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Phd Course Descriptions

5002 Social Work and Theory (4 credits)
Establishes the foundation of doctoral study by exploring paradigms and the conduct and spirit of inquiry. Investigates the social- and behavioral-sciences foundations of social work knowledge, examines the array of social work theories, analyzes and critiques the state of the relationship of social work to theory. Required.
5101 Soc Welfare Pol Analysis/Dev (4 credits)
Applies analytical techniques to development of social welfare policy stressing the ability to formulate a policy hypothesis (i.e., a statement, in testable form, of a basic premise undergirding a policy position) and to reach conclusions based on analysis of empirical evidence related to the policy hypothesis. Required.
5200 Intro to Social Work Research (4 credits)
Provides a forum for students to examine the philosophical assumptions of qualitative and quantitative approaches to social work research. Promotes students' development as social work scholars, emphasizing theories of knowledge, philosophies of science and a beginning understanding of the application of diverse research methods. Required.
5400 Sem in Professional SW Issues (2 credits)
Examines the dilemmas and challenges confronting the social work profession and social work education. Examines the nature of professional education, the nature of the profession itself and the forces internal and external to the profession that have an impact upon practice and education. Required.
5401 Quantitative Research Methods (4 credits)
Focuses on basic elements of quantitative social research methods: measurement, sampling, research designs, data collection and data analysis. Emphasizes logic and underlying rationale, as well as technical issues. Prior understanding of computer-based statistical analysis is helpful. Required.
5402 Qualitative Research Methods (4 credits)
Covers doctoral-level research methods focused on qualitative research methodology, based on subjective epistemology with a value-laden, inductive approach to data gathering, analysis and theory building. Focuses on the nature of the method, the epistemological implications and assumptions, and appropriate applications. Includes the experience of conducting a mini-research project or developing a research design based on qualitative methodology. Required.
5405 Qualitative Data Analysis (4 credits)
Provides an understanding of analysis methods used to draw meaning from qualitative data, methods that must be practical, applicable and understandable to other observers. Prepares students to use a systematic, scientific process of analysis that captures the meaning of data while avoiding research self-delusion and unreliable or invalid conclusions. Topics include data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Methods include application of computer software. Prerequisite: SOWK 5402. Required.
5450 SW Knowl Integ and Publication (3 credits)
This required doctoral course introduces students to integrating knowledge for social work scholarship through the use of tolls that support academic argumentation and exposition. It provides students with the skills, expertise, and readiness necessary to compose a number of scholarly documents, including academic publications and the dissertation proposal. The course focuses on the preparation and writing of the comprehensive examination proposal as an example of such documents. The major product of the class is a paper designed to meet the requirements of the comprehensive examination proposal. Advisors and mentors participate in class presentations and critiques as a part of preparing the student for their ongoing scholarship.
5700 Teaching Practicum (3 credits)
This 3-hour required course provides classroom instruction and teaching opportunities designed to prepare doctoral students for faculty positions in undergraduate and graduate level social work education. Students work with a faculty mentor to pursue practicum placements that match their substantive interests. Students are expected to devote approximately 8 hours to the practicum per week. Restricted to Ph.D. students only.
5930 Statistical Methods (5 credits)
Examines the use and interpretation of statistics in educational and human services research, including descriptive and inferential statistics. Required.
5950 Multivariate Analysis (5 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to common multivariate statistical analyses. Provides a conceptual understanding of common multivariate statistical techniques as applied to research in education and the social sciences. Prerequisite: SOWK 5930.
5952 Correlation and Regression (4 credits)
Examines correlation and multiple regression research designs and their application to educational and social science problems. Prerequisite: SOWK 5930. Required.
6990 Comprehensive Exam (8 credits)
This course allows students to remain actively enrolled while completing comprehensive exam requirements (prior to eligibility for continuous enrollment).
6991 Independent Study (1 to 10 credits)
Students undertake special study in a defined area of interest with faculty consultation. By arrangement.
6995 Dissertation Research (1 to 18 credits)
The formal mechanism for undertaking the dissertation, providing for faculty support through the appointment of a dissertation committee. By arrangement.