Social Work: Foundation (MSW)

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Overview

Trauma Informed Practice Specialization

Our Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach to service provision takes into account an individual’s past, which may include trauma, and involves practices to reduce the risk of retraumatization. It is a systematic approach valuable to clinics and hospitals, schools, human service agencies, policy making spaces, and anywhere social work takes place.

Ranked #11 of affordable online Master of Social Work degrees in the U.S. by AffordableColleges.com, this distance education program is designed for individuals whose circumstances do not provide them the opportunity to attend on-site, campus-based MSW programs. The Foundation track is designed for individuals who do not have a social work undergraduate degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. If you do have an undergraduate degree from a CSWE accredited program, please review our Advanced Standing track.

Program features

Students will learn an integrated approach to treating acute and complex forms of psychological trauma, including various cognitive and body-centered psychotherapies and approaches
Based on the latest research regarding the effects of trauma on brain and body, students are trained on how to build client safety through mirroring and co-regulation, developing cognitive and somatic resiliency, and maintaining heart rate control
Students are provided extensive opportunities to practice and refine techniques while under supervision
The TIC Concentration is cutting-edge and the UNI MSW program is the only program in Iowa that offers this specialty
Dedicated faculty who have strong relations with human service professionals and agencies

Take your career to the next level

Students who receive their MSW from UNI pass the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam at a rate that is higher than the national average.
The UNI Department of Social Work has 153 partnerships in 40 Iowa communities that provide quality internships for students.
A 2014 National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter study shows an average $13,000 increase in salary for social workers who have earned their MSW versus those with an undergraduate degree.

Convenient course delivery

This program incorporates the same high standards and course workload expectations as the on-campus MSW program, but features the convenience of course delivery without the necessity of commuting to campus.

Courses are offered online using Blackboard, an online learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. Most courses will also meet Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. (CST) via interactive video conferencing. Students study with the same group of adult learners for the duration of the program, networking with working professionals facing similar challenges.

This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation verifies that the MSW degree meets the high standards considered essential to providing a high quality social work education, and ensures that every student graduating from a social work program in the U.S. possesses the same requisite skills and knowledge.

Program Schedule

Social Work: Foundation (MSW) - Foundation Track - Spring 2021 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Spring 2021

6212

Human Behavior and the Social Environment Micro

Overview of systemic factors that shape behavior across the life span of the individual with particular attention to diversity and oppressed populations. Examination of person-environment interactions as they relate to generalist social work. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate program in Social Work or written consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

6216

Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities

Students develop a knowledge base and practice skills fundamental to effect social change within communities and organizations. Students master macro system assessment approaches, then identify and practice methods for developing, implementing, and evaluating intervention strategies to advance human rights as well as socio-economic and political justice. Prerequisite(s): Admission to graduate program in Social Work or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

Summer 2021

6214

Social Work Practice I

Introduces foundation core of the generalist social work practice approach. Students learn about diversity and difference in practice as they apply skills in engaging, assessing, planning, preparing, implementing, evaluating and terminating. Professionalism is fundamental to this course and is guided by the Social Work Code of Ethics. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate program in Social Work or written consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

6278

Social Intervention: Policies and Services

Analyzes components of past and present social welfare policies, programs, and services in the United States, with consideration of how well they respond to the needs of marginalized and high-risk individuals, families, and communities. Focus on consequences of policies for administration of social services, weighing financial costs against benefits, programmatic alternatives, and various approaches to advocacy and social reform. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2021

6215

Social Work Practice II

Building on SW 6214 (450:214), students develop mezzo-system knowledge and practice skills in utilizing the strengths perspective and applying solution-focused interventions for working with small groups and families. Prerequisite(s): SW 6214 (450:214).

3 unit(s)

6222

Foundation Practicum I

Field instruction provides a learning experience in a community setting where the student has the opportunity to integrate classroom learning into practice, to develop skills in interpersonal relationships and intervention techniques, and to participate in the role of social worker. The minimum required clock hours are 200 and the course is credit/no credit. Students need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be cleared for field. Prerequisite(s): admission to graduate program in Social Work or written consent of instructor; SW 6212 (450:212); SW 6214 (450:214); SW 6216 (450:216); SW 6278.

2 unit(s)

6223

Foundation Practicum Seminar I

The Foundation Practicum Seminar accompanies SW 6222 Foundation Practicum I as it includes a minimum of 6 hours of seminar content and activities integrating and applying knowledge acquired throughout the MSW foundation curriculum to their field practicum. Seminars scheduled throughout the semester provide opportunities to critically reflect upon placement experiences, and to link these experiences with concepts from class and related readings. This graded portion of the field practicum requires, but is not limited to, participation in the field seminars, submission of summaries of learning and completing an agency report.

2 unit(s)

Spring 2022

6224

Foundation Practicum II

2 unit(s)

6225

Foundation Practicum Seminar II

The Foundation Practicum Seminar accompanies SW 6224 Foundation Practicum II as it includes a minimum of 6 hours of seminar content and activities integrating and applying knowledge acquired throughout the MSW foundation curriculum to their field practicum. Seminars scheduled throughout the semester provide opportunities to critically reflect upon placement experiences, and to link these experiences with concepts from class and related readings. This graded portion of the field practicum requires, but is not limited to, participation in the field seminars and submission of summaries of learning.

2 unit(s)

4159/5159

Self-Care and Stress Management in Helping Professions

Stress and stress management for helping professionals and their clientele. Physiological, psychological, social, and economic factors that produce stress and strategies for coping with those stressors.

3 unit(s)

Summer 2022

6234

Primary and Secondary Trauma

This course serves as an introduction to understanding the key concepts of trauma informed systems of care in generalist social work practice. Students will learn to identify and understand the various types of trauma along with the behaviors and responses seen in survivors of trauma, diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma reactions, basic neurological and biological effects of trauma, and the relationships between trauma and other mental health disorders. An overview of the central principles and key concepts of trauma informed care along with examples will also be provided, including a review of the concept of secondary (or vicarious) trauma affecting caregivers and professionals. This will involve knowledge and skills related to self-exploration and awareness and self-care. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

6235

Systems Redesign and Community Collaboration

The purpose of this course is to increase knowledge and skills that students will need as employees, change agents, or consultants of organizations. Students are provided opportunities to increase their knowledge of organizational change to reduce secondary trauma to clients and collaboration between agencies to become more user-friendly to clients with multiple issues. In addition, students learn about their behavior and the behavior of others in the organizational setting and how that may influence clients, staff, and administration, especially those with traumatic histories. Interventions that promote safety and reduce vulnerability of clients and staff are explored and skills to effectively communicate with interdisciplinary teams are reviewed. Agency policies and procedures and advocacy strategies are examined with the goal of reducing secondary trauma. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2022

6218

Introduction to Social Work Research

Students will: 1) review the literature on a topic of their choice, 2) identify and compare the different social work research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, 3) design an evaluation proposal, including formative, process, outcome and impact components, and 4) select a research design for the evaluation, which includes a methodology appropriate to meet the goals of the evaluation, and including data collection and analysis. Students will demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking skills in both their review of the literature and evaluation proposal. Prerequisite(s): Admission to graduate program in Social Work or written consent of instructor and completion of a college level course in statistical methods.

3 unit(s)

6246

Trauma Informed Practice I

Trauma Informed Practice I is the preliminary course in the practice sequence at the specialty level of the Trauma Informed Care Concentration. The practice sequence has three interrelated foci: Violence and Trauma; Mental Health and Recovery; and Health and Wellbeing. This provides a multi-level social work perspective based on best practices and theory that promote healthy individual development as well as environments that support human development. Practice I introduces the sequential model of trauma treatment and recovery, specifically focusing on the first phase regaining a sense of safety, non-toxic self-regulation and self-smoothing and transitioning into the second phase, starting active work upon the trauma. The language of trauma is interpreted as an adaptational coping response to violence. The student becomes an interpreter of the language of what maladaptive behavior is trying to tell us, and how a more humanistic use of biological-psychological-social-cultural/spiritual interventions is synchronous with social work ethics and values. Specific methodologies practiced may include Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Mindfulness, Creating Sanctuary and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy using both individual and group modalities. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2023

6247

Trauma Informed Practice II

Trauma Informed Practice II builds on Trauma Informed Practice I and continues coverage of the three interrelated foci: Violence & Trauma; Mental Health and Recovery; & Health and Wellbeing. Practice II expands the sequential model of trauma treatment and recovery, specifically focusing on the second phase, active work upon the trauma through the development of the trauma narrative and addressing the resulting grief and loss by employing any of a range of psychological techniques, as well as the final stage of fostering integration, an advance to a new post-traumatic life, possibly broadened by the experience of surviving the trauma and all it involved. Strong emphasis is placed on healthy professional development through self-awareness, self-reflection and self-care, including being attuned to the signs and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue and developing self-care strategies, techniques and supports. Practice entails further refine of methodologies introduced in Practice I as well as dialectal behavior therapy and collaborative practice strategies with schools, foster families, courts, health, behavioral health and social service agencies as a framework for multi-level practice incorporating individual and group modalities. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

6265

Advanced Social Work Research

This course is designed to build on Introduction to Social Work Research (SW 6218 (450:218)). Students apply concepts they learn in this class using real-world examples from their field experiences. Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

Summer 2023

6263

Grant Writing, Fund Raising, Contracting, and Marketing

Securing funding for human service agencies and programs. Grant writing to private foundations and public agencies, fund-raising from individuals and corporations, planning and implementing comprehensive fund-raising programs, and developing service contracts. Prerequisite(s): completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

6240

DSM V: Balancing Strengths and Differential Diagnosis

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to prevalent psychiatric disorders using the DSM-5. Understanding the DSM categories, along with the combination of bio-psycho-social causes for the diagnostic labels, is a vital part of treatment planning and, ultimately, providing effective services.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2023

6268

Trauma Informed Practice Practicum I

Fall semester practicum for second year M.S.W. Trauma Focused Clinical Practice concentration students. 250 clock hours required; concurrent with classes. Practicum established by arrangement with Department of Social Work Field Director. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): completion of first year of M.S.W. program, or graduation from a Council on Social Work Education accredited undergraduate curriculum.

3 unit(s)

6269

Trauma Informed Practice Practicum I Seminar

This seminar complements SW 6268 Trauma Informed Practice Practicum I. This is a graded portion of field practicum.

2 unit(s)

Spring 2024

6270

Trauma Informed Practice Practicum II

Practicum placement for second year M.S.W. Trauma Informed Practice concentration students, spring semester or summer. 250 clock hours required; concurrent with classes or summer following second year classes. Practicum established by arrangement with Department of Social Work Field Director. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): SW 6268; SW 6269.

3 unit(s)

6271

Trauma Informed Practice Practicum II Seminar

This seminar complements SW 6270 Trauma Informed Practice Practicum II. This is a graded portion of field practicum.

2 unit(s)

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-7206, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Program specific information

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

Additional FAQs

Is the GRE or any other entrance examination required?

The Department of Social Work determines admission using four criteria: Undergraduate GPA, Experience, Professional Statement, and References. The GRE or any other examination is not required; however, applicants with low GPA scores may submit results of the GRE if it is more indicative of their true potential.

What are the GPA guidelines?

Successful applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For those students who do not meet this requirement, the following criteria may be considered as an alternative:

The Admissions Committee may consider the student's GPA for the final 60 semester hours from the degree school.
Nine semester hours or more of letter-graded graduate work may be used to replace the undergraduate GPA.
Graduate level courses may be completed in the following areas: social work, psychology, sociology, family studies, political science, economics, and other areas that are related to the profession of social work. For graduate level courses to be considered, a minimum grade of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) is required for each course and an overall grade point average of at least 3.25 must be achieved. While successful academic performance is required, it does not guarantee acceptance into the Master of Social Work program.

Students who do not meet the GPA requirement and who demonstrate in their application other strengths or exceptional circumstances may be admitted on a provisional basis (provisionally admitted students will be required to achieve a grade point average of 3.0 in their first semester of course work).

Will the distance education program be compatible with my busy life?

Expectations for the distance program are the same as the expectations for the on-campus program. Distance education provides greater flexibility. Students should expect to spend six hours a week on course work for every course credit. For the MSW distance education program, that means a minimum of 36 hours of study per week.

Will the practicum (internship) fit with my already busy schedule?

For your field experiences, our agency partners request that you are available to complete your internship hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For the MSW Foundation field experience, you will need to complete approximately 12-13 hours per week over two semesters. For the MSW Specialization field experience, you will need to complete approximately 15-16 hours per week over two semesters.

For those students already employed in the human service field, it is possible to complete your internship at your current place of employment. Your internship duties and supervisor must be different than your employment duties and supervisor.

What are the admission requirements?

The Department of Social Work determines admission using four criteria:

undergraduate GPA
experience
professional statement
references

Additional information can be found at csbs.uni.edu/socialwork/msw-admissions.

Next Steps

We want to hear from you!

Please complete the online interest form to the right to express your interest in joining a future Master of Social Work cohort. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines.

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Matthew Vasquez

Social Work

(319) 273-6249

Matthew.Vasquez@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Rita Gutman

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-2504

Rita.Gutman@uni.edu

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Continuing Education and Special Programs

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Trauma Informed Practice Specialization

Take your career to the next level

Convenient course delivery

Social Work: Foundation (MSW) - Foundation Track - Spring 2021 Cohort

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

We want to hear from you!

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