Social Welfare

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2015-16 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu.

About the Program

An international leader in social work practice and social policy, Berkeley Social Welfare has prepared over 11,000 social work professionals and social welfare scholars for a range of leadership, research, teaching, and advanced practice roles. We offer two graduate degrees:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD) 
  • Master of Social Welfare (MSW)

Our students are trained and equipped with the knowledge of professional practices, policies, and programs required to address a wide range of contemporary societal problems. They use empirical evidence to inform practice and transform lives. Through our field education program, our 200 master’s students contribute over 130,000 hours of vital support to over 150 human service agencies and their low-income clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area each year. With over 300 graduates of our doctoral program, our school produces top-notch professors and researchers for some of the best social work schools and policy centers throughout the country and around the globe.

The PhD in Social Welfare

Berkeley Social Welfare's doctoral program develops scholars who challenge conventional wisdom and make significant contributions to the field of social welfare and the profession of social work through excellent research, teaching, policy development, and administration. Our doctoral graduates are prepared to tackle the most difficult social problems we face, contributing to new knowledge in areas as wide-ranging as poverty, severe mental health, racial and ethnic inequalities, and health. They form a cadre of researchers who are developing new ideas about service systems that can help children, families, and communities to develop and thrive. Most Berkeley Social Welfare PhD graduates become faculty members in schools of social work or social welfare, or hold leadership positions in policy-making agencies or research institutions.

Master of Social Welfare (MSW)

Berkeley Social Welfare offers a two-year, full-time program of study leading to the Master of Social Welfare (MSW) degree. The MSW Program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The Berkeley MSW program trains students for a range of social work leadership and practice roles. Students are prepared to practice with specialized skills at specific intervention levels, and are thoroughly grounded in knowledge of social and psychological issues, social welfare policies, and social service organizations. MSW students complete a generalist practice foundation curriculum, and an advanced curriculum in one of five concentrations:

  • Aging
  • Child and Family Services
  • Community Mental Health
  • Health Services
  • Management and Planning

Additional program options include joint master's degree programs with the Goldman School of Public Policy and the School of Public Health; and the Pupil Personnel Services Credential Program in School Social Work. 

Visit School Website

Admissions

Admission to Graduate Study in Social Welfare

All applicants to graduate study in Social Welfare apply online through the Berkeley Graduate Division's Admissions Office. The School of Social Welfare only admits for the fall semester; applicants can apply for fall admission beginning in September the year before planning to attend. For more information, instructions and a link to the online Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships, please visit Applying for Graduate Admission.

The School of Social Welfare Admissions Office seeks to guide potential graduate applicants through the application process via online resources, in-person and phone advising, group presentations and recruitment events. Admissions advising is available through one-on-one and phone appointments. For more information about our programs, application requirements, admission process, or informational sessions and recruitment events, please visit Berkeley Social Welfare Admissions.

Admission to the PhD Program

In addition to meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for admission to graduate study at Berkeley (see Admission to the University below), applicants to doctoral study in Social Welfare must possess the intellectual qualifications essential to successful performance in the program. The School seeks to determine whether the applicant’s particular objectives can be met in the doctoral program at Berkeley. Applicants are evaluated on:

Academic Preparation: Factors include grade-point average (GPA); sufficient training for graduate study in social welfare; GRE/TOEFL scores; and writing skills.

Appropriateness for the Doctoral Program: Factors include applicant’s career goals and appropriate fit with program goals. Level of literacy may be considered in the context of research interests and career goals.

Personal Qualifications: Both the quality and duration of direct social work practice experience are considered as well as research experience.

Admission to the MSW Program

In addition to meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for admission to graduate study at Berkeley (see Admission to the University below), applicants to the MSW program must also have:

  1. Sufficient undergraduate preparation and training for graduate study in social welfare. Applicants for admission to the MSW program must have strong academic preparation in the liberal arts and sciences, including coursework in the social and behavioral sciences.
  2. The equivalent of one full year of paid or voluntary experience related to social welfare or human services. For applicants to the Management and Planning (MAP) Concentration, the recommended minimum experience requirement is two years.
  3. A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). There is no minimum GRE score requirement. International applicants must also have a satisfactory score on the TOEFL exam or acceptable equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
  4. Applicants to joint degree programs (e.g., MSW/MPH or MSW/MPP) must meet eligibility requirements and admissions standards of both the School of Social Welfare and those of the respective joint program.

Admission to the University

Minimum Requirements for Admission

The following minimum requirements apply to all graduate programs and will be verified by the Graduate Division:

  1. A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
  2. A grade point average of B or better (3.0);
  3. If the applicant comes from a country or political entity (e.g., Quebec) where English is not the official language, adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the iBT test, 570 on the paper-and-pencil test, 230 on the computer-based test, or an IELTS Band score of at least 7 (note that individual programs may set higher levels for any of these); and
  4. Sufficient undergraduate training to do graduate work in the given field.

Applicants Who Already Hold a Graduate Degree

The Graduate Council views academic degrees not as vocational training certificates but as evidence of broad training in research methods, independent study, and articulation of learning. Therefore, applicants who already have academic graduate degrees should be able to pursue new subject matter at an advanced level without need to enroll in a related or similar graduate program.

Programs may consider students for an additional academic master’s or professional master’s degree only if the additional degree is in a distinctly different field.

Applicants admitted to a doctoral program that requires a master’s degree to be earned at Berkeley as a prerequisite (even though the applicant already has a master’s degree from another institution in the same or a closely allied field of study) will be permitted to undertake the second master’s degree, despite the overlap in field.

The Graduate Division will admit students for a second doctoral degree only if they meet the following guidelines:

  1. Applicants with doctoral degrees may be admitted for an additional doctoral degree only if that degree program is in a general area of knowledge distinctly different from the field in which they earned their original degree. For example, a physics PhD could be admitted to a doctoral degree program in music or history; however, a student with a doctoral degree in mathematics would not be permitted to add a PhD in statistics.
  2. Applicants who hold the PhD degree may be admitted to a professional doctorate or professional master’s degree program if there is no duplication of training involved.

Applicants may apply only to one single degree program or one concurrent degree program per admission cycle.

Any applicant who was previously registered at Berkeley as a graduate student, no matter how briefly, must apply for readmission, not admission, even if the new application is to a different program.

Required Documents for Applications

  1. Transcripts:  Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts with your application for the departmental initial review. If the applicant is admitted, then official transcripts of all college-level work will be required. Admitted applicants must request a current transcript from every post-secondary school attended, including community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) attended. 
    If you have attended Berkeley, upload your unofficial transcript with your application for the departmental initial review. If you are admitted, an official transcript with evidence of degree conferral will not be required.
  2. Letters of recommendation: Applicants may request online letters of recommendation through the online application system. Hard copies of recommendation letters must be sent directly to the program, not the Graduate Division.
  3. Evidence of English language proficiency: All applicants from countries or political entities in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This applies to applicants from Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, most European countries, and Quebec (Canada). However, applicants who, at the time of application, have already completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a US university may submit an official transcript from the US university to fulfill this requirement. The following courses will not fulfill this requirement: 1) courses in English as a Second Language, 2) courses conducted in a language other than English, 3) courses that will be completed after the application is submitted, and 4) courses of a non-academic nature. If applicants have previously been denied admission to Berkeley on the basis of their English language proficiency, they must submit new test scores that meet the current minimum from one of the standardized tests.

Where to Apply

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page . 

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Welfare

To be granted the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare, students must satisfy all of the following requirements:

  1. Complete a course of study in the school and related departments of the University specified by the school, designed to achieve proficiency in the areas of social work theory, social welfare policy and/or administration, history and philosophies of social welfare, and social research methods.
  2. Pass qualifying examinations indicating proficiency in the areas mentioned above.
  3. Pass an oral examination before a committee appointed in accordance with rules of the Graduate Council.
  4. Be admitted to candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy according to procedures established by the Academic Senate.
  5. Complete a dissertation dealing with some problem of significance to the field of social welfare and of such character as to show power to prosecute independent investigation.
  6. Spend a minimum of at least two years of graduate study in residence at the University of California, Berkeley.
Unit Requirement

There is no total unit requirement for the PhD degree, but doctoral students must enroll full-time (12 units/semester, no more than 4 of which may be earned by working as a graduate student researcher or graduate student instructor) until taking and passing the qualifying exam.

Required Coursework

Doctoral coursework includes seminars in research methods, statistics, theory, and other related course; along with individual tutorials with members of the faculty. Doctoral students are required to complete a series of statistics courses during their first two years in the program.

Required Courses for the Social Welfare PhD
PB HLTH 142Introduction to Probability and Statistics in Biology and Public Health4
or EDUC 293A Data Analysis in Education Research
PB HLTH 145Statistical Analysis of Continuous Outcome Data4
or EDUC 275B Data Analysis in Educational Research II
PB HLTH 241Statistical Analysis of Categorical Data (or comparable course in another department)4
SOC WEL 279Seminar in the History and Philosophy of Social Welfare2
SOC WEL 287Research Resources and Processes2
SOC WEL 289AResearch Methods and Techniques in Social Welfare2
SOC WEL 295Dissertation Seminar2
AT LEAST ONE Additional Elective in Qualitative or Quantitative Research
AT LEAST ONE Additional Elective in Social Science Theory
Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is a three-hour oral exam assessing mastery of the student's chosen fields of study, and written materials submitted for the examination. It is conducted by a committee of five faculty members proposed by the student and approved by the Graduate Division. When passed, this examination marks completion of required course work, mastery of the fields of study, and advancement to candidacy.

Dissertation

Once advanced to candidacy, doctoral students pursue a research agenda that will offer an original contribution to knowledge in the field. The dissertation is the final demonstration of scholarly, research, and professional abilities. Upon final signature of approval by the dissertation committee and submission to the Graduate Division, students are awarded the doctoral degree.

Master's Degree Requirements (MSW)

Requirements for the Master of Social Welfare (MSW) Degree

To be eligible for conferral of the Master of Social Welfare (MSW) degree, students must satisfy all of the following requirements:

Units Required for Degree: A minimum total of 48 units is required for the MSW degree, including at least 29 academic units of required and elective courses and 19 units of field education.

Field Education: A total of 19 practicum and field placement units are required for graduation, the equivalent of approximately 142 days of field work. Students receive approximately two units of field internship placement credit per semester for each full day per week spent in the field.

Social Research Methods Requirement: All MSW students complete a sequence of courses in methods of social research, which culminates in a research project to satisfy the Berkeley master’s capstone requirement.

Academic Standing: To be awarded the MSW degree a student must have maintained a grade point average not lower than 3.0 (B) in all upper division and graduate academic courses undertaken in graduate residence at the University of California.

The MSW Curriculum

The Berkeley MSW Program is a two-year, full-time program.

All students begin their program of study in a generalist practice foundation curriculum in the first semester, and progress sequentially to and through an advanced curriculum in one of five areas of specialized practice:

  • Aging
  • Child and Family Services
  • Community Mental Health
  • Health Services
  • Management and Planning
Generalist Practice Foundation Curriculum
Required Courses for All MSW Students
SOC WEL 200Theories for Multilevel Practice2
SOC WEL 220Introduction to Social Welfare Policy2
SOC WEL 240Historical, Philosophical, and Intellectual Foundations of Social Work2
SOC WEL 241Foundations of Multilevel Practice3
SOC WEL 275Diversity-Sensitive and Competent Social Work (or approved alternative course)2
SOC WEL 400Course Not Available1
SOC WEL 400BCourse Not Available1
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum (two days per week in field placement in first year)3
Advanced Practice Curriculum
Required Courses for Specialized Practice in Aging
SOC WEL 210CAging Processes2
SOC WEL 226Social Policy and Gerontology2
SOC WEL 246Direct Practice in Aging Settings2
SOC WEL 282ASeminar in Social Welfare Research2
SOC WEL 282BSeminar in Social Welfare Research (yearlong sequence)2
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum (three days per week in field placement in second year)6
Required Courses for Specialized Practice in Child and Family Services
SOC WEL 230Social Policy: Children and Families2
SOC WEL 243Direct Practice in Child and Family Settings2
SOC WEL 282ASeminar in Social Welfare Research2
SOC WEL 282BSeminar in Social Welfare Research (yearlong sequence)2
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum (three days per week in field in second year)6
Required Courses for Specialized Practice in Community Mental Health
SOC WEL 205Psychosocial Problems and Psychopathology2
SOC WEL 222Mental Health and Social Policy2
SOC WEL 244Direct Practice in Mental Health Settings2
SOC WEL 282ASeminar in Social Welfare Research2
SOC WEL 282BSeminar in Social Welfare Research (yearlong sequence)2
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum (three days per week in field in second year)6
Required Courses for Specialized Practice in Health Services
SOC WEL 238CHealth Policy--A Social Welfare Perspective2
SOC WEL 245Direct Practice in Health Settings2
SOC WEL 282ASeminar in Social Welfare Research2
SOC WEL 282BSeminar in Social Welfare Research (yearlong sequence)2
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum (three days per week in field placement in second year)6
Required Courses for Specialized Practice in Management and Planning
SOC WEL 210IGroup, Organizational, and Community Dynamics2
SOC WEL 251Program Development2
SOC WEL 252Program Implementation2
SOC WEL 282ASeminar in Social Welfare Research2
SOC WEL 282BSeminar in Social Welfare Research (yearlong sequence)2
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum (three days per week in field placement in second year)6
Additional Required Coursework

MSW students pursuing certain special program options have additional coursework requirements as listed below:

Required for Students in the Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program:
SOC WEL 250NPublic Child Welfare Services2
Required for Students Seeking Credentials in School Social Work:
SOC WEL 232Social Work and Education Policy2
SOC WEL 250TSocial Work Practice in School Settings2
Field Education

MSW students receive approximately two units per semester of credit for each full day of the week spent in field practicum, generally two days per week in the first year placement, and three days per week in the second year placement. For more information about our Field Education Program, please visit our website.

Graduate Program Outcomes

MSW Student Learning Goals and Outcomes

Berkeley Social Welfare’s MSW Program develops future leaders of the profession who challenge conventional wisdom by being deeply prepared for multilevel social work in specific areas of practice. We provide an education built on the strongest available evidence, oriented to advancing social justice, and responsive to the changing needs of local and global communities. The goals of the MSW program are organized around three central themes focused on leadership development:

Leadership for Service

  • Goal 1: Develop visionary thought and practice leaders who are responsive to communities and individuals, draw upon the best available evidence to continuously improve social work practice and policies, and who are able to change with shifting contexts of social work. 
  • Goal 2: Develop leaders who can flexibly and competently practice social work across multiple ecological levels.
  • Goal 3: Develop leaders who can engage effectively in collaboration with diverse communities; articulate social problems; and promote innovation in social welfare practices, programs and policies.

Leadership for Social Justice and Social Change

  • Goal 4: Develop leaders with an understanding of concepts of equality and social justice.
  • Goal 5: Develop leaders with the skills to promote meaningful and productive change with and in underserved communities and vulnerable populations.

Leadership for Evidenced-Informed and Competency-Based Practice

  • Goal 6: Develop leaders with the capacity to utilize research to support practice, and practice to support research, and translate the best available evidence into practice principles.
  • Goal 7: Develop leaders with skills to work collaboratively with numerous community partners to gather and analyze evidence that reflects the changing needs of our communities.

MSW Program Competencies

Berkeley’s MSW curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the standards of professional performance and success in the field of social work. A set of core competencies, representing the dimensions of social work practice that all social workers are expected to master during their professional training, is used to design and deliver the curriculum. Students are assessed regularly on progress to achieving these competencies throughout the course of their graduate study.

  • Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
  • Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice 
  • Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
  • Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice 
  • Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
  • Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
  • Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Plan of Study

Sample Program of Study for the PhD in Social Welfare

Berkeley’s doctoral program in Social Welfare is designed to inspire independence and originality of thought in pursuit of knowledge. Students design their academic pursuits in consultation with individual faculty from the School of Social Welfare and from distinguished departments across the Berkeley campus. Doctoral students pursue knowledge in three fields of study, all related to their own interests:

  1. A social problem field;

  2. A social science theory field; and

  3. A field of social welfare intervention.

Doctoral students become proficient in research methodology and experts in their area of interest, and ultimately demonstrate their scholarly competence in their dissertation. Students normally progress toward the PhD in stages briefly described below:

Pre-Candidacy

  • Required coursework
  • Complete three qualifying papers and three field bibliographies
  • Complete a dissertation prospectus

Qualifying Exam

  • Complete before end of spring semester in third year

Advancement to Candidacy

  • Apply upon passing the qualifying exam
  • Complete human subjects training if required

Dissertation

  • Minimum of two additional semesters working with dissertation committee
  • File by end of fifth year

Graduation!

  • Degrees conferred in May, August and December
  • Annual Scholars Day presentations and Commencement Ceremony in May
Normative Time Requirements

In Social Welfare, it is expected that all doctoral students will complete the PhD degree within 10 semesters, having taken the qualifying exam by the end of the third year and filed the dissertation by the end of the fifth year. 

Sample Program of Study for the Berkeley MSW Degree

All MSW students follow a prescribed, full-time (minimum 12 units/semester) program of work, outlined below. Students have the option of taking up to 20.5 units per semester.

First Year Fall Semester
Required for All Students:
SOC WEL 200Theories for Multilevel Practice2
SOC WEL 220Introduction to Social Welfare Policy2
SOC WEL 240Historical, Philosophical, and Intellectual Foundations of Social Work2
SOC WEL 241Foundations of Multilevel Practice3
SOC WEL 400
  & SOC WEL 401		Course Not Available
   and Field Practicum		3
Also Required for Community Mental Health:
SOC WEL 205Psychosocial Problems and Psychopathology2
Also Required for Management and Planning:
SOC WEL 251Program Development2
First Year Spring Semester 
Specialty Area Practice Course:2
Group, Organizational, and Community Dynamics
Direct Practice in Child and Family Settings
Direct Practice in Mental Health Settings
Direct Practice in Health Settings
Direct Practice in Aging Settings
Also Required for Aging:
SOC WEL 210CAging Processes2
Specialty Area Policy Course:2
Mental Health and Social Policy
Social Policy and Gerontology
Social Policy: Children and Families
Health Policy--A Social Welfare Perspective
Advocacy Skills for Social Change: Social Welfare Policy Practice
SOC WEL 275Diversity-Sensitive and Competent Social Work (or approved alternative course)2
SOC WEL 400B
  & SOC WEL 401		Course Not Available
   and Field Practicum		4
Elective in Professionally Relevant Coursework2
Second Year Fall Semester
Required for All Students:
SOC WEL 282ASeminar in Social Welfare Research2
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum6
Elective(s) in Professionally Relevant Coursework2-4
Also Required for Management & Planning:
SOC WEL 252Program Implementation2
Second Year Spring Semester
Required for All Students:
SOC WEL 282BSeminar in Social Welfare Research (continuation of yearlong sequence)2
SOC WEL 401Field Practicum6
Elective(s) in Professionally Relevant Coursework2-4
Also Required for Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program:
SOC WEL 250NPublic Child Welfare Services2

Research Resources

Social Welfare Research Resources

Faculty and students in Social Welfare conduct award-winning research on interrelated topics such as child, family, and aging services; behavioral health and prevention; social determinants of health; and violence, victimization and social conflict. Theoretically driven, rigorous research can inform solutions to pressing social problems. Our students can learn how to study policy-relevant questions from a broad perspective that bridges multiple disciplines (e.g., psychology, sociology, or public health) and levels of analysis.

UC Berkeley’s world-class faculty and research units can be leveraged to conduct studies that make a difference. Our faculty lead a number of research units, including the Center for Prevention Research, Digital Health Equity Research, and Risk-Resilience Research. In addition, our school houses the California Child Welfare Indicators Project, which distills data on the state’s entire child welfare system and other linked sources to conduct ongoing research; and the California Social Work Education Center which provides opportunities for workforce evaluation and research.

Berkeley Social Science Resources

D-Lab: Social Sciences Data Laboratory

“Intelligent research design for data intensive social science:” doctoral students learn about modern methods and statistics not only in the classroom, but also through Cal's D-Lab. D-Lab provides one-on-one consulting, personalized training, working groups, and space for social science projects. Workshops on software programs (e.g., R, NVivo), data collection tools (e.g., web scraping) and new analytic techniques (e.g., data mining techniques) are offered on an ongoing basis. D-Lab promotes networking with social scientists across campus.

Social Research Library

This newly remodeled library is located in Haviland Hall, home to Berkeley Social Welfare. The completely rebuilt book collection focuses on research that addresses social and individual problems from a variety of disciplines including psychology, education, social welfare, and public policy.

Social Science Matrix

The UC Berkeley Social Science Matrix provides an organizational framework that supports cross-disciplinary projects pursued by more than 500 social scientists across the Berkeley campus and beyond. It brings relevant scientists together to generate effective solutions to global challenges- including behavior change, social resilience, and governance. Matrix provides faculty and PhD students with opportunities to network, submit grant proposals together, and disseminate findings.

X-Lab  

Cal’s Experimental Social Science Laboratory is an on-campus lab for conducting computer-based experiments of interest to social scientists. It offers PhD students attractive laboratory facilities, development of infrastructure for mobile field experiments, and administrative support.

Teaching Opportunities

Teaching in Social Welfare

Berkeley Social Welfare provides doctoral students opportunities to prepare for a career teaching and to practice their developing skills. Students are encouraged to enroll in SOC WEL 375 Teaching in Social Welfare, where they are exposed to core concepts relating to teaching in the field of social work and social welfare. Thereafter, students may serve as a graduate student instructor (GSI) under the guidance of a faculty member in the School of Social Welfare. Students advanced to candidacy may be considered to serve as instructors for a course during Berkeley Summer Sessions.

Professional Development Activities

Professional Development in Social Welfare

Berkeley graduate students have ample opportunities to engage in a range of professional development activities.

Research Colloquia

Berkeley Social Welfare hosts a regular brown-bag lunch series for doctoral students to present their developing or completed research with colleagues and faculty in an informal atmosphere. For a listing of current research colloquia and other research-related events, please see our Master Calendar.

Career and Professional Development Office

The Career and Professional Development Office, staffed by a full-time career services specialist, facilitates career services activities that prepare our students for the job search, interviewing, professional presentations, and engaging in leadership. We provide our students with opportunities to connect with alumni and employers to network and gain further profession-specific knowledge. For more information please visit our Career and Professional Development Office.

HavJobs Career Services Manager

We provide students and alumni with access to services through our online Career Services Management system, including searching for and applying to social welfare/human services related jobs, viewing and reserving events, participating in a professional mentorship network, and creating resumes and other professional portfolio documentation.

Professional Development Support for Graduate Students

Social Welfare doctoral students presenting original research, or participating as an invited discussant or panelist, at a major meeting of a recognized learned society or professional organization, may apply for a Social Welfare Dean’s Conference Travel Award to assist with travel and attendance costs.  Master's (MSW) students may apply annually for a professional development award to support participation in a professional conference, training, continuing education program, or other appropriate professional development activity.  For details please see our Student Funding Information.

Courses

Additional Recommended Coursework for Social Welfare Students

For Doctoral Students:
SOC WEL 291Preparing for an Academic Career in Social Work2
SOC WEL 293Social Welfare Theory: Policy Implications2
For Students Interested in International Social Work:
SOC WEL 236International Social Welfare2
SOC WEL 250YInternational Social Development2

Social Welfare Courses 

SOC WEL 200 Theories for Multilevel Practice 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This course examines the foundations of social work practice theories and strategies for connecting theory and practice. It provides an overview of the impact of the social environment, the impact of the “ecology” of human behavior and the way social institutions and practices provide structure over the life course. Practice implications are explored in terms of assessing client social and psychological needs. The course covers biophysical perspectives, crisis and intervention, cognitive-behavioral theories, systems/ecological frameworks, social psychological theories, social constructionism, humanism and existentialism, critical race and conflict theories, multilevel practice theories, and examination of individual and group differences.

SOC WEL 205 Psychosocial Problems and Psychopathology 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Developmental abnormalities and deviations which result in dysfunctional behavior in the individual. Examines problems and disorders of children and adults from psychological and social perspectives.

SOC WEL 210A Stress and Coping in Adulthood 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Descriptions, measurements, and major theories concerning the etiology of stress and coping in the adult (25-60) years.

SOC WEL 210B Infant Development 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Topics and issues in infant development, including infant mental health, parent-child relationships, behavior assessment, predictors of disturbance, and intervention with high risk infants.

SOC WEL 210C Aging Processes 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Sociological, psychological, physiological, and cultural factors relevant to understanding the complexity of the aging process. Normative and maladaptive aspects of the aging process are examined in terms of their implications for personal and societal adaptation.

SOC WEL 210I Group, Organizational, and Community Dynamics 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Course examines theories of group, organization, and community dynamics. Topics include group leadership and decision-making, organizational goals, structure, and change, and community power and demographics.

SOC WEL 212 Child Development from Infancy to Adolescence in Its Social Context 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017
This course examines the bio-psycho-social development of children and adolescents as a basis for understanding 1) cognitive and affective developments allowing the child to construct individual and social life at increasingly complex levels of differentiation and affiliation; 2) use of developmental levels as paradigms for healthy functioning; 3) a range of childhood experiences impacting well-being and development; and 4) the utility of normal child development as a heuristic for understanding developmental theories of bio-psycho-social difficulties. Particular focus on issues of self- regulation, internal representation, affect, cognition, relatedness, and separation. All of these themes are illustrated through practice application.

SOC WEL 220 Introduction to Social Welfare Policy 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Analysis of issues in social welfare policy and recent trends shaping the development of the American welfare state.

SOC WEL 222 Mental Health and Social Policy 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Mental health policies and programs at the national, state, and local levels; major factors influencing the provision of mental health services; reciprocal relationships between mental health policy and social work practice.

SOC WEL 226 Social Policy and Gerontology 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
U.S. social policy and programs for the aging are analyzed with respect to the knowledge required to assess the needs for societal supports and major issues and trends in the delivery of social services.

SOC WEL 230 Social Policy: Children and Families 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Introduction to current problems, programs, and policies in child, youth, and family welfare.

SOC WEL 232 Social Work and Education Policy 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 Second 6 Week Session
This course examines the intersection between social work practice and the educational system. It focuses on the school as a social system and the current policy context of education. It presents current topics in educational policy and critically analyzes them from a social work perspective. A focus is placed on the potential roles played not only by school social workers, but the social work profession in general, in actively collaborating with educational systems to support optimal developmental pathways for children and adolescents.

SOC WEL W232 Social Work and Education Policy 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 First 6 Week Session
This course examines the intersection between social work practice and the educational system. It focuses on the school as a social system and the current policy context of education. It presents current topics in educational policy and critically analyzes them from a social work perspective. A focus is placed on the potential roles played not only by school social workers, but the social work profession in general, in actively collaborating with educational systems to support optimal developmental pathways for children and adolescents. The web-based version (SOC WEL W232) is conducted entirely online.

SOC WEL 236 International Social Welfare 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
This seminar explores key international social welfare issues from the perspective of the globalization of social, economic, and political activities. Although its primary focus is on social policies and social services, attention will also be given to the role of professional social work in the international context. While emphasizing theoretical and analytical issues, practical and professional matters with particular reference to social work and social development will also be discussed. Students will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of international social welfare activities as well as the analytical skills to address and debate complex international issues.

SOC WEL 238C Health Policy--A Social Welfare Perspective 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Reviews major issues and programs in the health care field. Course considers the social context of health care; the roles of the public, voluntary, and private sectors; and the implications of policies and programs for society and the individual client.

SOC WEL 240 Historical, Philosophical, and Intellectual Foundations of Social Work 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Introduction to masters-level education in social work and to the intellectual, historical, sociopolitical, and ethical foundations of the U.S. social work profession. Through examination of the profession’s framing values, history, contextual influences, and current directions in a global society, students will begin to develop an orientation to practice, research, and policy-making informed by professional ethics and obligations and anchored in a commitment to plurality and social justice. Students will be oriented to social work professional ethics and ethical decision-making, and to social justice as the framing value for social work practice.

SOC WEL 241 Foundations of Multilevel Practice 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This course is designed to introduce generalist skills and knowledge for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, within a framework of social work's core values and fundamental practice responsibilities. These core values include social justice and client empowerment. A generalist approach to understanding fundamental practice responsibilities includes cultural responsiveness, commitment to professional competence, and demonstration of practice effectiveness.

SOC WEL 243 Direct Practice in Child and Family Settings 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Direct intervention models for addressing the behavioral, emotional, and situational problems of children and families in child welfare, mental health, medical, school, and community settings.

SOC WEL 244 Direct Practice in Mental Health Settings 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Planning, implementing, and evaluating services for clients with major mental disorders or at risk of developing mental illness. Review of intervention models addressing the needs of clients for basic resources, social rehabilitation, and clinical treatment.

SOC WEL 245 Direct Practice in Health Settings 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Examines the range of therapeutic modalities used by social workers in health care; the interaction of health care policies and practices; interdisciplinary issues; and the ethical dimensions of practice.

SOC WEL 246 Direct Practice in Aging Settings 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Clinical case management with older adults. Comprehensive multidimensional assessment, advocacy and empowerment, and the range of direct intervention models for addressing the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial concerns of older adults and their families.

SOC WEL 250A Social Work with Groups 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
Theory and practice regarding the formation, sustenance, and termination of groups. Emphasis on the role of the social worker in facilitating inter-personal processes in groups.

SOC WEL 250B Family Therapy 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Theoretical frameworks and intervention skills for family work.

SOC WEL 250C Brief Therapy and Crisis Intervention 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2014
Examines the clinical application of crisis intervention and brief psychotherapy from an historic and psychodynamic perspective. Provides assessment criteria for assignment to these forms of treatment and techniques for intervention.

SOC WEL 250J Social Work with Latino Populations 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
This graduate-level course prepares social workers in training and students in allied fields to provide culturally sensitive and competent services to members of major U.S. Latino populations. The course is designed to enhance cultural sensitivity by using multiple relevant social science theories and frameworks to teach about social and cultural experiences of U.S. Latinos; to enhance culturally competent practice skills by teaching a comprehensive Latino practice model; and to provide a selective review of best/promising practices for various psychosocial and health problems within Latino populations. Latino diversity is addressed from a social justice perspective, emphasizing undocumented Latinos and immigration policy issues.

SOC WEL 250K Social Work and Disability 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 2012, Spring 2011
Using a theoretical framework grounded in the values of self-determination, dignity, and respect, this course will address issues in the disabilities field including demographics, etiology, policy and programs, and the disability resources network. Practice skills in communications, assessment, and micro- and macro-level intervention will be reviewed.

SOC WEL 250L Human Sexuality 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
This course will provide a forum for the exploration of multiple issues related to human sexuality and the diversity of sexual experience, including the human sexual response cycle; childhood and adolescent sexuality development; sexual problems, causes and treatment approaches (including systems approaches to working with couples); sexual orientation and gender identity development; sexuality and living with a disability; sexual violence and consent; sexuality and HIV/AIDS; and the law and ethics related to professional sexual misconduct and boundary violations. Teaching methods will include interactive lecture, small group discussions, video presentations, and guest speakers from throughout the Bay Area who specialize in a range of sexuality issues.

SOC WEL 250M Death and Dying 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2014
This course explores death and dying from a variety of perspectives: psychological, philosophical, cultural, spiritual, and phenomenological. Emphasis is placed on understanding the experiences of dying persons and their loved ones, as well as the interplay between the process of dying and the process of living. Implications for social work interventions are discussed. This course is both academic and experiential, relying on a wide variety of materials: autobiography, fiction, scholarly and theoretical writings, case examples, films, poetry, and guest lectures.

SOC WEL 250N Public Child Welfare Services 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
This course is designed for students preparing for careers in public child welfare. Addresses the range of documentation required for legal purposes, practice issues for social workers within the court setting, and skills required in presenting testimony.

SOC WEL 250P Child Psychopathology: Issues in Assessment and Treatment 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
Course surveys assessment and empirically based treatment approaches to various psychosocial problems in childhood and adolescence. Specific emphasis is placed on internalizing and externalizing disorders. Course is taught using a development psychopathological framework. Students must possess a working knowledge of DSM-IV-TR nosology.

SOC WEL 250T Social Work Practice in School Settings 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2017 Second 6 Week Session, Fall 2016
This course (1) provides students with an understanding of how current educational policies and practices impact the day-to-day lives of academically and socially vulnerable students; (2) builds student skills in identifying and selecting the multiple points of intervention relevant to social work practice in schools, including individual intervention with children, family intervention, building links between families and school staff, advocacy, classroom-based intervention, and collaboration with teachers; and (3) presents assessment and intervention strategies guided by an ecosystemic and resilience perspective which focus on student and family strengths and suggests multiple intervention options.

SOC WEL 250U Substance Abuse Treatment 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
Course provides an introductory overview of various theories and methodologies currently used in the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse disorders. Though the bulk of the course will be devoted to the disease model and corresponding interventions, some attention will be given to prevention and epidemiology. Emphasis will be placed on the unique practice role of social work in the prevention/intervention of substance abuse problems.

SOC WEL 250X Domestic Violence: Assessment and Intervention 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
This practice-oriented course will teach graduate level social work students how to engage, assess, and intervene effectively with individuals, families, and children impacted by intimate partner violence. We will review the scope, impact, and causes of the problem; relevant screening and assessment skills; effective clinical intervention paradigms and techniques for victims, perpetrators, and children; and future directions. Significant time will be devoted to examining this problem in disadvantaged and diverse populations and, identifying emotional coping strategies for the developing clinician.

SOC WEL 250Y International Social Development 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
This seminar focuses on the theory and practice of social development and, in particular, engages members of the seminar in an analysis of the social development practice strategies that are now widely used in community settings not only in the developing but in the western countries as well. The course is primarily designed for MSW students who have an interest in issues of development and international social welfare, but doctoral and undergraduate students may enroll.

SOC WEL 250Z Cognitive Behavioral Methods 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Fall 2015
The purpose of this course is to increase students' understanding of and competencies in cognitive-behavior methods. Throughout the course practice decisions and related research will be closely integrated. Although further guided experience will be needed to develop high levels of related skills, especially concerning assessment and relationship factors as these are needed to maximize success, students will have the opportunity to develop a beginning understanding of basic behavior principles.

SOC WEL 251 Program Development 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2015
This is a required practice course for students in the Management and Planning concentration. Using a community-based service delivery framework, the purpose of the course is to provide the competency and skill set necessary for effective program design including task group management, community engagement, and collaborative resource development. The course will focus on designing community-wide interventions in a diverse society through analyzing social problems, identifying community capacities and needs, developing effectiveness-based programs, and conducting evaluation.

SOC WEL 252 Program Implementation 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
This required Management and Planning practice course builds upon the conceptual and critical thinking skills found in the foundation MAP courses in order to focus on strategic management and leading skills in this course. It is designed to introduce students to the distinctive role of the manager in public and nonprofit human service organizations. Drawing on the management sciences and social work practice in administration, this seminar-style course focuses on a range of managerial processes with special attention to the analytical and interpersonal aspects of program implementation. The course is built upon the three domains identified in research on program management: leadership roles; analytic roles; and interactional roles.

SOC WEL 254 Advocacy Skills for Social Change: Social Welfare Policy Practice 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
Course introduces the practice of social welfare policy making. Focusing on the California State Legislature, students in the first half of the course are taught policy analysis skills, lobbying, testifying, working with legislators, legislative staff, and the media, and forwarding a policy agenda. In the second half of the course, students examine the internal environment of agency change, address the use of management information systems and outcomes measurement as strategies for information collection, and learn skills for effectively using information to improve agency decision making.

SOC WEL 255 Community Organizing 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 First 6 Week Session, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Introduction to the theory and practice of community organization.

SOC WEL 257 Financial Management 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
This course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for managing scarce resources in social service organizations. Students will learn tools and techniques for effective planning and budgeting as well as how to design information systems to control, evaluate, and revise plans. Accounting principles and systems will be examined from a management perspective with an emphasis on designing systems to meet the unique management information needs of different organizations. The use and development of internal and external financial statements will be covered. Students will learn the tools and techniques of financial statement analysis, interpretation, and presentation. The course is designed to develop the core financial management skills needed by senior and middle managers in large and small social service organizations.

SOC WEL 260 Forensic Social Work 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Spring 2016
Focuses on issues arising within the practice of forensic social work in correctional settings (jails, prisons, and probation and parole departments), especially practice with people whose social positions and/or mental health struggles render them disproportionately affected by incarceration. Uses a person-in-environment perspective to explore the phenomenology of corrections, paying particular attention to the intersection of social identities and psychological capacities among individuals who are incarcerated, the complexities of the systems within which social workers attempt to create change, and the historical and contemporary role of incarceration in the United States.

SOC WEL 265H Social Work Practice in Integrated Behavioral Health Care 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Students in this practice course will be introduced to the foundation of integrated behavioral health practice, including population-based screening instruments and functional assessment for use in primary care. Students will become familiar with primary care medical culture and psychopharmacological interventions for depression and anxiety. A main emphasis of this class is skill acquisition in evidence-based behavioral interventions for a variety of conditions commonly seen in IBH settings. These include: behavioral activation, mindfulness relaxation strategies, sleep-hygiene techniques, and problem solving treatment

SOC WEL 265M Motivational Interviewing 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a modern clinical paradigm that dialectically integrates humanistic, client-centered principles with goal-focused strategies. Students in this course will be introduced to all key aspects of MI including its major tenets, its theoretical base, the available empirical evidence on its efficacy, and its overall compatibility with social work. Moreover, students will learn all of the associated clinical skills for the four processes of motivational interviewing: 1) engaging; 2) focusing; 3) evoking; and 4) deciding and planning.

SOC WEL 272 Health and Human Services in Mexico 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 8 Week Session, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 8 Week Session
This service learning course is a comprehensive, integrated learning program conducted in Mexico. Through continuous cross-cultural immersion, Latino and non-Latino social work students build language skills; study culturally informed and derived engagement and intervention practices; and acquire competencies relevant to preparation for providing social welfare services to Latino clients. Ultimately, social work students will gain a transnational perspective that will shape their approach to providing services to Latino communities in the U.S. Includes lectures given by local academics, mental health professionals, community members and indigenous healers; language instruction; field placement/service learning; and an integration seminar.

SOC WEL 274 Immigrants and Refugees in the U.S 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Overview of immigration policy in the U.S. from an international and historical perspective. Theories of migration, transnationalism, and adaptation will be addressed, along with skills required for working with refugees and immigrants facing difficulties. Addresses the impact of policy on who comes to the U.S. and the circumstances newcomers and their families face once here.

SOC WEL 275 Diversity-Sensitive and Competent Social Work 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Course prepares students to understand, provide, and evaluate diversity-sensitive social work services. The course (1) builds sensitivity to human diversity by addressing multiple status dimensions (race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class, etc.), (2) involves students in the process of diversity sensitization through experience self-reflection and interactive exercises, and (3) promotes diversity competent practice skills.

SOC WEL 279 Seminar in the History and Philosophy of Social Welfare 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Primarily for doctoral students. A review of efforts to conceptualize the field of social welfare and to analyze its tendencies.

SOC WEL 280 Introduction to Social Welfare Research 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
Introduction to the theory and practice of research in social welfare.

SOC WEL W280 Introduction to Social Welfare Research 2 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2017 8 Week Session, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Summer 2016 8 Week Session
The goal of this course is to develop a working knowledge of research designs and methods for the purpose of evaluating social work practice and programs.

SOC WEL 282A Seminar in Social Welfare Research 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Problem formulation, design, and implementation.

SOC WEL 282B Seminar in Social Welfare Research 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Problem formulation, design, and implementation.

SOC WEL 287 Research Resources and Processes 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015
Students will be introduced to the tasks and tools of library research in social welfare, including reference works, bibliographic aids, and computer databases. Individual faculty members will present their research, emphasizing methodology, outcomes, and contributions to social welfare.

SOC WEL 289A Research Methods and Techniques in Social Welfare 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
This course provides doctoral students a firm foundation in research processes and methods. Topics include problem formulation, use of theory, conceptualization, measurement, causal inference, sampling, and design methods. A core goal is to provide insight into the opportunities and challenges social work researchers face as they apply social science and related theory and methods to real world problems and settings. Course activities will guide students to future coursework in research methodologies and analysis, as well as position paper and dissertation proposal development. Sessions combine a focus on the conceptual and technical aspects of the research process and consider issues across quantitative and qualitative approaches.

SOC WEL 290A FOUNDATION FIELD INTEGRATION SEMINAR 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Integrative seminar designed to augment and strengthen student experiential learning capacities in the context of agency-based field practicum training. Students participate in a wide array of activities and discussions to cultivate self-reflection and develop an enduring sense of authentic professional identity. Students will learn how to engage in peer-based validation, support, and corrective feedback, and examine how to strategically approach learning in agency contexts in order to become professionally competent and creative social workers. To become more knowledgeable advocates for a range of communities and social concerns, students will examine a wide range of practice dilemmas and challenges in which divergent experiences matter.

SOC WEL 290B Foundation Field Integration Seminar II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2017
Continuation of integrative seminar exploring field placement issues and common agency and practice-based concerns. Run as a consultation group, this seminar encourages students to draw from a wide range of academic, field, and life experiences, to pose questions to and learn from one another, and to continue to examine how to strategically approach competency-based professional learning in agency contexts. Students are guided to deepen learning from assigned field placement tasks and academic coursework by participating effectively in peer consultation. The spring semester seminar also supports students as they engage in the second year placement process.

SOC WEL 291 Preparing for an Academic Career in Social Work 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2013
This 2 unit seminar is intended for doctoral colleagues who are preparing to embark on a career as social work scholars and educators. The seminar is designed to facilitate an understanding of the nature of research universities and the role of social work education in these universities. It focuses on preparing doctoral colleagues for academic positions within research universities, and to understand their roles and expectations with regard to scholarship, teaching and service. It seeks to acquaint them with the evolution of professional social work education, with particular reference to research universities and to discuss current topics, issues and concerns in the field.

SOC WEL 292A ADVANCED FIELD INTEGRATION SEMINAR 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Advanced Field Integration Seminar provides a cohort-based learning community for 2nd-year MSW students as they develop leadership skills in the advanced field practicum. This advanced seminar deepens students’ abilities to critically appraise and function effectively in organizational contexts. Students use self-reflection, foundation and specialty knowledge domains, and analytical thinking to identify complex, problem-solving approaches with the overall goal of providing evidence-informed, quality services to clients and communities. Students take increasing responsibility for planning, facilitating, and evaluating the seminar, allowing for deep discussion of relevant, advanced topics and advancing student group facilitation skills.

SOC WEL 292B Advanced Field Integration Seminar II 1 Unit

Terms offered: Spring 2017
Continuation of 2nd-year integrative seminar, providing opportunities to gain a sense of consolidation and closure, and to transition into the role of entry-level professional. Students will continue to take responsibility for planning, facilitating, and evaluating the seminar, including facilitating and evaluating advanced topical conversations identified by the cohort with guidance from the seminar instructor. This will allow for deep discussion of relevant, advanced topics and advance student skills in group facilitation. Students will identify strategies for lifelong learning and developing a strong professional support base.

SOC WEL 293 Social Welfare Theory: Policy Implications 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2012
The course deals primarily with macro-theories of a sociological and political-economy nature that offer 1) conceptual representations of welfare systems, 2) explanations of the dynamics and functions of welfare systems, and 3) analyses and assessments of the different normative perspectives that inform policy making in social welfare. The latter aspect is given particular emphasis and the major normative theoretical perspectives in the field will be reviewed with reference to their policy implications for social welfare in the United States. The major theoretical perspectives to be discussed include institutionalism, welfare pluralism, neo-liberalism, Marxism, traditionalism, regulationism, critical theory, multiculturalism, feminism, ecologism, and developmentalism. This course is designed for doctoral students but is open to other qualified graduate students with instructor permission.

SOC WEL 295 Dissertation Seminar 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2012
The purpose of this seminar is (1) to develop research skills by integrating issues of research design with measurement, data analysis, and report writing, and (2) to prepare students for their dissertation research by directly addressing issues related to the development of a dissertation prospectus.

SOC WEL 296 Individual Study for Graduate Students 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2017 10 Week Session, Spring 2017
Designed to permit qualified graduate students to pursue special study in a subject area of their choosing under the direction of a faculty member.

SOC WEL 298 Group Study for Graduate Students 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Intensive examination of selected social welfare topics.

SOC WEL 299 Individual Research for Graduate Students 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2017 10 Week Session, Spring 2017
Designed to permit qualified graduate students to pursue research in a subject area of their choosing under the direction of a faculty member.

SOC WEL 301 Training in Teaching 1 - 6 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2017 10 Week Session, Fall 2016
Supervised teaching assistance.

SOC WEL 375 Teaching in Social Welfare 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2015
Interactive seminar that prepares doctoral students for teaching in social welfare. Includes examination of education from the perspective of both student and teacher, and their interface. It reviews philosophies and theories of adult education, and underscores the importance of critical reflection for both teacher and student. The course covers the practice of teaching in social welfare, and addresses specific skills, such as syllabus design, instructional methods, coverage of diversity content, student assignment and evaluation, use of technology, advising, mentoring, and working with students with special needs. Students will share their own learning and teaching experiences, and develop the beginnings of a teaching portfolio.

SOC WEL 401 Field Practicum 1 - 10 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2017 10 Week Session, Spring 2017
Supervised field work in social agencies and university-based group meetings.

SOC WEL 403 Training in Research 1 - 6 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Summer 2017 10 Week Session, Spring 2017
Supervised research assistance.

SOC WEL 410A Foundation Field Practicum 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016
The foundation field practicum advances the experiential learning capacities and professional competencies of first year MSW students. Students are placed in an approved field internship placement setting for two days a week with an agency-based field instructor. Available placements provide a range of generalist learning opportunities along all phases of the intervention cycle (engagement, assessment, intervention, and/or evaluation) and various levels of the social ecology (individuals, families, groups, and/or communities). These opportunities allow the student to practice, receive observationally-based feedback, refine professional competencies, and ultimately, have their competencies assessed.

SOC WEL 410B Foundation Field Practicum 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017
The foundation field practicum advances the experiential learning capacities and professional competencies of first year MSW students. Students are placed in an approved field internship placement setting for two days a week with an agency-based field instructor. Available placements provide a range of generalist learning opportunities along all phases of the intervention cycle (engagement, assessment,intervention, and/or evaluation) and various levels of the social ecology (individuals, families, groups, and/or communities). These opportunities allow the student to practice, receive observational-based feedback, refine professional competencies, and ultimately, have their competencies assessed.

SOC WEL 412A Advanced Field Practicum 6 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Advanced Field Practicum advances the experiential learning capacities, professional competencies, and leadership capacities of second year MSW students. Available placements provide a range of complex learning opportunities along various phases of the intervention cycle; at various levels of the social ecology; and meet specific concentration-based standards. Students in Advanced Field Practicum generally assume a higher degree of professional responsibility for clinical care and/or administrative projects. These opportunities allow the student to practice, receive observational-based feedback, refine professional competencies, and have professional competencies assessed.

SOC WEL 412B Advanced Field Practicum 6 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017
Advanced Field Practicum advances the experiential learning capacities, professional competencies, and leadership capacities of second year MSW students. Available placements provide a range of complex learning opportunities along various phases of the intervention cycle; at various levels of the social ecology; and meet specific concentration-based standards. , Students in Advanced Field Practicum generally assume a higher degree of professional responsibility for clinical care and/or administrative projects, especially in the spring semester. These opportunities allow the student to practice, receive observational-based feedback, and refine professional competencies, and ultimately, for their competencies to be assessed.

Faculty and Instructors

Faculty

Adrian Aguilera, Assistant Professor. Culture and SES and mental health, mental health services research in low-income populations, Latino & minority mental health, health disparities, cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression, mobile technology (mHealth) and mental health, digital health.
Research Profile

Michael J. Austin, Professor. Strategic planning, social welfare, social service management, organizational development.
Research Profile

Jill Duerr Berrick, Professor. Family policy, child and family poverty, child abuse and neglect, foster care, kinship care, Child welfare services.
Research Profile

Julian Chow, Professor. East Asian studies, social welfare, community practice and service delivery in urban poverty, ethnic, and immigrant neighborhoods, community analysis and needs assessment, program planning and development, and cultural competency services.
Research Profile

Jeffrey Edleson, Professor. Program evaluation, family violence, child maltreatment, engaging men, violence prevention.
Research Profile

Neil Gilbert, Professor. Social welfare, comparative welfare state analysis, child welfare, evaluation research, family policy, social security.
Research Profile

Anu Gomez, Assistant Professor. Reproductive health, violence against women, health disparities.
Research Profile

James Midgley, Professor. Development, social development, social policy, community development, International social welfare, global poverty and inequality.
Research Profile

Kurt C. Organista, Professor. Social welfare, race/ethnicity, HIV prevention, social behavior.
Research Profile

Tina K. Sacks, Assistant Professor.

Andrew E. Scharlach, Professor. Aging, social welfare, family issues, aging-friendly communities, long-term care policies.
Research Profile

Steven P. Segal, Professor. Psychiatry, methodology, social welfare, mental health and social policy.
Research Profile

Valerie Shapiro, Assistant Professor. Social work, prevention, mental health, intervention, effective, preventive, sustainability, adoption, community, coalition, collaboration, strength, school, assessment, screening, resilience, translation, dissemination, implementation, doctoral, education, communities that care, social emotional, youth, children, DESSA.
Research Profile

Jennifer Skeem, Professor. Psychology, mental health, criminal justice, risk assessment, intervention.
Research Profile

Paul R. Sterzing, Assistant Professor.

Susan Irene Stone, Associate Professor. School-based psycho-social services, school-effects, archival data analysis.
Research Profile

Field Consultants

Robert H. Ayasse, Field Consultant.

Luna Calderon, Field Consultant.

Andrea I. Dubrow, Field Consultant.

Christina Feliciana, Field Consultant.

Susana C. Fong, Field Consultant.

Jennifer L. Jackson, Field Consultant.

Gregory S. Merrill, Field Consultant.

Catharine J. Ralph, Field Consultant.

Lecturers

Sarah Accomazzo, Lecturer.

Claudia L. Albano, Lecturer.

Jamie Bachman, Lecturer.

Sevaughn Banks, Lecturer.

Caroline R. Cangelosi, Lecturer.

Eveline Chang, Lecturer.

Elizabeth Horevitz, Lecturer.

Barbara L. Ivins, Lecturer.

Jennifer Lawson, Lecturer.

Richard J. Nizzardini, Lecturer.

Amanda E. Reiman, Lecturer.

John Peter Shields, Lecturer.

Stanley B. Taubman, Lecturer.

Keshia Williams, Lecturer.

Emeritus Faculty

Anne-Therese Ageson, Professor Emeritus.

Bari Cornet, Professor Emeritus.

Eileen Gambrill, Professor Emeritus. Social welfare, professional ethics and education, social learning theory, behavioral methods.
Research Profile

Jewelle T. Gibbs, Professor Emeritus.

Bart Grossman, Professor Emeritus.

Rafael Herrera, Professor Emeritus.

Ralph M. Kramer, Professor Emeritus.

Peter G. Manoleas, Professor Emeritus.

Mary Ann Mason, Professor Emeritus. Law, social welfare, family and children policy.
Research Profile

Lorraine T. Midanik, Professor Emeritus. Social welfare, research methodology, health behavior and policy.
Research Profile

Henry Miller, Professor Emeritus.

Leonard S. Miller, Professor Emeritus.

Robert Pruger, Professor Emeritus.

William M. Runyan, Professor Emeritus. Human behavior, social welfare, life history.
Research Profile

Paul Terrell, Professor Emeritus.

Yu-Wen Ying, Professor Emeritus. Social welfare, race/ethnicity, immigrant and refugee family relationships, mental health disorders.
Research Profile

Contact Information

School of Social Welfare

120 Haviland Hall

Phone: 510-642-4341

Fax: 510-643-6126

socialwelfare@berkeley.edu

Visit School Website

Dean

Jeffrey Edelson, PhD

swdean@berkeley.edu

Director of Admissions & Student Affairs

Robert Teague, MSSW

bteague@berkeley.edu

Director of Career & Professional Development

Emerald Templeton, MS

etempleton@berkeley.edu

Graduate Programs & Admissions Adviser

Joshua Dullaghan, MS-MFCC

120 Haviland Hall

Phone: 510-642-4406

jdullaghan@berkeley.edu

Social Welfare Faculty & Staff Directory

Please see:

http://socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/people

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