Department of Social Work

Purpose and Goals

The Department of Social Work houses both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work, as well as a minor option for those pursuing another degree program.  The Bachelor of Social Work (BASW) program prepares its graduates for successful careers, as entry level professional generalist social work practitioners and for advanced study.  For graduate studies, the Department offers an online clinical Master of Social Work (MSW)* degree program with a focus on medical and behavioral health interventions. 

The Department of Social Work at Prairie View A&M University offers one of the few fully Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited BASW degree programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the State of Texas. Our graduates are employed world-wide in professional social work agencies and all other areas of human services sectors.

The Department has a vibrant faculty with strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service. The faculty are student centered, and support mentoring and one-on-one advisement of students. The Department has a very low faculty to student ratio, sustains an environment conducive for leaning, and is committed to a high level of customer service. The PVAMU Department of Social Work is committed to “Education for Enhancing Social Change and Making a Difference in People’s Lives.”   

Degree Programs 

Program Degree Offered
Social Work BASW, MSW

Courses

SOWK 2313 Social Work with Children and Families: 3 semester hours.

Examination of social and cultural constructs of childhood including history and development of child welfare services; childhood developmental stages; social policy relevant to children, families and their well-being; assessment, intervention and direct services for children and families.

SOWK 2317 Multicultural Issues in Mental Health: 3 semester hours.

Exploration of the etiology and treatment modalities for addressing mental health issues with culturally diverse populations including African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American.

SOWK 2361 Introduction to the Field of Social Work: 3 semester hours.

Introduction to the profession of social work and the institution of social welfare. Include overviews of social welfare history; the range of contemporary services and agencies, and professional values, ethics, licensing and associates. Generalist social work model presented. Involves agency experience. Required for social work major and minor.

SOWK 3311 Social Welfare Policy and Services: 3 semester hours.

Introduces social welfare as a system of arrangements, programs, and mechanism for generalist social work practice in meeting human needs; survey of social welfare and issues related to social and economic justice.

SOWK 3312 Social Welfare Policy Analysis: 3 semester hours.

Study of the history, philosophy, structure and function of social welfare services; examination of policy-making processes and models, and effects of legislation on social work practice. Utilizes interdisciplinary approach including social, political, legal, economic and administrative.
Prerequisites: SOWK 3311 or SOWK 3113.

SOWK 3313 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: 3 semester hours.

Dynamics of human behavior and effects of the social environment on individual development. Process of human development adaptation from infancy through adolescence with an examination of developmental states, transitions and problems inclusive of the person in the environment.

SOWK 3314 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II: 3 semester hours.

Continuation of the person in the environment emphasizing theoretical orientation, building understanding and knowledge of human behavior as influenced by bio-psycho-social-cultural factors. Emphasis on current perspectives on adulthood and aging, and theories helpful for understanding work with individuals in the context of their social environment.
Prerequisites: SOWK 3313 or SOWK 3133.

SOWK 3315 Social Work with At-Risk Juveniles: 3 semester hours.

Emphasizes generalist approach to delinquency prevention, and intervention within the correctional system.

SOWK 3316 Gerontological Social Work: 3 semester hours.

Introduction of fundamentals in gerontology (theories, principles, and concepts); interdisciplinary approaches to aging and life-span development including ecological and systems perspective.

SOWK 3321 Human and Cultural Diversity Social Work: 3 semester hours.

Acquisition and application of methods, theories, and skills sensitive to a wide variety of human differences for competent social work practice with diverse populations. Effects of prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping at individual and institutional levels. Advocacy for social and economic justice specific to race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, social class, nationality, and sexual orientation.

SOWK 4312 Social Work Practice I: 3 semester hours.

Introduction to generalist social work practice theory, knowledge, values, and skills in professional practice with individuals, families, and small groups. Emphasis on ecological and systems framework; presents generalist methodological approach for problem solving.

SOWK 4313 Social Work Practice II: 3 semester hours.

Acquisition and application of theories and practice approaches appropriate for professional generalist social work with groups, organizations, and community systems. Emphasizes leadership roles and skills, including analyses of systems processes and interactions. Builds on problem solving approach introduced in SOWK 4123. Thirty-six (36) hours of agency volunteer service required.
Prerequisites: SOWK 4312 or SOWK 4123.

SOWK 4314 Social Work Research I: 3 semester hours.

Study of the research process and its application to generalist social work practice. Conceptual foundation of social work research. Quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry, research designs, data collection, and analysis of ethical and human diversity issues in research. Introduces computer research applications in social work practice.

SOWK 4315 Social Work Research II: 3 semester hours.

Advanced quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry, research designs, and analysis of ethical and human diversity issues in social work research. Knowledge and skills in using advanced computer research applications in social work.
Prerequisites: SOWK 4314 or SOWK 4143.

SOWK 4318 Integrative Seminar: 3 semester hours.

Analysis and evaluation of the field-based experiences. Evaluation of conceptual framework for integrating social work knowledge, skills, and values gained from field experiences including administrative issues related to practicum, agency assignments and other field related issues for resolution. All required social work foundation courses must be completed before enrolling in this course.

SOWK 4334 Generalist Crisis Intervention: 3 semester hours.

Intervention with individuals, families, and communities in crisis using the generalist social work model. Crisis assessment, management and referral.

SOWK 4335 Intervention with Addicted Family: 3 semester hours.

Integration of theory and codependency, mental and physical abuse, and other obsessive behaviors.

SOWK 4617 Field Practicum: 6 semester hours.

Supervised learning experience involving field-based placement in social service agency. Integration of theory and practice. All required social work foundation courses must be completed before entering practicum.
Co-requisite: SOWK 4318.

SOWK 5205 Social Work Research I: 2 semester hours.

This 8-week foundation course is designed to help students gain an understanding of and appreciation for the use of research as a tool for professional evidence-based practice. Students are introduced to the concepts and skills underlying a systematic approach to social work research, including basic research terminology, the scientific method in social work, the value, and ethics of research in social work, problem formulation and conceptualization, measurement, research designs to evaluate programs and practice, sampling, data collection methods and analytic techniques, and preparation and use of research reports. Particular attention is directed to social work research that addresses the social needs of people of color and populations at risk in American society. The emphasis in the course is on equipping students with the research knowledge and skills needed to engage in the evidence-based practice process at all levels of social work practice.

SOWK 5206 Social Work Research II: 2 semester hours.

Building on Research I, this course engages students in the application of scientific research methods to assess social work practice. Students participate in guided research projects which require a review of evidence-based research, data collection and analysis, reporting and implications for social work practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5205.

SOWK 5207 Diversity, Oppression, and Inclusion: 2 semester hours.

SOWK 5215 Social Work Policy: 2 semester hours.

This first required course in the Social Policy sequence examines the history and development of social welfare policy and services in American society, with a major focus on the evolution and contributions of professional social work to this development. Students are exposed to the major curriculum themes within the MSW Program, such as adherence to social work values and ethics, scientific inquiry, empowerment, diversity and social justice. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic relationships between social welfare policy and services and the modern/post-industrial society in the context of social work values and ethics and pursuit of economic, political, and social justice.

SOWK 5300 Human Behavior in the Social Environment: 3 semester hours.

This course is an introductory course that involves the study and exploration of human behavior, and provides a framework for understanding individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities within the context of interacting physical and social environments. Human behavior is seen as varied and complex, arising from the interplay of several factors (biological, psychological, social, and cultural) which can enhance or impede the social functioning of individuals and social institutions. Traditional and alternative theories and paradigms will be utilized to provide the foundation necessary for organizing and understanding human behavior in the social environment. Special emphasis is given to human diversity, the impact of social and economic forces on individuals and social systems, and populations at risk.

SOWK 5301 Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families: 3 semester hours.

This foundation course in the practice area focuses on the integration of theory, methods and skills as they apply to practice with individuals and families. The foundation of the course is social work values and the ethical decision-making process, as illuminated by the NASW Code of Ethics. The course provides an indepth examination of the helping process within the context of a systems/developmental framework. This course encompasses engaging clients in an appropriate working relationship, communication skills, identifying issues, problems, needs, resources, and assets, and planning for service delivery.

SOWK 5302 Social Work Practice With Groups, Organizations, and Communities: 3 semester hours.

This course builds upon Social Work Practice I by deepening students’ knowledge of the generalist social work perspective in the application of theory and practice methods for effective and ethical service delivery to diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in conjunction with field education.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5308.

SOWK 5303 Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis: 3 semester hours.

This course covers the incidence, etiology, and assessment of health and mental health issues with children, adolescents, adults, and families using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual and cultural approach. Students will master the essential knowledge, understanding and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) behavioral health classification systems for differential assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders, mental illness and related medical issues in clinical social work practice. Psychopharmacology is also covered.

SOWK 5304 Clinical Practice in Medical and Behavioral Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

Methods of clinical social work practice in health care are studied within the framework of the bio-psycho-social -spiritual perspective. This course expands upon the foundation content of the Human Behavior in the Social Environment courses and Practice sequences and Field Education courses. The components of bio-psycho-social -spiritual assessments and interventions are expanded to include understanding of medical concerns, physical function, medical treatment, and the socio-cultural meanings ascribed to illness. Focus also will be directed to issues such as strategies for coping with illness, self-concept, identity formation, and the impact of illness on family relationships.

SOWK 5305 Public Health and Mental Health Policy & Analysis: 3 semester hours.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the public health system and policy issues confronting public health practitioners. The course presents an overview of public health policy interventions, the theoretical motivations for undertaking them, the influence of the political, bureaucratic, and social environments in which policy decisions are made, and the population health consequences of such decisions. A key aspect of the course is to develop a framework for analyzing public health policies. Along with conceptual discussions, the course includes case studies of current public health policy issues.

SOWK 5306 Advanced Africentric Theory and Interventions in Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

This course builds upon the specialization core courses and engages students in gaining comprehensive knowledge, awareness, and skills for Africentric social work practice in the medical and behavioral health fields. Students will learn about the history of oppression and resilience of African-descent individuals from a bio-psych-social-cultural-spiritual perspective. The emphasis will be on understanding how Africentric theory dovetails with traditional helping theories and the components of best practices and evidence-based Africentric interventions to address health and mental health disparities for African-descent populations in the US.

SOWK 5307 Advanced Clinical Practice in Medical and Behavioral Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

The objective of this course is to introduce social work students to the direct practice of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Students will become knowledgeable of the roles of behavioral health providers working in primary care settings, theories and models of care, and cross-­‐cultural issues. They will develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioral health dimensions, students will develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5304.

SOWK 5308 Social Work Practicum and Seminar I: 3 semester hours.

This foundation practicum first course facilitates student application of classroom learning in a social service agency. Students will demonstrate their practice competency in all nine CSWE areas of social work practice competency. In this internship students will gain a generalist perspective of social work practice and prepare to move into an advanced area of practice concentration. This course prepares students to apply practice theories, models, and ethical principles in a specific agency setting. Emphasis is placed on promoting competence through strength-based, culturally competent, generalist practice.

SOWK 5309 Global Social Work and Medical and Behavioral Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

The elective course covers advanced theoretical and practical approaches to international Social Work and Medical and Behavioral Health. Particular cultures and specific global medical and behavioral h health problems are examined in-depth to promote student acquisition of an international worldview for global human change based on social work values and research-informed practice.

SOWK 5310 Trauma-Informed Practice in Healthcare Settings: 3 semester hours.

This elective course examines the integration and infusion of the meaning of trauma into social work practice to recognize its prevalence, realize its impact, and respond sensitively and competently.

SOWK 5351 Social Work Practicum and Seminar II: 3 semester hours.

This foundation practicum first course facilitates student application of classroom learning in a social service agency. Students will demonstrate their practice competency in all nine CSWE areas of social work practice competency. In this internship students will gain a generalist perspective of social work practice and prepare to move into an advanced area of practice concentration. This course prepares students to apply practice theories, models, and ethical principles in a specific agency setting. Emphasis is placed on promoting competence through strength-based, culturally competent, generalist practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5308.

SOWK 5601 Social Work Practicum and Seminar III: 6 semester hours.

Building on Field Instruction I and II, this 6-credit hour course is a supervised practicum within an organization that provides clinical social work services and includes 300 clock hours of field internship.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5308 and SOWK 5351.

SOWK 5602 Social Work Practicum and Seminar IV: 6 semester hours.

Building on Field Instruction I, II, and III, this 6-credit hour course is a supervised practicum within an organization that provides clinical social work services, including 300 clock hours of internship.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5308 and SOWK 5351 and SOWK 5601.

SOWK 6303 Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis: 3 semester hours.

This course covers the incidence, etiology, and assessment of health and mental health issues with children, adolescents, adults, and families using a bio-psycho-social-spiritual and cultural approach. Students will master the essential knowledge, understanding and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) behavioral health classification systems for differential assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders, mental illness and related medical issues in clinical social work practice. Psychopharmacology is also covered.

SOWK 6304 Clinical Practice in Medical and Behavioral Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

Methods of clinical social work practice in health care are studied within the framework of the bio-psycho-social -spiritual perspective. This course expands upon the foundation content of the Human Behavior in the Social Environment courses and Practice sequences and Field Education courses. The components of bio-psycho-social -spiritual assessments and interventions are expanded to include understanding of medical concerns, physical function, medical treatment, and the socio-cultural meanings ascribed to illness. Focus also will be directed to issues such as strategies for coping with illness, self-concept, identity formation, and the impact of illness on family relationships.

SOWK 6305 Public Health and Mental Health Policy & Analysis: 3 semester hours.

Methods of clinical social work practice in health care are studied within the framework of the bio-psycho-social -spiritual perspective. This course expands upon the foundation content of the Human Behavior in the Social Environment courses and Practice sequences and Field Education courses. The components of bio-psycho-social -spiritual assessments and interventions are expanded to include understanding of medical concerns, physical function, medical treatment, and the socio-cultural meanings ascribed to illness. Focus also will be directed to issues such as strategies for coping with illness, self-concept, identity formation, and the impact of illness on family relationships.

SOWK 6306 Advanced Africentric Theory and Interventions in Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the public health system and policy issues confronting public health practitioners. The course presents an overview of public health policy interventions, the theoretical motivations for undertaking them, the influence of the political, bureaucratic, and social environments in which policy decisions are made, and the population health consequences of such decisions. A key aspect of the course is to develop a framework for analyzing public health policies. Along with conceptual discussions, the course includes case studies of current public health policy issues.

SOWK 6307 Advanced Clinical Practice in Medical and Behavioral Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

The objective of this course is to introduce social work students to the direct practice of integrated behavioral health in primary care. Students will become knowledgeable of the roles of behavioral health providers working in primary care settings, theories and models of care, and cross-­‐cultural issues. They will develop skills in engagement, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and practice evaluation. Because the populations served in primary care settings span the spectrum of severity in both the physical and behavioral health dimensions, students will develop competencies in engaging and supporting patients across a range of health conditions.
Prerequisites: SOWK 6304.

SOWK 6309 Global Social Work and Medical and Behavioral Healthcare: 3 semester hours.

The elective course covers advanced theoretical and practical approaches to international Social Work and Medical and Behavioral Health. Particular cultures and specific global medical and behavioral h health problems are examined in-depth to promote student acquisition of an international worldview for global human change based on social work values and research-informed practice.

SOWK 6310 Trauma-Informed Practice in Healthcare Settings: 3 semester hours.

This elective course examines the integration and infusion of the meaning of trauma into social work practice to recognize its prevalence, realize its impact, and respond sensitively and competently.

SOWK 6601 Social Work Practicum and Seminar III: 6 semester hours.

Building on Field Instruction I and II, this 6-credit hour course is a supervised practicum within an organization that provides clinical social work services and includes 300 clock hours of field internship.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5308 and SOWK 5351.

SOWK 6602 Social Work Practicum and Seminar IV: 6 semester hours.

Building on Field Instruction I, II, and III, this 6-credit hour course is a supervised practicum within an organization that provides clinical social work services, including 300 clock hours of internship.
Prerequisites: SOWK 5308 and SOWK 5351 and SOWK 5601.