Social Work

Certificate Program

Overview

The Social Work Certificate is designed to prepare students for a social work-focused education. Students use the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies to guide their learning. The Social Work Certificate is an opportunity for students who are switching careers, supplementing another degree, or are first-time college students. The Social Work Certificate program course requirements count towards the Human Services degree if the student chooses to further their education after completing the certificate.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase in social work jobs of 11% between 2018 and 2028 and the median pay for social workers in 2018 was $49,470.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this social work certificate program, the student should be able to:

List services available in the community for diverse client needs.
Distinguish between ethical and unethical behavior in multiple human service settings.
Apply interviewing and practice skills in work with clients.
Provide examples of the systematic effects of social policy.
Integrate policy, practice, research, and the impact on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Create a mock interview with a client demonstrating appropriate practice skills.
Analyze the impact of diversity on multiple systems, human rights and social justice.

Academic Division of Professional Programs

Social Work Courses

- Code
- Course
- Credits
- HSV 103
- Introduction to Social Work
- 3
The student will explore, In depth, the concepts of social work, in terms of knowledge, values and skills that are required for an effective introduction to the profession of social work. Special populations, foundational theories, functions and roles of a social worker, as well as emerging issues in society will be evaluated on a multi-systemic level. This course will assist the student In preparing for the state II censure examination at the LSWA level.
- HSV 105
- Introduction to Substance Addiction
- 3
This course introduces students to the multi-systemic nuances of substance addiction. This course will examine the history of substance addiction and dependence, the development of treatment programs, and the impact of social policy on addiction. Within the course, students will develop knowledge of the physiological aspect of addiction,
ethical practice, various intervention and treatment methods, and society’s changing attitude toward addiction and treatment. Note: Formerly HSV 251.
- HSV 200
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- 3
This course provides a conceptual framework for organizing and analyzing knowledge of human behavior and the social environment with a focus on individuals and families. Social systems, life course, and assets and resiliency-based perspectives and theories are presented. Special attention is given to the impact of poverty, discrimination, and oppression on the ability to reach or maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
- HSV 201
- Counseling Skills
- 3
An examination of the helping relationship in individual and group work with emphasis on techniques such as listening skills, questioning, and interviewing. Topics covered include assessment, treatment planning, and techniques of intervention including behavior modification, psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, and cognitive therapies.
- HSV 240
- Social Policy
- 3
This course investigates the impact of social policy on multiple system levels. Policies impacting children, families, community, and the world as a whole will be explored through evaluating local, state, and federal policies. Students will examine the impact of social policy on social welfare and the social service delivery network.
- HSV 260
- Diverse Populations
- 3
An overview of the role of human diversity in social work practice. An examination of the differences as well as the similarities of the various populations in American Society. Topics to be addressed are race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Barriers to cultural understanding and valuing diversity will also be explored.