Health Sciences Bulletin

School of Social Welfare

  • Bachelor of Science

    Bachelor of Science

    The full-time, upper-division, undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in social work. The curriculum provides a foundation for generalist social work practice. Graduates are prepared for entry-level, professional social work positions in a wide range of health and human service institutions. The professional program comprises of a sequence of courses and practicum education. Required credits in practicum education are accrued in the senior year at the rate of 6 credits per term, 14 hours per week. Practicum education placements are available in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, youth services and public and community social service agencies, among others. No credit is given for life experience or previous work experience. This professional program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) and graduates are eligible to apply for advanced standing MSW graduate programs.

    Academic Requirements for Admission 

    Applicants to the undergraduate program must achieve upper-division status before admission to the School. The School encourages applications from transfer students as well as applicants from Stony Brook University.

    Interested students are advised to complete all general University requirements by the end of their second year of undergraduate work. Refer to  DEGREE REQUIREMENTS in this Bulletin for general requirements. These include a minimum of 57 credits that must be earned prior to beginning the program. Within these credits, students must have completed with a letter grade of C or better courses providing a broad liberal arts base with core content in the following areas.

    • A minimum of one three-credit course in English composition, which develops proficiency in the composition of expository and argumentative essays and fulfills the WRT designation for the Stony Brook Curriculum. This requirement may be met by WRT 102: Intermediate Writing Workshop, or by having taken comparable course work at another institution. A minimum of one three-credit introductory course in human biological sciences which provides an understanding of the major concepts of human biology, including the cell, the gene, molecular biology, development and evolution, the human implications and values associated with these concepts, and the impact of biology on human behavior. This requirement must fulfill the SNW designation for the Stony Brook Curriculum and may be met by ANP 101: Human Biology, or comparable* course work at another institution.
    • A minimum of one three-credit course in modern American history (post-Reconstruction era) which provides knowledge of modern American history including industrialization, the impact of industrialization upon social, cultural and political life, the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the resulting social and technological changes. This requirement may be met by HIS 104: United States Since 1877, or comparable* course work at another institution.
    • A minimum of one three-credit course in American political systems which provides knowledge about the organization of American government, including the Constitution, Congress, political parties, pressure groups, growth of the presidency, the Supreme Court, judicial review, federalism, separation of powers, and the Bill of Rights. This requirement may be met by POL 102: Introduction to American Government, or comparable* course work at another institution.
    • A minimum of one three-credit introductory course in sociology or anthropology which provides an analysis of the principles of social structure through an examination of various forms of kinship, marriage, family, age group, voluntary associations, and various levels of political, judicial, religious and economic organization. This requirement may be met by ANT 102: What makes us Human? or SOC 105: Introduction to Sociology, or comparable course work at another institution.
    • A minimum of one three-credit introductory course in psychology which provides an understanding of psychology as the science of behavior, including content related to personality theory, social and developmental psychology, and psychological testing. This requirement may be met by PSY 103: Introduction to Psychology, or comparable course work at another institution.
    • A minimum of one three-credit course in mathematics (above college algebra) or statistics. This requirement must be met by a course that fulfills the QPS designation for the Stony Brook Curriculum. A statistics course is recommended preparation for succeeding in the Social Work Research sequence.
    • A minimum of one three-credit course in the humanities. This requirement must be met by a course that fulfills the HUM designation for the Stony Brook Curriculum.
    • A minimum of one three-credit course in the fine arts. This requirement must be met by a courses that fulfills the fine arts. This requirement may be met by a course that fulfills the ARTS designation for the Stony Brook Curriculum.
    • A minimum of one three-credit course in the human language other than English. The School of Social Welfare follows the Stony Brook Curriculum requirements with the exception of the Communicate in a Human Language other Than English (LANG), learning objectives. This requirement may be met by the first course in a language sequence that partially fulfills the LANG designation (LANG-PART).
    • The following Stony Brook Curriculum learning outcome course designators must be successfully fulfilled (with a letter grade of C or better) prior to beginning the professional core curriculum in the School of Social Welfare: ARTS, HUM, LANG-PART, QPS, SBS, SNW, USA, and WRT.

    * Consult the School of Social Welfare for approved courses. 

    Graduation Requirements

    Candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree in social work must:

    1. Meet the general requirements of the University that are described in DEGREE REQUIREMENTS in this Bulletin.
    2. Meet the graduation requirements of the School of Social Welfare, including successful completion of all course, practicum education, and professional development requirements of the School of Social Welfare described in this section and in the School of Social Welfare Student Handbook:
      1. Complete 43 credits in required courses in the School of Social Welfare Program.
      2. Complete 12 credits in required Practicum education coordinated through the School of Social Welfare Office of Practicum education.
      3. Complete 2 credits in required professional preparation courses in the School of Social Welfare Program.
      4. Complete 12 credits of elective courses in the field of Social Welfare.
      5. Complete a total of 126 credits of undergraduate work.
      6. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the Social Welfare Program.

    Organization of the Curriculum

    The curriculum in the undergraduate program is organized around five substantive areas of knowledge and skills: human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy, social research, social work practice, and Practicum education. The following program represents the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science student:

    JUNIOR YEAR, FALL SEMESTER
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 300 Introduction to Social Work Fields of practice 3
    HWC 304 Foundations of Human Rights and Social Justice
    HWC 308 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
    HWC 311 Social Welfare Policy, Services and Analysis
    HWC 396A Community Learning and Professional Preparation I A 0.5
    HWX 3XX Social Work Elective (Foundation) 3
    JUNIOR YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 305 Practice Processes in Social Work I
    HWC 309 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
    HWC 310 Advocacy Practice: The Politics and Economics of Human Rights & Social Welfare 3
    HWC 312 Social Welfare Policy II
    HWC 396B Community Learning and Professional Preparation I B 0.5 
    HWX 3XX Social Work Elective (Foundation) 3
    SENIOR YEAR, FALL SEMESTER
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 301 Professional Practicum I 6
    HWC 306 Practice Processes in Social Work II
    HWC 313 Research in Social Work I 3
    HWC 315 Integrating Seminar I
    HWC 497A Community Learning and Professional Preparation II A 0.5
    HWX 4XX Social Work Elective (Enrichment) 3
    SENIOR YEAR, SPRING SEMESTER
    Course # Title Credits
    HWX 302 Professional Practicum II 6
    HWC 307 Practice Processes in Social Work III
    HWC 314 Research in Social Work II 3
    HWC 316 Integrating Seminar II
    HWC 497B Community Learning and Professional Preparation II B 0.5
    HWX 4XX Social Work Elective (Enrichment) 3

    Electives* Elective topics vary from term to term. *Students must take four courses (12 credits) of social work electives prior to graduation – two (2) 300-level Foundation electives and two (2) 400-level Enrichment electives (electives can be taken in any combination of summer, fall, winter, and spring semesters; 400-level electives can only be taken after the successful completion of all required courses of the Junior Year BSW curriculum or by permission of the Undergraduate Program Director).

    ELECTIVES

    Students are required to take a minimum of 12 credits of electives to fulfill the curriculum requirements.Electives are differentiated between foundational electives (300 level) and enrichment (400 level) electives. Students are required to take a minimum of six credits of foundational electives and six credits of enrichment electives to fulfill the minimum required total of twelve elective credits. A foundational elective is one which provides an overview or broad-based exposure to the topic under consideration. An enrichment elective is one that considers the topic in more depth. An enrichment elective provides a specific focus on the issues and often addresses the practice concerns and skill application related to the topic. Enrichment electives are only open to students successfully completing the junior year BSW curriculum and achieving U4 (Senior) standing.

    In addition to the choice of electives offered in the SSW, to satisfy that requirement, students may take two upper division electives relevant to social work that are taught outside the School of Social Welfare. The course selected may be from those offered by a variety of departments within the University including those courses offered by other schools within the Health Sciences. The content of the course must be in concert with the School’s mission and program objectives and in a subject not covered by the School’s curriculum offerings. Prior to registering for such an elective, students must obtain approval from the Director of the Undergraduate Program in writing. See BSW Pre-Approval and Petition of Transfer Credits: https://socialwelfare.stonybrookmedicine.edu/current-students/forms.  Students may apply six credits (two electives) from outside the program OR from transfer into the program.

    Independent Study Policies and Procedures

    Students may elect to take an Independent Study as an elective. The independent study may not replace required course work. The Independent Study needs to be in a subject area that is in concert with the School’s mission and program objectives, and is not covered already by the curriculum offerings. An independent study proposal and bibliography should be signed and agreed upon by the student, the member of the faculty who has agreed to sponsor the independent study and the Director of the Undergraduate Program before registering for independent study (HWC 395 or HWC 495) credit for a maximum of 3 credits. Students may apply one 3-credit independent study during their tenure in the program towards fulfillment of required elective credit.

  • Master of Social Work

    THE MSW

    Pathways to the MSW Degree

    The graduate program prepares students for advanced social work practice. It provides students with the needed theoretical and practice expertise to function with maximum competence at different administrative or policy levels in social welfare fields and/or in the provision of direct services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. The school provides opportunities for study and practice that utilize the wealth of interdisciplinary resources available in the Health Sciences Center, the University, and community agencies throughout the New York metropolitan area.  The requirements of the MSW Program as outlined here have been approved by the New York State Education Department as meeting the academic pre-requisites qualifying students to sit for both the LMSW and LCSW License Exams. Students who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate degree program in social work - within five (5) years from their initial matriculation are not required to repeat what has been achieved in their undergraduate program. The curriculum provides for a generalist foundation year of courses and practicum education for all students.  In the 2nd year, students concentrate on Advanced Social Work Practice in one of three areas of Specializations.

    Curriculum

    The curriculum provides for a generalist foundation year of courses and practicum education for all students. In the second year, students concentrate in advanced social work practice.  Some courses are offered in concentrated form during the semester, intersession and summer session.  Although some courses are offered for student convenience in Manhattan, be advised that in order to complete the program, all students are required to take one course at the Stony Brook campus. HWC 596 and HWC 597 complete this residency requirement.

    Generalist Foundation

    In the first year, the array of courses and practicum education provides the basic professional foundation of knowledge, values and skills for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The professional foundation includes content on social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations historically devalued and oppressed, human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policies and services, social work practice, research and practicum education.

    First Year, Full-time MSW Requirements
    FALL TERM
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 500 Practicum education I       4-6
    HWC 504 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
    HWC 509 Foundations of Social Justice: Challenging Oppression
    HWC 511 Research I
    HWC 513 Social Work Practice I
    HWC 596A Community Learning and Professional Preparation I (Year-Long) 1
    SPRING TERM
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 501 Practicum education II 4-6
    HWC 505 Integrating Seminar
    HWC 510 Social Policy & Social Determinants
    HWC 512 Research II    
    HWC 514 Social Work Practice II
    HWC 596B Community Learning and Professional Preparation II (Year-Long) -
    Advanced Curriculum/Second Year Specialization

    The program prepares students for advanced generalist social work practice in a variety of professional roles, including direct services with individuals, families, groups, and communities and in the analysis, development, implementation, management and evaluation of human services, and health policies and programs. The School of Social Welfare requires students to select a specialization in their second year. The School has three areas of specializations, click here to learn more about each of the specializations.

    SECOND YEAR, FULL-TIME AND ADVANCED STANDING MSW REQUIREMENTS
    FALL TERM
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 502 Practicum education III 6
      Required Specialization Practice Course
      Required Specialization Course
    HWC 519 Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology
      Elective
    HWC 597A Community Learning and Professional Preparation I (Year-Long) 1
    SPRING TERM
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 503 Practicum education IV 6
      Required Specialization Practice course
      Required specialization course
      Two Advanced Practice Electives 6
    HWC 597B Community Learning and Professional Preparation II (Year-Long) -

    *A minimum of nine (9) Advanced Practice elective credits are required. Elective offerings vary from term to term. (See Section V. B. Credits)

    Advanced Standing Program

    Students who have graduated from a CSWE accredited baccalaureate program in social work within the past five years may apply for the Advanced Standing Program. Students applying for this option must demonstrate their readiness to function at the level of a second year MSW student. Students generally complete the program in one year, or may take a reduced program and complete the requirements in 1½ to two years.  Students spend three days in a practicum education setting for one academic year and must complete the required and elective courses.  Students in this program cannot use their place of employment for their field placement and must earn all the 36 credits as matriculated students in the School of Social Welfare. Students in the Advanced Standing Program must choose a Specialization, but will generally follow the format listed above (Advanced Curriculum/Second Year Specialization.)

    Part-Time Program

    This option is designed for students who choose not to follow the regular full-time schedule. Students must take a minimum of two courses per semester (6 credits) but may take up to three courses per semester (9 credits). Part-Time students begin practicum education during the Fall semester of their second year. Social Work Practice courses must be taken concurrently with practicum education in the second year (HWC 513 with HWC 500; HWC 514 with HWC 501). HWC 505, Integrating Seminar, must be taken in the Spring semester of the second year. The degree requirements are typically completed in three to four years.

    FALL CLASS SCHEDULE - MSW STUDENTS (1ST YR)
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 509 Foundations of Social justice: Challenging Oppression 3
    HWC 511 Research I
    HWC 596A Community Learning and Professional Preparation I (Year-Long) 1
    SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE - MSW STUDENTS (1ST YEAR)
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 510 Social Policy & Social Determinants 3
    HWC 512 Research II
    HWC 596B Community Learning and Professional Preparation I (Year-Long) -

     

    FALL CLASS SCHEDULE - MSW STUDENTS (2ND YEAR)
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 500 Practicum education I 4
    HWC 504 Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Critical Applications of Social Work Theory
    HWC 513 Social Work Practice I 3
    SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE - MSW STUDENTS (2ND YEAR)
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 501 Practicum education II 4
    HWC 505 Integrating Seminar
    HWC 514 Social Work Practice II 3
    FALL CLASS SCHEDULE - MSW STUDENTS (3RD YEAR)
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 502 Practicum education III 4
      Required Specialization Practice Course 3
      Required Specialization Course
      *HWC Elective   
      *HWC Elective or (HWC 519) Psychopathology 3
      *Psychopathology and Three Electives may be taken in any semester after the successful completion of the Second Year.  
    HWC 597A Community Learning and Professional Preparation II (Year-Long) 1
    SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE - MSW STUDENTS (3RD YEAR)
    Course # Title Credits
    HWC 503 Practicum education IV 4
      Required Specialization Practice Course 3
      Required Specialization Course
      *HWC Elective   
      *HWC Elective or (HWC 519) Psychopathology  3
      *Psychopathology and Three Electives may be taken in any semester after the successful completion of the Second Year.  
    HWC 597B Community Learning and Professional Preparation II (Year-Long) 1
    Additional Requirements:

    The following courses are required and may be taken in any semester after the successful completion of the Year II courses:

    *Psychopathology
    *Three Electives 

    Part-time students will develop a curriculum plan with their advisors designating in which semesters they will enroll in these required courses.

  • Doctoral Program (PhD in Social Welfare

    Ph.D. in Social Welfare

    The Ph.D. Program in the School of Social Welfare is a policy research degree that focuses on social problem/social welfare issues such as poverty, health, violence, and aging. It operates under the auspices of the Stony Brook University Graduate School and is committed to the School of Social Welfare's mission of social justice. Taking full advantage of the resources of both the Graduate School and the multidisciplinary Health Sciences Center as well as affiliated faculty throughout the University, the program features small classes, a supportive environment for doctoral students, and a rigorous course of study. Upon receipt of this Ph.D., graduates will be well prepared to teach, direct research projects in government and social agencies, and carry out policy analysis in the field of social welfare.

  • Dual Degree Programs in Social Work

    Dual Degree Programs in Social Work

    MSW/JD DUAL DEGREE WITH TOURO LAW SCHOOL

    The School of Social Welfare and Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center offer a dual degree program in which full-time students may obtain both a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in law following four years of study.  This program reduces the amount of full-time study otherwise necessary to earn these two degrees if taken separately.

    Applicants for admission to the dual degree program must meet the separate application requirements of each program and must be accepted for admission by each school independently.  Applicants to the Law School must submit LSAT scores.  Applicants to the dual degree program may apply prior to enrollment or during the first year of enrollment at Touro College of Law. Students must be accepted to Touro College of Law prior to beginning their studies at the School of Social Welfare in order for credits to be accepted by Touro College.

    Details regarding the specific course requirements and their sequence for each degree, and the courses and grades for which each school will allow transfer credit, are available by calling or emailing the School of Social Welfare Office of Student Services at ssw.admissions@stonybrook.edu

    MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program

    Public Health Social Work is a rapidly expanding field of practice. These professionals work directly with individuals to improve their lives and conduct rigorous data analysis to promote the well-being of local and global communities. Public health social workers are comprehensively trained to understand and address social issues affecting the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations, such as homelessness, substance use, violence, and environmental contamination.  

    Students who wish to be considered for admission into the combined MSW/MPH program must comply with all admission requirements for each degree, (MPH and SSW) including completion of 2 separate applications. The GRE exam is a required component for the MPH application. Please note: When completing the MPH application, select the MSW/MPH option to be considered for the dual degree.  

    Applicants for admission to the dual degree program must meet the separate application requirements of each program and must be accepted for admission by each school independently.

    If you have questions about admission or would like more information about the program, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Amy Hammock: 631-444-3108 or e-mail: Amy.Hammock@stonybrook.edu.

    MSW/MA Dual Degree Program

    Combining the MSW and MA degrees prepares students to be innovative leaders and change agents working in critical intersections of social work and medical humanities, compassionate care and bioethics, concerning direct practice and policy. Programs addressing bioethics too often focus exclusively on ethical dilemmas in healthcare and the life sciences without adequately attending to the patient’s illness experience. At Stony Brook, the MA devotes equal attention to bioethics, medical humanities and the dynamic of compassionate care at a time when patients and healthcare professionals may find the healthcare system challenging.

    Students who wish to be considered for admission into the combined MSW/MA program must comply with all admission requirements for each degree, (MSW and MA) including completion of 2 separate applications. Please note: When completing the MSW application, select the MSW/MA option to be considered for the dual degree.

    If you have questions about admission or would like more information about the program, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Michelle Ballan at 917-406-1446 or e-mail: Michelle.Ballan@stonybrook.edu

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