Mission:
Social workers in diverse fields of practice, including health care, public social services, mental health and criminal justice, are facing greater professional demands within the context of global interdependence. The International Commission of the Council on Social Work Education has declared that one of the purposes of social work education is to prepare social workers to recognize the global context of social work practice. The mission statement of the University of Utah College of Social Work affirms the goals of CSWE, stating that the College contributes ..."to enhance individual, family, community and global well-being..."

In order to operationalize this professional mandate, the College has developed a strategic plan to promote global education and scholarship. One key aspect of the plan is the internationalization of the College of Social Work curriculum. The International Social Work Emphasis contributes to this plan by providing an optional course of study for M.S.W. students comprised of internationally focused electives, field placement and independent study in a selected area of international interest. The International Work Social Emphasis is designed to complement any of the four 2nd year domains of practice.

Purpose:
The purpose of the International Social Work Emphasis is to enhance student preparation for professional social work practice within the context of global interdependence, international social work practice abroad and practice with multi-cultural populations in the United States.

Competencies:
Upon completion of this Emphasis students should be able to:

1. Define globalization in relation to social work theory and practice.
2. Specify the roles played by the United Nations, international social work federations and non-governmental organizations in contributing to human rights and social development.
3. Illustrate the application of social work values, ethics and practice to the development of strategies for global change related to key social issues including poverty, gender inequality, health and mental health, environmental degradation, ethnic conflict and violence, and child welfare.
4. Demonstrate skills in implementing interventions aimed at creating sustainable social development and conflict resolution.
5. Apply one or more approaches to culturally competent practice with vulnerable populations.
6. Show how social work values, skills and knowledge about social work practices abroad are applicable to local, regional and international social development goals, especially with regard to promoting self-determination strategies for growth and development.

International Social Work Emphasis Required Course Components:

One survey course in international social work:
Perspectives in International Social Work

One internationally related practicum (minimum of 2 credit hours):
International practicum or domestic practicum with substantial international population emphasis

Two additional graduate level courses related to the student's substantive area of international social work interest

Total Required Courses = 4

For further information, please feel free to contact Caren Frost 581-5287 or Helane Leta 585-3161.

International Emphasis Mission & Purpose

International Emphasis Educational Opportunities

International Emphasis Educational Application

International Emphasis Travel Checklist

International Emphasis Graduation Checklist

International Emphasis Educational Opportunities Scholarship