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
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)
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)
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)
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)
Application of the foundation of generalist practice skills. Requires 45 clock hours of volunteer work in an approved human service agency. (F, S)
Social and psychological forces present in the Chicano community. (F) (Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS3) (CC)
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)
Special Projects. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
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)
A comparative approach to explanatory and practice theories relating to social work and the helping professions. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. (F)
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)
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)
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)
Social work theories and interventions at the macro level; community and organization generalist practice. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Social Work Program. (F)
Health care traditions and current health care systems in the barrio. (S)
The biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of aging and the services affecting them. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent from instructor. (AN)
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)
Focus on spirituality as "making meaning" and its influence on the personal and professional aspects of social work education and practice. Prerequisite: None (S)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Special Projects. Prerequisite: Social work major, prior written permission of instructor of record. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Special Topics. (AN) Repeatable (99).
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)
Independent Study. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. (AN) Repeatable (99).
Graduate Courses
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)
Utilizes the NASW Code of Ethics and ethical decision-making models for ethical practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program. (F)
Explores diversity of humans and effects in social work practice. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program. (F)
Studies the history and development of social welfare in the United States Prerequisite: Admission to the MSW Foundation program. (F)
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)
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).