** 2024 Commencement Updates **

** 2024 Commencement Updates **

Major in Social Work (BSW)


The social work major, leading to a bachelor of social work degree, consists of 53 credit units. Students majoring in social work are not required to have a minor program of study. Students must complete all required 3000-level courses before proceeding to take 4000-level senior courses.

Required courses: 53 credit hours

SOWK 3300 Research Methods 1 (3)
SOWK 3310 Law and Ethics (3)
SOWK 3410 Social Policy and Services 1 (3)
SOWK 3650 Generalist Social Work Practice 1 (3)
SOWK 3660 Generalist SW Practice 2 (Interviewing and Assessment) (3)
SOWK 3830 HBSE 3 (Human Diversity and Multicultural Theory) (3)
SOWK 3850 HBSE 1 (Group, Org, and Com Theories) (3)
SOWK 3860 HBSE 2 (Individual and Family Theories) (3)
SOWK 4300 Research Methods 2 (3)
SOWK 4320 Field Practicum 1 (4)
SOWK 4340 Field Practicum 2 (4)
SOWK 4440 Case Management (3)
SOWK 4510 Field Practicum Seminar 1 (1)
SOWK 4520 Field Practicum Seminar 2 (1)
SOWK 4650 Generalist Social Work Practice 3 (3)
SOWK 4660 Generalist Social Work Practice 4 (Macro Practice) (3)
SOWK 4680 Theories of SW Practice (3)

SW Electives: choose two courses (4)

Major Total: 53 credit hours
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
General Electives to 120 (if needed): 11-17 credit hours
Total for degree: 120 credit hours

*A minor is not required. Additional credits may be requirement to meet the 45 upperdivision requirements.


SOCIAL WORK (SW), COURSES IN

SOWK 2110. Intro to Social Work (3); Fa
This course introduces students to current practices and historical roots of the social work profession and social welfare. Social work values, ethics, fields of practice, and settings are introduced. Social work’s commitment to diversity, service to at-risk populations, and social justice are highlighted. Approaches relevant to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities are presented, with special emphasis on Hispanic and Indigenous populations of New Mexico and the Southwest.

SOWK 3300. Research Methods 1 (3); Sp
This is the first course in the undergraduate research sequence. It introduces students to qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in social research and assessment. The course also covers statistical analysis and the use of computer technology in social research. Research on behalf of the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest is emphasized. Prerequisites: SOWK 3410 and SOWK 3420. Previously NMHU SW 330.

SOWK 3310. Law and Ethics in Social Work (3); Fa
The course examines areas of the law in which social work and our legal system intertwine. It also surveys ethical principles and related legal concepts that impact professional social work, and introduces a framework for the resolution of practice dilemmas. Finally, the course provides students with basic practice skills necessary to find and interpret the law. Major emphasis is placed on the operation of the legal system in New Mexico and the Southwest. Previously NMHU SW 331.

SOWK 3350 – 4350. Selected Topics in Social Work (1-4 VC)
One or more elective courses relating to selected topics in social work practice. Previously NMHU SW 335-435.

SOWK 3410. Social Policy and Services 1 (3); Fa
This first course in the two-part sequence covers the history of social work, the history and current structures of social welfare services, and the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to understand major social welfare policies. This foundation course introduces analysis of organizational, local and state issues, and policy analysis and advocacy. All course content is oriented to understanding the effects of social policies on Hispanics, Native Americans, and other historically oppressed populations. Previously NMHU SW 341.

SOWK 3650. Generalist Social Work Practice 1 (3); Fa
This first course in the practice sequence introduces students to multiple theoretical approaches to generalist practice with diverse individuals. The philosophical and ethical foundations of social work are examined as they manifest in each step of the social work process. Practice knowledge and skills necessary for ethical and competent generalist practice with emphasis on the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest are covered. Previously NMHU SW 365.

SOWK 3660. Generalist SW Practice 2: Interviewing and Assessment (3); Sp
This second course in the practice sequence focuses on skills and strategies for competent and ethical foundation-level interviewing and assessment with diverse clients throughout the life span. Generalist practice interviewing and assessment techniques for children, adolescents and adults will be included. Emphasis is placed upon practice with Hispanic, American Indian, and other oppressed populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. Prerequisite: SOWK 365. Previously NMHU SW 366.

SOWK 3830. Human Diversity and Multicultural Theory (HBSE 3) (3); Sp, Su
The course surveys relevant theory describing the ethnocultural context of human behavior. The manner in which culture impacts the social functioning of individuals, families, organizations, and communities is addressed. Consistent with the mission of the social work program, primary emphasis is placed upon Hispanic, Native American, and other diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. Prerequisite or Corequisites: SOWK 3850, SOWK 3860. Previously NMHU SW 383.

SOWK 3850.Group, Organization, and Community Theories (HBSE 1) (3); Fa
This two-semester course sequence surveys theoretical perspectives of human life course development and the environmental contexts within which development occurs. The sequence explores the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, communities, society, and culture. The sequence emphasizes ethnocultural contexts with special attention on the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. Previously NMHU SW 385.

SOWK 3860. Individual and Family Theories (HBSE 2) (3); Sp
This is the second course of a two-semester sequence described in SOWK 3850. Prerequisite: SOWK 3850. Previously NMHU SW 386.

SOWK 4000. Children’s Services (2); Var
This elective provides an overview of services for the protection of children. Additionally, it surveys child and family welfare policies and programs, with special emphasis on the New Mexico child welfare system. Previously NMHU SW 400.

SOWK 4120. Immigrant Rights (2); Var
This course will examine major historical trends in migration to the United States; public policy regarding migration and the rights of immigrants; and the roles of governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Issues such as immigration enforcement; labor rights; and access to healthcare and public benefits will also be addressed. Previously NMHU SW 412.

SOWK 4140. The Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing (2); Var
The purpose of this course is to explore the social, societal, governmental, and environmental influences on health and wellbeing. We will Investigate macro-level causes of Individual and social problems so as to Inform treatment and prevention programs and social policy. Specifically, the course will explore not only the health risk and protective factors in the physical and social environment that directly impact health, but also the ways in which they shape health behaviors, and the ways In which they can be addressed by community and governmental intervention. Previously NMHU SW 414.

SOWK 4160. Social Work Practice with Military Families (2); Var
This course surveys the theoretical and practical methods or providing support to military families during the three phases or the deployment cycle. Factors supporting resilience in children and adults in military families will be identified, and diversity in military families explored. Previously NMHU SW 416.

SOWK 4180. Social Work in Rural Communities (2); Var
This course introduces students to Social Work practice in rural contexts and the culture of people who live in rural communities and their unique social problems. Social work practice, policy, diversity, and ethics in rural communities will be explored to help prepare students for practice in rural contexts. The unique and complex roles that social works who practice in rural contexts will be examined and differentiated for coal work practice in urban communities.

SOWK 4280. Introduction to Substance Use and Abuse (2); Var
This introductory course examines prevention and treatment approaches to alcohol and substance use and abuse. Approaches relevant to work with individuals, families, groups and communities are presented, with special emphasis on Hispanic and Native American populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. Prerequisites: SOWK 3660, and 3860. Previously NMHU SW 428.

SOWK 4290. Family Violence (2); Var
The course surveys major sociological and psychological theories of family violence throughout the life span. Social and interpersonal factors contributing to family violence are explored in an ethnocultural context, with special emphasis on the Hispanic and Native American populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. Prerequisites: SOWK 3660, 3830 and 3860. Previously NMHU SW 429.

SOWK 4300. Research Methods 2 (3); Fa
This second course in the undergraduate research sequence builds on knowledge and skills introduced in SOWK 3300. Additional topics presented include hypothesis development, variables, methods of data collection, research design, instrumentation, and applied research strategies. Research on behalf of the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest is emphasized. Prerequisite: SOWK 330. Previously NMHU SW 430.

SOWK 4310. Aging and Gerontology (2); Var
This elective course addresses the emotional, biological, psychological, environmental and legal aspects of aging that occur in the elderly, with special emphasis on the Hispanic and Native American populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. Previously NMHU SW 431.

SOWK 4320. Field Practicum 1 (4); Var
The purpose of field practicum is to offer students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practice. The field practicum requires students to be placed with a community agency during their senior year. In their agency placement, students are expected to demonstrate social work skills, knowledge, and values in working with individuals, groups, families, and communities. A total of 208 hours of field practicum/placement are required. Prerequisites: SOWK 3300, SOWK 3660, SOWK 3830, and SOWK 3860. Corequisite: SOWK 4510. Previously NMHU SW 432.

SOWK 4340. Field Practicum 2 (4); Var
This foundation practicum sequence is designed to help students apply foundation knowledge of social work skills, values, and ethics in practice. By providing a series of supervised assignments and tasks, the practicum experience will expose students to a variety of social work roles. Students will apply generalist social work knowledge, skills, and values to practice with individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. Prerequisites: SOWK 4320, SOWK 4650, and SOWK 4440. Corequisites: SOWK 4520. Previously NMHU SW 434.

SOWK 4370. Grief Assessment and Intervention (2); Var
This elective examines grief and loss theory from a strengths-based development and multicultural perspective. The focus of the course is grief interviewing and case-based grief assessment and treatment across the life span with added emphasis on the diverse populations of New Mexico and the Southwest, including Hispanic and Native American peoples. Prerequisites: SOWK 3660, 3830 and 3860. Previously NMHU SW 437.

SOWK 4400. Social Work in Healthcare Settings (2); Var
This course addresses models of medical social work practice and current changes in the healthcare and health insurance industry and their implications for social work practice. While this is not a course in medical information, the class will include use of basic medical terminology, a review of practice in various medical settings, and with various client populations. Prerequisites: SOWK 2110, 3830 and 3860. Previously NMHU SW 440.

SOWK 4440. Case Management (3); Fa
This required senior-level course introduces students to case management practice in the context of professional social work. Students will acquire skills in developing, implementing, and monitoring a variety of case management plans. Interagency collaboration will be stressed. Case management for selected vulnerable populations will be studied. Prerequisite: Completion of junior-level BSW classes. Previously NMHU SW 444.

SOWK 4510. Field Practicum Seminar 1 (1); Var
This seminar provides students an opportunity to integrate practice theory with field (practicum) experience. Students are exposed to a wide range of practice situations and will have an opportunity to address pragmatic and procedural aspects of field instruction. Prerequisite or Corequisites: SOWK 4320 and SOWK 4650. Previously NMHU SW 451.

SOWK 4520. Field Practicum Seminar 2 (1); Var
This seminar provides students an opportunity to integrate practice theory with field (practicum) experience. Students are exposed to a wide range of practice situations, and will have an opportunity to address pragmatic and procedural aspects of field instruction. Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOWK 4340. Previously NMHU SW 452.

SOWK 4650. Generalist Social Work Practice 2 (3); Fa
This third course in the practice sequence builds upon the knowledge and skills previously developed. The course focuses on practice skills necessary for competent and ethical practice with diverse families and groups. Emphasis is placed upon generalist social work practice with Hispanic, American Indian, and other oppressed populations of New Mexico and the Southwest. Prerequisites: Completion of all 3000-level SW courses. Corequisites: SOWK 4320 and SOWK 4510. Previously NMHU SW 465.

SOWK 4660. Generalist Social Work Practice 3 (3); Sp
This final course in the undergraduate practice sequence builds upon the knowledge and skills previously developed. This course introduces students to macro-level practice theory and skills necessary for competent and ethical practice. Topics include community organizing, development, and resource-building with a focus on the rural and urban communities of New Mexico and the Southwest. Emphasis is placed on macro practice with Hispanic, American Indian, and other oppressed communities. Prerequisites: Completion of all 3000 level SOWK courses and SOWK 4650. Corequisites: SOWK 4340 and SOWK 4520. Previously NMHU SW 466.

SOWK 4670. Program Development and Grant Writing (2); Var
This course focuses on the attainment and management of fiscal resources and grants within the setting of health, mental health and human service agencies. The nonprofit environment will be highlighted, including the creation and management of Section 501c3 organizations. Particular emphasis will be placed on the creation and funding of programs that address the needs of the diverse client populations. Prerequisites: SOWK 3660, 3830 and 3860. Previously NMHU SW 467.

SOWK 4680. Theories of Social Work Practice (3); Sp
This course focuses on a comparative analysis of frameworks, theories, and models of social work practice. The course examines the four forces in psychology as the building blocks of an integrative, multicultural, and ecosystems approach to social work practice. Implications of each practice approach for work at the micro, mezzo, and macro level are examined. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of the practice approaches for work with diverse populations, with special emphasis on the Native American and Hispanic Populations of New Mexico. Previously NMHU SW 468.

SOWK 4690. Social Work Practice Skills (2); Var
This elective course focuses on interviewing and interaction skills with client systems and on skills that are required in the day-to-day functioning of social service organizations. Prerequisites: SOWK 3660, 3830 and 3860. Previously NMHU SW 469.

SOWK 4920. Independent Research (1–4 VC); Var
Individual research arranged with an instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Previously NMHU SW 492.

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