Cynthia Garthwait, Chair
Social work is a human service profession concerned with the prevention
of social problems, the maintenance of satisfying social relationships
and the enhancement of human development. It focuses on people
and their social environment. Social workers employ a range of
knowledge and skills as the basis for constructive intervention
on behalf of various client populations. Our primary goal is to
prepare students for beginning generalist social work practice.
The Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees are offered.
The undergraduate major in social work is available for those
who wish to prepare for: (1) professional employment in the social
services; (2) entry into a graduate school of social work; (3)
graduate education in other helping service professions. The graduate
degree in social work prepares graduates for advanced social work
practice. Students can enroll in a two year full-time program
or in a part-time option. See The University of Montana Graduate
Catalog for a description of the Master of Social Work program.
The M.S.W. program is a candidate for C.S.W.E. accreditation.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog.
See index.
Thirty seven credits in social work courses are required for the
B.A. degree. The following courses must be successfully completed:
SW 100S, 200, 300, 310, 350, 360, 400, 488, and 10 credits in
SW 489.
Requirements for the B.A. degree include course work outside the
Social Work Department providing content in the social and behavioral
sciences, human biology, and human diversity. Required course
work includes ECON 100S; PSC 100S; SOC 110S; PSYC 100S, 240S,
245; BIOL 100N; ANTH 180S or SOC 220S. No fewer than six of these
eight course requirements must be completed before enrollment
will be permitted in required 300 level social work courses.
To enroll in required 300 and 400 level social work courses, social
work majors are required to have earned and to maintain a 2.5
grade average for all college course work. In order to insure
that they have complied with all course prerequisites, grade point
average requirements and compliance with professional social work
ethics, students must complete a formal Application to the Social
Work Major for departmental approval prior to admission to required
social work courses at the 300 level or above.
Social work majors are required to complete a two-semester practicum
placement (SW 489, Field Work Practicum, 10 credits). Refer to
the SW 489 course description for admission and completion requirements
regarding this specific course.
The Upper-division Writing Expectation must be met by successfully
completing an upper-division writing course from the approved
list in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.
SW 310 will satisfy this requirement.
Social work majors who wish to explore more specialized study
in such areas as aging, children, exceptional persons or the family
should consider the Human and Family Development minor program,
which is described elsewhere in the catalog. The Department of
Social Work offers a Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program
for eligible B.A. and M.S.W. students interested in a career in
child protective services. Social Work majors are expected to
conduct themselves according to the ethical standards of the National
Association of Social Workers as well as those applicable to students
of the University. Other expectations are described in the Social
Work Advising Guide available from the department or on web page
[www.umt.edu/sw/].
Majors in social work are assigned a faculty advisor with whom
they are required to meet at least once per semester as soon as
the social work major is declared. A departmental advising guide
is available to all students at the Department of Social Work
office or on web page [www.umt.edu/sw/].
The Master of Social Work requirements are detailed in The University
of Montana Graduate Catalog.
Suggested Course of Study
First Year |
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MATH 107 (or higher) Contemporary Mathematics |
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PSC 100S Introduction to American Government |
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PSYC 100S Introduction to Psychology |
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SOC 110S Principles of Sociology |
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SW 100S Introduction to Social Welfare |
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General Education |
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Total |
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Second Year
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SW 200 Introduction to Social Work Practice |
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BIOL 100N The Science of Life |
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ECON 100S Introduction to Political Economics |
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PSYC 240S Child and Adolescent Development |
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PSYC 245 Adult Development and Aging |
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ANTH 180S Race and Minorities
or SOC 220S Race and Ethnic Relations |
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General Education |
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Total |
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Third Year
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SW 300 Human Behavior and Social Environment |
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SW 310 Social Welfare Policy and Services |
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SW 350, 360 Social Work Intervention Methods
I, II |
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Electives |
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Total |
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Fourth Year |
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SW 400 Social Work Research |
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SW 488 Field Work Practicum Seminar |
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SW 489 Field Work Practicum |
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Electives |
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Total |
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Courses
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or
graduate credit, G = for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates
the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated
after the R.
Social Work (S W)
U 100S Introduction to Social Welfare 3 cr.
Offered autumn and spring. Overview of human services, programs
and problems in meeting social welfare needs, with emphasis on
the complexity of social services and their historical development.
Analysis of the value, attitudinal, economic and political factors
that condition the provision of these services.
U 195 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 6) Offered
intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors,
experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of
current topics.
U 198 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R
3) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of department.
Application of classroom learning in off campus placements. Prior
approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the
Center for Work-Based Learning.
U 200 Introduction to Social Work Practice 4 cr. Offered
autumn and spring. Prereq., SW 100S, sophomore standing. Introduction
to social work as a profession, including an examination of goals,
guiding philosophy and basic assumptions. Emphasis on a generalist
framework of social work practice and the development of beginning
analytical and practice skills.
U 220 Community Volunteer Service 2 cr. (R 4)
Offered autumn and spring. Structured volunteer experience and
related seminar in social service/community organizations. Emphasis
on student participation and critical learning. Topics include
community service, organizational goals, client groups served,
services provided and relationships to the borader undergraduate
eductional experience.
U 295 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 6) Offered
intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors,
experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of
current topics.
UG 300 Human Behavior and Social Environment 4 cr.
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SW 200. Prereq. or coreq.,
Psyc 240S, junior standing. Using the ecological social systems
framework, the integration of knowledge and concepts from the
social and behavioral sciences for analysis and assessment of
problems and issues relevant to professional social work practice.
UG 310 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 cr.
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SW 200. Social welfare history,
program planning and analysis with review of selected policies
on the national level. Includes international comparisons. Upper-division
writing course.
U 322S Explorations in Gerontology 3 cr. Offered
intermittently. Prereq., SW 100S or Soc 110S or Psyc 100S or consent
of instr. Examination of the major psychosocial theories of aging,
the service system, health issues, the family, and dying and bereavement.
Students learn and assist the elderly through volunteer service.
The service learning component is integrated into the classroom
through initial training, regular discussion, and other activities.
U 323 Women and Social Action in the Americas 3 cr.
Offered autumn odd-numbered years. Prereq., one of SW 100S, SOC
110S, or ANTH 101H or consent of instr. Same as WS 323. Focus
on women's experiences of and contributions to social change in
North, South and Central America in the mid- to late-20th century.
Through case studies, testimonials, discussions with activists
and Internet connections examine social constructions of gender,
compare forms of social action in diverse cultural, political
and historical contexts, link practice to theories of social participation,
and reflect on lessons learned from women's experiences.
U 324 Gender and the Politics of Welfare 3 cr.
Offered autumn even-numbered years. Prereq., SW 100S or consent
of instr. Same as WS 324. Exploration of the relationship between
gender ideologies and the development of social welfare policies.
Examination of historic and contemporary social welfare policies,
practices and debates in the United States through a gender lens.
UG 350 Social Work Intervention Methods I 4 cr.
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SW 200; coreq., SW 300. The
study and application of the generalist model of social work practice
and related techniques and procedures for the assessment, intervention
and prevention of problems in social functioning of individuals,
families, small groups and communities.
U 360 Social Work Intervention Methods II 4 cr.
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SW 350. Continuation of 350.
U 395 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered
intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors,
experimental offerings of new courses or one time offerings of
current topics.
UG 398 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R
3) Offered autumn and spring. Extended classroom experience
which provides practical application of classroom learning during
placements within the business community. The student must complete
a learning agreement with a faculty member, relating the placement
opportunity to his or her field of study. The department will
determine the number of credits to be earned for the experience
based upon the activities outlined in the learning agreement.
Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and
the Center for Work-Based Learning. The department has determined
that a maximum of 3 credits can be applied to the departmental
major.
UG 400 Social Work Research 3 cr. Offered autumn
and spring. Prereq., SW 360. Utilization of social research findings
in social work practice. Techniques for the collection and analysis
of clinical data. Special emphasis on research methodology for
the assessment of practitioner and program effectiveness.
UG 410E Ethics and the Helping Professions 3 cr. Offered
spring. Prereq., completion of twelve credits in social work or
a related discipline. Analysis of specific ethical dilemmas from
personal, professional and policy perspectives. Focus on ethical
issues common to the helping professions and utilizing codes of
ethics as guides to decision making. The relationship between
professional ethical issues and the development of social policy.
UG 420S Child Abuse and Child Welfare 4 cr. Offered
autumn. Prereq., junior standing or consent of instr. Signs and
symptoms of physical and sexual abuse and neglect, family dynamics
in abuse and neglect, the legal context, programs of prevention
and intervention, foster care, special needs adoptions and related
issues in child welfare.
UG 422 Services to Changing Families 3 cr. Offered
intermittently. Prereq., upper division or graduate standing.
Examination of current family forms and practices in the United
States with attention to single parent, step parent, and two parent
working families. Family dynamics, assessment, and therapy models
discussed. Social services and support programs discussed.
UG 423 Addiction Studies 3 cr. Offered spring.
Same as PSYC and SOC 423. Examination of chemical dependency and
behavioral compulsions, including alcohol and other drugs, gambling,
eating disorders, sexual addictions. Ecosystems perspective on
etiology, treatment, prevention, family dynamics, community response,
and societal contributors.
UG 434 Social Work and the Law 3 cr. Offered
intermittently. Prereq., junior standing. Contemporary implication
of social work practice in a judicial arena.
UG 450 Children and Youth at Risk 3 cr. Offered
autumn or spring. Focus on the aspects of society that pose a
threat to todays youth and the ramification of those threats on
youth development and behavior. Resilience and protective factors
for youth at risk and strategies to work with those youth. Attention
to related systems in Missoula and Montana, including juvenile
justice, mental health, child protection, substance abuse, and
education.
U 488 Field Work Practicum Seminar 2 cr. Offered
every term. Coreq., SW 489. Consideration and discussion of practicum
related matters, professional development, and issues confronting
the profession. Generally taken during first semester of practicum.
UG 489 Field Work Practicum Variable cr. (R 10)
Offered every term. Prereq., SW 360 and approved application to
practicum coordinator. Practicum must be taken over two consecutive
semesters for a total of 10 credits. Minimum of one credit per
semester. Cumulative grade average of 2.75 or above in SW 100S,
200, 300, 350 and 360 and a 3.0 grade average for SW 200, 350
and 360 are required. Supervised field work in public and private
agencies and institutions. During one semester of practicum, students
must enroll in SW 488. Successful completion of the field work
practicum requires a passing performance on the departmentally
administered professional social work competency examination.
U 493 Omnibus Variable cr. (R 10) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., 10 credits in social work. Independent work under the
University omnibus option. See index.
UG 494 Seminar Variable cr. (R 9) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., 9 credits in social work.
UG 495 Special Topics Variable cr. (R 9) Offered
intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors,
experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of
current topics.
UG 496 Independent Study Variable cr. (R 6) Offered
autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.
G 500 Orientation 1 cr. Prereq., admission to
M.S.W. program. Seminar introducing M.S.W. students to program
philosophy and social work's theory and value base.
G 505 Foundations of Social Work Practice 2 cr.
Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program. Introductory practice course
that examines generalist social work practice, dominant theoretical
influences, and forces shaping social work over time.
G 510 Human Behavior and Social Environment I 3 cr.
Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program. Introduction to and critical
consideration of social work perspectives on human behavior as
influenced by the social environment. Particular attention is
paid to diversity of human experience, power relations, and processes
of oppression.
G 511 Human Behavior and Social Environment II: Difference,
Diversity and Oppression 3 cr. Prereq., admission to
M.S.W. program and SW 510 or consent of instr. Advanced course
on human behavior and social environment that addresses difference
and diversity, histories and mechanisms of discrimination and
oppression, and frameworks for thought and practice that recognize
diversity and promote social justice.
G 515 Practice with Individuals and Families in a Community
Context 4 cr. Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program or
consent of instr. Practice-oriented course building on students
developing knowledge of engagement, assessment, intervention and
evaluation and the application to practice with individuals and
families in context of community.
G 520 Social Work Research Methods 3 cr. Prereq.,
admission to M.S.W. program or consent of instr. Introduction
to principles, methodologies, technologies, and statistical approaches
of human service research. Emphasis on beginning capabilities
in evaluation of social work practice and skill development regarding
use of published research.
G 521 Advanced Research and Program Evaluation 3 cr.
Prereq., SW 515. The use of research within the integrated practice
model of social work through evaluation of practice and program
evaluation. Advanced statistical concepts are applied to direct
practice and five types of program evaluation.
G 525 Practice with Groups and Communities 4 cr.
Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program or consent of instr. Practice-oriented
course addressing theories, frameworks, principles, and skills
of group and community work. Dynamics of group work and examination
of modalities such as mutual aid and social action groups.
G 530 History of Social Policy, Justice and Change 3 cr.
Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program or consent of instr. Foundation
in social welfare policy and services; examination of relationship
between history social welfare policy and emergence of social
work profession. Introduction to frameworks for policy analysis.
G 531 Methods of Social Policy Analysis 3 cr.
Prereq., SW 530. Focus on the analysis of existing or proposed
policies specific to oppressed populations, rural areas and small
communities.
G 535 Advanced Integrated Practice 4 cr. Prereq.,
consent of instr. Builds on the skills, knowledge, and values
of the foundation generalist and practice courses.
G 545 Practice of Organizational Leadership 4 cr.
Prereq., consent of instr. Advanced training in professional leadership
and how to effectively conceive, plan, design, implement, manage,
assess, and change contemporary organizations.
G 576 Foundation Integrative Seminar I 1 cr.
Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program, SW 505, 587; coreq., SW
589. Seminar accompanying first semester foundation practicum
in which students discuss experience with goal of integrating
theory and practice.
G 577 Foundation Integrative Seminar II 1 cr.
Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program, SW 505, 587; coreq., SW
589. Seminar accompanying second semester foundation practicum
in which students discuss experience with goal of integrating
theory and practice.
G 578 Advanced Integrative Seminar I 1 cr. Prereq.,
SW 586; coreq., SW 588. Critical analysis of how predominant social
work theories and professional values and skills are being incorporated
into the practicum.
G 579 Advanced Integrative Seminar II 1 cr. Prereq.,
SW 578; coreq., SW 589. Critical analysis of how predominant social
work theories and professional values and skills are being incorporated
into the practicum.
G 586 Foundation Practicum I 2 cr. Prereq., admission
to M.S.W. program; coreq., SW 586. First semester foundation field
practicum experience in a supervised setting designed to provide
opportunities to integrate classroom learning and field experiences.
G 587 Foundation Practicum II 2 cr. Prerq., admission
to M.S.W. program, SW 505, 587; coreq., SW 588. Second semester
foundation field practicum experience in a supervised setting
designed to provide opportunities to integrate classroom learning
and field experiences.
G 588 Concentration Practicum I 2 cr. Prereq.,
SW 587, 589; coreq., SW 578. Advanced supervised field work in
public and private agencies and institutions.
G 589 Concentration Practicum II 2 cr. Prereq.,
SW 588; coreq., SW 579. Advanced supervised field work in public
and private agencies and institutions.
G 593 Professional Portfolio 1 cr. (R-2) Prereq.,
foundation courses. Summative and in-depth written analysis of
course work and practicum experience.
G 594 Graduate Seminar 3 cr. (R-9) Offered autumn
or spring. Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program or consent of
instr. In-depth analysis of a current social work issue.
G 595 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered
autumn and spring. Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program or consent
of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental
offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
G 596 Independent Study Variable cr. (R-9) Offered
autumn or spring. Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program or consent
of instr. Work on selected problems by individual students under
direct faculty supervision.
G 597 Research Variable cr. (R-9) Offered autumn
or spring. Prereq., admission to M.S.W. program or consent of
instr. Directed individual graduate research and study appropriate
to background and objectives of the student.
Faculty
Professors
Cynthia L. Garthwait, M.S.S.W., University of Wisconsin, Madison,
1974 (Chair)
John C. Spores, Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1976
Associate Professor
Janet Finn, Ph.D., University of Michigan, 1995
David Schantz, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1996
Assistant Professors
Maxine Jacobson, Ph.D., University of Utah, 1997
Ryan Tolleson Knee, Ph.D., University of Denver, 1999
Adjunct Assistant Professors
Tondy Baumgartner, M.S.W., Walla Walla College, 1998
Kerrie Ghenie, M.S.W., Walla Walla College, 2000
Iris HeavyRunner, M.S.W., University of Minnesota, 1991
Charlie Wellenstein, M.S.W., Eastern Washington University, 1991
Emeritus Professors
Mary Birch, M.S.W., Columbia University, 1966
Frank W. Clark, Ph.D., University of Oregon, 1969
Robert L. Deaton, Ed.D., University of Nevada, Reno, 1980
Charles R. Horejsi, Ph.D., University of Denver, 1971