Social Work Emphasis in WGSS
Social Work and Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
The School of Social Work and the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at ISU collaborate in offering graduate level courses for students pursuing a M.S.W. The Social Work options in WGSS teach students to recognize the intricacies of power and oppression and the various social institutions that hold barriers to equality in place. This encourages social work students to understand more fully the obstacles that many of their clients face daily. The Social Work Emphasis in WGSS is a 9-credit hour option for M.S.W. students in consultation with the School of Social Work. The Graduate Certificate in WGSS is a 12-credit hour option for students seeking additional expertise in WGSS topics.
Social Work Emphasis in WGSS
The Emphasis option is 9-credit hours that M.S.W. students pursue with consultation from advisors in the School of Social Work. The Emphasis requires that students take WGS 490: Feminist Theories & Methodological Issues. In addition, students must take two other approved electives (or 6-credits of electives) to complete the Emphasis.
Graduate Certificate in WGSS
The Graduate Certificate option for Social Work students is 12-credit hours. Like the Emphasis, the Graduate Certificate requires that students take WGS 490: Feminist Theories & Methodological Issues. Students must then take three other approved electives (or 9-credits of electives) to complete the Graduate Certificate. Students may enroll in the Graduate Certificate program using the Grad CAS system.
Social Work Approved Electives
The following electives count as both WGSS electives and SWK electives for M.S.W. students pursuing the above two options. This list is subject to change; students should consult the ISU catalog prior to enrollment.
- CJS 339: Women in Criminal Justice
- CJS 342: Victimology
- ENG 360: Studies in Women's Writing
- HIS 330: The Family in History
- POL 337: Gay & Lesbian Politics & Theory
- POL 338: Gender & Political Theory
- PSY 305: Psychology of Women
- SOC 341: Sociology of Gender
- SOC 342: Sociology of the Body
- SWK 420: Social Determinants of Health: From Disparity to Equity
- SWK 444: Promoting Social Justice with Diverse Populations
- WGS 391: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Seminar
- WGS 392: Queer and Transgender Theory
With the approval of the graduate certificate coordinator and the Graduate School, additional courses may be approved for the certificate. Social Work practicum placements and WGS independent studies may also count towards the elective requirements with advanced approval.
Contact the WGSS advisor to arrange an appointment and learn more about Social Work and WGSS offerings.