On-Campus MSW Advanced Standing Program

Classes are held on-campus, in-person. Departmental classes are scheduled so that students are only on-campus one day per week.

Field placement (500 hours) occurs over two semesters (fall and spring). Students will attend field placements as scheduled with their agency on days not attending class. Students choose their field placements based on their interests with support from our Field Director.

An Extended Enrollment (part-time) option is available to Advanced Standing students who can attend classes at the scheduled class times (three-hour blocks) and participate in the field practicum at agencies that generally operate during regular business hours. The MSW Program Director will work with you to determine a class schedule that works for you

Prefer Online Classes?

Course Schedule and Class Descriptions

UNI's Advanced Standing program is a one-calendar year intensive degree program. Students will attend departmental classes one day per week on-campus. Students are able to take elective courses across campus departments, based on their individual interests and career goals.

Although a single day of three departmental classes is an intense schedule, our department recognizes the other responsibilities our students carry, including outside employment, child/family member care, etc. By requiring students to attend campus only one day a week, we hope to alleviate other burdens to promote student success in our program.

Term 1 (Summer)

SW 6234 Primary and Secondary Trauma (3 hrs) - 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.

SW 6249. DSM: Balancing Strengths and Differential Diagnosis (3 hrs) - The purpose of this course is to introduce students to prevalent psychiatric disorders using the DSM. 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.

Elective of your choosing (3 hrs)

Term 2 (Fall)

SW 6218 Introduction to Social Work Research (3 hrs.) - Students will: 1) review th 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.

SW 6246 Trauma Informed Practice I (3 hrs.) - Building upon the theoretical knowledge gained in Primary and Secondary Trauma, the emphasis of Trauma-Informed Practice I (and subsequently Trauma-Informed Practice II) will be on development and application of skills needed to assess and treat trauma (including, but not limited to, acute and complex trauma, dissociative disorders, early childhood neglect, and other trauma-associated symptoms. Trauma Informed Practice I will utilize an integrated approach to building safety, stabilization, and mind-body re-integration through the use of a variety of person-centered, relational, and evidenced-based phase-oriented integrated treatment models, such as person-centered psychotherapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, body-centered psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and trauma-sensitive yoga . The management of counter transference reactions and the recognition, prevention, and treatment of compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization in the clinician will be emphasized throughout the course.

SW 6236. Diversity & Human Rights (3 hrs.) - This course focuses on issues of diversity, oppression and human rights. It is designed to prepare social work students to be knowledgeable of people's biases based on race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, social and economic status, political ideology, disability and how these contribute to stigma, discrimination and oppression. Students will also learn about the influence of dominant culture on these diverse and marginalized groups.

SW 6268 Advanced Practicum I (3 hrs.) - 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.

SW 6269 Advanced Practicum Seminar I (2 hrs.) - This seminar complements SW 6268 Trauma Informed Practice Practicum I. This is a graded portion of field practicum.

Term 3 (Spring)

SW 6248. Advocacy & Social Justice (3 hrs.) - This course introduces students to the knowledge, skills, and values needed to affect policy in the legislative and administrative arenas. The course explores the role of social workers in policy advocacy and electoral politics through gaining skills in coalition building, organizing, lobbying and testifying and developing strategies for social justice.

SW 6265 Advanced Social Work Research (3 hrs) - 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.

SW 6270 Advanced Practicum II (3 hrs) - 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.

SW 6271 Advanced Practicum Seminar II (2 hrs) - This seminar complements SW 6270 Trauma Informed Practice Practicum II.

Elective of your choosing (3 hrs)