Social Work Department

The profession of social work is dedicated to helping individuals, families, groups, neighborhoods and communities meet basic human needs within the context of culture and society. Fundamental to social work practice is the enhancement of social functioning from a person-in-environment perspective. Particular attention is given to populations at risk, services that have been developed to meet client needs, and societal change to achieve a more humane and just society.

The Department of Social Work has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1982. Students who earn a BSW degree from Colorado State University Pueblo may be eligible for advanced standing in a social work graduate program. However, requirements for advanced standing vary with each graduate social work program.

Mission Statement

“As part of Colorado State University Pueblo, a regional comprehensive university, the social work program prepares students for beginning generalist practice with diverse client populations across systems of all sizes, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Social Work (SW)

SW 100 Introduction to Social Work 3(3-0)

Fall, Spring, Summer.
Introduction to the history and philosophy of the social work profession including the knowledge, values, ethics, roles and skills inherent in social work practice.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 201 Human Behavior and Social Environment I 3(3-0)

Fall, Summer.
Focus on the person in environment throughout the life span with an examination of the relationship between biological, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural systems.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: PSYC 100 and/or SOC 101 and SW 100.
Registration Information: None.

SW 202 Human Behavior and Social Environment II 3(3-0)

Spring, Summer.
Focus on the person in environment throughout the lifespan with an examination of the impact of larger social systems, including family, groups, communities and organizations.
Prerequisite: SW 201.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 205 Social Welfare in the United States (GT-SS1) 3(3-0)

Fall, Spring, Summer.
Examines the historical development of social work in the United States social welfare system. Critical thinking techniques will be used to analyze policy.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1)

SW 210 Statistics for Social Worker 3(3-0)

Fall, Spring.
Introduction to qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Emphasis on descriptive and inferential statistics most utilized in evidence-based social work practice and research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 222 Introduction to Community Practice 3(2-2)

Fall, Spring.
Application of the foundation of generalist practice skills. Requires 45 clock hours of volunteer work in an approved human service agency.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 225 Social Work Policies and Procedures 1(1-0)

Fall, Spring, Summer.
Provides fundamental knowledge for social work majors. Includes ethics, handbook, and standards.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 230 (CS 230) Chicano: Social and Psychological Study (GT-SS3) 3(3-0)

Fall.
Social and psychological forces present in the Chicano community.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS3) (CC)

SW 275 Special Populations for Peace Officers 3(3-0)

As Needed.
Content on diversity, law, policy, communication, and police procedures. Course is reserved for Peace Officers completing the Police Academy. Credit is awarded concurrently in CRIM, POLS, & SW.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 290 Special Projects (1-5 V)

As Needed.
Special Projects.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

SW 301 Professional Writing in Social Work 3(3-0)

Fall, Summer.
Ethical and professional documentation for case records and publication in social work practice. Emphasis on current documentation practices and APA writing.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and SOC 101 and SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205.
Corequisite: None. Registration Information: A course in human biology, a political science OR economics course with grade of C or higher. Social Work Major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 310 Social Work Theory 3(3-0)

Fall, Summer.
A comparative approach to explanatory and practice theories relating to social work and the helping professions.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and SOC 101 and SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: A course in human biology, a political science OR economics course with grade of C or higher. Social Work Major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 320 Human Diversity in Practice 3(3-0)

Spring.
Critically examines the history, culture, strengths and barriers in social work practice with diverse groups. Identifies skills required for culturally competent practice with populations at risk.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and SOC 101 and SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: A course in human biology, a political science OR economics course with grade of C or higher. Social Work Major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 322 Social Work Intervention I 3(3-0)

Fall, Summer.
Elements of generalist micro social work practice and theory. Skill development in assessment, intervention, and evaluation emphasized.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and SOC 101 and SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: A course in human biology, a political science OR economics course with grade of C or higher. Social Work Major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 323 Social Work Intervention II 3(3-0)

Spring.
Generalist mezzo social work practice focusing on small groups and families. Includes assessment, intervention, evaluation, and practice theory.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and SOC 101 and SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: A course in human biology, a political science OR economics course with grade of C or higher. Social Work Major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 324 Social Work Intervention III 3(3-0)

Fall, Summer.
Social work theories and interventions at the macro level; community and organization generalist practice.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and SOC 101 and SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: A course in human biology, a political science OR economics course with grade of C or higher. Social Work Major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 325 (CS 325) Health in the Chicano Community 3(3-0)

Spring.
Health care traditions and current health care systems in the barrio.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 326 SW Practice with Older Adults 3(3-0)

As Needed.
The biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of aging and the services affecting them.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Junior standing or consent from instructor.

SW 327 Child Welfare 3(3-0)

As Needed.
The physical, behavioral, emotional signs of child abuse and neglect; laws designed to protect children, and services available to assist them.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Junior standing. Permission of instructor.

SW 328 Spirituality and Social Work 3(3-0)

As Needed.
Focus on spirituality as "making meaning" and its influence on the personal and professional aspects of social work education and practice.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 329 Rural Social Work 3(3-0)

As Needed.
Examines rural practice, recognizing the integral values of this environment, with an ecological emphasis on clients and their connections in micro, mezzo, and macro systems. Required for IV-E stipend students.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Junior standing. Permission of instructor.

SW 331 Campus Connections 3(1-2)

Fall, Spring.
This service-learning course will engage students as mentors with local at-risk youth. The course will combine lab sessions working directly with youth with academic coursework that is both reflective and applied.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Submit an application, attend an informational session, and pass a background check.

SW 340 Reintegration for Military Families 3(3-0)

As Needed.
Critically examines the history, culture, strengths, and barriers in social work practice with clients who have served in the military and their family members.
Prerequisite: SW 100.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 341 Impact of Trauma in Social Work 3(3-0)

As Needed.
Focus on the dimensions of "trauma," formulating client assessments based on research, and evaluating impact of trauma/secondary effects on oneself as a professional helper. Required for IV-E Stipend students.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 350 Social Welfare Policy 3(3-0)

Spring.
Theory and social work practice related to social policy, problem identification, policy formation, implementation, evaluation and analysis. Development of critical thinking skills for policy analysis.
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 and SOC 101 and SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: A course in human biology, a political science OR economics course with grade of C or higher. Social Work Major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 481 Field Seminar I 3(3-0)

Fall.
Capstone course which integrates knowledge, values, skills, and theory with micro, mezzo, macro generalist social work practice with diverse populations in various agency settings.
Prerequisite: SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205 and SW 301 and SW 310 and SW 320 and SW 322 and SW 323 and SW 324 and SW 350.
Corequisites: SW 488.
Registration Information: Admission to Field. Social Work major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 482 Field Seminar II 3(3-0)

Spring.
Capstone course which integrates knowledge, values, skills, and theory with micro, mezzo, macro generalist social work practice with diverse populations in various agency settings.
Prerequisite: SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205 and SW 225 and SW 301 and SW 310 and SW 320 and SW 322 and SW 323 and SW 324 and SW 350 and SW 481 and SW 488.
Corequisites: SW 489.
Registration Information: Admission to field. Social Work major GPA of 2.5 or higher.

SW 488 Field Placement I 5(0-16)

Fall.
Sixteen clock hours per week Fall, 32 per week Spring or Summer I Block for 224 hours in approved agency supervised by professional social worker.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 481.
Registration Information: Admission to the Social Work Program.

SW 489 Field Placement II 5(0-16)

Spring.
Sixteen clock hours per week Spring, 32 per week Spring or Summer II Block for 224 hours in approved agency supervised by professional social worker.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 482.
Registration Information: None.

SW 490 Special Projects (1-5 V)

As Needed.
Special Projects.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admission to the Social Work Program. Permission of instructor.

SW 491 Special Topics (1-3 V)

As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 492 Research 3(3-0)

Fall.
Theory and application of continuing social work research designs and methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) utilizing single subject design, needs assessment, and program evaluation.
Prerequisite: SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205 and SW 301 and SW 310 and SW 320 and SW 322 and SW 323 and SW 324 and SW 350.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Instructor permission. Statistics course strongly recommended as prerequisite.

SW 495 Independent Study (1-3 V)

As Needed.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

SW 499 Senior Capstone 1(0-1)

Fall, Summer.
This course is the required 1-credit project-based lab.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 492.
Registration Information: Admission to Social Work Program.

SW 501 Holistic Human Behavior 3(3-0)

Fall.
Understanding human behavior in the environment. Includes assessment models with emphasis on systems theory and developmental theories.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 502 and SW 502L and SW 520.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 502 Introduction to Social Work & Ethics 3(3-0)

Fall.
Utilizes the NASW Code of Ethics and ethical decision-making models for ethical practice.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 501 and SW 502L and SW 520.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 502L Introduction to Social Work & Ethics Lab 1(0-1)

Fall.
The course introduces students to the practice of social work as well as utilizes the NASW Code of Ethics to help students understand the ethical decision making process through case examples.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 520.
Registration Information: None.

SW 520 Diversity in the Human Experience 3(3-0)

Fall.
Explores diversity of humans and effects in social work practice.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 502L.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 522 Intervention with Individuals 3(3-0)

Spring.
Examines the theories and modalities of assessing and intervening with individuals.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 502L and SW 520.
Corequisites: SW 523 and SW 581 and SW 588.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 523 Intervention with Families & Groups 3(3-0)

Spring.
Examines the theories and modalities of assessing and intervening with families and small groups.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 502L and SW 520 and SW 550.
Corequisites: SW 522 and SW 581 and SW 588.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 524 Intervention with Agency-Community 3(3-0)

Summer.
Examines the theories and modalities of assessing and intervening with organizations and communities.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 502L and SW 520 and SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 581 and SW 588.
Corequisites: SW 550 and SW 582 and SW 589.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 550 Social Welfare Policy & Practice 3(3-0)

Summer.
Studies the history and development of social welfare in the United States.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 502L and SW 520 and SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 581 and SW 588.
Corequisites: SW 524 and SW 582 and SW 589.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 581 Seminar I 1(1-0)

Spring.
Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum I.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 502L and SW 520.
Corequisites: SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 588.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 582 Seminar II 1(1-0)

Summer.
Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum II.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW502L and SW 520 and SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 581 and SW 588.
Corequisites: SW 524 and SW 550 and SW 589.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 588 Practicum I 3(3-0)

Spring.
Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for at least 224 clock hours.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and 502L and SW 520.
Corequisites: SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 581.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 589 Practicum II 3(3-0)

Summer.
Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for at least 224 clock hours.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 502 and SW 502L and SW 520 and SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 581 and SW 588.
Corequisites: SW 524 and SW 550 and SW 582.
Registration Information: Admission to Generalist MSW Year. Permission of instructor.

SW 622 Assess/Intervene with Individuals 3(3-0)

Fall.
Assessment theories and therapeutic interventions in clinical practice with individuals; includes DSM.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 625 and SW 681 and SW 688.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 624 Assess/Intervene Group/Agency/Community 3(3-0)

Spring.
Theories and models of assessment and intervention in mezzo and macro environments.
Prerequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 681 and SW 688.
Corequisites: SW 682 and SW 685 and SW 689.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 625 Assess/Intervene with Child/Family 3(3-0)

Fall.
Theories and models of assessment and intervention with children and families. Includes the DSM.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: SW 622 and SW 681 and SW 688.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 641 Understanding Trauma in Practice 3(3-0)

Summer.
Examines the effects of trauma on clients and practitioners. Includes self-care.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: SW 642 and SW 650 and SW 687.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 642 Administration & Supervision 3(3-0)

Summer.
Covers management models, budgeting, administrative functions and models of clinical and nonclinical supervision.
Prerequisite: SW 622 and SW 624 and SW 625 and SW 681 and SW 682 and SW 685 and SW 688 and SW 689.
Corequisites: SW 650 and SW 687.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 643 School Social Work 3(3-0)

Summer.
The role of a School Social Worker is covered. Topics include working with students, group curriculum, and IEPs, 504s, Behavior Intervention Plans, and Functional Behavioral. Assessments satisfy CO school SW guidelines.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 644 Understanding Suicide 3(3-0)

Summer.
Course integrates knowledge, values, skills, and theories related to the impact of suicide on a micro, mezzo, macro level related to social work practice through the examination of diverse populations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.

SW 650 Advanced Policy in a Diverse World 3(3-0)

Summer.
Examines national and international social and public policies. Includes policy analysis and practice.
Prerequisite: SW 622 and SW 624 and SW 625 and SW 681 and SW 682 and SW 685 and SW 688 and SW 689.
Corequisites: SW 642 and SW 687.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 681 Seminar III 1(1-0)

Fall.
Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum III.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 688.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 682 Seminar IV 1(1-0)

Spring.
Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum IV.
Prerequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 681 and SW 688.
Corequisite: SW 624 and SW 685 and SW 689.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 685 Research in Practice & Agencies 3(3-0)

Spring.
Covers practice and agency evaluation.
Prerequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 681 and SW 688.
Corequisites: SW 624 and SW 682 and SW 689.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 687 Culminating Project 1(0-4)

Summer.
Present poster of completed integrated, action research project in public setting.
Prerequisite: SW 622 and SW 624 and SW 625 and SW 681 and SW 682 and SW 685 and SW 688 and SW 689.
Corequisites: SW 642 and SW 650.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 688 Practicum III 3(3-0)

Fall.
Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for at least 250 clock hours.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641 and SW 681.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 689 Practicum IV 3(3-0)

Spring.
Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for at least 250 clock hours.
Prerequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641 and SW 681 and SW 688.
Corequisites: SW 624 and SW 682 and SW 685.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

SW 691 Special Topics 3(3-0)

As Needed.
Graduate level of study designed to increase understanding in areas not covered by the core MSW courses.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admission to Specialized MSW Year or BSW degree. Permission of instructor.

2022-2023 Catalog

Academic Catalog

Social Work Department

Mission Statement

Academic Programs

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