MSW Foundation Curriculum

The foundation curriculum builds on a liberal arts base, required for admission to the MSW program, to provide a common professional core for all students as well as preparation for advanced study in the second half of the program. Initial foundation courses cover the essential knowledge, values, processes, and skills of generalist social work practice. They also introduce current issues in a range of fields of practice; thus preparing students to make informed choices regarding specialized study in the second year. Classroom-based course work in Social Work Micro Practice, Social Work Macro Practice, Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE), and Social Work Research are taught concomitant with a year-long Field Practicum.

Micro Practice (10 units)

  • SW 602A: Foundation Micro Practice I (4 units)
  • SW 602B: Foundation Micro Practice II (4 units)
  • SW 602C: Foundation Micro Practice III (2 units)

Macro Practice (10 units)

  • SW 606A: Foundation Macro Practice I (4 units)
  • SW 606B: Foundation Macro Practice II (4 units)
  • SW 606C: Foundation Macro Practice III (2 units)

HBSE (8 units)

  • SW 604A: Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Birth Through Adolescence (4 units)
  • SW 604B: Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Adulthood and Aging (4 units)

Research (8 units)

  • SW 612:Social Work Research I (4 units)
  • SW 613: Social Work Research II (4 units)

Field Work (12 units)

  • SW 608A: Foundation Field Work (4 units)
  • SW 608B: Foundation Field Work (4 units)
  • SW 608C: Foundation Field Work (4 units)
Note: A minimum of 16 field hours per week, including a 3-hour monthly field seminar.

Four units of electives, approved by advisor if taken outside the department.