Courses

The focus of this course is on development of knowledge and skills related to direct social work practice with diverse populations. Students will explore theory driven and evidence-based interventions for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Particular attention is given to the adaptation of existing interventions and creation of new interventions using models of cultural humility to address the needs of underserved populations. Strategies for faith-integration and biblically based intervention are explored. The course also focuses on understanding and applying biblical concepts of integrity and ethics for social work executives in the public and private social service sector to strengthen their ability to lead others in direct social work practice. (4 units; Fall)

This course is purposed to expose students to the concepts, and processes, of community engagement and social innovation. Students will examine key theories and research that underlie contemporary thinking about community engagement and explore the practice of community engagement as the vehicle for creating new and more effective strategies to address complex social problems. This course will also focus on examining various models of social innovation, including social entrepreneurship & social movements. Students will be encouraged to develop new approaches for community engagement and social innovation that are grounded in Biblical models of justice and social work values and ethics. Students will engage in both conceptual and applied community work in local and global contexts. Participation in a Residency Intensive is required for this course. This residency will culminate in students developing their Independent Study Plan. Additional residency fee. (4 units; Fall)

This course equips students to understand and analyze current and historical trends in the development of innovative responses to social problems. Students examine various social movements in the U.S. and abroad that address issues of poverty, race, oppression, and marginalization. Additionally, students will explore the role of the Christian church in its leaders in the promotion of social movements and reforms, such as Mother Theresa, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Father Greg Boyle. (4 units; Spring)

The purpose of this course is to equip DSW students with the knowledge and skills to engage in applied research to advance knowledge and innovate social work practice. It explores Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) as a model for addressing social problems impacting diverse and marginalized populations. Students will explore research ethics and the strengths and limitations of CBPR and other research methods. Of particular importance will be the students' development of skills for identifying theoretically based research questions and employing a CBPR approach to answer research questions. Students will also be equipped to conduct statistical analysis of program data. Doctoral students will practice descriptive, univariate and bivariate inferential statistics, and multiple regression using SPSS to make data driven decisions. (4 units; Spring)

This course affords Doctor of Social Work students the opportunity to customize their learning experience by pursuing special interests or research specific to their scholarly agenda. The student will complete a rigorous activity with the aid of the instructor who approves the project, supports the student, and evaluates the product of the study. The activity must introduce the student's specific area of scholarship and provides a comprehensive overview of the literature related to the student's chosen topic. Students may complete a systematic review of the literature, meta-analysis, or analyze original or secondary data. The course will focus on helping students develop writing skills to communicate effectively in professional and academic settings. The course must result in a written scholarly product, which the student will use to complete their qualifying exam. Students will also prepare and submit an abstract of their product to a national conference (e.g. CSWE, NACSW, NASW). Students will meet regularly to discuss progress. Participation in a Residency Intensive is required for this course. This residency will culminate in students orally defending their Qualifying exam. Additional residency fee. (4 units; Summer)

Students will examine various examples of effective leadership qualities and models of servant leadership. Students will also glean a theoretical orientation to the study of organizations and leadership within organizations. This examination of theories will reflect a Christian worldview and the values of the social work profession with their application to social service systems, structures, and processes. Students will also explore theories of organizational change, organizational challenges, and organizational effectiveness. The course will equip students to apply leadership theories and models to mobilize churches, communities, non-profits, and other social services providers. (4 units; Summer)

Through this course students will gain practical skills to communicate and disseminate their scholarship for the purpose of advancing knowledge in social work practice. Students will prepare to present their scholarship orally at local, national, and international professional organizations and conferences. Additionally, students will develop a strategic plan for publication and acquire skills to successfully advance their research agenda in peer-reviewed journals and other professional periodicals. The course will culminate in students submitting a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal and preparing an oral/poster presentation for a national conference. Participation in a Residency Intensive is required for this course. This residency will culminate in students presenting their initial Comprehensive Project proposal. Additional residency fee. (4 units; Fall)

The course will enable the students to critically examine seminal and contemporary works in pedagogy/andragogy. The course provides students with an opportunity to explore seminal works from a historical perspective and critically evaluate theories of teaching and learning in social work. Students will be exposed to best practices in social work education, including field education, with students from diverse and marginalized backgrounds. Advances in online learning and technology enhanced learning will be explored. Special focus will be given to the integration of faith in learning and Biblical worldview. Students will engage in personal reflection and gain biblical insight into teaching as a calling that provides an opportunity to inspire and instruct others. Through this course, students will be prepared to serve as educators in academic and professional settings. (4 units; Fall)

This course focuses on providing Doctor of Social Work students with the knowledge and expertise to perform as entrepreneurs and executive leaders in various human services settings. Specifically, students develop skills to serve as policy analysts, executive directors, managers, and social work entrepreneurs. Students in this course identify and examine Biblical perspectives and the theories and strategies used by leading Biblical figures to develop, implement, execute, and evaluate social work practice and policy. Additionally, students will gain biblically-based strategies to develop and lead complex organizations with special attention given to leading in times of fiscal constraint and political change. Students will be prepared to effectively manage organizational finances while controlling costs and maximizing efficiency. (4 units; Spring)

This course will critically examine complex factors related to international outreach, and models of best practices to strategically engage partners around the world. This course examines historical trends associated with global engagement of marginalized populations, individual, as well as systemic efforts to build capacity for community empowerment, equity and self-advocacy, and best practices related to engagement, mobilization and social innovation. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the inter-related nature of society, the direct, and indirect impact of global injustices as well as theories and practices related to international social work. Additional residency fee. (4 units; Fall)

This course is designed to support the Doctor of Social Work student in completing their Comprehensive Project which is the final demonstration of skills and knowledge mastery. Students in this course will participate in weekly seminar-style meetings with their instructor/advisor and focus group members. The Comprehensive Project focuses on the development of evidence-based, best practices in applied knowledge that will be relevant to the social work profession and prepare the student to be capable of functioning as a scholar-researcher in the future. The final product of the Comprehensive Project may take several forms and students will work closely with their instructor/faculty advisor to identify the format that best fits their research agenda and career trajectory. Successful completion and defense of the Comprehensive Project is required for Doctor of Social Work students to become eligible for degree conferral. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the qualifying examination. (4 units; Spring)

This course is designed to support the Doctor of Social Work student in completing their Comprehensive Project which is the final demonstration of skills and knowledge mastery. Students in this course will participate in weekly seminar-style meetings with their instructor/advisor and focus group members. The Comprehensive Project focuses on the development of evidence-based, best practices in applied knowledge that will be relevant to the social work profession and prepare the student to be capable of functioning as a scholar-researcher in the future. The final product of the Comprehensive Project may take several forms and students will work closely with their instructor/faculty advisor to identify the format that best fits their research agenda and career trajectory. Successful completion and defense of the Comprehensive Project is required for Doctor of Social Work students to become eligible for degree conferral. Participation in a Residency Intensive is required for this course. This residency will culminate in students presenting and defending their Comprehensive Project. Additional residency fee. Prerequisite: SWK 796. (4 units; Summer)r