1
GRADUATE COUNCIL
NEW COURSE/PROGRAM PROPOSAL
ORIGINATING UNIT: Social Work
TYPE OF ACTION:
__________ New course
___X______ New program
Semester and year course/program will take effect: Fall 2013
NEW COURSE or PROGRAM TITLE: Master of Social Work
Appropriate computer abbreviation (30 spaces or less): Master of Social Work (MSW)
New course number: N/A
Prerequisites for new course: N/A
DESCRIPTION OF NEW COURSE OR PROGRAM (catalog copy):
The Master of Social Work Program prepares advanced generalist social workers with a common
base of social work knowledge, values, and skills that equips the graduate for positions of
leadership that promote human rights and social and economic justice. The advanced generalist
focus of the program enables graduates to apply their knowledge and skills within service
systems of various sizes and types. Practice courses stress application of advanced skills in a
variety of systems using assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation relevant to diverse
individuals, families, groups, and communities. Field education provides opportunities for
student to integrate theory with practice and experientially apply knowledge, values, and skills in
appropriate settings.
Mission:
The stated mission of the TCU Master of Social Work (MSW) Program is “to prepare ethical and
competent advanced social work practitioners who promote human rights and economic and
social justice with diverse clients in a variety of settings in the global community”. This mission
reflects and flows from the university mission.
Goals and Objectives:
The MSW Program goals are derived from the mission of the department. The goals are
incorporated throughout the curriculum and efforts of the department and expressed in
competencies and practice behaviors that are assessed in coursework and field education. The
MSW curriculum includes the professional foundation (first 30 hours or first year) and advanced
generalist concentration (final 30 hours or second year). The goals of the program form the basis
for the design of the curriculum, and classroom and field experiences.
The MSW Program has three goals that reflect the MSW Program’s commitment to the
mission of the profession of social work and to the mission of the university. These goals flow
SOWO new MSW program proposal
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from the social work mission of preparing social work leaders to practice in the local and global
community with an emphasis on human rights and social justice. The three goals are:
1. To prepare advanced practitioners to practice with an emphasis on human rights and social
justice, in order to enhance the quality of life for all people
2. To prepare advanced practitioners to contribute to the social work profession through
leadership, administration, and supervision
3. To prepare advanced practitioners with competence to address human needs both locally and
globally
In addition to our goals, the social work accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education
(CSWE), requires that the program identify their program competencies in order to meet
accreditation standards. TCU must assure that our graduates have mastered the following 11
practice behaviors.
1. Identify as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly
2. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice using the National
Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
3. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments
4. Engage diversity and difference in practice
5. Advance human rights and social and economic justice
6. Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research evaluating program
outcomes and practice effectiveness at all levels
7. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment including theories of human
behavior and social systems
8. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective
generalist and advanced social work services
9. Respond to contexts that shape practice including emerging social needs, service delivery
trends and social systems that comprise practice contexts
10. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities at the generalist and advanced levels
11. Engage in advanced practice, supervision, and administration.
With these goals and competencies in mind, the TCU MSW Program created a program of study
to prepare students to have the knowledge, values, and skills required to move into advanced
social work practice. The MSW Program incorporates the core competencies specific to the
concentration of advanced generalist. The curriculum is developed in a structured manner
building on the foundation content (first year) and moving into more advanced practice content
(second year).
Program of Study:
The MSW curriculum is based on educational standards developed and implemented by the
CSWE. The MSW requires approximately 60 hours of credit (a combination of 48 hours from
coursework and 12 hours from internships). Full-time MSW students take 15 hours each
semester and complete their degree in 2 years. Approximately 30 hours of graduate education
credit can be obtained with the BSW degree, allowing students to enter with advanced standing.
SOWO new MSW program proposal
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Therefore, BSW graduates, like those from TCU, could complete their MSW degree with one
additional year of education (30 hours).
Students seeking the MSW degree at TCU will come from BSW graduates and those with
undergraduate degrees in other disciplines. Those students that already have the BSW are
known as advanced standing students (also known as 4/1) and can complete the MSW with one
year of full-time study (30 hours). Students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines will
require two years of full-time study (60 hours). The MSW at TCU will also be open to part-time
students. Part-time students will be able to complete the MSW degree in four years in the
traditional curriculum and two years in the advanced standing curriculum.
Admission Requirements:
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of Texas Christian University and the
Harris College Office of Graduate Studies, applicants must meet the admission requirements of
either the Traditional (Full-time, 2 year or Part-time, 4 year) or Advanced Standing (Full-time, 1
year or Part-time, 2 year) Master of Social Work Program. Applicants may be reviewed for entry
into either program. Admission decisions will be based on a wide range of information, including
the stipulated qualifications described below. Admission to the program presumed the ability and
willingness to follow the sequential curriculum outlined in the Program Requirements. There
will be a part-time option available for the MSW Program. Students admitted may enroll in the
full-time or part-time curriculum as it is described in these materials.
Traditional MSW Program (60 credits; Full-time, 2 year or Part-time, 4 year)
Required qualifications for admission:
1. Prior Degree: Students accepted for the MSW Program must have completed a baccalaureate
(e.g. BA, BS) degree reflecting a liberal arts foundation from an accredited college or
university.
2. GPA: The Department prefers applicants with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) or
better on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
3. Course Prerequisites. Applicants must have one college-level course in each of the following:
human biology, statistics, sociology, and psychology before registering for the first semester
in the MSW Program.
4. References. Applicants must submit three professional and academic reference forms with
letters from person who can address the applicant’s academic abilities and interpersonal
skills, potential for graduate education and potential for professional social work practice. It
is required that at least one reference be an academic reference from an academic advisor or
instructor.
5. Professional Statement. Applicants must submit a well-written professional statement that
addresses the following:
a. What motivated you to decide to pursue a MSW?
b. How do your personal values connect with the values of the social work profession?
c. What are strengths and weaknesses that will impact you as a social worker?
d. Describe any experiences and leadership opportunities that will help you be successful in
this graduate program?
e. Discuss any significant volunteer and/or work experiences related to social work.
f. What are your professional goals and plans in social work?
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6. Resume: Applicants will submit a current resume or vitae with their application.
7. GRE: Applicants will need to submit a GRE to be considered for merit-based financial aid.
8. Interview: Applicants may be asked to interview with the Admissions Committee before a
final decision is reached.
Advanced Standing MSW Program (30 credits; Full-time, 1 year or Part-time, 2 year)
(Note: This option will be available beginning the 2014-2015 year.)
Required qualifications for admission:
1. Prior Degree: Applicants to the Advanced Standing option must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in
Social Work (BSW, BSSW) degree or other Bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) with a major in
social work from a CSWE accredited program at the time of enrollment.
2. GPA: The Department prefers applicants with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) or
better on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
3. Course Prerequisites. Applicants must have one college-level course in each of the following:
human biology, statistics, sociology, and psychology before registering for the first semester
in the MSW Program.
4. References. Applicants must submit three professional and academic reference forms with
letters from person who can address the applicant’s academic abilities and interpersonal
skills, potential for graduate education and potential for professional social work practice. It
is required that at least one reference be an academic reference from an academic advisor or
instructor. It is preferred that one of these references be from a field instructor.
5. Professional Statement. Applicants must submit a well-written professional statement that
addresses the following:
a. What motivated you to decide to pursue a MSW?
b. How do your personal values connect with the values of the social work profession?
c. What are strengths and weaknesses that will impact you as a social worker?
d. Describe any experiences and leadership opportunities that will help you be successful in
this graduate program?
e. Discuss any significant volunteer and/or work experiences related to social work.
f. What are your professional goals and plans in social work?
6. Resume: Applicants will submit a current resume or vitae with their application.
7. GRE: Applicants will need to submit scores from the GRE to be considered for merit-based
financial aid.
8. Interview: Applicants may be asked to interview with the Admissions Committee before a
final decision is reached.
Composition of Admissions Committee
The MSW Program Admissions Committee will consist of three members who shall include the
a) MSW Program Director, b) one MSW faculty member, and c) one other faculty member from
the Department of Social Work. Positions on this committee may rotate as faculty composition
of the department changes. The program’s MSW Admissions Coordinator will coordinate all
efforts with the Harris College of Graduate Studies. The MSW Admissions Coordinator is
responsible for the initial eligibility screening of all applicants.
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There is a four stage process for admissions to the MSW Program:
1. Eligibility Review
A: Application goes to the Harris College of Graduate Studies for initial review and is
cleared for a) prior degree from accredited institution and b) GPA. The Department prefers
applicants with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or better on the last 60 hours of undergraduate
coursework.
B: MSW Admissions Coordinator reviews the application to determine if basic eligibility is
met and indicates if the applicant has any unique characteristics.
2. Preliminary Consideration
A: The MSW Admissions Committee reviews applications and assesses them according to
the MSW Program Application Review Scoring Rubric. An interview may be requested with
an applicant with a faculty member(s).
B: Applicants are separated into one of three categories:
1. Exceeds required qualifications/criteria
2. Meets required qualifications/criteria
3. Does not meet required qualifications/criteria
C: Those placed in the “Exceeds” or “Meets” categories will be included for final
consideration
3. Final Decisions
A: The MSW Admissions Committee reviews those in the top and middle tiers.
B: The MSW Admissions Committee and MSW Admissions Coordinator will make
admissions recommendations for the top candidates. The Harris College of Graduate Studies
who will send letters of acceptance in the MSW Program. A second tier of applicants will be
maintained as a wait list. Additional applications may be accepted if there is space available
in the program.
4. Follow-Up/Offer Acceptance
A: Those accepted offer of admission notify the Harris College of Graduate Studies which
provides information about registration and other University-wide issues (financial aid,
assistantships, etc.).
B: Accepted MSW student must sign and return a MSW Student Agreement of Acceptance
and return this to the Department within three weeks of receiving their notification or their
spot in the class may be offered to an applicant on the waiting list.
C: Students admitted to the program may submit documentation for transfer credit
consideration (please review the Transfer Credit Policy).
D: The MSW Admissions Coordinator and MSW Program Director will also provide
additional materials needed for students.
E: A meeting will be scheduled and held for all new graduate students before classes begin in
the fall semester.
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The admissions policy and procedures are designed to ensure that graduate students entering
the MSW Program are committed to upholding the values, ethics, and principles of the social
work profession and are committed to the mission of the MSW Program. The admission
criteria and selection process are designed to ensure that students possess the academic
abilities and motivation, and in the case of the Advanced Standing option, requisite
knowledge and credentials to be successful in our MSW Program.
Advanced Standing:
The faculty has carefully designed, reviewed, and modified the curriculum and course syllabi to
ensure non-repetition of foundation course content in the concentration year courses. The MSW
Program faculty and those of the entire Department of Social Work ensures the uniformity and
non-repetition of course content within its curricula by requiring the equivalent use of course
syllabi and textbooks for courses in which there are multiple sections or multiple faculty teaching
the subject matter. Faculty wishing to make substantive changes to existing courses or proposing
new courses must submit their materials to the MSW Curriculum Committee for review in order
to assure that duplication of pre-existing course content does not take place.
Advanced Standing is awarded only to graduates holding degrees from baccalaureate social work
programs accredited by CSWE, those recognized through its International Social Work Degree
Recognition and Evaluation Service, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with
international social work accreditors. The MSW Program’s admissions materials will include this
policy that is clearly understood to students.
Those students meeting the requirements for admission to Advanced Standing will be
recommended to enter the Concentration Year of the MSW Program.
Degree Requirements:
TRADITIONAL CURRICULUM (Full-time, 2 year)
MSW Foundation – Year 1
Fall:
SOWO 61803 – Professional Foundation
SOWO 61813 – Research 1
SOWO 61843 – HBSE 1
SOWO 61873 – Micro Practice
SOWO 61883 – Field 1
Spring:
SOWO 61823 – Diversity & Social Justice
SOWO 61833 – Macro Practice
SOWO 61853 – HBSE II
SOWO 61863 – Social Welfare Policies and Services
SOWO 61893 – Field 2
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MSW Concentration – Year 2
Fall:
SOWO Elective
SOWO 65813 – Research 2
SOWO 65863 – Policy Analysis
SOWO 65873 – Advanced Micro Practice
SOWO 65883 – Field 3
Spring:
SOWO Elective
SOWO Elective
SOWO 65803 – Administration and Management
SOWO 65833 – Advanced Macro Practice
SOWO 65893 – Field 4
TRADITIONAL CURRICULUM (Part-time, 4 year)
MSW Foundation - Year 1
Fall:
SOWO 61803 – Professional Foundation
SOWO 61843 – Micro Practice
Spring:
SOWO 61833 – Macro Practice
SOWO 61863 – Social Welfare Policies and Services
Summer:
SOWO 61883 – Field 1
MSW Foundation – Year 2
Fall:
SOWO 61813 – Research 1
SOWO 61843 – HBSE 1
Spring:
SOWO 61823 – Diversity & Social Justice
SOWO 61853 – HBSE 2
Summer:
SOWO 61893 – Field 2
MSW Concentration – Year 3
Fall:
SOWO 65863 – Policy Analysis
SOWO 65873 – Advanced Micro Practice
Spring:
SOWO 65803 – Administration and Management
SOWO 65833 – Advanced Macro Practice
Summer:
SOWO 65883 – Field 3
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MSW Concentration – Year 4
Fall:
SOWO Elective
SOWO 65813 – Research 2
Spring:
SOWO Elective
SOWO Elective
Summer:
SOWO 65893 – Field 4
ADVANCED STANDING CURRICULUM (Full-time, 1 year):
Fall:
SOWO Elective
SOWO 65813 – Research 2
SOWO 65863 – Policy Analysis
SOWO 65873 – Advanced Micro Practice
SOWO 65883 – Field 3
Spring:
SOWO Elective
SOWO Elective
SOWO 65803 – Administration and Management
SOWO 65833 – Advanced Macro Practice
SOWO 65893 – Field 4
ADVANCED STANDING CURRICULUM (Part-time, 2 year):
MSW Concentration – Year 1
Fall:
SOWO 65863 – Policy Analysis
SOWO 65873 – Advanced Micro Practice
Spring:
SOWO 65803 – Administration and Management
SOWO 65833 – Advanced Macro Practice
Summer:
SOWO 65883 – Field 3
MSW Concentration – Year 2
Fall:
SOWO Elective
SOWO 65813 – Research 2
Spring:
SOWO Elective
SOWO Elective
Summer:
SOWO 65893 – Field 4
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The MSW curriculum includes foundation content and concentration content. The foundation
curriculum lays the groundwork for the advanced generalist content. Students must complete
coursework in professional foundation (knowledge, values, skills, and ethics), practice (micro
and macro), human behavior, social welfare policy, diversity and social justice, and research.
Two semester field education courses will allow students the opportunity to apply the foundation
knowledge to enter the concentration area of study.
The concentration builds on the foundation curriculum and has an advanced generalist focus so
that graduates can assume practice, supervisory, and administrative roles in organizations. The
concentration allows students to choose electives in the areas of children and families, and health
and mental health.
All students complete a full year of advanced practice courses, a course in administration and
management, policy analysis, and research. In addition to these required courses, the
concentration curriculum provides for students to take three electives in order to enhance their
knowledge and skills in an area of specialization. The advanced field education courses allow
students to apply their advanced knowledge and skills to an area of specialization.
Academic Rating System:
The following grading system is used in the MSW Program:
90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 69 and below=F.
Transfer Credit:
The MSW Program may accept up to 10 transfer credits from: 1) a CSWE accredited MSW
Program for foundation year courses, or 2) a CSWE accredited MSW Program or another
graduate program in a related field for concentration year elective courses. No transfer credit will
be awarded for practice courses, required concentration year courses, or for field education.
In addition, requests for transfer course credit must meet the following criteria:
1. The student requesting credit for graduate coursework must be admitted to Texas Christian
University MSW Program prior to approval of a request for transfer credit. However,
admission to the MSW Program does not guarantee approval of transfer credits.
2. Upon admission, the student may request a review of graduate course(s) taken to determine
whether the course(s) may be transferred for credit.
3. A minimum course grade of “B” must have been earned in each course by the student
requesting transfer credit.
4. All requests for transfer credit must meet the requirements of the Harris College of Graduate
Studies at TCU.
5. When requesting consideration for transfer credit, a student must submit a letter of request to
the TCU MSW Admissions Coordinator which identifies the course(s) for which transfer
credit is requested, a copy of the official catalog of the university where the course was
taken, a copy of the course syllabus, and an official transcript showing the grade earned.
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The MSW Admissions Coordinator, in consultation with relevant MSW faculty, will: a) review
the request for transfer credit based on a review of each comparable course syllabus to ensure
that the course meets the objectives of the TCU MSW Program foundation or elective course and
has comparable content, readings, and assignments; b) confirm a grade of “B” or better was
received; and c) when warranted, consult with the university where the course(s) was previously
taken. Student will be informed in writing of the MSW Program’s decision. Students may appeal
the decision to the MSW Program Chair. Each course for which transfer credit is requested will
be reviewed independently and in a timely fashion.
Academic Warning and GPA Requirements:
Social Work graduate students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. A graduate student who
achieves a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 at any point in their program will be placed on
academic warning. A student can be removed from that status by achieving a 3.0 cumulative
average by the end of the next semester of enrollment. A student can retake no more than two
classes in their course of study. Failure to resolve academic warning will result in dismissal. No
student is allowed to graduate with less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA. All grades are included in
the computation of the GPA, but no more than six hours of a "C" may be utilized in satisfying
degree requirements.
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE OR JUSTIFICATION (For a new course, attach a copy of
course objectives, course outline, representative bibliography and proposed syllabus. For a
new program attach a statement of the mission and objectives of the new program):
Justification for the Master of Social Work Degree
TCU first began offering the undergraduate social work degree in 1975. Since that time, the
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) remains a fully accredited and respected program in
the Dallas/Fort Worth area and larger community. The addition of the MSW would be a logical
next step in degree offering for the Department of Social Work to enhance the personal and
professional opportunities for graduates.
Research on Demand and Job Prospects for Students with the MSW
In March of 2011, the firm of Hardwick Day was hired by TCU to put together a review of
secondary research on the feasibility of MSW program expansion. The findings, and included
sources, from that report were submitted to the university. The following three paragraphs are a
few highlights from their report.
The demand projections for specialties that require the MSW are positive for the nation and
for Texas. There is a positive 17% projected increase in the demand for these specialties in the
country and a 21% increased demand in Texas. Texas projects demand for MSW job specialties
to be stronger than national job projections.
Increases in the aging population are one of the key drivers for growth for health and social
service occupations that include social work. Texas is among the fastest growing states for the
baby boom and senior populations. Part of the research suggests that Texas is among the states
with the greatest growth in the senior population from 2010 to 2030 because of the warm
climate, no state income tax and significant military presence.
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The research shows that employment for social workers is expected to increase by 16% and
grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. The National Institute of Health
(NIH) projects a need of 60K to 70K geriatric social workers by 2020 (in total). Job prospects
are expected to be favorable, particularly for social workers who specialize in the aging
population or work in rural areas.
Overall, approximately 54% of social work jobs are in healthcare and social assistance
industries and 31% are with government agencies. Research indicates that the demand for
MSWs in Texas exceeds supply. The MSW degree offers the student a variety of employment
opportunities. The MSW is typically required for positions in counseling, health and school
settings, research, consulting, and supervisory and administrative positions in public and private
agencies. Other career options for MSW graduates include positions where workers help
formulate policies, by analyzing and advocating policy positions in government agencies, in
research institutions, and on legislators' staffs. College and university social work teaching
positions and most research appointments normally require the MSW in addition to the doctoral
degree.
Social Work in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area
TCU is situated in the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States. Most U.S.
major metropolitan areas offer 4 to 9 MSW programs, with a mix or public and private university
offerings. Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) offers one MSW. The DFW area is poised to add a private
university graduate school option in social work.
The program at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is the principal public
university competitor for the MSW in this area. UTA offers the BSW, MSW, and PhD in social
work and regularly admits close to 400 MSW students each year. Many of our TCU graduates
attend UTA due to the lack of any other social work graduate options in this metropolitan area.
While UTA has a respectable reputation nationwide, TCU graduates regularly report
disappointment with their experience in that program. Students report the UTA program lacks
the personal attention they enjoyed in their BSW education at TCU and the lack of rigor in their
graduate education.
The closest private school competitors are Baylor University and Abilene Christian
University. Baylor University used to offer only the BSW option, but added the MSW in 2001.
Baylor offers their MSW with an emphasis on working with congregations and faith-based
organizations with issues of faith and spirituality. Baylor has experienced such demand and
growth that they have recently added the PhD in Social Work to their graduate offerings.
Abilene Christian University is in their fourth year of offering the MSW and offers a
specialization in rural social work. TCU will offer an advanced generalist MSW concentration
that maximizes student options for employment after graduation.
Social Work at TCU
Surveys with potential MSW students from TCU and several universities in the DFW area
indicate that students would choose the MSW at TCU. Based on annual surveys of TCU social
work students from that past five years, approximately 2/3 of them would remain at TCU for the
MSW. Based on our current class of social work seniors, these numbers would indicate that
approximately 10 students would enter our advanced standing program from TCU alone.
Although students could not guarantee their decision to pursue the MSW at TCU, students from
around the metropolitan area show favorable interest in the degree offering.
SOWO new MSW program proposal
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Enrollment of BSW students at TCU has been down for several years. One of the
explanations determined by the faculty has been a change we made in our field internship.
About three years ago, our department began only offering social work majors a “block”
internship option that required an average of 32 hours each week in an agency. While this type
of internship makes for an intensive experience in an agency setting, it also prevented many
students from continuing other activities, including work. Therefore, many students did not
continue in the social work major. We believe the move back to a two semester internship, with
approximately 16 hours each week in an agency, will allow for additional students to consider
obtaining the social work degree. We also know from other programs around the country, that
offering the MSW is a big recruitment tool for students considering the BSW.
TCU will actually be recruiting students into our MSW from two different entry points
(Advanced Standing and the 2 year program). First, we would project a regular stream of
students entering our advanced standing (or 4/1) program through TCU’s undergraduate social
work program and from students with a BSW from other social work programs in the
metropolitan area (UNT, TWU, and UTA), and from across the country. Second, we would
project a stable recruitment base of prospective students in the 2 year program from social
science backgrounds from TCU and from other campuses. Since it is estimated that
approximately 70% of students don’t learn about social work until they have committed to
another degree (like psychology, sociology, etc.), we project a large number of students entering
our 2 year program each year. In most universities, the number of 2 year students surpasses the
number of advanced standing students.
Describe the intended outcomes of the course or program and how they will be assessed.
As mentioned above, program outcomes will be assessed through a series of competencies and
practice behaviors that are required from our accredited body, the Council on Social Work
Education (CSWE). From these competencies and practice behaviors, TCU had to provide an
operational definition for each of the competencies used in its curriculum design. The
operational definitions from the foundation area (1st year of the MSW) are listed first, followed
by the separate concentration year (2nd year of MSW) definitions.
1. Identify as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly
• advocate for client access to the services of social work;
• practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional
development;
• attend to professional roles and boundaries;
• demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication;
• engage in career-long learning; and
• use supervision and consultation.
Concentration Year:
• demonstrate professional conduct in all social work roles and at all systems levels.
2. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice using the National
Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
• recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide
practice;
SOWO new MSW program proposal
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•
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social
Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social
Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work,
Statement of Principles;
• tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts; and
• apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.
Concentration Year:
• demonstrate ethical decision making that supports the moral and ethical functioning of all
client systems.
Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments
• distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including researchbased knowledge, and practice wisdom;
• analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation; and
• demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals,
families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues.
Concentration Year:
• communicate assessment and evaluative to client systems, professional colleagues, or
community stakeholders.
Engage diversity and difference in practice
• recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize,
alienate, create or enhance privilege and power;
• gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in
working with diverse groups;
• recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in
shaping life experiences; and
• view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants.
Concentration Year:
• apply principles of cultural competency in practice.
Advance human rights and social and economic justice
• understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination;
• advocate for human rights and social and economic justice; and
• engage in practices that advance social and economic justice.
Concentration Year:
• advocate for parity and reduction of disparities for diverse populations.
Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research evaluating program
outcomes and practice effectiveness at all levels
• use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry and
• use research evidence to inform practice.
Concentration Year:
• evaluate the effectiveness of one’s own practice and agency programs in achieving
intended outcomes.
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment including theories of human
behavior and social systems
• utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and
evaluation; and
• critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.
SOWO new MSW program proposal
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Concentration Year:
• apply knowledge of transitions, changes, and losses that impact client systems.
8. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective
generalist and advanced social work services
• analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being; and
• collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action.
Concentration Year:
• use policy analysis as a basis for action and advocacy.
9. Respond to contexts that shape practice including emerging social needs, service delivery
trends and social systems that comprise practice contexts
• continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific
and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant
services; and
• provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to
improve the quality of social services.
Concentration Year:
• develop strategies to meet the needs of changing, diverse populations.
10. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities at the generalist and advanced levels
• substantively and affectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities;
• use empathy and other interpersonal skills; and
• develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes.
• collect, organize, and interpret client data;
• assess client strengths and limitations;
• develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives; and
• select appropriate intervention strategies.
• initiate actions to achieve organizational goals;
• implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities;
• help clients resolve problems;
• negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients; and
• facilitate transitions and endings.
• Social workers critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions.
Concentration Year:
• Provide effective collaborative social work intervention with diverse client systems.
11. Contribute to the well-being of local or global communities through the application of
advanced generalist practice.
Concentration Year:
• Apply change processes to a community need.
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The following matrix shows where the social work competencies and practice behaviors are
imbedded in courses and assignments. As you can see, many competencies are addressed
through multiple classes and assignments.
Competency
Practice Behavior
Courses
Assignments
Professional
Identity
Advocate for client access to
services
Policy
Policy Paper
Policy Analysis
Policy Analysis
Field
Field Papers
(FIPS)
Attend to professional roles
and boundaries
Field
FIPS
Demonstrate professional
demeanor
Field
FIPS
Learning Contract
Engage in career-long
learning
Professional Foundation
Exam
Field
Learning Contract
Admin and Management
Admin Paper
Field
Learning Contract
Field
Learning Contract
Professional Foundation
Exam
Diversity & Social Justice
Diversity Paper
Make ethical decisions by
applying standards of Code of
Ethics
Field
FIPS
Tolerate ambiguity in
resolving ethical conflicts
Professional Foundation
Exam
Field
FIPS
Apply strategies of ethical
reasoning
Field
Learning Contract
Provide supervision from an
ethics-based perspective
Distinguish, appraise, and
integrate multiple sources of
knowledge, including
research and practice wisdom
Field
Learning Contract
Advanced Micro
Theory Paper
Advanced Macro
Grant Paper
Field
Research 1
Research Project
Exam
Use supervision and
consultation
Ethical Principles
Critical Thinking
Demonstrate leadership in
providing supervision,
consultation, and
administration
Recognize and manage
personal values
Analyze models of
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Competency
Practice Behavior
Courses
Assignments
assessment, prevention,
intervention, and evaluation
Research 2
Research Project
Field
FIPS
Advanced Micro
Theory Paper
Advanced Macro
Community
Presentation
Field
FIPS
Field
Learning Contract
Professional Foundation
Exam
Diversity & Social Justice
Diversity Paper
HBSE 1
Exam
HBSE 2
Oppression Paper
Gain sufficient selfawareness to eliminate
influence of biases and
values
Professional Foundation
Exam
Diversity & Social Justice
Awareness Paper
Recognize and
communication importance of
difference in shaping life
experiences
HBSE 1 & 2
Exam
Micro Practice
Process
Recording
Advanced Macro
Community
Project
View themselves as learners
and engage with informants
Field
FIPS
Address cultural, spiritual,
and ethnic values and beliefs
of clients
Understand forms and
mechanisms of oppression
and discrimination
Field
FIPS
Professional Foundation
Exam
Policy
Exam
HBSE 1
Exam
Diversity and Social
Justice
Diversity Paper
Field
Learning Contract
Field
Learning Contract
Demonstrate effective oral
and written communication
Diversity
Human Rights
Communicate psychosocial,
clinical, and evaluative data
Recognize extent to which
culture’s structure’s and
values may oppress or
enhance privilege and power
Advocate for human rights
and social and economic
justice
Engage in practices that
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Competency
Practice Behavior
Courses
Assignments
Advocate for parity and
reduction of disparities for
diverse populations
Use practice experience to
inform scientific inquiry
Policy Analysis
Policy Analysis
Field
Research 1
Learning Contract
Exam
Use research evidence to
inform practice
Research 2
Research Project
Evaluate effectiveness of
personal practice and agency
programs
Utilize conceptual frameworks
to guide assessment,
intervention, and evaluation
Field
Learning Contract
HBSE 1
Exam
Micro Practice
Process
Recording
Macro Practice
Community
Project
Micro Practice
Process
Recording
Field
Learning Contract
Identify issues of transitions,
changes, and losses over life
cycle
Analyze, formulate, and
advocate for policies that
advance social well-being
HBSE 2
End of Life Paper
Policy
Policy Paper
Policy Analysis
Policy Analysis
Collaborate with colleagues
and clients for effective policy
action
Field
Learning Contract
Use policy analysis for action
and advocacy
Discover, appraise, and
attend to changing locales,
populations, scientific and
technological developments,
and emerging societal trends
to provide relevant services
Policy Analysis
Policy Paper
Social Justice
Oppression
Exercise
Provide leadership in
promoting sustainable
changes in service delivery
and practice
Field
Learning Contract
advance social and economic
justice
Research
Human Behavior
Critique and apply knowledge
to understand person and
environment
Policy Practice
Respond to
Context
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Competency
Engage, Assess,
Intervene, and
Evaluate
Practice Behavior
Courses
Assignments
Meet the needs of changing,
diverse populations
Field
Learning Contract
Prepare for action for with
individuals, families, groups,
and communities
Micro Practice
Exam
Macro Practice
Exam
Community
Project
Use empathy and other
interpersonal skills
Micro Practice
Process
Recording
Workbook
Develop mutually agreed-on
focus of work and outcomes
Macro Practice
Community
Project
Advanced Micro
Theory Paper
Field
Learning Contract
FIPS
Collect, organize, and
interpret client data
Field
Research Project
Access client strengths and
limitations
Micro Practice
Process
Recording
Develop mutually agreed-on
intervention goals and
objectives
Field
Learning Contract
Macro Practice
Community
Project
Select appropriate
intervention strategies
Field
Learning Contract
Initiate actions to achieve
organizational goals
Admin & Management
Management
Paper
Field
Learning Contract
Implement prevention
interventions that enhance
client capacities
Field
Learning Contract
Help clients resolve problems
Field
FIPS
Negotiate, mediate, and
advocate for clients
Policy
Policy Paper
Advanced Macro
Community
Project
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Competency
Practice Behavior
Courses
Assignments
Field
FIPS
Facilitate transitions and
endings
Field
Learning Contract
Critically analyze, monitor,
and evaluate interventions
Research 2
Research Project
Field
Learning Contract
Advanced Macro
Community
Project
Provide interventions with
diverse client populations
Field
Learning Contract
Advanced
Generalist
Contribute to the
well-being of local
or global
communities
Apply change processes to a
community need
Macro Practice
Community
Project
Advanced Macro
Field
Community
Assessment
Learning Contract
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES REQUIRED:
Faculty:
Two additional faculty members over the next two years will be required to begin the MSW at
TCU. Currently, the Department of Social Work has 6 tenure-track positions. Of the 2 new
hires that are needed, 1 will need to be tenure-track and 1 will be a professional practice faculty.
The professional practice faculty member will be in charge of field education for both the
undergraduate and graduate social work programs. CSWE allows a program that is just opening
to beginning the accreditation process to admit students with 4 designated graduate faculty
members. This is offered with the guarantee that the university will add the additional faculty
members by the time the program seeks final accreditation benchmark.
Space:
Space will be needed for faculty offices and for teaching classes. The Dean of Harris College
has been supportive of the addition of the MSW and has included the additional MSW faculty in
the plans for expansion of the BASS Building.
Equipment:
The faculty and students would like to use some of the simulation lab space for classroom
activities. We have discussed this with the Dean of Harris College and she has included us in the
planning of this new space in the changes to the BASS Building.
Library:
The program will need additional journals and books for assignments and research.
Other:
CHANGE IN TEACHING LOAD:
None
Does this change affect any other units of the University? _____ Yes __X__ No
If yes, submit supporting statement signed by chair of affected unit.
If cross-listed, provide evidence of approval by all curriculum committees appropriate to
both the originating and the cross-listed units.
Chair of Originating Unit:
Revised 12/07
SOWO new MSW program proposal
Signature:
Name: David Jenkins
Unit: Social Work, Harris College
21
Communication Sciences and Disorders, Kinesiology, Nurse Anesthesia, Nursing, Social Work
August 31, 2012
Harris College Curriculum Committee
Texas Christian University
RE: New Program-Master of Social Work
Dear Colleagues,
As Dean of the Harris College of Nursing, I would like to express my strong support for the
Master of Social Work program. This new degree program is important to Harris College’s vision of
offering innovative educational opportunities in graduate education in nursing and the health sciences
to meet societal needs. It is important that the vision be accomplished while upholding the quality
educational standards that have been established by SACS, TCU, and the Council on Social Work
Education, the accrediting body for social work programs. The MSW also enables the Department of
Social Work to address TCU Cardinal Principle 5: Couple wise financial stewardship with a well-planned
entrepreneurial approach to academic opportunities. The two year degree plan is designed for those
without an undergraduate degree in social work, and the one year degree plan is designed for those
with an undergraduate degree in social work. It is anticipated that several TCU BSW students will stay at
TCU to complete the degree if they meet the admission criteria and are offered admission to the
program.
I strongly support the proposed degree program. It was designed by the social work faculty with
consultation input. It is an opportunity to meet the needs for advanced education in social work as
documented by the market study, with great opportunity for impacting society. I hope you approve this
proposal and will work closely with the faculty in the Department of Social Work to ensure its quality
and success.
Sincerely,
Paulette Burns
Dean and Professor
SOWO new MSW program proposal