The purpose of Research Methods in the MSW program is to provide education in research as an integral part of practice. This is accomplished through a foundation course (SOWK 670, Social Work Research) and the advanced research options (SOWK 772, 775, 777, 781, 789, or 799) within the Concentrations and Specializations matrix. The research curriculum is framed by the notion of practice research which includes population and problem analysis, intervention research, and evaluation of interventions in order to contribute to both the problem solving approach of social work practice and the development of practice knowledge. Within the framework of practice research, the purpose of the advanced research requirement is to prepare students for active roles in practice and program evaluation in order to contribute to practice knowledge and to program and policy development. The advanced curriculum in research is an integral part of the Concentrations and Specializations matrix. All students must complete a research experience within the substantive area of their corresponding Concentration and their Specialization. This requirement may be met through a minimum of three credits of any one of the following options. 1) an advanced research course that includes a research experience, for 3 credits; 2) an independent research project, SOWK 789, for three or more credits; 3) a Master's Thesis, SOWK 799, for six credits (3 credits for electives).
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