MSW690 Capstone (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): All courses should be completed at the time of enrollment, with the exception of MSW683  and MSW electives, which can be taken concurrently.
This course provides a foundation for self-directed, integrative professional development in social work. In this course, learners integrate social work practice knowledge, skills, and identity in an agency-based intervention proposal grounded in the literature and integrated with their field experience. Learners synthesize evidence about practice strengths and growth needs, propose an intervention to achieve a clear practice improvement goal and apply best practice and research principles in the evaluation of the process. This course culminates with the completion of a Capstone paper and a research presentation showcasing the learner’s social work practice knowledge and skills and their ability to integrate these in a real-life practice setting.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1.    Incorporate research skills and the professional community to develop a bibliography of appropriate resources from published and expert practitioner sources. (G4d; C4a; C9b)

2.    Situate one’s mastery of practice knowledge, skills, or attitudes as contributions to the social work profession. (G4d; C4a; C9b)

3.    Demonstrate professional tolerance for ambiguity in practice and the requisite problem-solving skills relevant to these situations. (G1a; G1d; C1a; C1d)

4.    Apply professional writing skills for a scholarly audience and purpose, including drafting and editing. (G1e; G4a; C4b)

5.    Synthesize scholarly, evidence-based resources, using discipline specific citation style. (G4b, G4d; C4b)

6.    Construct a professional self-care plan aimed at enhancement of well-being and sustainability in the profession. (C1b)