https://www.pacific.edu/academics/schools-and-colleges/school-of-health-sciences/programs/social-work.html
Phone: 916.739.7219
Programs Offered
Master of Social Work
- 16-month Accelerated Hybrid Program
- 12-month Advanced Standing Program
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is to develop skilled and compassionate professionals who provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive clinical care using an evidence-based approach. We prepare students to practice in increasingly complex public environments with the purpose of improving people’s quality of life and enhancing human potential for full, productive participation in society. Graduates are expected to become agents of change with excellent client care skills, value diversity and inclusion, and advocate to promote economic and social justice for individuals, groups, and communities, in particular those who are underserved.
Program Overview
The MSW program is Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited. The MSW curriculum is a cohort-based, 16-month accelerated hybrid (classroom and online) program. Students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program may apply for advanced standing. The MSW program matriculates a cohort each fall trimester, and advanced standing students start the following spring.
The MSW cohort-based curriculum consists of foundational didactic courses, that provide the students with the knowledge foundations consistent with the CSWE’s nine (9) generalist social work competencies, and clinical experiential field study experiences. The didactic courses must be taken sequentially as outlined in the cohort’s curriculum. Students have the option to select a healthcare or a behavioral health focused field-study. The healthcare specialization focuses on health equity, patient advocacy, short term clinical interventions, and social determinants of health. The behavioral health specialization explores individual, group, and family mental health interventions.
Accreditation Status
The Master of Social Work Program at University of the Pacific is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education.
Admission Requirements
For the most current information regarding the application process and requirements, please visit the website.
Master of Social Work
The MSW program is a full-time program with a cohort-based plan of study. Students are required to enroll full-time and must advance through a pre-determined curriculum in sequence with their cohort. Students are required to successfully pass each required course in a given trimester in order to advance to the subsequent trimester with their cohort. Students who do not pass a required course (with a passing grade being ‘B-‘ or higher), or who withdraw from a required course, will not be able to progress with their cohort in the program. Students may only be able to progress with their cohort or rejoin the program at a later date if recommended by the program’s Student Progress Committee and approved by the Program Director.
The program's hybrid curriculum is designed with two options: a 16-month sequence for students with any other undergraduate degree totaling 55 units, and a 12-month advanced standing sequence for students with a Council on Social Work Education accredited BSW program totaling 32 units.
Behavioral Health Specialization — 16 months (55 units)
| Trimester 1 (Fall) | ||
| SOCW 201 | Social Work Theory & Practice I | 3 |
| SOCW 203 | Research-Informed Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 205 | Policy & Advocacy in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 207 | Diversity & Social Justice | 3 |
| SOCW 209 | Social Work Skills Lab | 3 |
| Trimester 2 (Spring) | ||
| SOCW 211 | Social Work Theory & Practice II | 3 |
| SOCW 213 | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) | 3 |
| SOCW 215 | Social Work in Health Settings | 3 |
| SOCW 225 | Generalist Practice Field Seminar | 2 |
| SOCW 287A | Generalist Practice Field Placement | 3 |
| Trimester 3 (Summer) | ||
| SOCW 217 | Clinical Interventions in Health | 3 |
| SOCW 218 | Assessment and Treatment Planning | 2 |
| SOCW 222 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings I | 1 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 227 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar I | 1 |
| SOCW 287B | Specialized Practice Field Placement I | 3 |
| Trimester 4 (Fall) | ||
| SOCW 223 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings II | 3 |
| SOCW 224 | Child, Youth & Family Interventions in Social Work | 3 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 229 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar II | 1 |
| SOCW 287C | Specialized Practice Field Placement II | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES OFFERED | ||
| SOCW 230 | Trauma Informed Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 231 | Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment | 3 |
| SOCW 232 | Loss & Grief Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOCW 233 | Gerontological Social Work | 3 |
Behavioral Health Specialization — 12 months (32 units)
Note: One of the two required electives may be taken in Trimester 1 from another program in the School of Health Sciences if available and approved by the student’s academic advisor.
| Trimester 1 (Spring) | ||
| SOCW 213 | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) | 3 |
| SOCW 215 | Social Work in Health Settings | 3 |
| Trimester 2 (Summer) | ||
| SOCW 217 | Clinical Interventions in Health | 3 |
| SOCW 218 | Assessment and Treatment Planning | 2 |
| SOCW 222 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings I | 1 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 227 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar I | 1 |
| SOCW 287B | Specialized Practice Field Placement I | 3 |
| Trimester 3 (Fall) | ||
| SOCW 223 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings II | 3 |
| SOCW 224 | Child, Youth & Family Interventions in Social Work | 3 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 229 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar II | 1 |
| SOCW 287C | Specialized Practice Field Placement II | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES OFFERED | ||
| SOCW 230 | Trauma Informed Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 231 | Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment | 3 |
| SOCW 232 | Loss & Grief Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOCW 233 | Gerontological Social Work | 3 |
Health Care Specialization — 16 months (55 units)
| Trimester 1 (Fall) | ||
| SOCW 201 | Social Work Theory & Practice I | 3 |
| SOCW 203 | Research-Informed Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 205 | Policy & Advocacy in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 207 | Diversity & Social Justice | 3 |
| SOCW 209 | Social Work Skills Lab | 3 |
| Trimester 2 (Spring) | ||
| SOCW 211 | Social Work Theory & Practice II | 3 |
| SOCW 213 | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) | 3 |
| SOCW 215 | Social Work in Health Settings | 3 |
| SOCW 225 | Generalist Practice Field Seminar | 2 |
| SOCW 287A | Generalist Practice Field Placement | 3 |
| Trimester 3 (Summer) | ||
| SOCW 217 | Clinical Interventions in Health | 3 |
| SOCW 219 | Social Determinants of Health | 2 |
| SOCW 222 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings I | 1 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 227 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar I | 1 |
| SOCW 287B | Specialized Practice Field Placement I | 3 |
| Trimester 4 (Fall) | ||
| SOCW 223 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings II | 3 |
| SOCW 221 | Advanced Policy in Health Systems | 3 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 229 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar II | 1 |
| SOCW 287C | Specialized Practice Field Placement II | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES OFFERED | ||
| SOCW 230 | Trauma Informed Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 231 | Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment | 3 |
| SOCW 232 | Loss & Grief Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOCW 233 | Gerontological Social Work | 3 |
Health Care Specialization — 12 months (32 units)
| Trimester 2 (Spring) | ||
| SOCW 213 | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) | 3 |
| SOCW 215 | Social Work in Health Settings | 3 |
| Trimester 3 (Summer) | ||
| SOCW 217 | Clinical Interventions in Health | 3 |
| SOCW 219 | Social Determinants of Health | 2 |
| SOCW 222 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings I | 1 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 227 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar I | 1 |
| SOCW 287B | Specialized Practice Field Placement I | 3 |
| Trimester 4 (Fall) | ||
| SOCW 223 | Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings II | 3 |
| SOCW 221 | Advanced Policy in Health Systems | 3 |
| REQUIRED ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| SOCW 229 | Specialized Practice Field Seminar II | 1 |
| SOCW 287C | Specialized Practice Field Placement II | 3 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES OFFERED | ||
| SOCW 230 | Trauma Informed Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 231 | Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment | 3 |
| SOCW 232 | Loss & Grief Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| SOCW 233 | Gerontological Social Work | 3 |
Master of Social Work Faculty
Amanda West, PhD, LCSW, Chair and Program Director
Melissa Calnon, MSW, LCSW, Assistant Clinical Professor
Nurit Fischer-Shemer, PhD, MSW, M.Ed, Assistant Clinical Professor
Edgar Hernandez, MSW, Assistant Clinical Professor
Arrickia McDaniel, MSW, EdD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Director of Field Education
Halide Porras, MSW, Assistant Clinical Professor
Social Work Courses
SOCW 201. Social Work Theory & Practice I. 3 Units.
This course introduces a range of prevention and intervention methods grounded in generalist social work theory and the person-in-environment framework. A unifying framework of micro, mezzo and macro level practice for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities is introduced. The framework includes the practice phases of engagement, assessment, planning/contracting, intervention, evaluation, termination/referral, and follow-up. Students will gain a foundation upon which they can continue to add and build social work practice skills. Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Social Work program. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format.
SOCW 203. Research-Informed Practice. 3 Units.
This course introduces students to social work research. It focuses on understanding quantitative and qualitative research methods in advancing the science of social work and evaluation of social work practice.Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Social Work program. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format.
SOCW 205. Policy & Advocacy in Social Work Practice. 3 Units.
This course introduces students to the underlying values, assumptions, and philosophical perspectives that have influenced the development of the U.S. social welfare system and services. Students will learn about policy formulation, analysis, and the role of advocacy in service development and delivery within social work practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Social Work program. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in an online format.
SOCW 207. Diversity & Social Justice. 3 Units.
This course introduces students to the global intersections and interconnections of diversity, human rights and justice. Students will develop an understanding of an integrated practice framework that advances human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice issues. Theories and strategies of human need and social justice are covered to prepare students to advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice domestically and internationally. Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Social Work program. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format.
SOCW 209. Social Work Skills Lab. 3 Units.
This skill-based course is anchored in the knowledge base of generalist social work theory & practice. Students will develop competency in performing essential social work skills to prepare for the generalist and specialized field placement. Specific skills focused on include demonstration of ethical and professional behavior and engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with clients and constituencies. Prerequisite: Admission to the Master of Social Work program. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a lecture format.
SOCW 211. Social Work Theory & Practice II. 3 Units.
This course builds on integrating social work practice through a unifying framework of micro, mezzo and macro level practice for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The framework will focus on integrating practice, leadership and technology skills to develop and provide social work services that advance social justice and improve well-being. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format.
SOCW 213. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). 3 Units.
This course introduces students to the concepts and language of mental health and mental disorders with a primary focus on the widely used classification system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Students learn to distinguish mental health diagnostic categories and gain skills in the diagnostic process. The goals of the course are to further students’ competence in incorporating strengths in a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment and prepare students to practice in integrated health care settings. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in an online format.
SOCW 215. Social Work in Health Settings. 3 Units.
Building on core knowledge common to all fields of practice, this course examines advanced practice skills and interventions relevant to health care settings in work with individual clients, families, groups, and interdisciplinary teams. Social work practice is explored in the context of the psychosocial consequences of illness and current health care delivery. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format.
SOCW 217. Clinical Interventions in Health. 3 Units.
This course builds on generalist social work theory and practice with the addition of more intensive focus on assessment and intervention techniques with clients and constituencies. Students will develop service delivery plans based on the selection of appropriate theories, intervention models, and evidence-informed intervention utilizing a practice orientation that attends to human rights and social justice for diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format.
SOCW 218. Assessment and Treatment Planning. 2 Units.
This course is designed to prepare students in the Master of Social Work program to effectively conduct behavioral health assessments and the creation of treatment plans with multiple populations including adults, children, and families. The course integrates both the dissemination of knowledge as well as direct practice skills based on evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches. Special attention will be paid to the integration of diagnostic assessments, substance use evaluations, and lethality assessments with corresponding treatment plans for these specialized areas. Additionally, the role of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity in relation to assessment will be explored. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Social Work program.
SOCW 219. Social Determinants of Health. 2 Units.
This course focuses on the systematic study of social and economic conditions under which people live that determine their health. How social influences such as income, living conditions, education, infrastructure, religious affiliation, healthcare, social capital, stress, gender and race affect health and longevity will be explored. The role of public policy in shaping outcomes for communities will be examined. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 221. Advanced Policy in Health Systems. 3 Units.
The course introduces a rights-based approach to leading innovation and social change through policy practice and advocacy. Using human rights and social justice principles, students will learn how to use specific policy and advocacy frameworks to plan for and lead strategies that facilitate social change with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 222. Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings I. 1 Unit.
This course builds on basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis. Students gain knowledge and skills to use appropriate research methods for empirically based knowledge building and to enhance program and practice effectiveness. Content includes single system and group design and formative and summative approaches to practice and program evaluation. Prerequisites: Prerequisites include admission to the 16-month Traditional Program or 12-month Advanced Standing MSW Program and cohort progression, or permission of instructor.
SOCW 223. Practice-Informed Research in Health Settings II. 3 Units.
This course builds on basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis. Students gain knowledge and skills to use appropriate research methods for empirically based knowledge building and to enhance program and practice effectiveness. Content includes single system and group design and formative and summative approaches to practice and program evaluation. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 224. Child, Youth & Family Interventions in Social Work. 3 Units.
This specialized course will examine the bio-psycho-social development of children and adolescents as a basis for understanding healthy functioning and the ways that environments and circumstances shape us at physical, cognitive, emotional, and neurological levels. Developmentally appropriate clinical interventions for children and youth will be introduced. Theories framing the foundation for social work practice with families will be explored and critiqued as they assist in understanding the relationship between the family and its environment. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Social Work program.
SOCW 225. Generalist Practice Field Seminar. 2 Units.
This course will coordinate with the General Practice Field Placement and use a problem-based learning approach. Exceptions may be granted by the MSW Program’s Student Progress Committee (see MSW Program Handbook and MSW Field Handbook). This course is taught in a lecture format. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 227. Specialized Practice Field Seminar I. 1 Unit.
This course will coordinate with Specialized Practice Field Placement I and use a problem-based learning approach. Exceptions may be granted by the MSW Program’s Student Progress Committee (see MSW Program Handbook and MSW Field Handbook). This course is taught in a lecture format. Pre-req: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 229. Specialized Practice Field Seminar II. 1 Unit.
This course will coordinate with Specialized Practice Field Placement II and use a problem-based learning approach. Exceptions may be granted by the MSW Program’s Student Progress Committee (see MSW Program Handbook and MSW Field Handbook). This course is taught in a lecture format. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 230. Trauma Informed Practice. 3 Units.
This course provides review and in-depth exploration of the range of traumatic experiences and their individual, familial, group and community significances. It will differentiate traumatic events and psychological trauma, and explore differences between traumatic stress, acute stress reactions, PTSD, individual and community and responses to historical and multigenerational trauma, with diverse populations. Students will examine social work theories, models and clinical approaches through the trauma perspective. Students will also become familiar with a range of assessment and clinical intervention tools and methodologies. Participants will also be introduced to the concepts of vicarious traumatization, secondary traumatic stress, and the importance of counselor/therapist wellness strategies for professional practice. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Social Work program.
SOCW 231. Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment. 3 Units.
This course provides an overview of social work practice with alcohol and substance abusers, including the role of family systems, community networks, and experiences of trauma. The course prepares students for assessment, detection, and intervention for harmful alcohol and substance use in human services settings, with an emphasis on health care settings. The course provides a basis for understanding the prevalence of alcoholism and substance abuse, introduces models and theories of addiction and treatment, and develops skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation for alcoholism and substance use with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 232. Loss & Grief Across the Lifespan. 3 Units.
Building on core knowledge common to social work practice, this course examines the loss and grief of the human experience across lifespan from the individual, familial, social, and organizational perspectives. Theoretical background and grief models examination are provided and psychosocial modalities are presented while exploration and practicing of tailored social work interventions. Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Social Work program.
SOCW 233. Gerontological Social Work. 3 Units.
This course provides knowledge and skills for gerontological practice in the areas of health and mental health with older adults. The course emphasizes practice with clients from diverse backgrounds, including minority and disenfranchised populations at the micro and mezzo levels. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 287A. Generalist Practice Field Placement. 3 Units.
A field internship to develop generalist social work skills while supporting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students are expected to attend their field placements three days per week for 15 weeks. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 287B. Specialized Practice Field Placement I. 3 Units.
A field internship to develop integrative practice skills for supporting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities within an area of specialized practice related to health social work in an interprofessional practice setting. Students are expected to attend their field placements three days per week for 15 weeks. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 287C. Specialized Practice Field Placement II. 3 Units.
A field internship to develop integrative practice skills for supporting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities within an area of specialized practice related to health social work in an interprofessional practice setting. Students are expected to attend their field placements three days per week for 15 weeks. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor.
SOCW 293. Special Topics. 1-4 Units.
Special Topics.
