Quick Reference

Ph.D. in Social Welfare

Master of Social Work

BS in Social Work

Certificate in Child Welfare Practice

Certificate in Management in Social Work

Certificate in Social Work Practice with Elderly

Certificate in Addictions

Minor in Social Welfare

Academic Misconduct

Ph.D. in Social Welfare

The Ph.D. Program in Social Welfare aims to prepare students for careers in research, university teaching, and leadership in social welfare. Through a combination of courses, seminars, individual and collaborative study and research, as well as opportunities to teach, students are assisted to develop and strengthen their skills in methods of scientific inquiry, to deepen their understanding and analysis of social problems and public issues, and to contribute to the knowledge base of social welfare by evaluating the effects of social welfare interventions at all levels.

The majority of applicants to the Ph.D. Program are social work practitioners, although the Ph.D. degree is not a “clinical” degree meant for those seeking primarily to improve their intervention skills. It is first and foremost a research degree. At minimum, its graduates have demonstrated advanced knowledge of a social problem/social issue/social theory, an intervention level/practice model, and research methodology via the conduct and defense of an original dissertation. Most graduates of this program have obtained positions as faculty members in schools of social work across the country.

The School of Social Work is part of FIU's Stempel School of Public Health. A variety of opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaboration, both within the School of Public Health and elsewhere in the University.  In the present Ph.D. curriculum, 50% of required courses are core social welfare courses, 25% are taken with students in other Ph.D. programs offered in the School, and the remaining 25% are graduate electives or individually supervised research or independent study courses.

The Ph.D. Program is a full-time program requiring a significant investment of time from students. Most students complete the program in three to four years.

[ PHD Handbook]

[ Student Forms ] - [ Admission Requirements ] - [ Advancement to Candidacy ] - [ Application Procedures ] -

[ Doctoral Dissertation ] - [ Degree Requirements ] - [ Financial Aid ] - [ Advising and Grade Req. ] - [ Housing ]

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Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The degree prepares students for advanced clinical social work practice. The program educates students for empirically-based practice in clinical organizations and communities. The MSW program is based on a perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness between people and their environment as the source of both social problems and the appropriate interventions to ameliorate, treat, and prevent those problems.

The first year curriculum is based upon a generalist perspective based with life-span developmental foundation that emphasizes problem-solving critical thinking, empirically-based practice, economic and social justice, and the conduct of ethical practice. Students learn preventive and clinical interventions that enhance human functioning and quality of life. The program emphasizes the ability to work with clients in a variety of settings reflective of the diversity of South Florida.

Built on the generalist foundation, the second year advanced curriculum prepares students for clinical social work practice, with certificate options in Addictions, Social Work Practice with the Elderly, and Management in Social Work. In addtion, The Scholl of Social Work offers a joint degree (MSW/JD) with the College of Law.

Students may complete the MSW degree (60 credit hours) on a full-time or part-time basis. The School also offers an Advanced Standing Program for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in Social Work (BSW or BSSW) received within the past five years from a program accredited by CSWE. Students accepted into the Advanced Standing Program can receive up to 30 semester hours credit toward the MSW degree. MSW students interested in pursuing the Ph.D. in Social Welfare should contact the coordinator of the Ph.D. program.

Graduate students are eligible for student membership in the National Association of Social Work (NASW). A graduate may become a regular member of the Association. Students are also invited to join the Student Social Work Association (SSWA) and the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

[ MSW Handbook]

[ Goals and objectives ] - [ Degree Requirements ] - [ Curriculum ]

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BS in Social Work

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The BSSW Program educates students for empirically-based generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The BSSW program emphasizes the interrelationships between systems of all sizes and the environment.

The curriculum builds on a lifespan foundation, based on a generalist perspective, and the liberal arts.  It emphasizes problem-solving approaches, critical thinking skills, empirically-based practice, economic and social justice, and ethical services for clients experiencing a wide range of problems. Students learn prevention and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing human functioning and quality of life. The program emphasizes the ability to work with diverse clients in a variety of settings reflective of the diversity of South Florida.

Students may complete the BSSW on a full-time or part-time basis. Students may elect to pursue a certificate in child welfare as part of their program of study. In addition, eligible BSSW graduates may apply to the MSW advanced-standing program.

A full-time social work student is eligible for student membership in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). A graduate may become a regular member of the Association. Students are also invited to join the Student Social Work Association at the University and Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

[ BSSW Handbook]

[ Program Prerequisites] - [ Goals and objectives ] - [ Degree Requirements ] - [ Curriculum ]

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Certificate in Child Welfare Practice

Purpose

To provide BSSW students with the specialized skills, knowledge, and practice competencies in order to carry out the services and statutory responsibilities for the care and protection of children; and to provide the community-based care (CBC) providers with skilled staff, that are prepared to meet the critical service needs of Florida's children and families.

Benefits to Students

• Students will receive the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively assess and intervene with vulnerable children and families.
• Students will receive direct practice experience with a community-based care (CBC) child protection agency.
• Students will receive a Certificate in Child Welfare Practice.

Program Requirements

• Students eligible for this program must be fully admitted into the Social Work BSSW program and must be registered as full-time students (12 credits for BSSW).
• Students also must complete clearance for CBC employment prior to program acceptance. The assessment and evaluation process may include an abuse registry check, driver's license check, drug screening, references check, fingerprint and background screening and an interview.
• After graduation, students will be required to fulfill employment at a community-based care (CBC) provider for one year.
• Students must complete the following:

1. SOW 4654 Child Welfare Practice: Assessment and Planning
2. SOW 4658 Mental Health Services for Children & Adolescents in Child Welfare
3. Two consecutive field internships in the same CBC agency.

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Certificate in Management in Social Work

The following certificate program is offered as an option to MSW students and social work professionals in the field.

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Certificate in Social Work Practice with Elderly

The following certificate program is offered as an option to MSW students and social work professionals in the field.

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Certificate in Addictions

The following certificate program is offered as an option to MSW students and social work professionals in the field.

This certificate meets all of the educational coursework requirements of the Florida Certification Board for the Certified Addiction Professional (CAP).

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Minor in Social Welfare

A five course minor in social welfare is available to baccalaureate degree-seeking students who are interested in careers in the human service field or who wish to study how common human needs are addressed by social welfare programs.  The courses that comprise the minor will provide students with the opportunity to relate to the special concerns of our region, including poverty, crime and delinquency, child abuse and neglect, and family instability. Please note that a student who completes the Minor in Social Welfare is NOT allowed to refer to herself or himself as a “Social Worker.” This title is may be used only by those who have completed an accredited bachelors or masters degree in Social Work.

*This course is required for the minor in Social Welfare. The remaining 12 semester hours are to be selected from the social work courses listed above.

All students MUST have the proper pre-/co-requisites for each course. Please refer to the course catalog for the course descriptions and pre-/co-requisites.

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Academic Misconduct

[ Academic Misconduct Statement ]

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