Dr. Isiah Marshall, Jr., Dean
(757) 823-8648
Dr. Kirsten S. Ericksen, Associate Dean
(757) 823-8296
The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University was established in 1960 with the founding of the Baccalaureate Social Work (BSW) program. It’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) degree programs were added in 1974, and 1995, respectively. Thus, the School, along with its Continuing Education Program, offers the full continuum of social work education.
The School’s mission is to provide social work education programs which prepare students with competence to develop and deliver services which strengthen and empower individuals, families, and communities. The School and its programs emphasize the values of social justice, social responsibility, and respect for human rights, dignity, and diversity. The School is especially committed to addressing the strengths and challenges for an ethnically and culturally diverse client population in an evolving global community.
Accreditation
The School of Social Work’s Baccalaureate of Social Work and Master of Social Work Programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Organization of the School
The School is administered by the Dean. The Associate Dean is responsible for administrative matters. The BSW Program Director is responsible for the BSW Program Curriculum. The MSW Program Director is responsible for the MSW Program Curriculum. The Director of the Ph.D. Program is responsible for the Ph.D. Program.
Admission Requirements
BSW applicants must meet University requirements for admission. After completing the first two years of pre-social work course requirements, students may apply to the Professional Program for the BSW degree. The formal application process and requirements for admission to the professional phase of the Social Work Program are as follows:
- The student must have completed the first two years of basic core requirements and pre-social work requirements, and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on the 4.0 scale (an overall average of C or better).
- The student must complete and submit all Professional Program application materials to the Director of the Baccalaureate Social Work Program.
- The student must complete or be enrolled in ENG 299 Writing Competency Exam.
- Continued matriculation at the professional level of the Baccalaureate Social Work Program requires that the student:
- Maintain an overall G.P.A. of 2.0 or better.
- Maintain an average of 2.5 G.P.A. in social work courses.
- Must have earned a grade of C or better in social work courses and designated courses as specified in the Social Work curriculum.
- Complete the degree requirements in accordance with the University Catalog and School of Social Work Field Manual.
School of Social Work Courses
SWK 199 Professional Dev Leadership & Ethics (2 Credits)
The course orients students to social work including the generalist approach, practice, standards, the National Association of Social Workers code of ethics and behaviors essential to be a professional social worker and global leader. Additional focus includes developing critical thinking skills, self-awareness, and the importance of being a lifelong learner.
SWK 200 Introduction to Social Work (3 Credits)
This course exposes students to Social Work history, values and ethics, intervention methods, fields of practice and organizational settings. Special emphasis on the nature and functions of social work and the diversity of roles of the generalist practitioner.
SWK 207 Social Welfare Policy I (3 Credits)
This course is the study of social problems and social work commitment to diversity, social and economic justice, and populations-at-risk. Specific emphasis on the historical background of social welfare and the emergence of the social work profession.
SWK 207H Hon Social Welfare Policy & Service I (3 Credits)
Study of social problems and social work commitment to diversity, social and economic justice, and populations-at-risk. Specific emphasis on the historical background of social welfare and the emergence of the social work profession.
SWK 220 Human Behavior & Social Environment I (3 Credits)
This course is the first of three required courses in the Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) sequence. It examines the dynamics of multilevel social systems as they have an impact on the development and well-being of individuals from preconception through childhood. Critical analysis is given to diverse social and cultural factors and their relation to social work values and ethics including social justice.
SWK 220H Hon Human Behavior & Social Environ I (3 Credits)
This course is the first of three required courses in the Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) sequence. It examines the dynamics of multilevel social systems as they have an impact on the development and well-being of individuals from preconception through childhood. Critical analysis is given to diverse social and cultural factors and their relation to social work values and ethics including social justice.
SWK 300 Social Welfare Policy II (3 Credits)
This course examines social problems and teaches students how to develop a social welfare policy analysis. Institutional nature of social welfare, relation to social institutions, and governmental welfare policies are covered.
SWK 300H Honors Social Welfare Policy II (3 Credits)
This course examines social problems and teaches students how to develop a social welfare policy analysis. Institutional nature of social welfare, relation to social institutions, and governmental welfare policies are covered.
SWK 309 Human Behavior & Social Environment II (3 Credits)
This is the second of three required courses in the Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) sequence. This course includes an examination of the dynamics of multilevel social systems, and their impact on the development of individuals from adolescence through dying and death. Study of interaction between human biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they affect and are affected by human behavior.
SWK 312 Introduction to Generalist Practice (3 Credits)
This is the first of three required courses in the General Practice Sequence. This first course provides students with the foundational knowledge, values, skills, and affective processes that form the holistic conceptual framework of generalist social work practice.
SWK 313 Gen Practice Individuals/Families (3 Credits)
This is the second of three required courses in the Generalist Practice Sequence. The course examines the application of the generalist intervention model or planned change process with individuals and families from diverse populations. Emphasis is on professionalism, self-awareness, human diversity, systems theory, ecological perspective, and strengths perspective.
SWK 314 Nature & Meaning of Child Welfare (3 Credits)
This course is designed to present a broad knowledge of the principal child welfare services, programs, and policies that are aimed at strengthening and preserving the institution of the family and fostering the development and well-being of children.
SWK 314H Hnrs Nature & Meaning of Child Welfare (3 Credits)
This course is designed to present a broad knowledge of the principal child welfare services, programs, and policies that are aimed at strengthening and preserving the institution of the family and fostering the development and well-being of children.
SWK 315 Trauma-Informed Practice Child/Family (3 Credits)
This course is an undergraduate elective that provides an overview of special topics of treatment, specifically trauma-informed generalist practice with children and families. This is a practice elective.
SWK 315H Hon Trauma Inform Practice Child/Family (3 Credits)
This course is an undergraduate elective that provides an overview of special topics of treatment, specifically trauma-informed generalist practice with children and families. This is a practice elective.
SWK 318 Gen Prac Group Organization & Community (3 Credits)
This is the final of three required courses in the Generalist Practice (GP) sequence. This course includes an examination of theories and methods of social work in mezzo and macro practice. Emphasis is on the development of skills related to engagement, data collection, problem identification/assessment, intervention, termination, and evaluation while working with groups, organizations, and communities.
SWK 318H Hon Group Organization & Community (3 Credits)
This is the final of three required courses in the Generalist Practice (GP) sequence. This course includes an examination of theories and methods of social work in mezzo and macro practice. Emphasis is on the development of skills related to engagement, data collection, problem identification/assessment, intervention, termination, and evaluation while working with groups, organizations, and communities.
SWK 319 Human Behavior & Social Environment III (3 Credits)
This course is the third of three required courses in the Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) sequence. This course examines the dynamics of multilevel social systems as they have an impact on the formation and development of the diverse contemporary American family. Emphasis is on the interactions between and among family diversity, as well as biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they relate to the family unit.
SWK 320 Human Diversity & Social Justice in SW (3 Credits)
This course examines the impact of discrimination and oppression on members of particular groups, such as ethnic minorities, women, elderly, disabled, gay, lesbian, and transgender, while considering the effects of diversity on human behavior and attitudes. It will review historical and contemporary policies and events, how social workers attend to systemic issues and the role, function, and intersections of oppression in society as it relates to social, racial, and economic justice.
SWK 326 Techniques of Counseling (3 Credits)
This course presents an overview of the major theories of counseling. It provides in-depth study of the basic theoretical assumptions and concepts of counseling individuals and families.
SWK 327 Interviewing Techniques (3 Credits)
This course examines the general principles and techniques of interviewing and recording, which may be applied not only in social work but also in other occupations.
SWK 329 Community & Neighborhood Development (3 Credits)
This course examines community and neighborhood empowerment from a social work, community practice, community development, and a business and economic development perspective.
SWK 333 Methods of Social Work Research (3 Credits)
This course introduces social work students to the fundamental concepts of research principles, statistical analysis, and methodologies used in the Social Work profession.
SWK 411 Contemporary Social Policy Issues (3 Credits)
This course is an advanced elective that builds on students' liberal arts perspective, foundation policy classes, as well as the knowledge, values, and skills gained in the Generalist Practice, Human Behavior, and Research sequences. Contemporary policy issues are examined.
SWK 411H Hnrs Contemporary Social Policy Issues (3 Credits)
This course is an advanced elective that builds on students' liberal arts perspective, foundation policy classes, as well as the knowledge, values, and skills gained in the Generalist Practice, Human Behavior, and Research sequences. Contemporary policy issues are examined.
SWK 416 Generalist Practice: Evaluation (3 Credits)
This course examines the application of techniques for evaluation of generalist practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding and refining practice skills that center on evaluation of social work practice. Research procedures and designs are studied as a means of objectively assessing the efficiency and efficacy of social work practice intervention. Ethical issues of practice and evaluation practices are addressed relative to oppressed populations.
SWK 416H Honors Generalist Practice: Evaluation (3 Credits)
This course examines the application of techniques for evaluation of generalist practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding and refining practice skills that center on evaluation of social work practice. Research procedures and designs are studied as a means of objectively assessing the efficiency and efficacy of social work practice intervention. Ethical issues of practice and evaluation practices are addressed relative to oppressed populations.
SWK 490 Practicum Seminar I (1 Credits)
This course integrates theory with field practice. It assists in evaluating practice performance while exploring personal and professional values and ethics.
SWK 491 Practicum Seminar II (1 Credits)
This is the second practicum course. This course continues to integrate theory with field practice. It assists in evaluating practice performance while exploring personal and professional values and ethics.
SWK 492 Independent Study in Social Work (3 Credits)
This course provides opportunities to engage in student and/or faculty-initiated special projects that explore a specific dimension of social work practice and/or theory.
SWK 495 Practicum in Social Work I (5 Credits)
This course requires an internship in a social welfare agency. Students complete 225 hours per semester while engaged in a supervised practice experience where generalist skills are utilized/required.
SWK 496 Practicum in Social Work II (5 Credits)
This second practicum course requires an internship in a social welfare agency. Students complete 225 hours per semester while engaged in a supervised practice experience where generalist skills are utilized/required.
SWK 497 Macro/Micro Persp Inter Social Welfare (3 Credits)
This course is an advanced level social policy course. It is designed to examine the interplay among macro social systems in selected western and non-western societies as they relate to general social welfare.
SWK 497H Macro/Micro Persp Inter Social Welfare (3 Credits)
This course is an advanced level social policy course. It is designed to examine the interplay among macro social systems in selected western and non-western societies as they relate to general social welfare.
SWK 498A Bsw Field Practicum Orientation I (0 Credits)
This is an orientation course to provide social work field practicum students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to prepare and navigate a successful and advanced field education experience. The purpose of this course is to help students understand their role, function, and responsibilities as practicum students. In addition, this course outlines the relationship of the practicum agency to the field experience and explores the importance of ethical and professional behavior.
SWK 498B Bsw Field Practicum Orientation II (0 Credits)
This is the second orientation course to provide social work field practicum students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to prepare and navigate a successful and advanced field education experience. The purpose of this course is to help students understand their role, function, and responsibilities as practicum students. In addition, this course outlines the relationship of the practicum agency to the field experience and explores the importance of ethical and professional behavior.