Curriculum

The MSW programs offer generalist practice and advanced generalist practice curriculum emphasizing a direct service methodology from a multicultural perspective. This approach is designed to provide students with foundational social work practice skills for working with client populations from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, as well as advanced social work practice skills for leadership roles in public, non-profit, and voluntary social service agencies.

GENERALIST PRACTICE CURRICULUM

The Generalist Practice Curriculum introduces students to critical thinking within a social work context and provides an understanding of the values, ethical standards, and principles of the social work profession. This curriculum equips students with foundational knowledge and skills to apply generalist social work practice across systems of all sizes.

Key Learning Areas:

1. Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to analyze and solve problems within a social work context.
2. Values and Ethics: Understanding the ethical standards and principles of the social work profession.
3. Generalist Practice Skills: Applying skills across systems of all sizes, including:
   1. Individuals
   2. Groups
   3. Organizations
   4. Communities
4. History of Social Work: Gaining knowledge of the history of the profession and the policies and programs that comprise the American welfare state.
5. Evaluation Skills: Learning how to effectively evaluate social work practice and services.

Course Outlook:

MSW 501: Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior I
MSW 502: Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior II
MSW 510: Social Work Practice I
MSW 511: Social Work Practice II
MSW 520: Social Welfare Policy and Services I
MSW 521: Social Welfare Policy and Services II
MSW 530: Applied Social Work Research Methods I
MSW 540: Social Work Field Instruction I
MSW 541: Social Work Field Instruction II
MSW 550: Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations

All courses in the Generalist Practice Curriculum are three semester units.

A multicultural perspective is a key component of the MSW programs at Cal State Fullerton. The goal is to prepare students to practice social work effectively in an increasingly complex and diverse society. All courses in the MSW program, therefore, incorporate the multicultural perspective with the intention of increasing sensitivity to the needs of all disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable groups in our society. 

ADVANCED GENERALIST PRACTICE CURRICULUM

The Advanced Generalist Practice Curriculum builds upon the foundational Generalist Practice Curriculum, preparing students for autonomous professional social work practice. This curriculum equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in clinical evaluation, intervention planning, and management dynamics within social service agencies.

Key Features:

• Clinical Evaluation: Assessing client health and well-being to identify effective interventions for optimal social functioning.
• Management and Planning: Introducing students to organizational dynamics in social service agencies.
• Elective Opportunities: Allowing students to explore individual areas of interest through various social work electives.
• Capstone Master’s Project:
  • Includes a two-semester research sequence.
  • Students apply their graduate education to research relevant to the field of social work.
  • Faculty mentorship is provided throughout the project
• Concentration-Specific Courses: Advanced policy and practice curricula tailored to students' chosen concentrations.

Course Outlook:

All courses in the advanced generalist practice curriculum are three semester units. The required courses offered in the advanced generalist practice curriculum are:

MSW 503: Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior III
MSW 542: Advanced Social Work Field Instruction I
MSW 543: Advanced Social Work Field Instruction II
MSW 564: Professional Issues in Social Work
MSW 596: Master’s Project Development
MSW 597: Master’s Project

Child Welfare Focus:

MSW 512: Child Welfare: Advanced Practice
MSW 522: Child Welfare Policy and Social Work

Community Mental Health Focus:

MSW 514: Community Mental Health: Advanced Practice
MSW 523: Mental Health Policy and Social Work

Aging Focus:

MSW 516: Aging: Multigenerational Perspectives: Advanced Social Work Practice
MSW 524: Aging, A Multi-Generational Perspective: Policy Practice and Social Work

Electives:

All students have the opportunity to supplement their MSW education with two social work elective courses. One must be a practice-specific course. Social work elective courses include, but are not limited to:

MSW 570: Social Work Practice with Addiction Disorders
MSW 571: Social Work Perspectives on Developmental Psychopathology and Family Context*
MSW 572: Spirituality, Religion, and Social Work
MSW 573: Trauma-Focused Social Work Practice
MSW 574: Death and Dying: Social Work Practice and End-of-Life Care
MSW 575: International Social Work

MSW 571 does NOT meet the criteria for an advanced generalist practice elective