Earning an MSW? 5 Interesting Courses You Might Take

Are you pondering what classes to take in your online social work degree program? Walden’s online School of Social Work offers interesting courses in all five Master of Social Work focus areas:

• Addictions
• Child and Family
• Healthcare
• Military
• Trauma

As you explore Walden’s Master of Social Work degree program, here are five interesting course descriptions to consider:

Addictions Focus Area: Psychopharmacology and Biopsychosocial Considerations for Social Workers

As advocates for clients, social workers must possess knowledge and understanding of psychotropic medications to inform assessment. This course introduces a spectrum of psychotropic medications used in the management of mental health and substance use disorders. Students explore medication classification, drug interaction, and side effects. This course explores the social work role in interdisciplinary teams surrounding psychopharmacology and the ethical and professional responsibilities inherent in that role. This course builds foundational clinical knowledge of the intersection of mental health services and psychotropic medical treatment.

Child and Family Focus Area: Advanced Social Work Practice With Children and Family Services

This is an advanced practice course designed to provide students with opportunities to examine social work practice with diverse child and family systems using relational theory, attachment theory, and principles of trauma-informed care. Through case studies, videos, and interactive media, students apply social work skills of engagement, collaboration, assessment, and child-centered therapies designed to build on strengths that exist within individuals and in the social contexts where children and families live. Students explore how to foster child and family success in their social environments, especially those challenged by trauma, poverty, violence, loss, and/or oppression. Additionally, students critically evaluate legal and ethical issues that arise in social work with dependent populations.

Healthcare Focus Area: Interdisciplinary Healthcare Practice

Interdisciplinary teams in healthcare are positioned to address not only the physical health of patients but also mental health and social service needs, drawing on the expertise of a social worker. This course is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the roles, competencies, and applied skills of social workers within such teams. Specifically, students explore how common goals in patient treatment can affirm the strengths of social work interventions. They build skills in assessment, intervention planning, communication, conflict management, and cultural competence while engaging with a variety of patient care issues as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. By the end of the course, students will have increased awareness of the complexities of healthcare settings as well as the nuanced and important role of social workers within teams.

Military Focus Area: Military Culture for Social Workers

This course is designed to provide social work students with an understanding of military culture. Throughout this course, students will focus on understanding military service, enlistment motives of military personnel, the experience of military families, the impact of combat on military populations, and the transition from military to civilian life. Through videos, case studies, and interviews, the course will provide students with opportunities to enhance their understanding of the mental health and social support needs of military populations and apply social work strategies to support these clients.

Trauma Focus Area: Crisis, Trauma, and Disaster Response

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the personal and systemic impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on individuals, couples, families, and communities. Students examine theories and response models as they relate to crisis in individuals and families, crisis in the community, and crisis in the nation and in the world. They explore and discuss topics related to competencies, vicarious trauma and counter transference, specific diagnoses, and advocacy. Students also engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of crisis assessment. Through contemporary articles and case studies, they consider and discuss cultural, legal, and ethical issues related to crisis, trauma, and disaster events and response.

Regardless of the path you choose when earning your online Master of Social Work degree, you’ll be acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Social Work degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.