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)

Undergraduate Courses

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

Introduction to the history and philosophy of the social work profession including the knowledge, values, ethics, roles and skills inherent in social work practice. (F, S)

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

Focus on the person in environment throughout the life span with an examination of the relationship between biological, psychological, social, spiritual and cultural systems. Corequisite: SW 100 and SOC 101, and/or PSYC 100. (F)

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

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. Corequisite: SW 201. (S)

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

Examines the historical development of social work in the United States social welfare system. Critical thinking techniques will be used to analyze policy. (F, S) (Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1)

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

Introduction to qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Emphasis on descriptive and inferential statistics most utilized in evidence-based social work practice and research. (F, S)

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

Application of the foundation of generalist practice skills. Requires 45 clock hours of volunteer work in an approved human service agency. (F, S)

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

Provides fundamental knowledge for social work majors. Includes ethics, handbook, and standards. Corequisite: SW 100 and SW 201 and SW 202 and SW 205 and/or SW 222. (F, S, AN)

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

Social and psychological forces present in the Chicano community. (F) (Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS3) (CC)

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

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. (S/U grading). (F,S,SS,E,O,AN)

SW 290 Special Projects (1-5 V)

Special Projects. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

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

Ethical and professional documentation for case records and publication in social work practice. Emphasis on current documentation practices and APA writing. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. (F)

SW 310 Social Work Theory 3(3-0)

A comparative approach to explanatory and practice theories relating to social work and the helping professions. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. (F)

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

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: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. Corequisite: CS 101 or SW/CS 230, and/or a Women's Studies course. (S)

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

Elements of generalist micro social work practice and theory. Skill development in assessment, intervention, and evaluation emphasized. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. (F)

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

Generalist mezzo social work practice focusing on small groups and families. Includes assessment, intervention, evaluation, and practice theory. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. (S)

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

Social work theories and interventions at the macro level; community and organization generalist practice. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. (F)

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

Health care traditions and current health care systems in the barrio. (S)

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

The biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of aging and the services affecting them. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent from instructor. (AN)

SW 327 Child Welfare 3(3-0)

The physical, behavioral, emotional signs of child abuse and neglect; laws designed to protect children, and services available to assist them. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. (AN)

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

Focus on spirituality as "making meaning" and its influence on the personal and professional aspects of social work education and practice. Prerequisite: None (S)

SW 329 Rural Social Work 3(3-0)

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: Acceptance into the social work program. (S)

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

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. (F)

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

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 (S)

SW 350 Social Welfare Policy 3(3-0)

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: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. Corequisite: Any ECON or POLS course. (S)

SW 481 Field Seminar I 3(3-0)

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: Acceptance into the Social Work Program and field practicum. Corequisite: SW 488. (F)

SW 482 Field Seminar II 3(3-0)

SW 488 Field Placement I 5(0-16)

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: Acceptance into the Social Work Program and field practicum. Corequisite: SW 481. (F)

SW 489 Field Placement II 5(0-16)

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: SW 481 and SW 488. Corequisite: SW 482. (S)

SW 490 Special Projects (1-5 V)

Special Projects. Prerequisite: Social work major, prior written permission of instructor of record. (AN) Repeatable (99).

SW 491 Special Topics (1-3 V)

Special Topics. (AN) Repeatable (99).

SW 492 Research 3(3-0)

Theory and application of continuing social work research designs and methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) utilizing single subject design, needs assessment, and program evaluation. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. Corequisite: SW 210 or MATH 156 or equivalent statistics course. (F, S)

SW 495 Independent Study (1-3 V)

Independent Study. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

SW 499 Senior Capstone 1(0-1)

Graduate Courses

SW 501 Holistic Human Behavior 3(3-0)

Understanding human behavior in the environment. Includes assessment models with emphasis on systems theory and developmental theories. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program. (F)

SW 502 Social Work Ethics 3(3-0)

Utilizes the NASW Code of Ethics and ethical decision-making models for ethical practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program. (F)

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

Explores diversity of humans and effects in social work practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program. (F)

SW 522 Intervention with Individuals 3(3-0)

Examines the theories and modalities of assessing and intervening with individuals. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and SW 500 and SW 501 and SW 550, and SW 520. Corequisite: SW 523 and SW 581, and SW 588. (S)

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

Examines the theories and modalities of assessing and intervening with families and small groups. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and SW 500 and SW 501 and SW 550, and SW 520. Corequisite: SW 522 and SW 581, and SW 588. (S)

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

Examines the theories and modalities of assessing and intervening with organizations and communities. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 581, and SW 588. Corequisite: SW 592 and SW 582, and SW 589. (SS)

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

Studies the history and development of social welfare in the United States Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program. (F)

SW 581 Seminar I 1(1-0)

Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum I. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and admission to field placement and SW 500 and SW 501 and SW 550, and SW 520. Corequisite: SW 522 and SW 523, and SW 588. (S)

SW 582 Seminar II 1(1-0)

Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum II Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and field placement and SW 581 and SW 588. Corequisite: SW 524 and SW 592, and SW 589. (SS)

SW 587 Foundations of Research 3(3-0)

Examines both quantitative and qualitative research methods for social work. Includes single subject design, experiments, and quasi-experiments. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and SW 522 and SW 523 and SW 581, and SW 588. Corequisite: SW 524 and SW 582, and SW 589. (SS)

SW 588 Practicum I 4(0-14)

Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for 224 clock hours. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and admission to field placement and SW 500 and SW 501 and SW 550, and SW 520. Corequisite: SW 522 and SW 523, and SW 581. (S)

SW 589 Practicum II 4(0-14)

Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for 216 clock hours. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program and field placement and SW 581 and SW 588. Corequisite: SW 524 and SW 592, and SW 582. (SS)

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

Assessment theories and therapeutic interventions in clinical practice with individuals; includes DSM. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program. Corequisite: SW 625 and SW 641 and SW 681 and SW 688. (F)

SW 623 Assess/Intervene Small Groups 3(3-0)

Assessment theories and interventions for clinical practice with small groups; includes DSM. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program and SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641 and SW 681, and SW 688. Corequisite: SW 624 and SW 692 and SW 682 and SW 689. (S)

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

Theories and models of assessment and intervention in macro environments. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program; and SW 622, SW 625, SW 641, SW 681, and SW 688. (S)

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

Theories and models of assessment and intervention with children and families. Includes the DSM. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program. Corequisite: SW 622 and SW 641 and SW 681 and SW 688. (F)

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

Examines the effects of trauma on clients and practitioners. Includes self-care. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program. Corequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 691 and SW 688. (F)

SW 642 Administration and Supervision 3(3-0)

Covers management models, budgeting, administrative functions and models of clinical and nonclinical supervision. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program; and SW 623 and SW 624 and SW 692 and SW 682, and SW 689. Corequisite: SW 650 and SW 693, and SW 699. (SS)

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

Examines national and international social and public policies. Includes policy analysis and practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program and SW 623 and SW 624 and SW 692 and SW 682, and SW 689. Corequisite: SW 642 and SW 693, and SW 699. (SS)

SW 681 Seminar III 1(1-0)

Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum III. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program. Corequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641, and SW 688. (F)

SW 682 Seminar IV 1(1-0)

Integrative seminar addressing professional social work practice issues concurrent with Practicum IV. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program and field placement and SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641 and SW 681, and SW 688. Corequisite: SW 623 and SW 624 and SW 692 and SW 689. (S)

SW 685 Research I 3(3-0)

Covers single subject design and practice evaluation. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program and SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641 and SW 681, and SW 688. (S)

SW 686 Research II 3(3-0)

Covers program evaluation. Includes a module on grants. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program and SW 623 and SW 624 and SW 692 and SW 682, and SW 689. Corequisite: SW 642 and SW 650, and SW 699. (SS)

SW 687 Culminating Project 1(0-4)

Present poster of completed integrated, action research project in public setting. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program and SW 623 and SW 624 and SW 692 and SW 682, and SW 689. Corequisite: SW 642 and SW 650, and SW 693. (SS)

SW 688 Practicum III 4(0-26)

Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for 320 clock hours. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program. Corequisite: SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641, and SW 681. (F)

SW 689 Practicum IV 4(0-26)

Placement in approved practice setting under MSW supervision for 320 clock hours. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Advanced Standing/Concentration program and field placement and SW 622 and SW 625 and SW 641 and SW 681, and SW 688. Corequisite: SW 623 and SW 624 and SW 692 and SW 682. (S)

SW 691 Special Topics 3(3-0)

Graduate level of study designed to increase understanding in areas not covered by the core MSW courses. Prerequisite: Accepted to MSW program or permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).

2020-2021 Catalog

Academic Catalog

Social Work Department

Mission Statement

Academic Programs

Social Work (SW)

Undergraduate Courses

Graduate Courses

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