Social Work

This course introduces students to the profession of social work, its foundational values, ethics and knowledge base. Students explore generalist practice skills and a wide range of social work settings, including child welfare, schools, healthcare and criminal justice. Emphasis is placed on understanding oppression, inequality and the role of social workers in advancing social, economic and environmental justice. Students will reflect on their values and assess their fit for the profession. 

This Intro to Addiction Counseling course introduces students to the foundations of substance use counseling, including cultural competence, risk factors, prevention strategies, early intervention and treatment approaches. The course fulfills the educational requirement for the state of Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary ( CDCA PRE) credential. Students who intend to pursue the CDCA PRE must apply for the credential upon completing the course and maintain it for 10-13 months before applying for the renewable credential.

This course covers ethical principals and professional standards in helping professions, examining theories, codes and case studies on topics like Confidentiality, consent, boundaries, cultural humility, social justice and technology use. It emphasizes ethical decision-making and critical thinking, applying to social work, psychology, criminal justice, public health and human services, preparing students to navigate ethical dilemmas. 

This interdisciplinary course explores the causes, structures, and consequences of social inequalities in the U.S and globally. Using Sociological, psychological, political, and economic perspectives, students will examine how power, privilege, and oppression intersect across various systems, including race, class, gender, and criminal justice. The course critically analyzes institutions perpetuating inequality and investigates strategies for resistance, social change, and policy reform. Emphasizing the role of social workers, policymakers, and community advocates, it draws on research, theory, and lived experience to advance equity and human rights.  

This advanced course builds upon the foundations of introductory addiction counseling, with a focus on applied skills and professional practice. Students will engage in the study and practice of counseling and interviewing techniques, explore ethical and legal issues in addiction treatment, and examine relapse prevention and intervention strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing professional competence and applying evidence-informed approaches in diverse practice settings. Successful completion of this course fulfills the educational requirement for the State of Ohio Renewable Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDCA) credential. 

This advanced course builds upon the foundations of introductory addiction counseling, with a focus on applied skills and professional practice. Students will engage in the study and practice of counseling and interviewing techniques, explore ethical and legal issues in addiction treatment, and examine relapse prevention and intervention strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing professional competence and applying evidence-informed approaches in diverse practice settings. Successful completion of this course fulfills the educational requirements for the State of Ohio Renewable Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant ( CDCA ) credential.

This course uses a multidimensional framework to examine the complex interplay between individuals and their social environments across the life span. Students will explore biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual factors influencing human development and behavior, considering how oppression, power, and privilege shape life experiences. Emphasis is placed on applying person -in-environment perspectives and systems theory to understand behavior within individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. This course prepares students to assess human behavior through theoretical , strength-based, and trauma-informed lenses. 

This course introduces generalist social work practice with individuals, focusing on core skills, values and ethical principals.  Students will learn generalist intervention model, assessment strategies, interviewing techniques, and evidence-based interventions. The course integrates social work theories, cultural competence, and strengths-based approaches to empower individuals and promote social justice. Through case studies, role-plays, and applied learning, students will develop foundational micro-level practice skills for diverse populations and settings. 

This course covers generalist social work practice with groups, focusing on developing skills for diverse settings. Students will learn group purpose, types and stages, applying methods in clinical, community, organizational and policy contexts. Topics include planning, facilitation, ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and outcomes evaluation. Experiential learning will build competencies in engaging, assessing intervening, and evaluating group practice.

This course explores the development of social welfare policies and programs in the United States from a rights-based, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive perspective. Students will examine how policy intersects with social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, as well as the role of social work in shaping and advocating for policies that promote equity.

This course introduces the principals and practices of case management in helping professions. Students will learn about roles and responsibilities of case managers, including client engagement, needs assessment, service planning, care coordination, documentation, advocacy, and termination. The course emphasizes person-centered , culturally responsive, and ethical approaches for diverse populations in various settings like social services, mental health, healthcare, criminal justice, and community organizations. Students will develop practical skills for collaborating with clients and interdisciplinary teams to support well-being and resource access. 

This course teaches essential interviewing and assessment skills for social work and human services. Students will learn to engage diverse clients, build rapport, and conduct strengths-based interviews, focusing on active listening, observation, questioning, cultural responsiveness and ethics. They will also explore assessment tools for understanding client needs and informing service planning. Experiential learning, role-plays, and reflection will enhance self-awareness and professional competence with individuals, families and groups.

This course introduces generalist social work practice with families, focusing on strengths-based, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed approaches. Students will explore theories, models and methods for working with diverse families in various settings. Emphasis is on engaging, assessing and supporting families through collaborative goal setting, effective communication, ethical decision-making and intervention planning. The course highlights social justice, family systems thinking, and professional self-awareness, preparing students to address trauma, conflict, mental health and structural barriers. Through experiential activities, case studies, and critical reflection, students will develop skills to empower families and promote resilience, healing and well-being. 

First Semester of a two-semester internship at a social work agency where students gain hands-on experience and learn how to integrate classroom knowledge and skills with practice experiences.

Second Semester of a two-semester internship at a social work agency where students gain hands-on experience and learn how to integrate classroom knowledge and skills with practice experiences.

This course includes a seminar connecting classroom learning to fieldwork. Students will also start preparing their final capstone project.

This course includes a seminar connecting classroom learning to fieldwork. Students will also complete their final capstone project preparation and presentation in class.