Social Work

Undergraduate Program Information

The BSW degree (CSWE accredited) allows you to join a profession dedicated to helping people in personal and social situations. As a unique and challenging field, social work addresses the complexity of human behavior and the ever-present needs and potential of people. From rural communities to inner cities, social workers work in social service agencies, mental health centers, hospitals, schools, neighborhood organizations, probation offices, and private agencies. Social work roles are varied and flexible. Social workers practice in areas such as child abuse, community organization, direct services with individuals and families, mental health, group work, and the administration, planning, and development of social programs. With each consumer group and in every agency setting, social workers help to correct the causes or alleviate the results of poverty, racism, poor health, mental illness, or any condition that prohibits people from reaching their potential. The School of Social Work offers the undergraduate program in Las Cruces and Online leading to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. 

Graduate Program Information

The School of Social Work offers full-time and part-time graduate study in Las Cruces and Online leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The program is designed to provide academic and practicum education with an emphasis in Advanced Generalist Practice with Populations of the Southwest based on the foundation first year of generalist practice. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Admission to the program is in accordance with the general regulations of the Graduate School, which include a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. In addition to applying to the Graduate School, the application must also be made to the School of Social Work. The application to the School of Social Work spells out admission requirements, including submitting an internal application, a written statement, a current resume, and personal references.  Applicants are required to complete a Basic Statistics course and a course with Human Biology content before beginning their MSW program of study. The program does not grant academic credit for work or other life experience in lieu of social work courses or practicum education.

The School of Social Work is committed to ensuring a culturally diverse student population to enhance the social work profession at both state and national levels. To meet this goal of diversity, the school makes an effort to recruit from historically underrepresented groups.

Applicants who qualify for advanced standing may complete the program with 30 credits rather than 60 credits. Admission to the advanced-standing program is for highly qualified applicants who have a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) from a social work program accredited by the CSWE and earned within five years of beginning the advanced standing program, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 in core Undergraduate Social Work courses.

Degrees for the School

Bachelor Degree(s)

Master Degree(s)

Interim Co-Director's: Monica Montoya, Stacy Gherardi, PhD

Professor Díaz Associate Professor de la Rosa, Finno-Velasquez, Gergerich, Gherardi Assistant Professor Lopez, Knox College Assistant Professors Brown, Facio, Nieto, Nunez, Stracener, Tellez College Associate Professor Montoya 

H. Diaz, PhD (Illinois)- social welfare policy and community socio-economic development; I. de la Rosa, PhD (Michigan)-program evaluation, research; M. Finno-Velasquez, PhD (California)-child welfare, immigration; E. Gergerich, PhD (Arkansas)-gerontology; S. Gherardi, PhD (Illinois)-school social work; K. Knox, PhD (New Mexico)- special education; A. Lopez, PhD (Massachusetts, Mexico)-Latino immigrant families and children; S. Brown, DBH (Arizona)- behavioral health, severe mental illness, psychotherapist; S. Facio, MSW (New Mexico)- medical healthcare, mental health care, grief adjustment and counseling; T. Nieto, MSW-public schools and private practice; M. Nunez, LCSW- medical and rehabilitation; M. Stracener, DrPH- mental health, crisis assessor, policy practice; M. Tellez, MSW (New Mexico)- serious mental illness, criminal justice system; M. Montoya, MSW (New Mexico)-child welfare.

Please see faculty page for full faculty bios: https://socialwork.nmsu.edu/staff-resources1/directory1.html

Social Work Courses

SOWK 2110G. Introduction to Human Services & Social Work

3 Credits (3)

This course is for students who are interested in social welfare issues and/or are considering entering a social service profession. The course presents an overview of social problems, issues and trends, and the network of social agencies developed to address these concerns. The course examines the influence of personal and professional values and ethics on the helping relationship. The concept of social welfare will be discussed from a social work perspective (with an emphasis on social justice), and students will gain a basic understanding of social work in U.S. society, social work career opportunities, and contemporary issues facing social workers. Approaches relevant to work with individuals, families, groups and communities are presented, with special emphasis on Hispanic and Indigenous populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the interactions of social institutions, cultural factors, dimensions of identity, and environment with the human development and behavior of individuals.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the social work profession’s focus on addressing contemporary social issues in the United States.
  3. Describe the mission and services provided by social service agencies at the regional, national, and global levels.
  4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the social work profession, its history, career opportunities, and contemporary issues facing social workers in the United States today.
  5. Recognize how students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes impact their competence as helping professionals.

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SOWK 3110. Sociocultural Concepts

3 Credits (3)

Theoretical and sociohistorical perspectives on racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, classism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination and oppression. Cultural diversity, strengths, and Southwest and border issues are examined. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Examine the role culture, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class play in the way people think, feel, and behave.
  2. Examine how diverse populations have been oppressed and exploited by dominant groups throughout U.S. history.
  3. Analyze the effects of stereotypes, fallacies, and misconceptions about groups that experience oppression such as the LGBTQIA2S+ community, the Elderly, People with Disabilities, BIPOC and people from low socio economic backgrounds and other socially marginalized groups.
  4. Recognize theoretical models that describe various forms of discrimination, oppression, privilege and power.
  5. Be familiar with relevant knowledge regarding the Southwest, border issues, Native American and Latinx/Chicanx/Hispanic content.
  6. Recognize and implement anti racist, anti oppressive, and practice decolonization/indigenization and cultural humility in social work practice and social justice.

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SOWK 3120. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

3 Credits (3)

Major theories of human behavior and the life span from conception to adolescence. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply knowledge of and be able to critique the major theories of human behavior and development processes in the social environment.
  2. Introduce knowledge and understanding of the influence of environmental systems (groups and communities) and the complex interplay of biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural dimensions for human development and functioning across the life span.
  3. Explore and discuss knowledge and appreciation for human diversity (race/ethnicity, culture, gender, physical/mental disabilities, rural/urban differences, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status) and their impact on human development and functioning.
  4. Identify and analyze factors and/events that affect ethnic minorities, women, and other vulnerable and/or oppressed populations.
  5. Become familiar with current research of human behavior and the social environment as well as principal based ethics and social work values involved.
  6. Examine and explore awareness of the ethical dilemmas, controversies and values inherent in work with diverse populations and various social systems and the implications for practice with emphasis on the Southwest.
  7. Explore biases and stereotypes that can affect the understanding of human behavior and change in the social environment

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SOWK 3130. Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

3 Credits (3)

Continuation of S WK 3120. Major theories of human behavior and the life span from young adulthood through old age. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 3120.

SOWK 3140V. Introduction to Social Policy: History

3 Credits (3)

Historical overview of the economic, political, and cultural impact on social welfare policy, institutions, and professions with international content. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will use reflection and self- regulation to manage personal values as they engage in discussion and written reflection around underlying values in social welfare.
  2. Students will apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the macro level through written reflection.
  3. Students will apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies through self-reflective discussions.
  4. Students will apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to analyze social policy and advocate for just policies.
  5. Through policy analysis and review of policy research, students will Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services; assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services, and apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

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SOWK 3150. Social Work Research

3 Credits (3)

This undergraduate course is designed to prepare students to be effective consumers of research and to evaluate their own practice. Students will learn to read, critically evaluate and use the research of others to select interventions that are based on evidence of effectiveness. Students will demonstrate the knowledge, values and skills to be critical consumers of research for effective and ethical practice as well as possess the basic skills necessary to evaluate their own social work professional practice. Restricted to Social Work majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: MATH 1350G or STAT 2350G.

SOWK 3210. Social Work Practice Skills

3 Credits (3)

Introduction to generalist social work practice. Interpersonal skills, values, and ethics required in the helping relationship. Taught in a small-group format. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills of entry-level generalist social work practice which focus on the interaction between client-systems and the social environment.
  2. Demonstrate and apply the integration of social work values and ethics with one’s own personal values and apply ethical decision making in practice.
  3. Demonstrate and apply worker-client relationship building and maintenance skills which can be applied across client-systems and populations.
  4. Demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills of entry-level generalist social work practice with populations that are targeted and most vulnerable
  5. Demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills of entry-level generalist social work practice with populations-at-risk including skills for engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation.
  6. Demonstrate and apply both critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills in entry-level generalist social work practice.
  7. Identify and apply methods of evaluating effectiveness in practice skills, assessment, and intervention across client systems.

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SOWK 3220. Social Work Practice with Individuals

3 Credits (3)

Generalist social work practice theory and skills in engagement, information gathering, assessments, planning, interventions, evaluation, and termination with individual client systems. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 3210.

SOWK 3230. Social Work Practice with Families

3 Credits (3)

Generalist social work practice theory and skills in engagement, information gathering, assessments, planning, interventions, evaluation, and termination with multicultural family systems. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 3210.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will apply ethical principles in social work and frameworks for ethical decision making to case scenarios involving families.
  2. Students will assess their family of origin and its potential impact on their own work with families.
  3. Students will model stages of the helping process with diverse families using cultural humility and a transcultural perspective.
  4. Students will explain how family identity intersects with social factors to impact family functioning.
  5. Students will plan and execute role plays modeling engagement with diverse families that reflect transcultural awareness and cultural humility.
  6. Students will integrate discussion of their own experiences in their planning for family engagement.
  7. Students will plan and execute role plays modeling assessment with diverse families that reflect transcultural awareness and cultural humility.
  8. Students will conduct a family biopsychosocial assessment and treatment plan. Students will conduct a family biopsychosocial assessment and treatment plan. Students will plan and execute role plays modeling practice evaluation.

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SOWK 4110. Social Welfare Policy: Legislation

3 Credits (3)

Policy practice related to the formation of current social welfare policies that promote social and economic justice. Emphasis is on the development and influences of social policy, policy analysis, and the policy change process. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the social policy development and influence process.
  2. Apply a framework for the analysis of current and proposed social policy.
  3. Identify and discuss current legislation which addresses social and economic justice.
  4. Articulate gaps and/or problems in existing social welfare policies and in social welfare programs.
  5. Identify strategies which are appropriate to baccalaureate level practice that may influence policymakers on behalf of people in need.

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SOWK 4210. Generalist Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities

3 Credits (3)

This course focuses on generalist social work values, knowledge and skills regarding practice with larger systems. Course content will include theories of community and organizational assessment and intervention. Strategies for advocacy and change, leadership for community and organizational change. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Analyze various macro theories and apply two or more to a particular issue within a local community or organization.
  2. Describe the historical context/foundation of macro practice in social work and identify its application in the community.
  3. Identify ethical principles related to macro practice.
  4. Describe the use of macro level practice in empowering diverse and oppressed populations
  5. Describe an evidence-based practice framework for social work intervention with communities and organizations.

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SOWK 4220. Generalist Social Work Practice with Groups

3 Credits (3)

Generalist social work practice skills with group client systems focusing on the planned change process and the empowerment of oppressed populations. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

SOWK 4230. Family and Child Welfare Practice

3 Credits (3)

Current issues and interventions in child protection, foster care, family preservation and support, family reunification, adoption and permanency planning. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

SOWK 4240. Professionalism in the Field of Social Work

3 Credits (3)

Students will use the field experience as the backdrop for assessing their own progress toward entry level generalist social work practice; to integrate coursework and field experience to develop their professional foundation. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Corequisite: SOWK 4321.

SOWK 4310. Practicum I

3 Credits (3)

Supervised professional practice in a community social service agency, providing experiential learning and instruction. 240 clock hours required. Restricted to: S WK majors.

Corequisite: SOWK 4311.

SOWK 4311. Practicum Seminar I

3 Credits (3)

The practicum seminar course will provide students the opportunities to integrate coursework and field practice experience learning to develop social work competencies. Restricted to: S WK majors.

Corequisite: SOWK 4310.

SOWK 4320. Practicum II

3 Credits (3)

This course is a continuation of a supervised professional practice in a community social service agency, providing experiential learning and instruction. 240 clock hours required. Restricted to: S WK majors.

Corequisite: SOWK 4321.

SOWK 4321. Practicum Seminar II

3 Credits (3)

The practicum seminar course will provide students the opportunities to integrate coursework and field practice experience learning to demonstrate social work competencies. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Corequisite: SOWK 4320.

SOWK 4510. Family and Child Welfare Policy

3 Credits (3)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the history and evolution of child welfare policies, initiatives and factors that influence advocacy and practices within the child welfare system. Child welfare policies and services specific to the state of New Mexico are infused throughout the course. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

SOWK 4996. Special Topics

3 Credits (3)

Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be used as a mandatory practice elective. Junior or above standing, majors or consent of instructor. Restricted to: S WK majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Varies

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SOWK 4997. Independent Study

1-6 Credits (1-6)

Individual studies directed by consenting faculty with the prior approval of the department head. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Varies

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SOWK 5110. Sociocultural Concepts and Populations of the Southwest

3 Credits (3)

Theoretical and sociohistorical perspectives on racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, classism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination and oppression. Cultural diversity, strengths, and Southwest and border issues are emphasized. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain and compare various theoretical and historical perspectives on discrimination, oppression and economic deprivation, as well as theories of human need and social justice as they relate to marginalized populations in the U.S., especially within the U.S. Southwest.
  2. Describe the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination, including the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power.
  3. Analyze the impact of discrimination, oppression and disenfranchisement as well as privilege, power, and acclaim on the human experience and formation of identity.
  4. Evaluate dimensions of diversity as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status.
  5. Propose strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected.

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SOWK 5120. Social Work Research I

3 Credits (3)

Introduction to analytical skills used in social work research: problem formulation, research designs, measurement, instrumentation, data collection and analysis, use of human participants in research, and application of research knowledge and professional ethics to social work practice. Restricted to: MSW majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will demonstrate the application of research methodologies for conducting both qualitative and quantitative empirical studies.
  2. Students will select relevant peer-reviewed journal articles representative of the generalist social work practice model that contribute to their understanding of social work as an evidenced-based practice.
  3. Students will analyze the roles that the Belmont Report, Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protections, and Institutional Review Boards have in the ethical treatment and protection of human subject participants in conducting research.
  4. Students will integrate the professional standards of CSWE Competency 4 into the implications section of the article critiques and research proposal assignment.
  5. Students will connect their field practicum experiences to identify the role of generalizable results from empirical research applying to their area of practice client population.
  6. Students will propose an empirical research study that details the steps necessary to apply for Institutional Review Board approval.

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SOWK 5130. Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

3 Credits (3)

The major theories of human behavior and the life span from conception to adolescence. Focuses both on the areas of concern and risk for client systems and on the opportunities and strengths in the social environment. Restricted to MSW majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe key theories of human behavior in the social environment.
  2. Compare stage theories to recognize typical human development
  3. Apply theoretical perspectives to explain a range of various human behaviors.
  4. Identify key biological, psychological, and spiritual characteristics of a client (and) subsequently apply appropriate intervention strategies.
  5. Identify ways one’s physical environment may promote and/or deter optimal health/well-being.

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SOWK 5135. Human Behavior in the Social Environment

3 Credits (3)

The major theories of human behavior and the life span from conception through adolescence, adulthood, and old age. Focuses both on the areas of concern and risk for client systems and on the opportunities and strengths in the social environment. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the biological and psychological elements and impacts of adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
  2. Identify typical physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, as well as atypical developmental issues for each age/stage.
  3. Recognize the sociocultural context of childbearing, child rearing, adolescence, partnership, and aging.
  4. Apply knowledge of human development to guide social work assessment and intervention.

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SOWK 5140. Human Behavior & the Social Environment II

3 Credits (3)

The major theories of human behavior from young adulthood to old age. This course will focus on both areas of concern and risk for client systems and on the opportunities and strengths in the social environment. Restricted to: MSW majors.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5130.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the biological and psychological elements and impacts of adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
  2. Identify typical physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development of infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults (as well atypical developmental issues for each age/stage).
  3. Recognize the sociocultural context of childbearing, child rearing, adolescence, partnership, and aging.
  4. Apply knowledge of human development to guide social work assessment and intervention.

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SOWK 5150. Social Problems and Social Welfare Policy

3 Credits (3)

An overview of social and economic problems in the United States and the historical and current social welfare policies aimed at alleviating these problems. Emphasis on developing an awareness and ability to change policies that impact vulnerable populations. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Summarize the history of the social work profession in social welfare policy and the major roles that social workers perform in policy practice.
  2. Analyze the values, institutional, political and economic forces that drive social problems and social welfare policy in the U.S.
  3. Analyze past, current and future social policies developed to respond to social problems from a lens that considers the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences on social problems, and the impact on diverse populations of the Southwest.
  4. Evaluate how social work values, ethics, and research, impact the development, evaluation, and implementation of social policy.

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SOWK 5155. Social Policy Issues, Analysis and Change

3 Credits (3)

An overview of social and economic problems in the United States and the historical and current social welfare policies aimed at alleviating these problems. Emphasis on developing an awareness and ability to create, analyze, and change policies that impact vulnerable populations. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Comprehend the values, institutional, political, and economic forces that drive social problems and social welfare policy in the U.S.
  2. Analyze past, current, and future social policies developed to respond to social problems from a lens that considers the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences on social problems and the impact on diverse populations of the Southwest.
  3. Evaluate how social work values, ethics, and research impact social policy development, evaluation, and implementation.
  4. Apply a multilevel policy advocacy framework to advocate for policies that promote human rights, social and economic justice and addresses culturally influenced barriers to services presented by practitioners, organizations, and larger systems for populations of the Southwest.

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SOWK 5160. Generalist Social Work Practice I

3 Credits (3)

This is the first course of a two-course sequence. An introduction to the generalist crosscultural, social work practice perspective with individuals and families, focusing on social work as a profession, social work knowledge base, professional development, relationship building and assessment with individuals and families within a framework of social work values and ethics. Restricted to: MSW majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will apply the NASW Code of Ethics and frameworks for ethical reasoning to ethical dilemmas encountered in social work practice
  2. Students will analyze the strengths and limitations of social work at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
  3. Students will demonstrate client engagement through the process of motivational interviewing
  4. Students will apply skills for effective client assessment through interviews and written biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments
  5. Students will create effective, measurable client-centered goals and objectives
  6. Students will engage in interprofessional collaboration around a current topic
  7. Students will apply knowledge of theory and their own positionality to assessment information to formulate a case

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SOWK 5165. Generalist Social Work Practice

3 Credits (3)

An introduction to generalist social work practice skills, focusing on the theoretical foundations of social work as a profession and implementing the planned change process with individual, family, group, community, and organizational client systems within a social work values and ethics framework. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: SOWK 5141 and SOWK 5110.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will apply the NASW Code of Ethics and frameworks for ethical reasoning to ethical dilemmas encountered in social work practice.
  2. Students will demonstrate the application of assessment tools and approaches to various client systems.
  3. Students will create effective, measurable client-centered goals and objectives.
  4. Students will select relevant, evidence-based interventions to meet client goals.
  5. Students will describe approaches to evaluating practice across a range of client systems.
  6. Students will engage in interprofessional collaboration around a current topic.
  7. Students will analyze strategies for integrating micro, mezzo, and macro approaches to meet client needs.

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SOWK 5170. Generalist Social Work Practice II

3 Credits (3)

This is the second course of a two-course sequence. A continuation of the generalist crosscultural, social work practice perspective with indivduals and families, focusing on goal setting, contracting, implementation, and outcome assessment. The course also applies the generalist practice perspective and methods to larger systems: groups, organizations, and communities and includes relationship building, assessment, goal setting, contracting, implementation and outcome assessment within a framework of social work values and ethics. Restricted to: MSW majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5160.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will analyze strategies for integrating micro, mezzo, and macro approaches to meet client needs
  2. Students will select relevant, evidence-based interventions to meet client goals
  3. Students will monitor progress and evaluate treatment outcomes using effective measurement tools and strategies
  4. Students will demonstrate foundational skills for engagement and intervention with groups and/or families
  5. Students will describe the rationale and basic skills for intervention with communities and organizations.
  6. Students will propose a project that applies the planned change process at the community level
  7. Students will integrate their learning across all nine social work competencies and apply this learning to a given case.

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SOWK 5180. Generalist Practicum Experience I

3 Credits (3)

Supervised professional practice in a community social service agency, providing experiential instruction and learning. 225 clock hours required. Seminar required. Restricted to: MSW majors.

SOWK 5181. Generalist Practicum Seminar I

3 Credits (3)

This practicum seminar assists students in integrating knowledge, skills, values, and ethical principles gained in practice and theory courses into social work practice settings. This seminar also aids students in integrating social work practice processes in service planning and delivery. Students explore skills of collaboration and consultation by presenting practicum case examples. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Corequisite: SOWK 5180.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: SOWK 5110 and SOWK 5161.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Increase awareness of personal strengths and challenges as a developing social work practitioner.
  2. Employ knowledge, skills, values, and ethical principles from practice and theory courses in social work practice.
  3. Demonstrate application of research findings to social work practice.
  4. Collaborate and consult effectively with peers and practicum liaison.
  5. Generalize the Council on Social Work Education's core competencies to social work practice.

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SOWK 5190. Generalist Practicum Experience II

3 Credits (3)

Supervised professional practice in a community social service agency. 225 clock hours required. Seminar required. Restricted to: MSW majors.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5180.

SOWK 5191. Generalist Practicum Seminar II

3 Credits (3)

This practicum seminar builds on learning from Generalist Practicum Seminar I and assists students in integrating knowledge, skills, values, and ethical principles gained in practice and theory courses into social work practice settings. This seminar also aids students in integrating social work practice processes in service planning and delivery. Students explore skills of collaboration and consultation by presenting practicum case examples. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5180 and SOWK 5181 and SOWK 5161.

Corequisite: SOWK 5190.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: SOWK 5320.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Increase awareness of personal strengths and challenges as a developing social work practitioner.
  2. Employ knowledge, skills, values, and ethical principles from practice and theory courses in social work practice.
  3. Demonstrate application of research findings to social work practice.
  4. Collaborate and consult effectively with others.
  5. Generalize the Council on Social Work Education's core competencies to social work practice.

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SOWK 5210. Core Components for Trauma Informed Practice

3 Credits (3)

This course facilitates students’ acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to effectively use 12 common trauma-informed practice elements in interventions for and the treatment of traumatized children and their families. The course conceptualizes a trajectory of intervention that considers the impact of trauma, intervention objectives, and the practice elements needed to facilitate the intervention objectives. This course is taught using an inquiry-based learning (IBL) pedagogy to enhance students’ engagement and learning using full-length cases to exemplify a range of different clients a clinician might encounter.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate cultural humility by applying critical reflection, self-awareness, and self-regulation to manage the influence of bias, power, privilege, and values in working with clients and constituencies, acknowledging them as experts regarding their own lived experiences.
  2. Apply knowledge of human behavior and person-in-environment, as well as interprofessional conceptual frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies.
  3. Demonstrate respect for client self-determination during the assessment process by collaborating with clients and constituencies in developing mutually agreed-on goals.
  4. Engage with clients and constituencies to critically choose and implement culturally responsive, evidenced-informed interventions to achieve mutually agreed-on plans and increase the capacities of clients and constituencies.

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SOWK 5220. Social Work Research II

3 Credits (3)

Focused on advanced generalist practice research in multicultural settings. Advanced skills to evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in multicultural settings. Needs assessment as well as program and practice evaluation are emphasized. Restricted to: MSW majors.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5120.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate and understanding of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods used in advanced generalist social work practice.
  2. Apply qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced generalist social work practice, for:a. advanced generalist program evaluation, b advanced generalist needs assessment, and c. evaluation of one's own practice.
  3. Develop competencies in critical analysis of empirical literature related to advanced generalist social work practice.
  4. Demonstrate sensitivity to ethical, value, and cultural issues in the application of social work research methods.

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SOWK 5230. Applied Social Work Research

3 Credits (3)

Introduction to skills for research-informed practice and practice-informed research, including problem formulation, research designs, measurement, instrumentation, data collection and analysis, use of human participants in research, and application of research knowledge and professional ethics to social work practice. Focus on the critical analysis, interpretation, and application of existing research and use of data to inform practice and advance the field across a range of client systems. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Formulate a clear, concise, and specific social work research problem statement that describes the social issue of focus.
  2. Understand key components of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research designs.
  3. Apply research knowledge and social work professional ethics to social work practice.
  4. Critically analyze, interpret, and apply existing research to inform social work practice.

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SOWK 5240. Leadership in Public Health Social Work

3 Credits (3)

This course explores the integrated application of Public Health Social Work (PHSW) models and theories of practice, addressing community and organizational assessment and intervention, interpretation of contexts of power and influence, capacity for conflict and alliances, and strategies for advocacy to promote community and organizational transformation. This course will emphasize assessing and sustaining culturally-sustaining, critical trauma theory-informed rural, tribal, and border area systems response to critical PHSW issues. This course is also designed to prepare students graduating in May 2022 for their MSW Final Program Examination and MPH Competency Exams.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply Public Health Social Work competencies to social work and public health practice settings.
  2. Demonstrate culturally humble, trauma informed public health social work knowledge, skills and values in social work and public health practice settings.
  3. Examine culturally- and identity-relevant public health social work practice considerations when serving in border area, tribal and rural communities.
  4. Design and implement community and organizational assessment through an integrated public health social work framework.

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SOWK 5250. Policy Analysis and Change

3 Credits (3)

This course will emphasize policy practice focusing on policy analysis and creating and implementing policy change. Restricted to MSW majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5150.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Analyze the role of policy advocacy in addressing social problems in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
  2. Use a multilevel policy advocacy framework to advocate for policies which promote human rights, social and economic justice, and addresses culturally influenced barriers to services presented by practitioners, organizations, and larger systems for populations of the Southwest.
  3. Identify interconnections between micro policy advocacy interventions, mezzo policy advocacy interventions, and macro policy advocacy interventions.
  4. Develop a plan for engagement in micro, mezzo and macro policy advocacy for local, state and federal policies that address social problems impacting diverse populations and constituencies of the Southwest.
  5. Apply policy advocacy skills across complex social problems across social sectors that includes collaboration with colleagues and clients.

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SOWK 5260. Social Work Skills Application

1 Credit (1)

This skills-based course prepares MSW students for management in government and nonprofit organizational contexts, including how to prepare and analyze organizational budgets, develop grant proposals and reports and develop a leadership platform.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand key components of budget planning, development and analysis for social service agencies and organizations.
  2. Develop knowledge and skills for writing grant proposals for federal, state and foundation funding requests.
  3. Explore social work leadership styles and develop a personalized leadership platform.

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SOWK 5280. Advanced Generalist Practicum Experience I

3 Credits (3)

Supervised professional practice in a community social service agency providing experiential learning in advanced generalist practice. 250 clock hours required. Seminar required. Restricted to: MSW majors.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5190.

SOWK 5281. Advanced Generalist Practicum Seminar I

2 Credits

This practicum seminar builds upon students’ knowledge, skills, values, and cognitive and affective processes attained in their generalist year to apply, analyze and evaluate advanced generalist social work service planning and delivery with diverse populations. Students develop professional social work practice knowledge in micro, mezzo, macro, and multidisciplinary settings.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5190 and SOWK 5191.

Corequisite: SOWK 5280.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: SOWK 5310 and SOWK 5330.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Incorporate the Council on Social Work Education's core competencies with social work practice skills and behaviors.
  2. Analyze and evaluate the efficacy of social work interventions.
  3. Perform critical reflectivity and skills of cultural humility to serve diverse populations competently.
  4. Integrate complex critical thinking with various theories and interventions to address complex and diverse practice contexts.

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SOWK 5290. Advanced Generalist Practicum Experience II

3 Credits (3)

Supervised professional practice in a community social service agency providing experiential learning in advanced generalist practice. 250 clock hours required. Seminar required. Restricted to: MSW majors.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5280.

SOWK 5291. Advanced Generalist Practicum Seminar II

2 Credits

This practicum seminar builds on learning from Advanced Practicum Seminar I and students’ knowledge, skills, values, cognitive and affective processes attained in their generalist year to apply, analyze and evaluate advanced generalist social work service planning and delivery with diverse populations. Students develop knowledge of professional social work practice in micro, mezzo, macro, and multidisciplinary settings.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5280 and SOWK 5281.

Corequisite: SOWK 5290.

Prerequisite/Corequisite: SOWK 5340 and SOWK 5350.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Incorporate the Council on Social Work Education's core competencies with social work practice skills and behaviors.
  2. Analyze and evaluate the efficacy of social work interventions.
  3. Perform critical reflectivity and skills of cultural humility to serve diverse populations competently.
  4. Integrate complex critical thinking with various theories and interventions to address complex and diverse practice contexts.

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SOWK 5310. Social Work Mental Health Practice

3 Credits (3)

This course is designed to add to the practice sequence for Masters Level students in Social Work. It addresses social work assessment of major mental health issues across the life span with an emphasis on resiliency and coping skills. Culturally responsive practices are applied to the major issues of mental health. Basic psychopharmacology, neurobiology and the ways in which Social Workers interact with clients to aid education and effective treatment of medical interventions will be a prominent part of this course. Evidence-based practices useful for work in various disorders will be incorporated.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically analyze the concepts of mental health and psychopathology.
  2. Assess social, political, and economic conditions which interfere with mental health, focusing on populations at risk for discrimination and oppression.
  3. Conduct assessments of mental and emotional functioning using approved models and tools.
  4. Apply DSM five criteria across a range of ages and cultures.
  5. Differentiate culturally based behaviors from psychopathology.
  6. Promote strengths-based approaches to avoid labeling.
  7. Recognize connections between psychopharmacological interventions, symptom reduction, and side effects.
  8. Identify evidence-based practices for work with clients exhibiting a range of mental disorders.

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SOWK 5320. Practice with Individuals

3 Credits (3)

This class builds on Foundation Year Practice courses by integrating theory and practice, and advancing skills in selecting, applying and evaluating practice interventions in a culturally sensitive manner with individuals. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5170.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will integrate key social work theories for direct practice into work with individuals.
  2. Students will select, apply and evaluate culturally-relevant interventions for practice with individuals.
  3. Students will describe and demonstrate the application of key approaches for direct practice with individuals.
  4. Students will apply skills for clinical case formulation.

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SOWK 5330. Practice with Groups

3 Credits (3)

This course will address the knowledge, values and skills needed to work effectively with diverse populations in group settings. The course will build on Foundation Year courses by integrating theory and practice, and advancing skills in selecting, applying and evaluating practice interventions in a culturally sensitive manner with social work groups. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5170.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct a group.
  2. Apply a theoretically informed knowledge base of group development as it is executed across systems.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the variety of roles that group leaders and participants need to address in accomplishing the successful mission of the group.
  4. Establish a process that encourages clients to embrace the mutual aid function of groups, embracing an attention to multiple helping relationships.
  5. Advocate for a democratic process within all groups, encouraging a mutual emphasis on empowerment.
  6. Apply skills for social work assessment to group assessments.

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SOWK 5340. Practice with Families

3 Credits (3)

This class builds on Foundation Year Practice courses by integrating theory and practice, and advancing skills in selecting, applying, and evaluating practice interventions in a culturally sensitive manner with families. Restricted to: MSW majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5170.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe a range of approaches to and issues in social work practice with families.
  2. Apply social work assessment and planning skills to work with family systems.
  3. Critically analyze the role of personal experiences in our perceptions of and work with families.
  4. Describe key features of core approaches to family therapy and critique their application in models.
  5. Demonstrate the application of at least one core approach to family therapy.
  6. Apply considerations for ethical decision making to work with families.

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SOWK 5350. Practice with Organizations and Communities

3 Credits (3)

This class builds on Foundation Year Practice courses by integrating theory and practice, and advancing skills in selecting, applying, and evaluating practice interventions in a culturally sensitive manner with organizations and communities. . Restricted to: MSW majors. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Prerequisite: SOWK 5170.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify key theories, history, and ideological influences for macro social work practice.
  2. Describe and apply methodology of Root Cause Analysis for a selected community/social issue of concern.
  3. Use a range of approaches to assess a community/social issue of concern.
  4. Create a community Power Map for the purposes of advocacy and social change.
  5. Conduct an Organizational Capacity Assessment.
  6. Present a strategic plan for implementing a data-informed initiative.
  7. Describe formal methods/techniques for program assessment.

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SOWK 5510. Family and Child Welfare Policy

3 Credits (3)

This course will enhance students’ ability to offer child welfare services that respect cultural differences, reflect current policy knowledge concerning child maltreatment, build on the advocacy and protective capacities of individuals, families and communities and encourage permanency for children and preservation of families. Required basic knowledge of child welfare and assessment skills. Outside majors require instructor permission. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

SOWK 5994. Final Exit Project

1 Credit (1)

Final Exit Project. This 1-credit course is the School of Social Work’s competency examination. The final exit project is non-thesis summative examination of students’ ability to apply the Council on Social Work Education’s core competencies to a case study. Students may only enroll in this course during the final semester of their MSW Program. May be repeated up to 2 credits.

Prerequisite: 45 Credit Hours.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply Council on Social Work Education's core competencies to a case study.

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SOWK 5996. Special Topics

1-3 Credits (1-3)

Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Open to graduate students in related disciplines and to community professionals in related disciplines and to community professionals in related fields. May be repeated up to 99 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Varies

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SOWK 5997. Independent Study

1-3 Credits (1-3)

Individual study to augment depth of knowledge in area related to course of study. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Varies

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SOWK 5999. Graduate Thesis

1-6 Credits (1-6)

Required for thesis option. May be repeated up to 6 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Varies

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Office Location: Health and Social Services Bldg. Suite 210

Phone: (575) 646-2143

Website: http://socialwork.nmsu.edu