Search KU Web Search KU People Search KU Events Search KU Info

MSW Goals

MSW Educational Goals

1. The MSW Program prepares students for advanced level, autonomous practice in either clinical social work practice or social work administration, based on a generalist foundation.
2. The MSW Program prepares students to practice effectively and ethically with the full range of social systems, emphasizing social justice, a strengths approach, diversity and a critical perspective.
3. The MSW Program prepares students who understand the dynamic and fluid social and organizational contexts of social work practice, and who are prepared to assume the responsibility for continued professional growth and development.

 

MSW Foundation Level Educational Objectives

 

The foundation level of the MSW program provides students with a generalist practice framework upon which the advanced level curriculum is built. Generalist practice uses multilevel methodology, depending upon the needs of the client system, and incorporates a knowledge, value, and skill base that is transferable between and among diverse contexts and locations. Educational objectives emerge from both the mission and goals. Each objective is linked to course objectives, articulated in each course syllabus, and accomplished through the assignment of readings, papers, and/or projects.

By the end of the foundation year students should be able to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills and a critical perspective in the application of appropriate theories and knowledge to practice interventions.
2. Engage in strengths-based social work practice that is consistent with the values and ethical standards of the profession and with an understanding of and respect for the positive value of diversity.
3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of self in social work practice with systems of all sizes.
4. Understand the history of social welfare and the social work profession and be able to apply this understanding to the analysis of new and emerging issues.
5. Engage in strengths-based generalist practice with systems of all sizes continuously refining and advancing the quality of their practice as well as that of the larger social work profession.
6. Critically analyze and apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect the development and behavior of systems of all sizes, and use theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems, including families groups, organizations, and communities.
7. Analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies, particularly as they relate to inhibiting or advancing social and economic justice, and demonstrate skills for influencing policy.
8. Conduct appropriate scientific inquiry and evaluate research as it applies to practice; and evaluate their own practice interventions and those of others.
9. Communicate and practice with a wide range of client populations, colleagues, and community members, utilizing computing technologies as professional communication tools when appropriate.
10. Engage in practice within organizations and service delivery systems and participate in necessary organizational and system change.
11. Demonstrate the use of library and information research skills.
12. Understand the origins and effects of oppression and discrimination as well as multiple social work practice approaches that advance social and economic justice, with particular attention to populations-at-risk.

 

MSW Advanced Level Concentrations

Clinical Social Work Educational Objectives

By the end of the student’s course of study in the clinical concentration:

1. Students will complete comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and articulate diagnostic impressions with a range of client systems and problems, demonstrating they have taken into consideration client strengths and diversity in their formulations.
2. Students will develop and implement appropriate intervention plans consistent with advanced understanding and integration of clinical practice theories and models.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in indirect practice to enhance service delivery and client well-being through indirect practice modalities such as advanced policy–practice, program evaluation,
4. Students will demonstrate a thorough and comprehensive level of knowledge for social work in a particular field of practice.
5. Students will critically analyze theoretical models of clinical practice in relation to challenging the dominant norms and world views that have served to marginalize and oppress persons on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, culture, and other distinguishing characteristics.
6. Students will engage in clinical social work practice in a manner consistent with social work values and ethics and the themes of the School using appropriate supervision and consultation.
7. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of their clinical practice interventions by applying systematic evaluation strategies to client outcomes, and subsequently using the feedback from those strategies to modify case plans on an ongoing basis.

 

Social Work Administration Educational Objectives

By the end of the advanced level:

1. Students will be expected to design or redesign a program of direct service to clients that maximize client outcomes from a strengths perspective.
2. Students will be expected to have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the finances of a social work program or agency through all stages of the budget cycle.
3. Students will be expected to be knowledgeable about and bring a critical perspective to policies and effective interventions in their field of practice and to acquire the abilities needed to remain abreast of this information.
4. Students will be able to supervise and manage social workers and other human service staff; build teams and organizational cultures that maximize staff morale and job satisfaction; create and maintain workplaces that reflect, contribute to, and celebrate diversity in the larger community.
5. Students will be able to evaluate the impact of their management practices on client outcomes by learning to measure, collect, and facilitate the use of program information.
6. Students will be able to engage in social work administrative practice in a manner consistent with social work’s values and ethics and the themes of the School, using appropriate supervision and consultation.

Students will be thoroughly familiar with the concept of client-centered administrative practice and will possess numerous skills needed to implement this approach.