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Graduate Catalog 2001-2003
Graduate Catalog 2004-2006 |
Master of Social Work (MSW)
With an emphasis on clinical practice, clinical supervision and program management, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides advanced professional study for women and men in the field of social work. The MSW program is jointly offered by the College of St. Catherine and the University of St. Thomas. Foundation and advanced courses include study in human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work research, generalist and clinical social work practice, fieldwork, social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice and populations at risk.
The MSW program emphasizes the development of the individual student. The curriculum, through its focus on clinical social work practice - direct practice with individuals, small groups and families - develops skills in working with problems such as poverty, discrimination, mental illness, developmental disability and oppression. It emphasizes demonstrated mastery of a professional knowledge base and related practice skills. The curriculum is rooted in a philosophy of social responsibility and respect for individuals' rights. Students have the opportunity to develop a particular practice focus by selecting electives, a fieldwork placement(s), and a clinical research paper that reflects this interest.
The mission of the School of Social Work is: "Through the teaching of social work knowledge and practice, the School of Social Work at the College of St. Catherine and University of St. Thomas will prepare individuals to actualize the Judeo-Christian concept of social caring, to demonstrate belief in the intrinsic value of all human kind, to serve those in need and to act with conviction in advancing the principle of social justice and human rights."
The following serves as the mission statement for the Master of Social Work program: "To provide advanced professional study for women and men in clinical social work. The curriculum is rooted in a philosophy of social responsibility and respect for human rights. The program prepares social work practitioners for ethical social work practice and leadership with diverse populations, focusing on direct services, clinical supervision, program management and practice-based research."
As a reflection of this mission, the overall goals of the program are to:
- provide students with the analytical skills and substantive knowledge essential for clinical social work practice, for assessing the effectiveness of current social work methods and for developing more effective practice procedures.
- develop in students the knowledge and understanding of how to work with diverse cultural, class and ethnic groups and to adapt one's own social work practice to the needs of the specified groups.
- develop in students the capacity and capability for leadership in public and private social service agencies.
- promote and support research and knowledge development to improve the effectiveness of social work practice, policies and programs.
COURSE LIST & DESCRIPTIONS
Please visit Master of Social Work Course List
ACCREDITATION
The MSW program is accredited at the graduate level by the Council on Social Work Education: Commission on Accreditation. In June 2004, the Council in Social Work Education: Commission on Accreditation reaccredited the program for the full eight-year cycle. For more information on this organization, call (703) 683-8080, or check the Web at www.cswe.org.
LICENSURE
Effective July 1987, the Minnesota legislature passed legislation that provides for licensure of social workers at four levels. The licensing statute in Minnesota is both a title and practice act. The four levels of licensure are social worker, graduate social worker, independent social worker and independent clinical social worker. For specific information regarding social work licensure, contact the Minnesota Board of Social Work, 2829 University Ave. SE, Suite #340, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612) 617-2100, or check the Web at www.socialworkstate.mn.us.
Note: Effective August 1, 1997, all new applicants for licensure must have a criminal background check completed as part of their application.
Effective July 1990, an individual who desires to practice as a school social worker must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education. For more information regarding school social work licensure, contact the Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Hwy 36 W., Roseville, MN 55113, (651) 582-8691, or check the Web at http://www.education.state.mn.us/htm/intro_licensure.htm.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The regular standing graduate program requires 60 semester credits, including 1,000 hours of field practicum and the completion of a clinical research paper. Advanced standing students are required to complete a minimum of 42 semester hours, including 600 hours of field practicum and completion of a clinical research paper, to receive the MSW degree.
PROGRESSION POLICY
In order to remain in good standing, MSW students must earn a grade of C- or better in each social work course, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0, comply with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the Minnesota Licensing Code of Ethics, as well as comply with Standards of the MSW Social Work program as detailed in the MSW Student Handbook.
CONDITIONS FOR PROBATION, PROGRAM DISMISSAL OR TERMINATION
Students may be placed on probation, dismissed from the program and/or terminated from the program for violations of any of the above depending on the severity of the issue. In the event of probationary status or dismissal, the student will be advised in writing of the actions they must take to address identified concerns and a timeframe for doing so in order to regain full program status. This may include meeting minimal GPA requirements in the next 12 credits of course work (for academic probation or dismissal), demonstrating specific performance levels (in the areas of basic professional practice skills, stress management and emotional self-awareness, and professional judgment) in field practica and/or the classroom, future meetings with their advisors, seeking outside assistance, and re-evaluating readiness for the program.
READMISSION TO THE PROGRAM
A student who is dismissed is not eligible to register for courses or seek field placement, but may apply for readmission after the lapse of at least one semester or as specified in the dismissal letter. To be readmitted, a student must submit a petition to the Dean of the School of Social Work via the MSW Program Director describing why he or she will be successful if readmitted. A readmitted student is automatically place on probation, and the terms of probation will be provided in writing to the student. A readmitted student must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the next 12 credits of course work taken. Should a student fail to achieve a 3.0, he or she will be terminated form the program with no option for readmission.
Students who are place on probationary status, dismissed or terminated may use the institutional grievance policy and procedures of the University of St. Thomas to appeal any decision. This policy does not supersede or replace any applicable College or University wide process or policy.
There may be circumstances that warrant immediate discipline including termination form the program. The School of Social Work has the right to discipline or terminate a student during the course of or in lieu of the processes described.
YEARS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM
A graduate student in social work has up to four years to complete a graduate degree from the initial term of enrollment in the MSW program. Students may pursue program requirements during the regular academic year and summer sessions on a full- or extended-time status.
The MSW program is a two-year, four-semester program for regular standing, full-time students who register for 15 credit hours each semester. Students who have graduated from an undergraduate BSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may apply for advanced standing admission. Courses are offered in the late afternoon and evenings. Some courses are available in the summer.
DUAL MSW/MA DEGREE PROGRAM
The Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Theology programs have developed a collaborative dual degree program in social work and theology. This program was developed to reinforce and support a professional perspective that serves the multiple and complex needs of clients. Dual degree applicants need to express their intention upon application and be accepted into both the graduate social work and graduate theology programs. Once accepted, students develop a plan for completing both degrees with the support of an advisor from each program. Upon completion, students will have two degrees.
CURRICULUM
The following courses are required for the MSW program:
FOUNDATION COURSES
GRSW 500 History and Philosophy of Social Work
GRSW 501 Theory and Practice of Social Work I
GRSW 502 Theory and Practice of Social Work II
GRSW 505 Field Practicum and Seminar I
GRSW 506 Field Practicum and Seminar II
GRSW 540 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
GRSW 580 Methods of Social Work Research
CLINICAL CONCENTRATION
GRSW 603 Methods of Clinical Social Work I
GRSW 604 Methods of Clinical Social Work II
GRSW 607 Field Practicum and Seminar III
GRSW 608 Field Practicum and Seminar IV
GRSW 625 Social Policy and Program Development
GRSW 645 Psychopathology and Human Behavior
GRSW 650 Clinical Supervision and Program Management
GRSW 681 Social Work Practice Research
GRSW 682 Applied Research Seminar (Clinical Research Paper)
ELECTIVES
Choose any three:
GRSW 514 School Social Work
GRSW 515 Social Work and the Law
GRSW 516 Child Welfare
GRSW 523 Social Work Practice with the Elderly
GRSW 541 Family Resilience and Diversity
GRSW 590 Topics
GRSW 605 Progressive Social Work Practice
GRSW 609 The Spiritual Dimension of Social Work Practice
GRSW 612 Grief Counseling and Therapy
GRSW 614 Clinical Practice with Children
GRSW 615 Clinical Practice with Couples and Families
GRSW 616 Clinical Practice with Groups
GRSW 619 Integrative Psychotherapy
GRSW 621 Brief Dynamic Psychotherapy
GRSW 622 Clinical Practice with Adolescents
GRSW 623 Clinical Practice with the Elderly
GRSW 624 Mental Illness: Clinical Issues and Practice
GRSW 690 Topics
IDSW 660 Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Healthcare Ethics
Field Practicum and Seminar
Students are required to complete a 400-hour supervised field practicum during the foundation year of the program. Students who are granted advanced-standing admission are not required to complete this foundation field practicum. The foundation practicum must be taken concurrently with GRSW 501 and 502.
All students are required to complete a clinical field practicum of 600 hours. The clinical field practicum must be taken concurrently with GRSW 603 and 604.
The minimum number of hours required for field practicum is 1,000 for the two years. While in the field practicum placement, all students are required to attend a campus-based field seminar as part of their practicum experience.
Students may propose completing one practicum in their place of employment. Such placements must meet specific criteria and be approved by the Director of Field Education in advance. Students also may propose completing one practicum in a full-time summer block format.
Assessment of student performance in the field is based on a specific learning contract developed by the student in consultation with the agency-based field practicum instructor and faculty field supervisor. The contract articulates the learning goals and objectives, tasks to be performed and means of evaluation.
Elective Courses
Six of the nine elective credits must be taken within the College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas social work program. Electives are selected in consultation with the student's faculty advisor. Within the context of clinical social work practice, students may focus their program through the use of nine credits of guided electives, their clinical field practicum and the clinical research paper.
Clinical Research Paper
Candidates for the MSW degree must satisfactorily complete a clinical research paper. The paper must demonstrate an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the student's selected area of focus. It should demonstrate the student's ability to integrate social work theory with research findings. Students engaged in social work research and preparation of the clinical research paper register for GRSW 682. This seminar provides support, discussion and critique of the student's research to enable progress and completion of the paper.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Full-time and Extended-time Status
Regular-standing, two-year (four semesters), full-time students enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester, including field practicum. The total number of hours required for completion of the regular program is 60 semester hours. Regular standing students can elect to complete the program on extended-time status with either a three year (six semesters) or four year (eight semesters) plan. Students admitted into the advanced standing program complete a minimum of 42 semester hours, including field practicum. An advanced standing admission student can complete the program in 12 months, full-time status, or elect a two year (four semester) or three year (six semesters) plan. A graduate student is considered to be full time when registered in the MSW program for six or more credits per term during the academic year.
Advising
Upon admission to the MSW program, a student is assigned an academic advisor who assists in dealing with academic or personal issues throughout the graduate program.
Independent Study
Independent study for credit is a means of supplementing a program of regular courses. Students seeking such credit must submit a written proposal for the study. Approval will be granted only if the proposal is judged appropriate and if a qualified faculty member is available to supervise the student.
Weekend Cohort
The School of Social Work offers a three-year weekend cohort for advanced standing and four-year for regular standing MSW students. Classes meet in St. Paul one Friday and Saturday a month. For current availability of the weekend cohort, applicants should contact the Office of Graduate Admission at the College of St. Catherine.
FACULTY
Diane Bauer, Field Liaison and Supervisor. B.A., Hamline; M.S.W., University of Minnesota.
Barbara Berger, Associate Director of Field Education and Assistant Professor of Social Work. B.A., Southern Illinois University; M.S.W., University of Minnesota.
Mary Ann Brenden, Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., Cornell University; M.S.W., University of Minnesota - Duluth.
Mike Chovanec, Assistant Professor of Social Work. B.S.W., M.S.W., University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee; Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
Lake Dziengel, Field Liaison and Supervisor. B.S.W., The College of St. Catherine; M.S.W., University of Minnesota.
Peter Freeman, Assistant Professor of Social Work. B.S., Tulane University; M.S.W., University of Wisconsin - Madison; Ed.D., University of St. Thomas.
Kendra Garrett, Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., M.S.W., University of Iowa; D.S.W., The Catholic University of America.
Mari Ann Graham, MSW Program Director and Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., M.S.W., University of Nebraska at Omaha; Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University.
Marla Martin Hanley, Director of Field Education and Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., M.S.W., University of Oklahoma; Ph.D., St. Louis University.
W. Randolph Herman, Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., Vanderbilt University; M.S.W., University of Maryland; M.Ph., Massey University; Ed.D., University of St. Thomas.
Colin Hollidge, Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., University of Waterloo; M.S.W., Wilfrid Laurier University; Ph.D., Smith College for Social Work.
Al Holloway, Associate Professor of Social Work. B.S.W., University of Nebraska - Omaha; M.S.W., University of Minnesota; Psy.D., Southern California University for Professional Studies.
Tamara Kaiser, Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., M.S., University of Wisconsin; Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
Carol Kuechler, Associate Professor of Social Work. B.A., Marquette University; M.S.W., University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee; Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
Sandy Parnell, Assistant Professor of Social Work. B.A., St. Mary's; M.S.W., University of Minnesota.
David Roseborough, Assistant Professor of Social Work. B.A., Valparaiso University; M. Div., Harvard University; M.S.W., The College of St. Catherine/The University of St. Thomas; Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
Rochelle Rottenberg, Field Liaison and Supervisor. B.A., University of Michigan; M.S., Simmons College; M.S.W., Hunter College.
Barbara Shank, Dean of the School of Social Work and Professor of Social Work. B.A., Macalester College; M.S.W., Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
Serene Thornton, B.S.W. Program Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work. B.A., Concordia College; M.S.W., University of Denver.
Jessica Toft, Social Work Instructor. B.A., Grinnell College; M.S.W., University of Iowa; Ph.D., University of Minnesota.
This page was created on 06/30/2004 and last updated on 06/11/2008.
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