional ethics; and ethical faith integration applied in practicum work with individuals, families, and groups. Seminars focus on presentations and discussions of student internship experiences and master's-level social work employment and licensure preparation. Students complete a minimum of 480 practicum hours (600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of their specialization year at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 517, SOCW 524, SOCW 518, and SOCW 549;
Corequisite: SOCW 541
SOCW 558, Advanced Practicum I: Community Leadership and Program Administration, 3 Units
This course includes supervised internships in an agency setting and integrative in-class seminars specific to the community leadership and program administration (macro)specialization. Students develop advanced organizational, community, and policy practice skills from an antiracist and antioppressive perspective as it applies to macro leadership roles, community advocacy, and policy and legislation. Seminars focus on presentations and discussions of student internship experiences, and integration of micro and macro practice skills within the context of the social environment. Emphasis is on critical thinking and communication of professional judgments; integration of theory; assessment, intervention, and evaluation; ethical faith integration; and professional development opportunities in practicum work with groups, communities, and/or organizations. Students complete a minimum of 480 practicum hours (600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of their specialization year at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 517, and SOCW 518;
Corequisite: SOCW 574
SOCW 559, Advanced Practicum II: Community Leadership and Program Administration, 3 Units
This final practicum course continues the supervised internship experience in an agency setting and integrative in-class seminars specific to the community leadership and program administration (macro)specialization. Students develop advanced organizational, community, and policy practice skills from an antiracist and antioppressive perspective as it applies to macro leadership roles, community advocacy, and policy and legislation. Seminars focus on presentations and discussions of student internship experiences and master's-level social work employment and licensure preparation. Emphasis is on critical thinking and communication of professional judgments; integration of theory; assessment, intervention, and evaluation; ethical faith integration; and professional development opportunities in practicum work with groups, communities, and/or organizations. Students complete a minimum of 480 practicum hours (600 hours for Advanced Standing students) by the end of their specialization year at an approved and designated agency.
Prerequisite: SOCW 514, SOCW 517, SOCW 524, SOCW 518, and SOCW 558;
Corequisite: SOCW 541
SOCW 560, Social Work Practice in Healthcare Settings, 3 Units
This elective course offers an introduction to social work practice in healthcare settings, with a focus on the specific knowledge and skills essential for effective intervention. Students critically analyze the U.S. healthcare system as compared to international models, and apply clinical skills and relevant laws to interdisciplinary practice while understanding the context of the political, societal, and economic influences that impact service delivery and available resources. The course also articulates how a Christian worldview relates to ethical social work practice within the field of health care.
SOCW 561, Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, 3 Units
This course describes substance use disorders from a biopsychosocial-cultural-spiritual perspective, emphasizing assessment and intervention skills, processes, and evidence-informed research relevant to treatment using the recovery model. Diversity issues involving policy and practice are explored. Course content meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences prelicensure requirement in the area of alcohol and other substance abuse assessment.
SOCW 562, Urban Social Welfare, 3 Units
Course integrates on-site experiential learning with classroom education focused on urban issues of homelessness, gang involvement, and immigration. Students engage in weekly on-site learning activities in high-need areas of Los Angeles and Orange County. Content includes theological and sociological perspectives on urban issues as well as urban social work practice. Elective
SOCW 563, School Social Work, 3 Units
This course uses an ecological perspective in teaching the practice of social work in schools. Topics include the historical, theoretical, legal, research, policy, and practice issues relevant to the delivery of school social work services; the roles and tasks performed by social workers in public schools; school social work practice models; and the professional code of ethics. The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful and competent practice with students, families, schools, and communities.
Prerequisite: Completion of generalist foundation curriculum; admission to the PPS program (required for students seeking the PPSC).
SOCW 564, Social Work and the Bible: Christian Perspectives on Service and Professional Practice, 3 Units
This course focuses on theological and social work perspectives on the relevance of the Bible to professional practice activities. Content addresses diverse Christian perspectives on social welfare policies and faith integration in different practice environments. Distinctions between professional social work, Christian counseling, and missionary activity are explored. Elective
SOCW 565, Clinical Spanish Practice, 3 Units
This course prepares students to utilize clinical practice skills in the Spanish language, including assessment, engagement, intervention, and evaluation of services with individuals, groups, and communities. Content covers diversity issues such as cultural competence and understanding of the Latino/a culture and its intragroup differences, and equipping students to confront biases, myths, and stereotypes in the client-practitioner therapeutic relationship. Course is conducted primarily in Spanish.
SOCW 566, Social Work, Health, and Aging, 3 Units
This course explores concepts, social policies, resources, and interventions related to social work practice with the older adult population. Content integrates themes of diversity, ageism, empowerment, and faith, as well as community-based and cross-cultural competence. Content includes a focus on biopsychosocial assessment, with emphasis on functional and cognitive status, integrated healthcare practice, interdisciplinary practice, and end-of-life care. This course meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for clinical social work licensure.
SOCW 567, Couples Therapy, 3 Units
This course is an overview of current theories, methods, and psychological instruments used in couples therapy interventions. Content includes detection, assessment, and intervention strategies for spousal or partner abuse, meeting California requirements for training in the area of domestic and family violence for MFT and LCSW licensure. Students apply course material to role-play scenarios during class time. Attention is given to issues of ethnic diversity, blended families, and faith integration.
Prerequisite: Completion of generalist foundation coursework or admission into the Advanced Standing program.
SOCW 568, Military Social Work, 3 Units
This course helps students understand the unique and complex needs of active-duty service members, veterans, and family members of military personnel, presenting knowledge and skills essential to effective clinical social work practice with these populations. Topics include military culture, ethical issues, diversity, faith integration, trauma, assessment, family issues, reintegration, domestic violence, substance use, homelessness, suicide, building resiliency, and evidence-informed interventions for use in interprofessional settings.
SOCW 569, Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy, 3 Units
This course reviews human sexuality as a basis for sex therapy and clinical social work involving sexuality issues. Students examine and evaluate biological, psychological, social, moral, and faith perspectives on sexual development and functioning. In addition, students survey literature on sexual dysfunction, and learn treatment strategies utilized in various social work contexts and systems of marital and sex therapy. This course meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for clinical social work licensure.
SOCW 570, International Social Work Policy and Practice, 3 Units
Content focuses on international social work practice at multiple systems levels. Topics include comparison of U.S. and international social welfare policies; different theoretical, economic, cultural, ideological, and religious perspectives; neoliberal economic development policies; issues involving immigrants and other marginalized groups; and the impact of globalization and climate change on rapid urbanization and population growth. Practice content addresses poverty alleviation, conflict and postconflict reconstruction, and displacement and forced migration concerns.
SOCW 572, Advanced Practicum I: School Social Work, 3 Units
This course includes supervised internships in school settings and integrative in-class seminars specific to the clinical specialization with the PPSC (school social work) pathway. Students develop advanced clinical practice skills, in preparation for practice in school settings, from an antiracist and antioppressive perspective. Emphasis is on critical thinking and communication of professional judgments; integration of theory; advanced clinical engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation; supervision use; cultural responsiveness; professional ethics; and ethical faith integration applied in the PPSC practicum experience. Seminars focus on presentations and discussions of student internship experiences, along with integration of classroom theory and practice. Students complete a minimum of 600 practicum hours (450 in school social work and 150 in child welfare and attendance) by the end of their specialization year at approved and designated school sites.
Prerequisite: Current MSW PPSC Students: SOCW 514, SOCW 517, SOCW 524, and SOCW 518;
Corequisite: SOCW 527
SOCW 573, Advanced Practicum II: School Social Work, 3 Units
This final practicum course continues the supervised internship experience in school settings and integrative in-class seminars specific to the clinical specialization. Students develop advanced clinical practice skills, in preparation for practice in school settings, from an antiracist and antioppressive perspective. Emphasis is on critical thinking and communication of professional judgments; integration of theory; advanced clinical engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation; supervision use; cultural responsiveness; professional ethics; and ethical faith integration applied in the PPSC practicum experience. Seminars focus on presentations and discussions of student internship experiences, and master's-level social work employment and licensure preparation. Students complete a minimum of 600 practicum hours (450 in school social work and 150 in child welfare and attendance) by the end of their specialization year at approved and designated school sites.
MSW Students: Prerequisites: SOCW 514, SOCW 517, SOCW 524, SOCW 518, and SOCW 572; corequisite: SOCW 541 Post-MSW PPSC Students: Prerequisites: MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, acceptance into APU's PPSC program
SOCW 574, Applied Research for Evidence-Informed Practice, 3 Units
This course prepares students to critically evaluate social work research and evidence-informed practice, and its ethical application to data-driven decision-making within community practice settings. Concepts covered include problem identification, hypothesis formulation, measurement, sampling, research design, data collection methods, data analysis, and program evaluation. Students explore how science, scholarship, and the politics of knowledge development can facilitate the mission of social work.
Prerequisite: Statistics course
SOCW 595, Special Topics, 1-6 Units
Special topics courses offer graduate-level content that is typically scheduled in an intensive format. These courses include a wide range of specialized topics relevant to professional social workers. The unit values of these courses range from 1-6 depending upon the specific contact hours and coursework load. Note: Elective offerings vary year to year.
SOCW 599, Readings in Social Work, 1-3 Units
Students enroll in this course to pursue independent study of professional interests/activities. Students explore topics in greater depth than in regular course offerings and/or initiate individual projects. Readings and assignments are based on learning contracts developed in consultation with a sponsoring faculty member and approved by the MSW program director. Additional fees required.
PRSW 410, Family Violence, 3 Units
Family violence is an in-depth study from a system's perspective of violence that occurs in families. This course provides an overview of child abuse, spousal abuse, abuse between intimate partners, and elder abuse. The course explores the theory and research as to the causes of abuse, including individual and family factors, elder abuse, gender issues, community and societal influences, and cultural factors. This course explores the policy and programs developed to deal with these crises. Finally, methods of assessment and intervention are investigated as applicable to both professional and personal situations.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing or Instructor's consent
Faculty
Chair
Kimberly Setterlund, MSW, LCSW
Director, BSW Program (Interim)
Kimberly Setterlund, MSW, LCSW
Director, Inland Empire MSW Program
Evelyn Castro-Guillen, PhD, LCSW
Director, Azusa MSW Program
TBD
Director of Practicum Education
Jean Un, PhD, LCSW
Practicum Education Coordinator
Daniel Guzman, MSW, MBA, LCSW
LA DCFS Program Coordinator
Virginia Olivas, MSW
Professors
Mary Rawlings, PhD, LCSW
Regina Trammel, PhD, LCSW
Assistant Professors
Alina Bond Chan, MSW, LCSW
Evelyn Castro-Guillen, PhD, LCSW
Shelly-Ann Dewsbury, MSW
Daniel Guzman, MSW, MBA, LCSW
Margaret Lee, PhD
Virginia Olivas, MSW
Claudia Rivera, MSW, LCSW, LA DCFS Practicum Liaison
Kimberly Setterlund, MSW, LCSW
Olivia Sevilla, EdD, LCSW
Jean Un, PhD, LCSW
Adjunct Faculty
Ana Aguilar, MSW, LCSW
Thomas Baird, MSW, LCSW, MDiv
Susie Baker, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW
Robert Bennett, MSW, LCSW, Practicum Liaison
Rachel Bentley, MSW, LCSW
Michael Briesch, MSW, LCSW
Elisa Cuello, MSW, LCSW, Practicum Liaison
Ernest Efah, PhD, MSW
Veronica Haro, MSW, LCSW
Ansely Henriquez, MSW, LCSW, Practicum Liaison
Tiffany Kwong, MSW, LCSW, Senior Lecturer
Stephanie Machado-Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, Senior Lecturer
Edith Morales, MSW, LCSW, PPSC, Practicum Liaison
Jenica Morin-Pascual, BSW, Senior Lecturer
Amy Quiroz, MSW, LCSW, PPSC
Patrick Riley, MA, Senior Lecturer
Ricardo Rivera, MSW, MEd
Stephanie Schneider, PhD, MSW
Josefina Sierra, MSW, LCSW
Richard Solano, MA, LMFT, PPCI, PPSC, Senior Lecturer
Sheryl Natalie Torres, MSW, LCSW, PPSC
Ivanna Vasquez, MSW, LCSW, PPSC, Practicum Liaison