College of Social Work
and Criminal Justice


Course Descriptions

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice 

School of Social Work

Link to the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice Programs

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Undergraduate Courses /  link to graduate courses

Law, Crime and the Criminal Justice System (CCJ 2002) 3 credits
An introductory course that provides students with an understanding of law, crime, and the criminal justice system in America. This is a General Education course.

Special Topics (CCJ 2930) 1-3 credits
In-depth analysis of current and emerging issues in criminal justice (lower division).

Criminology (CCJ 3014) 3 credits
Prerequisite: CCJ 4700
A study of criminal and delinquent behavior theories within the context of several disciplines.

The Criminal Justice System (CCJ 3024) 3 credits
Comprehensive survey of the history, philosophy and organization of the American police, the courts and correctional institutions, including probation and parole. Study of crime, law and the administration of criminal justice.

Artificial Intelligence for Social Good (CCJ 3071) 3 credits
In this course, students learn about the social implications of artificial intelligence, data science and big data; strategies to ensure these systems are accountable to the communities and contexts they are meant to serve; and applied in ways the promote justice and equity.

Crime in the Schools (CCJ 3660) 3 credits
Analysis of the nature and causes of crime committed on secondary and postsecondary school campuses. Explores the role of drugs, weapons, gangs, and bullies in creating fear and disorder. Reviews legal issues, legislative actions, liability concerns, and previous strategies.

Victimology (CCJ 3666) 3 credits
The course provides an overview of the study of victims and the process, etiology and consequences of victimization. Special attention is paid to the types of victims, theories of victimization and the victim's treatment within the criminal justice system. (May be taken for credit in Women's Studies Program.)

Cooperative Education (CCJ 3949) 1-3 credits
To provide professional experience for criminal justice majors. Open only to Criminal Justice majors. Credits do not count toward graduation.  Grading: S/U

Ethics and the Justice System (CCJ 4054) 3 credits
Course provides an introduction to theories in ethics and the exploration of a variety of ethical/moral issues that characterize and define the different facets of criminology and criminal justice policy and practice.

Restorative Community Justice (CCJ 4141) 3 credits
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of restorative community justice, which includes victims, offenders, and communities in a reparative response to criminal behavior. Offenders are held accountable, while victims and communities are enabled to participate in the justice process as key stakeholders.

Immigration and the Criminal Justice System (CCJ 4196) 3 credits
This course is designed to present an overview of the immigration consequences to non-citizens as a result of criminal activity. The course presents an in-depth study of immigration cases, the theories behind immigration law, including the consequences to an immigrant's status if they are convicted of a crime. The course examines the USSC landmark case Padilla v. Kentucky, examines immigration terms, defines and distinguishes what a conviction is for immigration purposes, and examines the main immigration consequences and major immigration crimes.

Drug Courts (CCJ 4293) 3 credits
This course provides an in-depth examination of the historical and contemporary use of drug courts in the United States. Using scholarly articles, book chapters, documentaries, guest speaker(s)/interviews and courtroom observations, the course reveals many levels of how drug courts are utilized. Critical thinking and discussion ability are required for the course.

RI: Drug Courts (CCJ 4293) 3 credits
This course provides an in-depth examination of the historical and contemporary use of drug courts in the United States. Using scholarly articles, book chapters, documentaries, guest speaker(s)/interviews and courtroom observations, the course reveals many levels of how drug courts are utilized. Critical thinking and discussion ability are required for the course.  This course is research intensive (RI).

Death Penalty (CCJ 4361) 3 credits
This course is designed as an overview of death penalty litigation in America. The course presents an in-depth study of death penalty cases and the theories behind the death penalty. The course also explores death penalty sentencing including aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Methods of execution in the United States, their significance to the constitutionality of the death penalty and the potential future of the death penalty are covered.

Criminal Justice Management (CCJ 4450) 3 credits
A study of criminal justice management and practice as it applies to the police, courts, and corrections.

Gangs, Groups and Justice  (CCJ 4508) 3 credits
This course is a critical examination of the history and development of gangs, including criminal justice system responses to gangs and gang-related behaviors. The course examines the relationship between gangs and other groups of offenders. In addition, the course examines the role of gangs in criminal behavior as well as the use of traditional theories of crime in the explanation of gang behavior.

Teen Technology Misuse (CCJ 4554) 3 credits
Twenty-first century teens have employed communications technology to mistreat, embarrass, harass, control, threaten or abuse others. This includes, but is not limited to, cyber bullying, sexting, the criminal use of Facebook, electronic dating violence, predation and stalking. Students learn of the sociological, criminological, developmental and practical implications of this problem and how it can be addressed.

Studying Violence (CCJ 4623) 3 credits
Course examines causes, patterns, results, and policies that deal with different types of criminal violence.

Serial Homicide (CCJ 4627) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth examination of the killers among us. It focuses on the myths and stereotypes that have evolved from mass media and public efforts to find explanations for the relatively rare phenomenon of serial homicide.

Media and Crime (CCJ 4631) 3 credits
Students in this course learn how the criminal justice system is portrayed in television, movies, print, social media, radio and more. The finale to this course has students selecting a recent significant criminal justice event/case and presenting a comparison of how it was covered in two media outlets. This allows students to recognize media frames, claims makers and narratives.

Elders and the Criminal Justice System (CCJ 4632) 3 credits
This course utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to examining the many ways in which elders interface with the criminal justice system. Topics covered include the nature and extent of elderly crime, the criminal justice system's response to older offenders, elders as participants in criminal trials, elders as victims of crime and abuse, and legal issues for elderly populations. Particular attention is placed on assessing these topics from a policy perspective that incorporates concern for administrative, legal and ethical issues.

Drugs and Crime  (CCJ 4642) 3 credits
This course examines the dynamics of the international traffic in illicit drugs and presents an overview of the major issues of drug control. It also provides students with an understanding of the various organized criminal groups that operate in the United States and that play a major role in the illicit drug market.

White Collar Crime (CCJ 4644) 3 credits
This course examines the definitions of white collar crime, as well as the extent and costs of this behavior. The majority of the class centers on the examination of different types of white collar crime, with an emphasis on corporate crime. Case studies are used to illustrate specific instances of white collar crime.

Race, Ethnicity and Criminal Justice (CCJ 4662) 3 credits
Prerequisites: All CCJ courses must be passed with a "C" or better
This course utilizes a variety of theoretical and empirical readings to examine three interconnected domains surrounding the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, crime and criminal justice. It explores racial and ethnic relations in society, racial differences in crime and violence and racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system. The goal of the course is to provide a foundation for critically assessing the often controversial issues surrounding race, ethnicity, crime and criminal justice in society.

Women and Criminal Justice (CCJ 4670) 3 credits
This course will provide an overview of women's involvement in the criminal justice system as offenders, victims and professionals. Considerable attention will be given to the treatment of women in the context of the larger social system. (May be taken for credit in Women's Studies Program.)

Violence in Relationships (CCJ 4678) 3 credits
This course introduces students to the intersection of gender and violence. Students explore the nature of relational violence, its historical roots and its manifestation on modern social life and institutions in relation to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Additionally, the plight of battered women, the reasoning for staying with their abusers and their attempts to find safety are analyzed.

Human Trafficking: A Global Social Justice Issue (CCJ 4694) 3 credits
This course is an examination of modern day slavery, or human trafficking. In this course students learn about the types of human trafficking, who the offenders and victims are, the trauma experienced by victims, the national and global scope of the problem and the role that governments, the criminal justice system, media and culture play in this issue.

Violence Against Women (CCJ 4697) 3 credits
This course serves as an introduction to violence against women by drawing on mundane everyday life in a patriarchal system. There already exists an overview of violence against women in terms of dating violence and rape during times of war and domestic violence. Specifically, the course explores the relationships among women, patriarchy, pop culture and politics to discover the link to everyday oppression, violence against women, and the core root of the violence and harm as well as its perpetuation.

Methods of Research in Criminal Justice (CCJ 4700) 3 credits
Prerequisite: STA 2023
A study of the purpose of research, the logic of scientific inquiry and research techniques in criminal justice.

Directed Independent Study (CCJ 4905) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Under faculty supervision, students conduct independent reading, extensive research, and detailed analysis of a specified topic beyond the scope of the CCJ curriculum. Students are responsible for reviewing the Department's DIS guidelines and preparing a written application before registration. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Permission of the faculty supervisor is mandatory. Course cannot be repeated more than twice. A second repetition requires approval of the Department Chair.

Directed Independent Research (CCJ 4915)   1-3 credits
Prerequisites: For Criminology and Criminal Justice Majors only; permission of instructor
A research project designed to extend and integrate the student's knowledge of issues and applications related to criminology and criminal justice.

Issues in Criminal Law (CCJ 4931) 3 credits
Selected issues and contemporary problems in criminal law.

Special Topics (CCJ 4934) 1-3 credits
In-depth analysis of current and emerging issues in criminal justice.

Criminal Justice Field Experience   1 (CCJ 4940) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Supervised experience in police, court or correctional setting. Open only to Criminal Justice majors.  Grading: S/U

Criminal Justice Field Experience 2 (CCJ 4941) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course allows students to take a second internship after having completed CCJ 4940. However, credits from this course cannot be applied to the 30 credits required for the Criminal Justice major. They would be applied to the student's free electives.  Grading: S/U

Criminal Justice Study Abroad (CCJ 4947)  1-6  credits
Course provides the opportunity for students to undertake criminal-justice-related study overseas in a group experience, pursing structured visits to justice agencies in the chosen jurisdiction.

Corrections (CJC 4310) 3 credits
An analysis of major correctional systems; their objectives and programs as they relate to the rehabilitation of offenders.

Introduction to Forensic Science (CJE 3674) 3 credits
Forensic Science is the application of scientific disciplines and principles to the legal system, particularly the litigation in court of contested factual disputes. This course examines the distinct fields of education and study that collectively comprise the forensic sciences. These fields include, among others, forensic psychiatry and psychology; forensic anthropology; forensic pathology; forensic toxicology, serology and DNA typing; questioned documents; crime scene investigation; forensic engineering; fingerprint evidence; polygraph and other investigative devices; and forensic chemistry, including drug analysis.

Criminal Justice Technology (CJE 3692C) 3 credits
Lab course that includes an overview and application of computer hardware and software with criminal justice data for criminal justice purposes. Course also includes discussion of concepts and practice as well as helps prepare students for the criminal justice workplace environment.

International Criminal Justice Systems (CJE 4174) 3 credits
This course examines the different types of criminal justice systems that exist around the world and assess the growing threat to the United States from transnational criminal organizations. The course also traces the internationalizations of U.S. Law Enforcement and provides students with an understanding of the problems and challenges that face U.S. Law Enforcement personnel who must operate within a foreign criminal justice system.

Policing in America ( CJE 4352 ) 3 credits
Police organization and administration and its relationship to public administration. The politics of law enforcement. The urban political structure as it impinges on police administration.

Problem Solving in Crime Situations (CJE 4412) 3 credits
Examination of contributing factors, analysis techniques, and crime prevention responses to crime and disorder problems. The course focuses on concepts and research results from environmental criminology, problem analysis, and situational crime prevention.

Crime Prevention (CJE 4444) 3 credits
An examination of the theory, operation and evaluation of crime prevention as a function of the criminal justice system.

Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation (CJE 4610) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of criminal investigations, blending scientific theories of crime detection with practical approach techniques. The course also covers both the rules of law as well as the ethical and legal obligations of the investigator.

Crime Analysis (CJE 4663) 3 credits
An introduction to crime analysis and crime mapping, this course examines types of techniques used to study crime and disorder patterns and problems in law enforcement today. It covers the theory, data collection methods, and statistics used as well as the history of career opportunities for crime analysis.

Computer Crime (CJE 4668) 3 credits
This course provides an overview of computer crime from a criminal justice perspective. It also examines computer crime prevention, computer security, legal and social issues, and modern investigative methodologies.

Juvenile Justice Administration ( CJJ 4010 ) 3 credits
This course examines the historical, legal, organizational and social development of the juvenile justice system. The juvenile court, juvenile interactions with law enforcement, delinquency prevention and correctional programs are discussed and assessed.

Criminal Law and the Constitution (CJL 4064) 3 credits
The course exclusively uses legal cases to study the limits of constitutional law as it relates to a defendant's due procedural rights as the individual is processed through the criminal justice system.

Judicial Administration and the Criminal Courts (CJL 4510) 3 credits
A study of judicial administration and the operation of the criminal courts in an organizational content.

Terrorism (DSC 4012) 3 credits
Students gain a historical perspective of the international evolution of terrorism. Emphasis is placed upon contemporary terrorist motive means and opportunity. Course also examines motivational factors - religious, political, and ideological - that drive various groups.

Criminology and Criminal Justice Graduate Courses

Understanding Criminal Behavior (CCJ 6056) 3 credits
Considers the scientific thought and practice in the field of criminology. Analyzes criminal and delinquent behavior within the demographic and ecological systems of society.

Social Disorganization and Crime Prevention (CCJ 6063) 3 credits
This course examines the relationship between social disorganization, crime and delinquency within communities. It explores ways in which society as well as individual cities, neighborhoods and individuals can make adjustments to their behavior and environment and implement programs to reduce and prevent crime and delinquency.

Crime Analysis in Policing (CCJ 6079) 3 credits
Examines theory and research related to using crime analysis in policing. Focuses on data collection and collation methods and the use of specific software and technology, as well as specific analysis techniques, to examine spatial, temporal and other factors to assist police in their crime reduction efforts.

Restorative Justice Research, Policy and Practice (CCJ 6142) 3 credits
Contrasts traditional justice system approaches with restorative justice by exploring the theory, policies and practices of this paradigm.

Courts, Sentencing and the Judicial Process (CCJ 6295) 3 credits
Provides students with significant and influential research on topics related to judicial process in America. Exposes students to models of courtroom decision-making that address bureaucratic and organizational forces, politics, race and sex and the necessarily human nature of sentencing. Examines social policies aimed at the courts and sentencing.

Prisoner Re-entry Policy and Practice (CCJ 6335) 3 credits
Offender re-entry is the process of transition of offenders from jails and prisons to the community. This seminar provides students with an in-depth analysis of the system and intervention elements impacting offender re-entry.

Applying Criminal Justice Theory, Research and Policy (CCJ 6485) 3 credits
Application of knowledge and best practices by formulating, implementing, analyzing and evaluating a program or policy within a criminal justice agency.

Serial Homicide (CCJ 6608) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth examination of the killers among us. It focuses on the myths and stereotypes that have evolved from mass media and public efforts to find explanations for the relatively rare phenomenon of serial homicide.

Crime in Everyday Life (CCJ 6619) 3 credits
Examines opportunity theory and how it can be used to understand types of crime and disorder that occur in everyday life. Covers how societal changes have impacted crime throughout history, the use of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and how situational crime prevention can be used to reduce and address crime problems.

Violence Research and Policy (CCJ 6624) 3 credits
Examines the issues that influence policies addressing interpersonal criminal violence. These issues include data sources and evaluation of their quality, patterns and theories of violence, different types of violence, and examination and evaluation of existing policies.

Class, Race and Gender in Criminal Justice (CCJ 6669) 3 credits
An examination of how class, race and gender structure experiences within the criminal justice system. Explores class, race and gender in terms of criminal victimization, patterns of offending and roles within each part of the criminal justice system, including police, courts and corrections.

Victims and the Justice Process (CCJ 6675) 3 credits
Advanced overview of the victims' rights movement, victimization theory, and the justice system's response to victimization, as well as contemporary practices related to victim participation in the justice process. Explores initiatives for enhancing awareness of, sensitivity to, and integration of victims in the justice system.

Human Trafficking: A Global Justice Issue (CCJ 6696) 3 credits
This seminar style course is an examination of modern-day slavery, or human trafficking. In this course, students learn about the different types of human trafficking including sex and labor trafficking, domestic servitude, debt bondage, organ trafficking, child soldiering and forced marriage. Students also learn who the offenders and victims are, the trauma experienced by victims, the national and global scope of the problem and the role that governments, the criminal justice system, NGOs and culture play in this issue.

Sex Offender Research and Policy (CCJ 6699) 3 credits
Explores topics related to the sex offender population in the United States, including the history of sex offender laws to present legislation, sex offender typologies and statistics regarding sex crime victimization and perpetration. Popular sex offender policies are critically examined and strategies of sex crimes are explored.

Research Methods (CCJ 6704) 3 credits
Prerequisites: PAD 6701, STA 6113
Course provides students with the fundamental theories and practice of criminological and criminal justice research. It examines theory and research, the nature of causation, the structure of inquiry, including research design, conceptualization, measurement and sampling; modes of observation, including experiments, survey research, and evaluation research; and elementary application of qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Qualitative Research and Methods in Criminal Justice (CCJ 6709) 3 credits
This course is an opportunity to learn and apply key components of qualitative research, including planning and preparing impactful qualitative research projects, conducting fieldwork (online or in person), collecting and analyzing qualitative data and communicating results effectively through publication and presentation. Students first synthesize their interests in criminology and criminal justice (broadly defined) to actions they can take or social areas they can access to develop their own research questions. Then they collect or develop their own qualitative data set either online through social media, legal documents and governmental reports or through other sources. By the end of the course, students will be conceptually sorting and thematically analyzing that data and writing up results and reflections from their experiences.

Advanced Research and Evaluation for Criminal Justice (CCJ 6712) 3 credits
Provides students advanced skills and knowledge in criminological and criminal justice research and evaluation. Course covers quantitative and qualitative methods used in evaluation and applied research and advanced techniques commonly used in the field.

Program Evaluation in Criminal Justice (CCJ 6735) 3 credits
This course serves as an introduction to evaluation methodology and evaluation tools commonly used to assess publicly funded programs. Students become familiar with the concepts, methods and applications of evaluation research; learn how to read evaluation research critically; understand how to use evaluation results to anticipate or improve program performance; and will be able to propose an appropriate evaluation plan to assess the implementation and effectiveness of a program.

Criminal Justice Research and Policy Foundations  (CCJ 6902) 3 credits
Analyzes significant scholarship related to policing, judicial process and adult/juvenile corrections, covering system reforms and contemporary policies and practices.

Directed Independent Study (CCJ 6905) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Reading, research, and in-depth analysis of a selected topic under faculty direction. Students are responsible for identifying a topic of study and securing the approval of an appropriate faculty member before registration.

Special Topics (CCJ 6934) 3 credits
In-depth exploration, analysis, and assessment of contemporary topics of special concern to the administration of criminal/juvenile justice systems.

Master's Thesis (CCJ 6971) 1-6 credits
Prerequisite: Program coordinator approval; Grading: S/U

Corrections Research, Policy and Practice (CJC 6021) 3 credits
Analysis of policy, theory and research pertinent to the administration and management of jails, prisons and community corrections. Reviews historical development of corrections policy and analysis of reform efforts.

Prison Gangs (CJC 6216) 3 credits
This course is a critical examination of the characteristics and impacts of prison gangs, including criminal justice system responses to prison gangs, prison culture and organization, and how they influence misconduct, victimization and desistance from gangs and crime. The course examines the relationship between prison gangs, communities, law enforcement and other groups of people. In addition, the course examines the role of prison gangs in criminal behavior as well as the use of traditional theories of crime (e.g., structural and process perspectives) in the explanation of prison gang behavior.

History of Policing (CJE 6057) 3 credits
Course provides students with a macro view of American policing, including historical interactions with vulnerable and minority populations. The course presents a forum to discuss the chronological evolution of policing and to critique strategic and philosophical evidence. Key events and turning points in American policing are also discussed, including the development of the FBI, relevant case law, oversight commissions and more. 

Police Research, Policy and Practice (CJE 6426) 3 credits
Examines the factors of recent police innovation and critically explores the effects on crime and disorder through research.

Computer Crime Research and Policy (CJE 6688) 3 credits
Provides an overview of cybercrime from a criminal justice perspective. Examines current trends, security elements, legal and social elements and modern investigative methodologies. Reviews latest research with a focus on identifying best practices for individuals, organizations and society to create and implement in their prevention and response goals.

Juvenile Justice Research, Policy and Practice (CJJ 6046) 3 credits
Analysis of policy, theory and research pertinent to the management of juvenile justice systems and youth service agencies. Focuses on policy issues and responses to at-risk youth, spanning prevention, diversion and intervention within a multilayered, intergovernmental context.

Problem-Solving Courts (CJL 6521) 3 credits
This course is designed for students to learn about common policies related to problem-solving courts and to examine the theoretical and empirical research underlying them.

Social Work

Undergraduate Courses /  link to graduate courses

A minimum grade of "C" is required for each social work (SOW-prefixed) course.

Global Perspectives of Social Services (SOW 1005) 3 credits
Prepares students to critically analyze and propose possible solutions for challenges facing social service programs in developing and industrial countries using theoretical frameworks based on human rights, social development, and sustainable development.

Race and Cultural Inclusion in Social Work (SOW 1130) 3 credits
This Intellectual Foundations Program (IFP) course provides students with an understanding of the concepts of race, culture, and inclusive practice in the field of social work. Students are provided the opportunity to explore and examine the role of cultural diversity, including the origin of specific populations and the effects of migration on cultures. Further, students will gain an understanding of the effects of diaspora and migration and the interactions that exist between and among cultures, societies and nations. This is a General Education course.

University Honors Seminar in Social Work (SOW 1930) 3 credits
Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule)
A seminar in the University Honors Program on topics in social work.

Special Topics (SOW 2930) 1-3 credits
The career of social work is explored in relationship to social problems.

Social Welfare Policy and Provisions (SOW 3232) 3 credits
Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOW 3302; majors only
An analysis of social welfare policies and provisions within the context of the history of social welfare; income maintenance, housing, employment, health care, child welfare and other special populations.   This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.

Profession of Social Work (SOW 3302) 3 credits
Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule)
Programs, policies, and services, their auspices, goals, and operations for consumers of various social, racial and ethnic groups.

Human Behavior and Social Environment 1 (SOW 4101) 3 credits
Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOW 3302
Human behavior and development as they are influenced in the macro social environment. Emphasis on social systems theory, political process, organizations and institutions.

Human Behavior and Social Environment 2 (SOW 4102) 3 credits
Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOW 3302
Human behavior and development as they are influenced by multiple factors in the social environment through the lifespan to the termination of life.

Family Violence (SOW 4141) 3 credits
An in-depth analysis of social work and the family, with particular focus on violence within the family. Attention will be given to all areas of abuse and/or neglect, as they affect all members of the family — children, adults, and elders.

Social Justice and Social Work: Issues and Responses (SOW 4212) 3 credits
This course is designed to critically analyze social justice issues in social work and social policy.

Ethical Issues in Social Work Practice (SOW 4290) 3 credits
This course provides students with a comprehensive exploration of values and ethical issues as they apply to social work theory, research, policy and practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Although values and ethical issues pervade all social work studies, this course provides students with an opportunity to study these issues in greater depth than may be provided in other courses.

Social Work Practice with Individuals  (SOW 4300) 3 credits
Prerequisites: SOW 3232 and 3302 or permission of instructor; minimum FAU GPA of 2.5 to enroll
Prerequisites or Corequisites: SOW 4101 and 4102
Introduction to methods and practice. Basic principles, values, ethics, interviewing skills, problem assessment, solving, intervention, and evaluation (at the micro level).

Social Work Practice with Families (SOW 4304) 3 credits
Prerequisites: SOW 4300 and minimum FAU GPA of 2.5 to enroll
This course explores the Generalist Intervention Model (GIM) as it relates to social work with families. This exploration is set upon the foundation of contemporary social work values as well as the historic mission of social work as a profession.  This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.

Social Work Practice with Groups (SOW 4322) 3 credits
Prerequisites: SOW 4300 and minimum FAU GPA of 2.5 to enroll
This course explores the Generalist Intervention Model (GIM) as it relates to generalist social work with small groups. This exploration is set upon the foundation of contemporary social work values as well as the historic mission of social work as a profession.

Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations  (SOW 4343) 3 credits
Prerequisite: SOW 4300   and   minimum FAU GPA of 2.5 to enroll
Delineation and study of intervention and change strategies, with groups and communities. Focus on social action, social planning, community development, political social work and legislative processes (macro level).  This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.

Inclusive Social Work Practice (SOW 4346) 3 credits
This course provides students with knowledge, skills and strategies required to promote social change from an agency and community level using an anti-oppression framework. In this course, students explore the oppressive experiences of people from various backgrounds and how to address these forms of oppression. 

Issues in Counseling Women (SOW 4357) 3 credits
An in-depth analysis of treatment strategies that have particular relevance to the population of women most likely to become social work clients. Designed as an integrative learning experience, students may examine their own feelings and beliefs about women, as well as become familiar with empirical evidence and clinical interventions.

Research Methods in Social Work (SOW 4403) 3 credits
Prerequisite: SOW 3302
Introduction to the principles and methods of basic social work research, ethical conduct of research within the context of social work purposes and values. Formulation of problems for study that address the social needs of diverse population groups.

Field Education in Social Work (SOW 4510) 12 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and   minimum FAU GPA of 2.5 to enroll
Open only to social work majors. Supervised experience in a variety of social work settings. Application to be made to Director of Social Work Internships during previous semester. (See student manual for eligibility requirements.)  Grading: S/U

Evidence Based Diversity Practice in Social Work (SOW 4620) 3 credits
An in-depth analysis of various problems encountered by selected minority groups and social work intervention strategies aimed at prevention, solution and remediation. Groups selected for study may include African Americans, Hispanics, Haitians, Native Americans and other groups such as women, the elderly, the handicapped, gays, lesbians, transgenders and migrant workers.

Social Work with Aging Populations (SOW 4643) 3 credits
The aging experience from a social work perspective, with an emphasis on biopsychosocial assessment and intervention. The student focuses on individual, family, group, community, social policy, and other environmental factors as they affect the aging experience. Special attention is directed toward aging and social attitudes.

Child Welfare (SOW 4650) 3 credits
An in-depth analysis of child welfare policy, programs and practice. Attention will be given to all areas of child welfare, with special emphasis on Florida policies and laws and family-focused practice.

Social Work Practice with Vulnerable Children and Families (SOW 4654) 3 credits
Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOW 4650
Second of two courses for social work students who plan to work with vulnerable children.

Social Work and Emergency Relief (SOW 4679) 3 credits
Examines the psychosocial effects of natural and technological disasters on individuals and families using an ecological framework and developmental theory. Emphasis on assessment skills and cultural competency in discerning appropriate interventions.

Substance Use Disorders in Social Work  (SOW 4700) 3 credits
An overview of prevailing thinking and theories of substance abuse. The course will explore the dominant cultural view and alternative perspectives. Special emphasis on gender roles, family systems, theory and modalities and the social worker's role.

Introduction to Human Trafficking in Social Work Practice (SOW 4783) 3 credits
This course explores the topic of human trafficking. Students learn terminology, the different types of trafficking and how cultural issues and vulnerabilities can contribute to trafficking, and they understand the scope of the problem through current statistics and reports, both domestic and global.

Social Work and Positive Well-Being (SOW 4802) 3 credits
Course explores recent body of scientific research regarding positive emotional states, mental wellness and optimal well-being. Students learn empirically tested interventions and how to use them with clients to cope with challenges and enhance their quality of life.

Spiritual Dimensions of Social Work Practice (SOW 4844) 3 credits
Provides a framework of knowledge, values, skills, and experiences for culturally competent, ethical, and spiritually-sensitive social work practice. Practice skills of assessment and intervention at the B.S.W. level are emphasized.

Directed Independent Study (SOW 4905) 1-5 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Directed Independent Research (SOW 4915) 3 credits
Prerequisites: B.S.W. students only; permission of instructor and department
A research project designed to expand and integrate students' knowledge of issues and implementation of intervention and clinical practices related to social work.

Special Topics in Social Welfare (SOW 4930) 3 credits
An in-depth analysis of current social welfare issues, such as social gerontology, legal aspects of social work practice, social work and immigration, etc. Topics vary from semester to semester.

Social Work Study Abroad (SOW 4957) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Credit for enrollment in approved study abroad programs. This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.

Social Work Graduate Courses

Human Behavior and Social Environment 1 (SOW 6105) 3 credits
Students apply social theories, including systems, social exchange, conflict and social constructionism, to historical and social problems. They analyze how macro forces shape human behavior, as well as how human behavior impacts social systems. Emphasis is given to the issues of social and economic justice.

Human Behavior and Social Environment 2 (SOW 6106) 3 credits
Study of biological, psychological, social and spiritual development of individuals across the lifespan as it applies to the delivery of culturally competent, evidence-based practice with diverse and vulnerable populations.

Social Work and Trauma (SOW 6116) 3 credits
Prerequisite:  SOW 6533 with minimum grade of "B-" 
This course explores and develops an understanding of trauma in its many forms and guides social workers in selecting empirically based interventions. The course informs social workers on the prevention of secondary trauma. 

Psychopathology in Clinical Social Work Practice (SOW 6125) 3 credits
Prerequisite:  SOW 6533 with minimum grade of "B-"
Focuses on mental health issues with children, adolescents, adults, elders and families. Built on the identification, analysis and implementation of empirically based assessment tools that have incorporated statistically valid reliability and validity studies. Major classification systems, such as diagnostic, statistical, manual of mental disorders and other schemes for assessing and understanding human behavior are covered. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Techniques for Social Work (SOW 6128) 3 credits
Prerequisite: SOW 6533 with minimum grade of "B-"
Advanced clinical theory course presents theory and practice applications for advanced curriculum.

Social Work and Human Sexuality (SOW 6153) 3 credits
Prerequisite: SOW 6533 with minimum grade of "B-" 
This course takes a biopsychosocial approach to addressing issues in clinical practice related to human sexuality. It is designed to increase Social Work students' comfort level and sensitivity to the diversity of sexual issues people experience. 

Social Work and Positive Well-Being (SOW 6156) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
Consistent with the social work focus on the strengths and well-being of the individual, this course emphasizes mental wellness, positive emotions and optimal well-being.

Conflict Resolution (SOW 6158) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
M.S.W. practice course where students explore the theoretical basis for a conflict resolution approach and gain experience in how to put the techniques into practice.

Social Justice and Social Work: Issues and Responses (SOW 6214) 3 credits
This course is designed to critically analyze social justice issues in social work and social policy.

Social Welfare History and Policy (SOW 6235) 3 credits
Students develop knowledge and competencies on how social service policies and programs are designed to address specific social problems in the United States. Students examine and critically analyze historical and current state and federal social welfare policies and programs.  This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.

Ethical Issues in Contemporary Social Work Practice (SOW 6296) 3 credits
Helps social work students become more effective in dealing with complex ethical issues in professional social work practice.

Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals (SOW 6305) 3 credits
Corequisite: SOW 6532
Students develop knowledge and competencies in applying the generalist practice model (engagement, assessment, treatment planning, intervention, evaluation and termination) with individual clients. Students learn how to integrate National Association of Social Workers code of ethics and the principles of evidence-based practice through all stages of the social work process. 

Generalist Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities (SOW 6306) 3 credits
Students develop knowledge and competencies in applying the generalist practice model to influence macro change with institutions, policies and environments using evidence-based practice and NASW Code of Ethics. Macro social work history and theories are examined. This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.

Generalist Social Work Practice with Families and Groups (SOW 6324) 3 credits
Covers evidence-supported theories and practice techniques when working with groups and families. Students apply the generalist social work practice model: engagement, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, termination and follow up, and engage in self-reflective and practice-based learning throughout the course.

Advanced Theory and Social Work Practice with Adults and Families (SOW 6348) 3 credits
Prerequisites: SOW 6306 and SOW 6533, with minimum grades of "B-"
Prepares students for advanced clinical practice with adults and families in varied settings with diverse populations. 

Case Management (SOW 6349) 3 credits
Provides an in-depth examination of case management service modality for social work practice.

Couple Therapy in Social Work Practice (SOW 6353) 3 credits
Prerequisite: SOW 6533 with minimum grade of "B-"
This course introduces students to the theoretical foundations and practice techniques of couple therapy. The major models of couple therapy are explored. Students are encouraged to integrate theory with clinical practice with couples. 

Administration and Supervision (SOW 6377) 3 credits
Demonstrates how management activities contribute to service effectiveness for clients and staff.

Social Work Research (SOW 6404) 3 credits
Students develop knowledge and competencies to identify and evaluate ethical quantitative and qualitative research methodology, especially evidence-based interventions for clinical practice.

Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar 1 (SOW 6532) 3 credits
Corequisite: SOW 6305
Seminar for integration of field experience with evidence-based coursework. 

Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar 2 (SOW 6533) 3 credits
Corequisite: SOW 6618
Seminar for integration of field experience with evidence-based coursework.

Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar 1 (SOW 6535) 3 credits
Assists concentration year students to integrate theoretical models and concepts with field practice.

Advanced Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar 2 (SOW 6536) 3 credits
Corequisite: SOW 6611
This is the second semester seminar for concentration year field practice. The course is designed to assist students with the integration of theories with practice.

Advanced Context of Social Work Practice within Healthcare (SOW 6605) 3 credits
Focuses on the context (policy, organization, technology) of social work practice and explores practice decisions that structure the helping relationship across multiple settings.

Advanced Social Work Practice and Policy in Mental Health Settings (SOW 6606) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundation Curriculum
Course focuses on social work practice and policy issues in mental health settings at three levels of intervention: prevention/health promotion, remediation of existing mental health problems, and coping with chronic mental health problems.

Clinical Social Work with Families (SOW 6611) 3 credits
Prerequisite:  SOW 6535
Corequisite: SOW 6536
This course enables the student to understand, analyze and apply social work knowledge, values and skills to generalist and clinical practice with families, from the family systems, developmental and clinical perspectives.

Clinical Social Work with Groups (SOW 6618) 3 credits
Prerequisite: SOW 6305
Corequisite: SOW 6533
This course provides students with the knowledge, skills, self-awareness and values to practice generalist and clinical social work with groups.

Social Work and Spirituality (SOW 6626) 3 credits
Examines issues pertaining to spiritually-sensitive social work practice regarding clients of diverse religious and philosophical ideologies.

Social Work with Aging Populations (SOW 6641) 3 credits
Prerequisite: M.S.W. majors only
An introduction to social gerontology for graduate-level social work students. Provides a biopsychosocial introduction to social gerontology from a social work perspective.

Advanced Theory and Social Work Practice with Elders and Families (SOW 6646) 3 credits
Prerequisites: SOW 6306 and SOW 6533, with minimum grades of "B-"
Focuses on the study of ageism, concepts of aging, physical and mental health concerns of elders, long-term care, direct practice with elders, and policy-related issues.  This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course. 

Social Work Practice with Vulnerable Children and Families (SOW 6653) 3 credits
Prerequisite or Corequisite: SOW 6656
Provides a framework of knowledge and skills necessary to practice with children and their families.

Advanced Theory and Social Work Practice with Children, Adolescents and Families (SOW 6655) 3 credits
Prerequisites: SOW 6306 and SOW 6533, with minimum grades of "B-"
Focuses on the application of theories, concepts, and principles in direct treatment of children and adolescents. 

Child Welfare (SOW 6656) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundation Curriculum
Course examines the issues of professional practice in child welfare that will enable students to bring skills and knowledge to their practice in assessing and intervening in situations of abuse and neglect involving children and families.

Inclusive Social Work Practice (SOW 6671) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with knowledge, skills and strategies required to promote social change from an agency- and community-level using an anti-oppression framework. In this course, students explore the oppressive experiences of people from various backgrounds. 

Animal-Assisted Therapy (SOW 6672) 1 credit
Prerequisite: Completion of M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
A seminar that explores human-animal bonding. Human-animal bond and the potential for intervention will be discussed within therapeutic settings and across diverse populations with individuals, families, and groups.

Loss and Grief: Individual, Family, Cultural Perspectives (SOW 6678) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of Foundation Curriculum
Course gives students an opportunity to explore and understand their perceptions and beliefs on death and dying and how individual cultural differences influence that experience. The course prepares students to work with clients dealing with feelings of grief and loss.

Transition Course (SOW 6693) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Bachelor of Social Work required
Course assists students transitioning from undergraduate-level coursework to graduate-level coursework in the M.S.W. program.

Intervention in the Field of Addictions (SOW 6712) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completed M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
Course prepares students to assess and intervene with clients affected by substance and abuse.

Social Work Practice in Behavioral/Process Addictions (SOW 6714) 3 credits
Prerequisite: M.S.W. majors only
This course provides an overview of the principles of behavior/process addictions and the processes and mechanisms that underlie addiction. Students are introduced to the epidemiology and developmental course of addiction. They are also introduced to risk and protective influences that act throughout the course of addiction resulting in adverse health consequences. Genetic and environmental underpinnings are discussed, and effective interventions and treatment modalities are identified.

Social Work Practice Using Solution-Focused Therapy (SOW 6758) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
Students learn to practice social work using solution-focused therapy. They also learn a systemic and pragmatic method to identify, access and utilize client competencies, resources and strengths to empower them toward discovering solutions to their problems.

Social Work Practice with Survivors of Human Trafficking (SOW 6786) 3 credits
Prerequisite: M.S.W. majors only
This course explores the topic of human trafficking and helps students to better understand this form of modern day slavery. The readings, videos and assignments center around current events and current topics of discussion in the trafficking field, as well as where the movement originated and what the future holds. During this course, students learn terminology, the different types of trafficking and how cultural issues and vulnerabilities can contribute to trafficking. They also learn and understand the scope of the problem through current statistics and reports, both domestic and global.

Mindfulness and Social Work Practice (SOW 6803) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
Students learn and experience specific practices that enhance their ability to purposefully attend to and manage their thoughts and feelings so that they can experience more balanced, stable and peaceful lives. In addition, they transfer this knowledge into their social work practice with individuals and/or groups. During class, students learn the theoretical foundations as well as the practical elements of mindfulness, including sitting and moving meditations.

Directed Independent Study (SOW 6905) 1-3 credits
This course assists the student in implementing an independent study project under the guidance of a social work faculty advisor.

Special Topics (SOW 6930) 3 credits
Study relating to topics in social work.  This is an Academic Service Learning (ASL) course.

Special Topics (SOW 6932) 1-6 credits
Prerequisites: Completion of M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
Special topic variable credit courses for M.S.W. students.

Study Abroad (SOW 6957) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of M.S.W. Foundation Curriculum
An interdisciplinary course to provide students with opportunities to experience a foreign country from within and focusing on native social services.

Psychopathology in Advanced Clinical Social Work (SOW 7129) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
Course explores diagnostics and treatment of psychopathology in clinical social work practice. Current DSM is considered as well as evidence-informed practices used by clinical social workers in working with mental health services consumers.

Advanced Clinical Social Work Evidence-Based Practice with Groups (SOW 7328) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
Course focuses on evidence-informed advanced clinical social work practice with groups. The course provides students with an understanding of the best clinical social work practice with groups that is grounded in evidence-informed research literature.

Advanced Clinical Social Work Evidence-Based Practice with Families and Couples (SOW 7368) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
Therapeutic models for social workers are explored to aid in conceptualizing couple and family dynamics. Diversity factors, life cycle stages and family history are considered in establishing the therapeutic relationship and conceptualizing the couple or family unit.

Advanced Clinical Social Work Seminar (SOW 7369) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
This seminar focuses on integrating advanced clinical social work skill and theory considered in previous D.S.W. coursework in a case study format. Students are expected to use advanced assessment, differential diagnosis techniques, intervention and evaluation in past and current clinical situations.

Behavioral Science Statistics in Advanced Clinical Social Work (SOW 7417) 3 credits
Prerequisite: For D.S.W. students only
This course describes the use of quantitative methods for inquiry in the social and behavioral sciences. The course expands on using SPSS for data analysis and introduces students to the advantages and challenges of working with secondary data. Students gain hands-on experience with the preparation and data analysis of data sets.

Advanced Clinical Social Work: Evidence-Based Practice with Individuals  (SOW 7424) 3 credits
Prerequisite: For D.S.W. student s  only
This course focuses on evidence-based clinical social work practices with individuals. It seeks to provide the student with a methodology for incorporating the best of social work clinical practices, which are grounded in evidence-based literature.

Clinical Social Work Research and Statistics (SOW 7433) 3 credits
Prerequisite: For D.S.W. student s  only
Course examines evidence-based clinical social work research methods to improve clinical practice and clinical measurement tools and to engage in various social work research methodologies. As a result, implementation of evidence-based clinical social work interventions and therapies occur.

Advanced Clinical Social Work: Conceptual and Theoretical Reviews (SOW 7490) 3 credits
Prerequisite: For D.S.W. students only
This seminar provides instruction on writing for publication. It presents tools and resources for writing scholarly articles as well as familiarizing students with the journal editorial process. It is designed to help doctoral students master the writing of a publishable paper as part of a final project.  Grading: S/U

Advanced Clinical Social Work Research and Statistics (SOW 7494) 4 credits
Prerequisites: SOW 7433, D.S.W. students
Course builds on previous D.S.W. coursework and provides core concepts of rigorous research methodology, inferential statistics, statistical interpretation and critical analysis of empirical studies to inform advanced clinical social work practice.

Qualitative Research in Clinical Social Work (SOW 7496) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
This course reviews areas of research in clinical social work utilizing qualitative methods, including design methods data collection and analysis. The course also provides information relevant to publishing qualitative research for strengthening social work practice.

Advanced Clinical Social Work: Research Proposal (SOW 7498)   4 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
This course is an integrative project where students develop a scholarly project proposal. For research requiring ethics approval, students submit the proposal to FAU's Institutional Review Board/Human Subjects Committee.  Grading: S/U

Clinical Social Work Supervision and Administration (SOW 7619) 3 credits
Prerequisite: For D.S.W. student s  only
This course focuses on administration and clinical supervision for social workers. Frameworks and critical tasks involved in administration and supervision of social workers are examined.

Interpersonal Neuroscience and Advanced Clinical Social Work (SOW 7696) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
This course integrates clinical, developmental and behavioral science theories with current interpersonal neurobiology and brain science.

Emerging Theories and Methods in Advanced Clinical Social Work (SOW 7698) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
This course focuses on gaining an understanding of the current emerging trends in clinical social work treatment environments by exploring theories and interventions that are emerging in response to new understandings of human behavior and psychopathology as well as technological advances that affect service delivery.

Theories and Epistemology of Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice (SOW 7757) 3 credits

Prerequisite: For D.S.W. student s  only
This course prepares students for subsequent courses on clinical social work theory, research and practice by providing them with a contextual understanding of social work, including the history of social work theory, research, values, ethics, alternate models of practice, the role of technology and inter-professional perspectives.

Social Work Pedagogy (SOW 7776) 3 credits
Prerequisite: For D.S.W. students only
Students use evidence-based clinical social work practices for curriculum design, course design, course delivery and evaluations. They examine the educational standards (EPAs) of the Council on Social Work Education and learn to help B.S.W./M.S.W. students develop the competencies identified by the CSWE.

Advanced Clinical Social Work: Capstone (SOW 7910) 3 credits
Prerequisite: For D.S.W. students only
In this course, students complete a research project and produce a manuscript of sufficient quality to be submitted to an academic, peer-reviewed journal. The manuscript is not required to be accepted for publication for the conferral of the degree, but a successful oral defense of the manuscript is required.  Grading: S/U

Special Topics (SOW 7938) 3 credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
This is a special topics course in the D.S.W. program for D.S.W. students, advancing knowledge and skills appropriate for doctoral level clinical practice scholars.

Advanced Clinical Social Work Practicum (SOW 7940)  3  credits
Prerequisite: D.S.W. students only
This course offers students the option to pursue a clinical research practicum or a pedagogical experience. A formal learning plan adopted by the D.S.W. coordinator, the student and a practicum consultant must be in place prior to enrollment in this course.

Link to the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice Programs