CURRICULUM INNOVATIONS
PREPARE MSW STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL WORK
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eginning in the fall of 2020, Michigan Social Work will offer students eight new curricular pathways covering a broad range of specializations. Each pathway includes a rigorous social work foundation followed by intensive preparation within the student’s area of interest.
ESSENTIALS
PATHWAYS
Key skills and knowledge
8 pathways provide specialized options
PODS
Privilege, oppression, diversity and social justice are a focus of all courses
FIELD EXPERIENCE
Apply knowledge from essentials and pathways
ELECTIVES
Explore interpersonal or interdisciplinary courses
“From time to time, it makes sense to reassess the curriculum based on emerging knowledge as well as best practices used in the field,” says MSW Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor Barbara Hiltz. “The new curriculum is future-oriented and prepares graduates to meet the challenges ahead. As part of the process, we met with recent alumni to ask how their education prepared them for their careers: what knowledge and skills are they using? How are they utilizing their education? What skills do we need to add?” In addition to alumni feedback, the curriculum committee considered recent research, learning innovations and faculty expertise. They also incorporated the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare’s 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work, which are designed to galvanize the field and champion social progress powered by science. The result is eight pathways, which provide students with the specialized knowledge and skills to become leaders in their fields.
Community Change This pathway combines community organizing with community planning and community development to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote action and change within diverse communities. Students explore how power, privilege and oppression affect communities, and examine strategies for creating change and social justice. The coursework aims to balance historical perspectives with current and emerging practices. The pathway prepares students to pursue careers as effective and skilled community organizers, leaders and change agents.
Global Social Work Practice This pathway engages students with culturally diverse communities—both in the U.S. and abroad—to develop a critical understanding of the cultural and power differences that impact social work internationally. This pathway also explores the evaluation of international programs and policies. Students will become part of a global community of social workers who promote social change, empowerment and liberation.
6 · University of Michigan School of Social Work
