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Social Work Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2018 2018.

Transition of Persons with Developmental Disabilities from Parental to Sibling Co-Residential Care: Effects on Sibling Caregiver Well-Being and Family Functioning , Richard Steven Glaesser

An Exploratory Study of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Communication among Haitian Mother–Daughter Dyads in West Central Florida , Stacy Eileen Kratz

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

An Exploration of the Relationship between Child Welfare Workers’ Ambivalent Sexism and Beliefs about Father Involvement , Katrina Lee Brewsaugh

Physical, Verbal, Relational and Cyber-Bullying and Victimization: Examining the Social and Emotional Adjustment of Participants , Melanie Mcvean

Understanding the Experience of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder: A Phenomenological Study of Emerging Adults , Kristin M. Smyth

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

A Mixed Methods Inquiry of Caregivers of Veterans with Sustained Serious "Invisible" Injuries in Iraq and/or Afghanistan , Bina Ranjit Patel

Exploring the Relationship of Healthy Lifestyle Characteristics with Food Behaviors of Low-Income, Food Insecure Women in the United States (US) , Kimberly Ann Wollard

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Development of the Professional School Social Work Survey: A Valid and Reliable Tool for Assessment and Planning , Catherine E. Randall

Clinical and Criminal Justice Outcomes in the Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery (JDTR) Program , Daniel Harold Ringhoff

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes, Knowledge and Perceptions of Barriers Among Juvenile Justice Professionals , Esther Chao Mckee

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Efficacy of Aggression Replacement Training with Female Juvenile Offenders in a Residential Commitment Program , Jody Anne Erickson

Rural Communities: How Do Individuals Perceive Change When Industry Enters the Area? , Katherine Danielle Ferrari

The Baby Blues: Mothers' Experiences After Adoption , Brigette Barno Schupay

Use of Services by Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: In Their Own Words , Michele M. Scordato

Efforts to Engage Parents and Case Outcomes in the Child Welfare System , Patty Sharrock

Continuing Attachment Bonds to the Deceased: A Study of Bereaved Youth and Their Caregivers , Erica Hill Sirrine

Spiritual Life Review With Older Adults: Finding Meaning in Late Life Development , Alicia Margaret Stinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Children Who Die of Abuse: An Examination of the Effects of Perpetrator Characteristics on Fatal Versus Non-Fatal Child Abuse , Donald L. Dixon

The Mediating Role of Social Support and Fulfillment of Spiritual Needs in End of Life Care , Kimberley A. Gryglewicz

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Examination of the Effect of Child Abuse Case Characteristics on the Time a Caseworker Devotes to a Case , Christopher J. Card

Evaluating Social Work Students’ Attitudes Toward Physical Disability , Rachael A. Haskell

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Prevalence of Client Violence against Social Work Students and Its Effects on Fear of Future Violence, Occupational Commitment, and Career Withdrawal Intentions , Pamela Myatt Criss

An evaluation of the influence of case-method instruction on the reflective thinking of MSW students , Marleen Milner

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Developing a School Social Work Model for Predicting Academic Risk: School Factors and Academic Achievement , Robert Lucio

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Sample Thesis Proposal – Master of Social Work (MSW)

• April 25, 2016

On my recent blog post  Should You Go to Grad School for a Master of Social Work (MSW) , a reader asked how to write a thesis proposal for the social work application. So, here is the thesis proposal I wrote when I applied to UBC (the University of British Columbia) a few years ago.

My MSW program was two years because my first undergrad degree is in Psychology and my second degree is in Education. If I had an undergrad social work degree, it would’ve only taken one year to get my MSW.

If you’re worried you won’t be accepted to the university or program of your choice, read  How to Get Into Grad School – Master’s or PhD Programs .

And here’s what I wrote for my grad application for UBC…

Sample Thesis Proposal – Master’s of Social Work (MSW) Program

Social Issue and Research Question

I wish to study internalized oppression in foster children. Specifically, I’d like to explore how social workers can empower and encourage foster children to overcome negative self-beliefs, stereotypes, and misinformation to reach their full potential and create meaningful, fulfilling lives.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children in foster care:

• blame themselves and feel guilty about being “taken” from their birth parents
• wish to return to birth parents even if they were abused
• feel unwanted
• feel helpless about multiple changes in foster parents
• have mixed emotions about attaching to foster parents
• feel insecure and uncertain about their future
• reluctantly acknowledge positive feelings for foster parents

Self-blame, guilt, confusion, fear, insecurity, and fear can lead these kids to believe they aren’t as intelligent, capable, worthy, or “good” as their peers. How foster kids perceive themselves and their role in the world has a significant impact on how they think, behave, and treat others.

Negative self-beliefs can develop even if the foster care system (or foster families, birth families, peers, etc) don’t directly “oppress” youth. Foster kids are at risk of developing destructive self-perceptions simply because of their situations – not necessarily how they’re treated.

Research indicates that children in foster care tend to be more disengaged and exhibit more problem behaviours than other children. Further, they are at greater risk of dropping out or being forced out of high school (Satchwell, 2006). This is pertinent to social services, and directly affects society as a whole. Disengagement, problem behaviours, and negative self-perceptions influence the decisions and choices that foster children make. This directly and indirectly affects their families, schools, friends, and the community at large.

How can social workers create conditions that help youth in the foster care system overcome internalized oppression? What can we do to help kids challenge their negative self-beliefs and reframe their situations, lives, and futures? Who is in the best position to do this – foster parents? Social workers? Counsellors? Teachers? Mentors? Self-help or support groups? Summer camps specifically for foster kids, organized and run by foster alumni?

Rationale  

I lived in three foster homes as a child, between bouts of living with my single mother. She suffered from severe paranoid schizophrenia and the effects of “treatments” such as electroconvulsive therapy and psychotropic medications. I grew up in a culture of mental illness, poverty, powerlessness, and the stigma of being a foster child.

As a result, I held two specific beliefs about myself: 1) I wasn’t smart or “good” enough to go to university; and 2) I wasn’t lovable enough to be in a healthy relationship.

When I was 11, I was matched with a Big Sister through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. While I can’t pinpoint the exact effect she had, I now have two undergraduate degrees and am happily married. My Big Sister changed my life – and all she had to do was show up once a week.

In my work as a Mentoring Coordinator with Big Brothers, I see firsthand how mentoring changes lives. Research shows that mentoring increases self-worth, improves relationships with others, and is connected to measurable gains in school attendance and academic achievement (Satchwell, 2006).

My goal is to combine my professional and personal experiences, and empower foster kids to transcend their self-limiting beliefs.

Annotated Bibliography

Axner, M. (2011). Healing from the effects of internalized oppression. Retrieved from The Community Toolbox https://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/sub_section_main_1172.aspx. This online resource describes discrimination versus internalized oppression, and offers practical strategies for recognizing and helping individuals overcome internalized oppression. The tools are effective, practical ways to empower people struggling with oppression.

Baskin, C. (2007) Structural determinants as the cause of homelessness for aboriginal youth.  Critical Social Work , Vol 8, No 1. Retrieved online from https://www.uwindsor.ca/criticalsocialwork/structural-determinants-as-the-cause-of-homelessness-for-aboriginal-youth. A paper that describes how the cycle of oppression caused by social systems leads to the loss of self-identity in Aboriginal youths in the foster care system. This loss of self-identity leads to unhealthy development and an increased risk of homelessness.

Bishop, Anne. (2002). Becoming an ally: Breaking the cycle of oppression in people. Halifax:Fernwood Publishing. Bishop’s premise is that no one form of oppression stands alone. All oppressions are interdependent, and none can be solved in isolation. She is “looking for mechanisms that cause us to reproduce oppression, generation after generation” (page 71), and encourages readers to form alliances (as opposed to “just” fighting one’s own oppression).

Freire, P. (2000). Pedagogy of the oppressed. New York,NY: Continuum International Publishing Group. This book was first published in 1968; this is the 30 th anniversary edition. Freire describes how oppressors “dehumanize” oppressed groups, who become incapable of recognizing their own oppression. This would be a solid foundation from which to base my research on overcoming internalized oppression.

Geenen, S. & Powers, L. (2007). “Tomorrow is another problem”: The experiences of youth in foster care during their transition into adulthood. Children and Youth Services Review . 29(8), 1085-1101. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.tru.ca/science/article/pii/S0190740907000680#sec3.1. This study gathered information from foster youth, case workers, foster parents, educators and other professionals on the experiences of transitioning from youth to adulthood. It revealed that youth in foster care need more opportunities to control and direct their own lives, to take responsibility and ownership for their futures. The authors also found that caring, long-term relationships are more important than accessing formal services, and that a flexible, individualized and creative approach to transition is necessary.

Kirk, R. & Day, A. (2011). Increasing college access for youth aging out of foster care: Evaluation of a summer camp program for foster youth transitioning from high school to college. Children and Youth Services Review . 33(7), 1173-1180. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.tru.ca/science/article/pii/S0190740911000648#sec3.6.4.  The School of Social  Work at Michigan State University developed a campus-based learning program to help foster youth transition to college. Foster care alumni offered peer support, role modeling, mentoring and active learning sessions. This intervention increased college-related knowledge and information, enhanced perceptions of life skills, self-concept, empowerment and a sense of purpose.

Krebs, B. and  Pitcoff, P. (2006) Beyond the foster care system: The future for teens .Chapel Hill, NC: Rutgers University Press. Written by the co-founders of the Youth Advocacy Center in New York City, this book offers inspiring, real-life accounts of what it’s like to live in foster homes and illustrates how the foster care system sets teens up to fail by inadequately preparing them for adult life. The authors also offer practical improvements to empower teens.

Satchwell, K. (2006). Mentoring literature review. Retrieved from Government of Alberta Human Services website: https://www.child.alberta.ca/home/929.cfm Mentoring_Lit_Review_Final[1].pdf. An excellent overview of mentoring that goes beyond “just” a case for mentoring. This report includes volunteer mentor recruitment, training tips, matching considerations, best practices, and more.

van Wormer, K. (2004). Confronting oppression, restoring justice: From policy analysis to social  action Alexandria, VA: CSWE Press. This is a guide that doesn’t just explain internalized oppression and social justice theory, it describes what is needed to confront oppression for human services practitioners, students, and educators on the “front lines.”

She Blossoms Newsletter

After being accepted to the MSW program at UBC, I discovered that writing a thesis is a choice grad students have. I’ve decided not to write one, as I’d rather focus on getting as much practical, hands on experience as I can. Plus, I don’t plan (at this point) to go into a PhD program, so writing a thesis for my MSW isn’t necessary.

If you get into a grad program, you’ll probably need to secure a practicum placement! For tips, read  Sample Field Placement Request – Master’s of Social Work at UBC .

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Home > School, College, or Department > SSW > Dissertations and Theses

School of Social Work Dissertations and Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Understanding the Other: Mentor Ethnocultural Empathy and Relationship Quality and Duration in Youth Mentoring , Miriam Miranda-Diaz

The Mirror Project: Reflections on the Experiences of African-American Female Adolescents Experiencing Foster Care , Bahia Anise-Cross DeGruy Overton

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Does Structural Racism Influence How Black/African Americans Define Memory Loss and Cognitive Impairment? An Africana Phenomenological Study , Andre Pruitt

Prosecutors or Helpers: An Institutional Ethnography of Child Protective Services Casework , Anna Maria Rockhill

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

A Critical Discourse Analysis of How Youth in Care Describe Social Support , Jared Israel Best

Examining Demographic and Environmental Factors in Predicting the Perceived Impact of Cancer on Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors , Nazan Cetin

Health Literacy and People Diagnosed with Mental Illness , Beckie Child

High School Persisters and Alternative Schools , Hyuny Clark-Shim

Examining the Role of Social Support and Neighborhood Deprivation in the Relationship Between Multiple ACEs and Health Risk Behaviors , Marin L. Henderson-Posther

A Typology of Foster Home Quality Elements in Relation to Foster Youth Mental Health , Paul Sorenson

"I'm Very Enlightened:" Assisting Black Males Involved in the Criminal Justice System to Deal With and Heal From Racism , Darnell Jackie Strong

The Mechanisms Connecting State Marijuana Policies to Parent, Peer, and Youth Drug Perception Leading to Youth Marijuana Use , Eunbyeor Sophie Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

E(Raced): Race and Use of Self Amongst BIPOC Social Workers , Anita Reinette Gooding

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Colorless Nature: Exploring the Mental Health (Help-Seeking) Experiences of Pre-Adolescent Black American Children , Christopher Ashley Burkett

The Economically Disadvantaged Speak: Exploring the Intersection of Poverty, Race, Child Neglect and Racial Disproportionality in the Child Welfare System , Angela Gail Cause

Examining the Narratives of Military Sexual Trauma Survivors , Maria Carolina González-Prats

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Our Vision of Health for Future Generations: an Exploration of Proximal and Intermediary Motivations with Women of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma , Danica Love Brown

Interrogating the Construction and Representations of Criminalized Women in the Academic Social Work Literature: a Critical Discourse Analysis , Sandra Marie Leotti

Learning From Culturally Specific Programs and Their Impact on Latino Parent Engagement , Analucia Lopezrevoredo

Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence and Child Welfare: a Critical Realist Exploratory Study , Katherine Elizabeth Winters

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Is Therapy Going to the Dogs? Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy for Early Identified At-Risk Children , Leah Faith Brookner

Investigating Time During Residential Program Until Transition for Adjudicated Youth: a Mixed Methods Study Using Event History Analysis with Follow-Up Interviews , Emily Carol Lott

Role of Spouse/Partner in Fertility Preservation Decision Making by Young Women with Cancer , Aakrati Mathur

Exploring the Association of Victimization and Alcohol and Marijuana Use among American Indian Youth Living On or Near Reservations: a Mixed Methods Study , Lindsay Nicole Merritt

The Intersections of Good Intentions, Criminality, and Anti-Carceral Feminist Logic: a Qualitative Study that Explores Sex Trades Content in Social Work Education , Meg Rose Panichelli

Latinas and Sexual Health: Correlates of Sexual Satisfaction , Christine Marie Velez

A Foucaultian Discourse Analysis of Person-Centered Practice Using a Genealogical Framework of Intellectual Disability , Nick Winges-Yanez

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Foundational Knowledge and Other Predictors of Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care , Stephanie Anne Sundborg

An Analysis of Oregon Youth Authority Populations: Who Receives Treatment and What Factors Influence Allocation of Treatment Resources? , Rebecca Arredondo Yazzie

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Importance of Online Peer Relationships During the Transition to Motherhood: Do They Decrease Stress, Alleviate Depression and Increase Parenting Competence? , Bobbie Sue Arias

Bridging the Worlds of Home and School: a Study of the Relational Worlds of First-Generation Students in a School of Social Work , Miranda Cunningham

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Long-Term Mentoring Relationships from the Youth Perspective , Kevin Richard Jones

The Development and Validation of the Social Recovery Measure , Casadi "Khaki" Marino

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A Queer Liberation Movement? A Qualitative Content Analysis of Queer Liberation Organizations, Investigating Whether They are Building a Separate Social Movement , Joseph Nicholas DeFilippis

Got Hair that Flows in the Wind: The Complexity of Hair and Identity among African American Female Adolescents in Foster Care , Lakindra Michelle Mitchell Dove

Assessing the Impact of Restrictiveness and Placement Type on Transition-Related Outcomes for Youth With and Without Disabilities Aging Out of Foster Care , Jessica Danielle Schmidt

Fathers Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Experiences of Work-Life Fit , Claudia Sellmaier

Investigating the Impact of Sibling Foster Care on Placement Stability , Jeffrey David Waid

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Understanding Sexual Assault Survivors' Willingness to Participate in the Judicial System , Mildred Ann Davis

The Relationship between Mindfulness and Burnout among Master of Social Work Students , Jolanta Maria Piatkowska

Out of the Way and Out of Place: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Social Interactions of Bisexually Attracted Young People , A. Del Quest

Strengths in Action: Implementing a Learning Organization Model in a Human Service Setting , Barbara Ann Whitbeck

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

"Who Would Have Thought, With a Diagnosis Like This, I Would be Happy?": Portraits of Perceived Strengths and Resources in Early-Stage Dementia , Jutta Elisabeth Ataie

Lost in the Margins? Intersections Between Disability and Other Non-Dominant Statuses with Regard to Peer Victimization and Psychosocial Distress Among Oregon Teens , Marjorie Grace McGee

Teachers' Negative Comments Toward Youth in Foster Care with Disabilities: How Do They Relate to Youths' Problem Behaviors, School Attitudes, and School Performance? , Sunghwan Noh

Exploring the Effects of Multi-Level Protective and Risk Factors on Child and Parenting Outcomes in Families Participating in Healthy Start/Healthy Families Oregon (HS/HFO) , Peggy Nygren

Public Opinion and the Oregon Death with Dignity Act , Peggy Jo Ann Sandeen

The Role of Psycho-Sociocultural Factors in Suicide Risk Among Mong/Hmong Youth , TangJudy Vang

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Increasing Social Work Students' Political Interest and Efficacy: The Experience and Impact of a Social Welfare Policy Course from the Students' Perspective , Christie Dianne Bernklau Halvor

Exploring Support Network Structure, Content, and Stability as Youth Transition from Foster Care , Jennifer E. Blakeslee

Understanding the Experience of Air Force Single Parents: A Phenomenological Study , Samantha Everhart Blanchard

Implementer Perspectives: The Implementation of a School-Based Mentoring Program , Amanda Angela Fixsen

Risk Factors for Homelessness Among Community Mental Health Patients with Severe Mental Illness , Rupert Talmage van Wormer

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Gender, Culture, and Prison Classification: Testing the Reliability and Validity of a Prison Classification System , Aimée Ryan Bellmore

An Investigation of the Relationships between Violence Exposure, Internalizing and Externalizing Problems, and Adolescent Alcohol Use , Gregory Lloyd Forehand

Identifying Modifiable Factors associated with Depression across the Lifespan in Stroke Survivor-Spouse Dyads , Michael Joseph McCarthy

Investigating the Predictors of Postsecondary Education Success and Post-College Life Circumstances of Foster Care Alumni , Amy Michele Salazar

Runaway and Homeless Youth: Changing the Discourse by Legitimizing Youth Voice , Donald Dale Schweitzer

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Visions and Voices: An Arts-Based Qualitative Study Using Photovoice to Understand the Needs and Aspirations of Diverse Women Working in the Sex Industry , Moshoula Capous Desyllas

Somatization and Engagement in Mental Health Treatment , Teresa Chianello

Parental Differential Treatment (PDT) of Siblings: Examining the Impact and Malleability of Differential Warmth and Hostility on Children's Adjustment , Brianne H. Kothari

Understanding the Development of Self-determination in Youth with Disabilities in Foster Care , Jennifer L. Powers

Child Welfare Workforce Turnover: Frontline Workers' Experiences with Organizational Culture and Climate, and Implications for Organizational Practice , Melanie Dawn Sage

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Developing One's Self: Adoption and Identity Formation Through the Eyes of Transracially Adopted Native American Adults , Jody Becker-Green

Primary Care, Males, Masculinity, and Suicide : a Grounded Theory Study , John Thomas Casey

Dependent Care and Work-Life Outcomes : Comparing Exceptional Care and Typical Care Responsibilities , Lisa Maureen Stewart

Factors Associated with Inclusion of Spirituality in Secular Social Work Education , Leslie Grace Wuest

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Up a Creek : the Perilous Journey of Recently Uninsured Low-Income Adults in Oregon , Heidi Allen

Attributes of Effective Head Start Mental Health Consultants : a Mixed Method Study of Rural and Urban Programs , Mary Dallas Allen

Staying Within the Margins: The Educational Stories of First-Generation, Low-Income College Students , Diane Lyn Cole

Children with Incarcerated Parents : a Longitudinal Study of the Effect of Parental Incarceration on Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors , Jean Mollenkamp Kjellstrand

The Child Care Self-Sufficiency Scale: Measuring Child Care Funding and Policy Generosity across States , Karen Tvedt

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Family-Friendly Workplace Culture, Flexibility, and Workplace Support for Dependent Care : the Perspectives of Human Resource Professionals , Katherine June Huffstutter

Family Participation : Exploring the Role it Plays in Outcomes for Youth with Serious Emotional Disorders , Jodi Lee Kerbs

"Creative Interpretation and Fluidity in a Rights Framework": the Intersection of Domestic Violence and Human Rights in the United States , Karen Lynn Morgaine

Food Security and Hunger among Low income US Households: Relations to Federal Food Assistance Program Participation , Rebecca Elizabeth Sanders

Engaging Our Workforce: How Job Demands and Resources Contribute to Social Worker Burnout, Engagement and Intent to Leave , Sara Laura Schwartz

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Is It Just Me? Felt HIV -Related Stigma among Adults with HIV , Rebecca Gila Block

Social Workers Addressing Student-Perpetrated Interpersonal Violence in the School Context : Awareness and Use of Evidence-Supported Programs , Natalie Diane Cawood

Sons Providing Care at End-of-Life : Common Threads and nuances , Patricia Ebert

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Cigarette Smoking by Pregnant and Parenting Adolescent Females , Barbara Mary Sussex

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Identifying and Building on Strengths of Children With Serious Emotional Disturbances , Michael Orval Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

A Dissertation on African American Male Youth Violence: "Trying to Kill the Part of You that Isn’t Loved" , Joy DeGruy Leary

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Voices of our past: the rank and file movement in social work, 1931-1950 , Richard William Hunter

The Assessment of Children with Attachment Disorder: The Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire, the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Attachment Types Framework , Alice Myrth Ogilvie

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Grandmothers Laughing: Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Beliefs About Pregnancy and Childbirth Among Native American Women , Claudia Robin Long

Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983

The needs of older people as seen by themselves and support providers , Sarah Movius Schurr

Theses/Dissertations from 1981 1981

Non-work-related services at the workplace : an exploratory study , William Roland Adix, Elizabeth March Christie, James J. Christrup, Carol M. Kaulukukui, Jennifer Idris Lenway, Cynthia A. Nelson, Linda S. Rielly, Steven Sorlien, Kathleen A. Sweeney-Easter, Lynn Campbell Tate, Patricia Jones Warman, and Donn C. Warton

Assessment of Needs of Adolescent Mothers in Washington County , John L. Arnold, Jean C. Austin, Gary L. Brink, Jane Hall, Patricia C. Hanson, Valerie A. Ivey, April A. Moran, John P. Pank, Mark J. Skolnick, James A. Tarr, and Roberta B. Vaughn

Burnout: Multi-Dimensional Study of Alienation Among Social Service Workers in the Willamette Valley , Sally Carignan, John Deihl, Judy Harris, Jay Jones, Bonnie Rothman, Sabrina Ullmann, Beth Weinberg-Gordon, Phyllis Weter, Patricia Whitty, and Loretta Wilson

Alternative Agencies: An Exploratory Study , Linda Crane, Carolyn M. Curnane, Mike Echols, Mary Ann Hanson, Susan Kouns, Richard Ono, Mark Pierman, Susan K. Rademacher, Sara Weisberg, and Bea Zizlavsky

An Alumni survey of the School of Social Work, Portland State University , Stephen R. Fishack, Robert A. Forlenza, Susan D. Fredd, Gigi Gandy, William P. Goldsmith, Thomas L. Grier, and Sheila K. Lehto

A Description and Evaluation of the Self-Help Information Service , Cathy Tuma and John Wadsworth

The Portland, Oregon ASAP : an evaluation of treatment effectiveness , Joan M. Wildebush Berry, Stefani K. Cuda, Judi L. Edwards, Mary E. Ericson, Emilie Ford Frisbee, Steve Ernest Hand, Mary Anne Hannibal, Laurel M. Myers, Sharon Lee Perry, Loree Richards, Barbara Burns Schmidtke, Stephen Walker Voris, and Barbara M. Westby

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

Multiple impact therapy : evaluation and design for future study , Jacqueline H. Abikoff, Dennis C. Anderson, Patricia C. Bowman, Carolyn Crawford Caylor, Nancy W. Freeland, Jan A. Godfrey, Marlene Graham, Kelly Ann Mason Hall, Mary J. Hatzenbeler, Susan C. Hedlund, Carol Lewis Kast, Gayle Matson Lansky, Janet M. Lewis, Kathleen Patricia Muldoon, Victoria A. G. Stoudt, and Anita Waage

Salem Teen Mother Program : a follow-up study , Frances L. Barton, Florence C. Berman, Sharon M. Bertoli-Nordlof, Marilyn L. Cooper, Claire K. Murray, Rosanne Peratrovich, Arlene M. Showell, and Julio C. Velazquez

Evaluative Styles of Clinicians in Private Practice , Daniel R. Brophy, Elliot M. Geller, Stephan L. Grove, Nancy E. Hedrick, A. Jill Nelson, and Babette A. Vanelli

Adaptation to dominant society : a self study of a woman of mixed race, black/Indian , Helen Marie Camel

A study of the crisis nature of the preparenthood period and implications for preventative social work practice , Julie Jean Colton

A Generalist approach to social work practice : model and synthesis , Chuck H. Johnson, Paul S. Knight, Michael W. Krumper, and John H. Rademaker

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Li, Ke (2023) Social Isolation and Psychological Well-being of U.S. Older Adults: Exploring the Moderating and Mediating Effects of Psychosocial Factors  

VanHook, Cortney (2023) A Person-Centered Approach to Increase the Uptake of Mental Health Services among Young Black Men

Ballard, Adrian (2023) Development, Validation, and Exploratory Utilization of the Sexuality-Affirming/-Negating Sexual Socialization Messaging Measure

Thyberg, Christopher (2023) Pushed out and Locked up: How School Policy Contributes to the School-to-Prison Pipeline

Mangum, Laurenia (2022) Individual, Contextual, and Social Network Factors on Perceived Barriers to HIV Care and Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) Treatment Adherence among Black Maternal Custodial Caregivers with HIV

Fussell-Ware, Dashawna (2022)  A Psychometric Validation of a Mental Health Literacy Measure with Black Adolescents

Gordon, Jacob (2022)  A Quantitative Exploration of Geosocial Dating Application Use, Belongingness, and Depressive Symptomatology in Young Adult Gay and Bisexual Men .

Woo, Jihee (2022)  Exploring multiple mechanisms through which economic and non-economic dimensions of low-wage work influence worker health: A mixed-methods study

Ashcraft, Laura (2021) Dissemination and Implementation of Evidence-based Chronic Pain Management Among Primary Care Providers

Huerta, Christine (2021) Examining Coping Strategies as Mediators between Traumatic Event Exposure and Hyperarousal among First Responders

Lee, Hyunji (2021) Is Emotion Regulation the Key to Breaking the Cycle of Violence?  The Roles of Emotion Regulation in Buffering the Effects of a Childhood History of Maltreatment on Intimate Partner Violence in Emerging Adulthood

MacKenzie, Kristen T.  (2021) Obtaining a First Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Process and Contributors from a National Study

Omowale, Serwaa   (2021) Work-related stress and birth outcomes: A longitudinal study using ecological momentary assessment

Sewall, Craig (2021)  Identifying mechanisms that explain the relationship between digital technology use and psychosocial risk factors for suicide

Song, Hae Ran (2021) The Role of Multicultural Social Network in the Relationship between Acculturative Stress and Depression among Korean Immigrants in the U.S.

Ballentine, Kess (2020)    “You Have No Idea What It Takes”: An Examination of How Low-wage Single Parents Navigate Work and Home

Yuan, Yan (2020) Trauma, Emotion Dysregulation and Borderline Personality Disorder Features in Young Women

Hruschak, Valerie (2019) Integrated Psychosocial Group Treatment (IPGT): A Randomized Pilot Trial of a Harm Reduction and Preventative Approach for Patients with Chronic Pain at Risk for Opioid Misuse   

Jacobson López Daniel (2019) El Proceso: Understanding Facilitators and Barriers to Reporting Sexual Assault Among Gay Latino Men

Jang, Heejung (2019) Effects of Social Relations on Mortality in the Context of Grandparenting

Wojtalik, Jessica (2019)  Functional Significance of Gray Matter Plasticity Following Cognitive Enhancement in Early Schizophrenia

Bamwine, Patricia (2018) An Exploration of the Co-Victimization Experiences of Black Adolescent Males in Urban Environments  

Johnson, Heath (2018) Girls with Incarcerated Parents:  A Longitudinal Analysis of Adolescent Delinquency and Juvenile Arrest     

Joseph, Andrea (2018) Restorative Justice and the Discipline Gap:  Exploring the Impact of Restorative Practices on Racially Disproportional School Discipline      

Lee, Hyung Jik (2018) Social and Cultural Contributions to Mental Health Service Utilization for Asian Americans       

Lee, Lewis (2018) The Longitudinal Analysis of Moderated Mediation on the Relationship Between Employment Quality and Antisocial Behavior Among Formerly Incarcerated Young Adults      

Ylioja, Thomas (2018) Access, Engagement, and Tobacco Treatment by Telephone Quitines Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults         

Jung, Nahri (2017).  Economic Integration of Immigrants in the United States.

Goode, Rachel Woodsom (2017)  The Feasibility of a Binge Eating Intervention in African-American Women who are Overweight or Obese .

Kim, Yoo Jung/YJK (2017)  Longitudinal relationship between emotion regulation and aggressive behavior: The moderating effect of caregiving.

Kyere, Eric (2017)  Examining the Relationships between Racial-Ethnic Socialization, Racial Identity, and African American Youth's Academic Outcomes: An Analysis with Implications for Social Work Research, Practice and Policy .

Queen, Courtney (2016)  Female Genital Cutting/Mutilation: An Exploratory Study of the Psychological Health Outcomes in Tanzania

McCall, Janice (2016)  An Examination of Gender-neutral and Gender-responsive Characteristics on Program Participation among Female State Prisoners.  

Song, Hyun-a (2016)  The Effects of Parents’ College Savings on College Attendance Among Students from Families with Low-Incomes: The Mediating Role of Parent’s Discussions about College with Their Children.

Bahorik, Amber  The Longitudinal Impact of Intrinsic Motivation on Substance Use Severity in Schizophrenia and its Patterns in Men and Women

Bishop-Fitzpatrick, Lauren (2015)  Social Functioning in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role Of Biological Stress Response and Psychosocial Stress.

Hunsaker, Amanda E (2015)  Biopsychosocial Factors Associated with Amyloid Imaging for Alzheimer's Disease.

Lim, Crystal  The Influence of Illness Burden and Social Support on the Completion of Kidney Transplant Evaluation 

Nguyen, Ngoc/N (2015)  Factors Influencing Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use: The Role Of Religiosity, School-Based Prevention Programs, Parental Influence, and Peer Influence.

Phillips, Chereese (2015)  Assessing The Impact Of Maternal Stressors on the Occurrence of Child Neglect Among At-Risk Mothers.

Teixeira, Samantha  "It seems like no one cares":  Youth Perspectives on Housing Abandonment and Urban Blight

Choi, Eun Hee   Racial/Ethnic Inequality Among Older Workers: Focusing on Whites, Blacks, and Latinos Within the Cumulative Advantage/Disadvantage Framework

Constance-Huggins, Monique  TANF Entry and Exit in the Post Welfare Reform Era:  The Contributions of Human Capital and Social Capital

Kim, Yoon Mi   Linking Acculturation Patterns, Acculturative Stress, and Education Policies to Educational Competence Among Mexican-American Children

Schelbe, Lisa   "Some Type of Way":  An Ethnography of Youth Again Out of the Child Welfare System

Thomas, Tammy   "Hey, Those are Teenagers and They are Doing Stuff":  Youth Participation in Community Development

Friedline, Terri  Predicting Savings From Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Early Access to Savings Leads to Improved Savings Outcome

Kim, Yoonmi  The Effects of Acculturation, Perceived Discrimination, and Educational Policy on Educational Achievements Among Latino Youths

Kolivoski, Karen  Patterns of Justice System Involvement Among Child-Welfare Involved Youth

Lee, Yeonjung  Family Caregivers' Labor Force Participation and Financial Well-Being:  A Longitudinal Study

Nam, Ilsung  Effects of Economic Hardship on Complicated Grief 

Weaver, Addie  Is Family Therapy Effective, Acceptable, and Sustainable for Mothers and Children?: An Examination of Structural Family Therapy Implemented Within a Semi-rural Community Mental Health Setting

Breneman, Catherine Crawford  Evaluation of the Implementation of the Mentoring Program for Behavioral Health Service Coordinators in Allegheny County Carrick, Kathleen Rose A Comparison Among Healthcare Students at the University of Pittsburgh in Attitudes about Lesbians and Gay Men and Support for Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Hackman, Ruthanne  Immigrant Elder Women and Their Long-Term Care Planning Jung, Hyunzee Attitude, Associates and Recidivism: Relationship Patterns Among Allegheny County Jail Ex-Inmates Kanno, Hanae Hidden Victims in Social Work Practice with Traumatized Populations: Predictive Factors of Secondary Traumatic Stress for Social Workers in New York City Mallinger, Gayle M. Placing Children in Need with Gay and Lesbian Couples: Influences on Placement Decisions Smith, Mary Lindsey Just one more: An examination of the prevalence, correlates, and consequences of concurrent alcohol and medication use in older adults

Block, Azadeh Masalehdan Exploring Barriers to Outpatient Adolescent Therapeutic Interventions Eack, Shaun Michael Social Cognition and Social Disability in Schizophrenia: The Role of Emotional Intelligence Heo, Jeongim Grace The Role of Religious Coping in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Sarteschi, Christine Marie Assessing the Effectiveness of Mental Health Courts: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Recidivism Outcomes Singer, Jonathan B. M others Seeking Mental Health Services for their Children: A Qualitative Analysis of Pathways to Care

Conner, Kyaien O. Mental Health Treatment Seeking Among Older Adults with Depression: The Impact of Stigma and Race Gilkey, So'Nia L. Shelter as Sanctuary: A Narrative Inquiry of the Experience of Homelessness Gjesfjeld, Christopher D. Economic Hardship, Social Support, and Maternal Depression: A Test of the Social Support Deterioration Model McCabe, Elizabeth Blocher Predictors of Readmission in Hospitalized Anorexia Nervosa Patients Mohanty, Jayashree Ethnic Socialization,  Identity Development, and Psychological Adjustment in International Adoptees as Adolescents and Young Adults Santhouse, Robin Correlates of Service Utilization and Adherence to Dietary and Exercise Modifications in a Sample of Women Before and After Bariatric Surgery

Baker, Parris J. Self-Efficacy, Co-Parenting Relationship, and Parent Satisfaction: Variables that Predict Paternal Involvement by Non-Custodial Fathers Bell, Melissa M. Barriers in the Provision of Family Planning From Social Workers to their Clients Bulcke, Gina Identifying Barriers to Treatment Among Women Gamblers Davis-Jones, Latika Psychological Dysfunction, Drug Treatment Engagement and HIV Risk Behavior Among Methadone Maintained Clients Fisher, Mary Anne Social Support for the HIV+ Client: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Traditional Versus Volunteer Case Management Intervention Kim, Jean-ie Mothers' Depression and Parenting Efficacy Among Economically Disadvantaged Korean Women: Test of a Mediation Model Peters, Solveig S. Relations Among Interparental Relationship Quality, Maternal Depressive Symptoms, Parenting in the Home Environment, and Pre-School Child Behavior in African American, Low-Income, Single-Mother Families Pivetz, George Retirement, Control, and the Challenges of Aging Woodcock, Karen Mental health Help-Seeking: Attitudes and Experiences of Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Ford, Angela A.  Exploring Health Behavior in Older Black Women

Hart, Carol L.  Post-traumatic Stress Symptomatology in Aging Combat Veterans:  The Direct and Buffering Effects of Stress and Social Support

Trunzo, Annette C.  Engagement, Parenting Skills, and Parent-Child Relations as Mediators of the Relationship Between Parental Self-Efficacy and Treatment Outcomes for Children with Conduct Problems

Fevola, Antonio V.   The Impact of Services Integration:  Outcomes in Two Early Intervention Programs

Grater. Joyce J.   The Impact of Health Care Provider Communication on Self-Efficacy and Caregiver Burden in Older Spousal Oncology Caregivers

Kaijage, Theresa J.   Factors Influencing Adherence to HIV/AIDS Treatment and Prevention Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

Lee, Bongjae   Alcohol-Induced Stress and Social Support as Influences of the Adult Substance Abuser's Health and Well-Being

Lichtenwalter, Sara    The Relationship Between Auto Ownership and Employment Outcomes:  Race and Gender Variations

McDonough, Kathleen E.   Internal EAPs and the low-wage Worker: Practitioners' Perceptions of Services

Momper, Sandra L.   Maternal Gambling, Parenting in the Home Environment, and Child Outcomes in Native American Families

Stevenson, Andre P.  Barriers Affecting Women's Ability to Make the Transition from Welfare to Work in a Rural Community

Aurand, Beverly   Access to Health Care for Uninsured Women

Hilko, Tamara Lynn   The Impact of the Permanency Planning Process on Achieving Permanency for Children Active in a County Children and Youth Agency

John-Langba, Johannes  The Relationship of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to Sexual-Risk Behavior Among Refugee Women in Botswana:  The Medicating Role of Depression

Lee, Jee-Sook   Intergenerational Conflict, Ethnic Identity, and Their Influences on Problem Behaviors Among Korean American Adolescents

Little, Stacey   Understanding the Sociological Factors of Poverty and Their Impact on Prenatal Care Utilization Among Low-Income Women

Oh, Yunjin  The Role and Effect of Psychosocial Resources and Gender Differences in Caregiving Stress

Ohmer, Mary Louise   Citizen Participation and its Effects in Neighborhood Organizations:  The Influence of Perceived Organizational Characteristics and Effectiveness

Renzeli, Cara   Parental Participation in Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment:  Predictions and Outcomes

Richel, Carrie   Child Outcomes in Community Mental Health:  Effects of Maternal Mental Health Status

Smith, Christine   Correlates of Burnout Among Providers Who Serve the Homeless

Stork, Elizabeth P.   Analyzing Decision Making:  Women Seeking Shelter from Intimate Partner Violence

Daniel, Jerry   Survey of Clinicians' Perception of Inmates' Satisfaction with Mental Health Services

Frank, Marsha  Factors Influencing Belief in the Validity of Delayed Trauma Memory

Knudsen, Kraig  The Diffusion of an Evidence-Based Practice:  A Case Study of High and Low Adopters of Assertive Community Treatment

Lowe, Tony   Management Practices as a Factor in Male Social Workers Increased Exposure to Client-Related Violence in Mental Health Service 

Lynch, Mark T.   The Effects of Research Training and Research Efficacy on Empirical Research Productivity by Practicing Social Workers

Modie-Moroka, Tirelo  Community and Individual Life Stressors, Health Status and Social Capital:  A Study of Low-Income Areas in Francistown City, Botswana

Slawinski, Tonya  The Intensive Case Manager/Client Relationship:  Understanding the Factors Influencing Boundary Development and Compliance

Stubenbort, Karen  The Effectiveness of Intervention for Maltreated Preschoolers:  An Attachment Theory Perspective

Breitenstein, Larry  Managed Care Effects on the Reporting and Substantiation of Child Abuse and Neglect

Faber, John  HIV Prevention and Sexually-Active, High Risk Young People:  A Collaborative and Empowering Approach to Intervention 

Friedman, Mark  Gender-Role Nonconformity, Bullying, and Suicidal Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Adolescents

Leahy, Dean  Improving the Organ Donation Process:  Can Social Work Help?

Lindsey, Michael  Social Network Influences on African-American Adolescents' Use of Mental Health Services

Bonach, Kathryn   The Mediating Role of Forgiveness in the Relationship Between Post-Divorce Cognitive Processes and Co-Parenting Quality:  A Context, Process, Outcome Model

Manfred Gilham, Jerry Jo  Use of an Orientation Engagement Strategy to Enhance the Therapeutic Alliance with a Child's Caregiver

Meyer, Susan  Effects of Upper Managers' Conflict Handling Styles on Subordinate Managers' Conflict Handling Styles and the Frequency, Intensity, and Resolution of Conflict in a Hierarchical Organization

Schutz, William   A Nationwide Study of Goal Attainment Among Health Resources and Services Administration-Funded Traumatic Brain Injury State Demonstration Grantees

Winter, Elizabeth  The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment and Co-Morbidity on Depression Treatment Response in Adult Women

Montrose, Deborah   Children and Adolescents at Risk for Schizophrenia:  Influence of Familial Expressed Emotion

Robinson, Bonnie  The Impact of Gender Role Adherence, Gender Role Stress, and Sexist Attitudes on Violence Against Women

Sukitz, Sr. Carol  A Study of Parish Social Ministry and Delivery of Social Services in the Neighborhood Community

Home > College of Social and Behavioral Sciences > Social Work > Social Work Theses

Social Work Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Theses/projects/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Examining The Relationship Between Technological Skills and Success In Higher Education Among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals , Ebony Cubias

SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TREATING ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSERS , Monica DeLucia and Kethura Solano

MINORITIZED GROUPS AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND RECOVERY CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN MUTUAL AID FELLOWSHIPS , Kaelyn Doyle and Benjamin Wahl

EXAMINING EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PREPAREDNESS ON THE NEEDS OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS , Imelda Duran Herrera

RESILENCY AND FATHERLESS HOUSEHOLDS , Joshua Ellis-Kennedy and Crystal Angelica Orellana

THE INCREASE OF SUICIDE RISKS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , Joanna Flores

Staff Turnover in Child Welfare , Maleena Flores

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT'S PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND PREPAREDNESS IN SERVING UNACCOMPANIED MIGRANT CHILDREN , Miriam Flores Portillo and Estela Flores-Portillo

PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL MENTAL HEALTH ON ADULT CHILDREN , Samantha Ann Gallo-Vargas and Queray McMihelk Jr.

HOW ARE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS EQUIPPED WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING TO DETECT AND REPORT ELDER ABUSE IN HOSPICE , Crystal Garcia and Katherine Barba

How Stigma Impacts the Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Young Adults' Within Three Different Ethnic Minority Communities , Ivette Garcia and Melissa E. Gomez

THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION OUTCOMES , Kelly Gasso

INTERVENTIONS AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH OPPOSITIONAL DIFIANT DISORDER: A SCOPING REVIEW , Megan George and Jacqueline Laitano

HOW DOES HAVING A PET DURING THE CORONAVIRUS-19 PANDEMIC AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AFFECT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION , Sugey Gonzalez-Escobedo and Jessica Morales Sanchez

SCHOOL FACULTY’S KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS , Bianca Gonzalez Vargas and Cristal Cortes-Vazquez

HOW LATINO PARENTS COPED WITH FINANCIAL CHALLENGES DURING COVID-19 , Melissa Gradilla and Valerie Malagon

ASSESSING RURAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES , Ava M. Hagwood

SOCIAL WORK’S ROLE IN ADDRESSING POLICE OPPRESSION: SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES , Jess Husband

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE , Adelola Ige

EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE , Aida Justiz Skipper and Ericka Ross

PROMOTING RESILIENCE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE , Brenda Lara

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AND THE SEXUAL HEALTH OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE OF COLOR IN THE INLAND EMPIRE , Irad Leon

HOW HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTED CLIENTS OF THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENTER , Daniella Loera

FACTORS THAT INCREASE SOCIAL WORKER LONGEVITY IN CHILD WELFARE SERVICES , Heather Lovejoy

SAFETY ORGANIZED PRACTICE TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA , Alison Lucado

Indigenous Women and Traditional Paths to Healing , Lisa Mariano-Grise

SERVICES FOR AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVES FOSTER YOUTH VICTIMS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: THE SOCIAL WORKER’S PERSPECTIVE , Maria Marquez

RESIDENTIAL CARE STAFF VIEWS ON THE TRAINING THAT THEY RECEIVE AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS ON PREPAREDNESS IN REGARD TO WORKING WITH RESIDENTS , Deziray Sorieya Marroquin

EFFECTS OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ON PARENTS , David Martinez and Linda Saleh Borghol

THE CHALLENGES HOMELESS MEN WITH HIV/AIDS FACE WHEN SEEKING HOUSING , Rosey Yvette Martinez

EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FAMILY COHESION AND THE RISK OF SUBSTANCE USE IN OFFSPRING , Angelica Mendoza

MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND ATTITUDES TOWARD MENTAL HEALTH HELP-SEEKING AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS OF NON-MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS , Hannah Metz

EFFECTIVE RESOURCES FOR ONLINE LEARNING A STUDY ON ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN , Marlene Mora-Lopez

FOSTER PARENT TRAINING, RETENTION, AND SATISFACTION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY , Dennisse Moreno Romo and Dulcinea Catota

AGED OUT YOUTH'S PERCEPTION ON THE NEEDS OF EMANCIPATED FOSTER YOUTH , Linda Murillo

Attitudes of Social Work Students on the Use of Psychedelics as a Mental Health Treatment in Clinical Settings , Amanda Nickles

CHRONIC SORROW AND THE IMPACT ON PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES , Rhianna Mayra Nordlund

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES THAT LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS FACE WHEN ACQUIRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. , Stephanie Nunez-Rivera

Examining the Obstacles in Rehoming the Homeless with Substance Use Addiction , Denise Ortuno

Access to Gender-Affirming Care and Mental Health of Transgender Individuals , Paola Osuna Berumen

EXAMINING SUPPORT SEEKING BEHAVIORS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS , Ashley Padilla

THE BARRIERS DIRECT SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS FACE WHEN WORKING WITH INCARCERATED YOUTH , Elizabeth Padilla and Valerie Mercado

UNDERSTANDING VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: IDENTIFYING MACRO AND MICRO-LEVEL MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS , Abbigail Pereyra

COVID-INDUCED STRESS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS , Quenea Popoca and Christina Ngo

STUDENTS' EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR HYBRID MSW PROGRAM , Carolina Profeta

Preserving Placement for Children with Behavioral Issues: A Qualitative Study of Child Welfare Social Workers in the United States , Jessica Katelyn Quin and Tara Belle Beam

Does the use of Social Media Have an Impact on Young Adults Body Identification? , Glycell Robledo Felix and Ashley Olmedo

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND STRESS DURING COVID-19: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LATINO DREAMERS IN COLLEGE , Vanessa Robles and Janelly Molina

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORK INVOLVEMENT IN HOSPICE CARE TRANSITIONS FOR ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES , Natalie Rodas and Guillermina Morales

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF DISPROPORTIONALITY AND DISPARITY IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM , Nelyda Rodriguez

EXAMINING HOMELESSNESS AND ITS EFFECTS ON FUNCTIONING AMONG FOSTER CARE ALUMNI , Silvia Romero

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON SOCIAL ISOLATION AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG YOUNG ADULTS , MARIANA ROMO

Incarceration Effects on Children and Families , Sharon Rose

IMPACTS OF POVERTY ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT HOW LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS STUDENTS ARE AT AN ACADEMIC DISADVANTAGE , Farbod Samari

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF THE PLACEMENT DISCONTINUITY IN FOSTER CARE , Michelle Sepulveda and Angela Williams

HOW LANGUAGE, HEALTHCARE INSURANCE STATUS, STIGMA, AGE, AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT INFLUENCED THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG THE LATINO MALE POPULATION , Esmeralda Solis and Annika Coe

THE BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE AUDITORY AND VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS , Joseph Stewart

Social Justice Theatre and the Impact on Theatre Artists , Stevie Taken

School-based Suicide Prevention Program for LGBTQ Students , Ching Lok Tse

Exploring Permanency Rates Within the Southern California Counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego , Karrene Turner

Placement instability and its effects on the mental health of foster youth , Tyra Turner and Shalynn Burton

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND GANG MEMBERSHIP , Johanna Ulloa

SOCIAL WORKERS PERSPECTIVE ON BARRIERS TO FAMILY REUNIFICATION , Laura Velasquez and Annamarie C. Merrill

FIRST-GENERATION SOCIAL WORK LATINAS BALANCING LIFE AND CAREER , Angelica Venegas

FORMER FOSTER YOUTH AND THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION , Jacqueline Viadas and Liliana Lua

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience in Social Work , Margeaux Wilkins and Jazmine Salazar

PARENT-CHILD ATTACHMENT WHEN PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY , Giulianna Zocchetti

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2022 2022

SOCIAL WORKER STUDENT’S ANXIETY, AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , David Adler

Measuring Competency in Social Work: LGBTQIA Populations , Desirae Nicole Aguirre and Samantha Raquel Stephens

PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USE AMONG LATINX WOMEN WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS , Mayra Alvarado

A NEED FOR SUPPORT SERVICES AMONG HISPANIC FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS , Evelyn Arellano and Jessica Cazares Armenta

PARENTIFICATION: THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON THE PARENTIFIED ADULT , Andrea Monique Armas

UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND CULTURE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF MONOLINGUAL SPANISH SPEAKING PARENTS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE , Valeria Armentilla Cecena

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL WORK: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SCHOOLS IN LIBERAL STATES , Yenicka Avila and Stephanie Ibarra

The Effects of Burn Out in Public Child Welfare Workers , Leandra Barcenas

BARRIERS AMONG MEN SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES , Karen Barone

COLLEGE-AGED STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE , Emily Bautista and Marijane Garcia

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS COMPETENCY ADDRESSING SEXUAL HEALTH NEEDS OF CLIENTS , Laken Beltran

UNDERUTILIZAITON OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS , Jermaine Bennett and Anna Blum

UTILIZATION OF TELEMENTAL HEALTH BY MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID-19 , Zayne BoudreauxRamirez

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ COPING STRATEGIES DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC , Margarita Bracamontes and Benjamin J. Johnson

THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Rosanne Cabonce

BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES EXPERIENCED BY ONLINE GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Joseph B. Camacho

SELF CARE AND BURNOUT AMONG CHILD WELFARE WORKERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC , Stephanie Carranza and Claudia Castillo

CAN SOCIAL WORKERS PROVIDE ACCESS TO HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH URBAN FARMING , Nayely Chairez

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND MATERIAL HARDSHIPS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED STATES , Erika Chavez-Marroquin

THE UNDERDIAGNOSIS OF ADHD IN BLACK FEMALES , Kiana Clerkley

SOCIAL WORKERS’ COMPETENCY WHEN WORKING WITH LATINO IMMIGRANT FAMILIES , Suleima Corea and Cynthia Gutierrez

DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF IN QUEER COMPANIONSHIP AND CHOSEN FAMILY , Derek Lowell Corns

COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: UNDERSTANDING MILITARY IPV AND THE AVAILABLE MILITARY AND CIVILIAN IPV INTERVENTIONS , Taylor Coutts

Accessibility of Mental Health Resources in Schools , Zitlaly Lizeth Cruz-Roman and Vianney Consepcion Sandoval

THE EFFECT OF THE PERCEPTION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ON ASIAN AMERICANS , Angela Dao

HOW KNOWLEDGEABLE ARE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ON THE CONCEPT OF COMPASSION FATIGUE AND DO THEY ENGAGE IN MEASURES TO PREVENT IT? , Jessica Duran

AVERTING EDUCATIONAL DISRUPTIONS FOR MIGRANT CHILDREN , Natalie Elisarraraz

CAREGIVER AND SOCIAL WORKER PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON CHILD WELFARE VISITATION , Christopher Enhelder and Christina Ortiz

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND LIFE OUTCOMES AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS , Kazandra Dominique Farrell

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF CHILDHOOD PARENTIFICATION: AN EXAMINATION OF FAMILIAL CHARACTERISTICS , Tameka M. Ferguson

Career Outcomes for Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates , Roberta Fox and Jesse Rodriguez

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SOCIAL WORKERS’ ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES , Victoria Fuller

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS IN WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH MEDICAL COMPLEXITIES , Elia Galicia and Rosa Espinoza

Page 2 of 17

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Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Clinical research papers from 2019 2019.

Acculturation and Depression among Older U.S. Immigrants: A Systematic Review , Sunghwan Cho

Relationship as an Energetic Exchange: A Key Theory for the Nurtured Heart Approach , Inga Eanes

Birth and Pregnancy Termination Rates in The United States Since Perinatal Hospice Law Establishment , Chelsea Janey

Why Do Some Single Mothers Struggle More Than Others? , Tania Rhiger

The Bond We Share: Sibling Relationships Within Severe Mental Illness Through the Lens of Autoethnographic Research , Laura Rydberg

Clinical Research Papers from 2018 2018

Healing the Mind and Body: Practitioner Perspectives on Integrating Cognitive and Somatic Approaches in Psychotherapy with Refugees, Asylees, and Asylum Seekers , Amanda Ament-Lemke

Professional Perceptions of Youth Homelessness and Strengths Developed , Joelle Bellows

Sleep Deprivation and the Health of Firefighters , Bridget Bender

Effective Social Work Practice with Military, Veterans, and their Families , Katherine Boyer

Promoting Resilience and Preventing Sexual Offenses in Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review , Cassie DeGraw

Therapist, Know Thyself: Self-Reflective Practice through Autoethnography , Nikki DiVirgilio

Foster Care and Education: Exploring the Success of Interventions Aimed to Improve Academic Achievement of Foster Children , Olivia Erickson

Early Interventions: Preventing at-risk youth from the path of Sexual Exploitation: A Systematic Review , Rahma Farah

Treatment Barriers in Mental Health: Perspectives of Using Mobile Technology , Ryan Goman

“Make ’em Laugh” The Interaction of Humor in the Therapeutic Treatment of Trauma: A Narrative Review , Katherine Goodman

The Role of Somatic Psychotherapy in Treating First Responders: Providers’ Perspectives , Maggie Graham

Utilization of Social Media in Strengthening Communication in Long Distance Relationships , Lexie Gutzmann

Medical Social Workers’ Best Practices in Supporting Autonomy at End of Life , Morgan Hanley

Women’s Prisons and Substance Abuse Treatment: A Systematic Review of Shame Interventions , Jamie Herman

Trauma-Informed Care For Youth In Foster Care , Jordyn Hubin

Integrating Trauma Informed Care into the Treatment of Adult Male Sex Offenders: A Systematic Review , Erica Janssen

Challenges and Opportunities in Accessing Geriatric Mental Health Services in Rural Minnesota , Kassara Kneeland

Professional Opinions of Effective Interventions for Adults with Psychotic Disorders Who Experienced Childhood Trauma , Jennifer Metzger

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Co-housing Options for Older Adults to Age in Place , Kasey Meyer

Using an Integrative Psychotherapeutic Approach to Help Adults Cope with Chronic Pain , Bethany Miletich

Examining Services Effective at Preventing Domestic Homicide: Interviewing Relevant Stakeholders about Their Perceptions Regarding Their Role in Reducing the Recurrence of Domestic Violence , Katlin Morse

Secure Attachment Without Bars: Alternatives to Incarceration and Clinical Interventions to Treat the Mother-Infant Relationship , Krista Murphy

Trauma-Informed Care: Training and Implementation in the Foster Care System , Danielle Norgren

The Impacts of Supervision on Social Workers Who Experience Client Suicidal Behavior , Chelse Paulzine

The Impact of Minnesota Warriors Hockey on Post-Military Service Reintegration: A Pilot Study , Andrew Qualy

Non-pharmacological Interventions in Residents with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia , Kelli Ray

Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples: A Treatment for Depression and Anxiety , Courtney Reinitz

Chemical Dependence Harm Reduction: A Needed Application for Social Workers , Josie C. Schmitz

Exploring Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia: A Social Work Perspective , Ashley Schoonover

Is Marketing Messing with Your Clients’ Heads? Brands, Identity, and Clinical Practice , Paul Schuster

A Systematic Review: Examination of Yoga-Based Interventions to Determine their Benefits and Effectiveness in Treating PTSD in Women , Jessica Skaare

Rural Service Providers’ Perceptions of Cultural Responsiveness to LGBT Older Adults , Lisa Twomey

Understanding the practitioner’s role in the therapeutic setting: working with youth that identify as Black or African American and LGBT , Katie L. Ubl

The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Older Adults with Dementia , Alison Waid Higgins

Impacts of and Alternatives to Solitary Confinement in Adult Correctional Facilities , Sarah Zyvoloski

Clinical Research Papers from 2017 2017

Mapping Social Justice: A Case Study of a School of Social Work Student-Led Social Justice Initiative , Lauren Abdill

Evaluating Child Maltreatment Prevention Programs & Services: A Qualitative Study , Laura Abrass

“I’m Tough, It’s Fine”: Prohibiting Restrictive Procedures and Seclusion in Educational Settings , Kaitlin Adams

Developmental Impact of Inclusion Classrooms on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review , Emily E. Aller

Involuntary Civil Commitment and Sobriety , Ana Anderson

A Case Study of Veteran Identity as a Female , Kimberly Anderson

Racial Differences in Veteran Service Connection Disability , Jonathan Arnold

A Qualitative Investigation of Parental Experiences with Play Therapy , Kaitlin Bach

Cognitive Behavior Therapy with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review , Crystal Barrera

Systematic Review of High School Dropout Prevention Programs , Dayne Bartlett

Identity and Belonging: Documentation Status and Mexican-origin children: A Systematic Review , Alicia Bauers

Removing Stigma and Reducing Anxiety: Social Work Professionals Integrating Essential Oils in Mental Healthcare Services with African American and Native American Clients , Kamara Bauman

What Can We Learn from Death and Dying? One Man’s Experience , Brooke K. Benson

Trauma in schools: Identifying and working with students who have experienced trauma , Amanda E. Berg

Unintended Rehabilitation: A Comparative Analysis of Prison Animal Programs , Mielissa Beseres

Understanding the Mental Health Impacts of Non-Kinship vs. Kinship Placements , Lena Bessas

Social Worker Perceptions on Education for Generalist and Specialist Roles , Jamie Blackledge

Strategies and Outcomes in Working with Adolescents Diagnosed with Conduct Disorder , Elisabeth A. Boegeman

Domestic Violence: How to Treat the Unseen Victims , Sarah Callahan

Birth Parents: Blogging The Emotional Journey Through Adoption , Kayla L. Christensen

Factors that Increase Successful Parenting Skills in Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma, Neglect, and Abuse: A Systematic Review , Victoria A. Christian

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Veterans Experiencing Insomnia: A Systematic Review , Dustin Cobb

Posttraumatic Growth in United States Military Veterans , Angela Cox

Examining Post-Adoption Services: What Adoptive Families Need for Beneficial Outcomes , Lindsey Crawford

Addressing Needs Among Students Affected by Domestic Violence: Social Workers’ Perspectives , Kiah Dahlquist

Making & Sustaining Change from Psychotherapy: A Mixed Method Study , Kelsi Dankey, Heather Karson, Arielle R. Yahnke, Sara Lemon, Tricia Downing, Danae Hoffman, and Natia Wilcek

What is the Impact of Mental Health Courts? A Systematic Literature Review , Rachel Dean

Best Practices for Engaging Birth Mothers in Post-Adoptive Grief Work , Melanie DeJong

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Vocational Rehabilitation in Economic Outcomes for Adults with Disabilities , Susanne Desmond

Bicycles and Youth: Impacts , Elizabeth Drews

Lessons for Social Workers: A Review of the Latino/a Undocumented Immigrant Experience , Katie J. Ducklow

Aging Americans: Family Factors and Satisfaction with Life and Aging , Miranda Eastham

Intervention with Intimate Partner Violence: Application of Attachment and Personality Disorders , MaryBeth Ehlert

Transgenerational Transmission of Caregiver Behaviors Promoting Secure Attachments in American Indian Communities , Bryan Ellingson

Interventions to Alleviate the Psychosocial Needs of Hospice Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review , Nicole Engen

Spiritually Integrated Care for Veteran Trauma Survivors: A Quantitative Analysis , Krystle Englund

Guardian ad Litem Perceptions of Child Protection , Carla Evans

Factors Contributing to Success in Treatment for Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis , Logan Evenson

Systematic Review: Considerations for Women with Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder and PTSD , Brittany Feller

Mindfulness Practice with Children who have Experienced Trauma , Margaret Fischer

Officer-Involved Homicides of Unarmed Black Males: Perceptions of the African American Community , Sarah Fox

Intimacy after Sexual Trauma: Clinical Perspectives , Melissa Franckowiak

Interventions that Support Caregivers of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review , Melissa Franzen

Gaps in Mental Health Services in the Juvenile Justice System as Identified by Clinical Social Workers , Heather Fretty

Family Functioning and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Military Families: A Qualitative Study , Karlie Gams

Disability Accommodations in Postsecondary Education A Systematic Review , Kaitlyn Gartner

Perceptions of Diagnosing and Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Complex Trauma in Schools , Megan Gauer-Kloos

Clinician Support to Caregivers of Children with a Mental Health Disorder , Lauren Gavin

Effects of Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Practices on Stress and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents , Amanda Geldert

Intervention effectiveness following gender-based violence and forced migration: A critical systematic literature review and synthesis of qualitative studies from the voice of the client , Malory Giraldo

Identifying Protective Factors for Adult Children of Alcoholics , Jessica Goeke

"Si No Estuviera Conmigo, Yo Seria Muda en Este País": A Systematic Literature Review of Language Brokering Among Latinx Youth , Manuela Gonzalez

Postpartum Depression and Opinions on Screening , Jana Gorman

Identifying and Mitigating Caregiver Burnout: The Role of Adult Day Social Workers , Annika Grafstrom

Work and Quality of Life for Individuals with SMI: A Systematic Review , Scott Grandt

Analysis of Implementing Trauma Informed Programs in Grade Schools , Lilli Gray

Making it Right in the End: Conflict on the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team , Sarah Green

Supports and Barriers Experienced by Female Same-Sex Couples When Planning For Life as They Age , Johanna Guerkink

Sacred Shame: Integrating Spirituality and Sexuality , Alyssa J. Haggerty

Welfare Reform and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review , Brianna Heilman

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Theses and Dissertations School of Social Work

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Full text for dissertations and theses included in this collection dates back to 2011. For older dissertations, check the library’s catalog CatalogUSMAI or Dissertations and Theses database .

Recent Submissions

Moving Beyond ‘A white Man’s Thing’: A Case Study of Urban Kenyan Youth Mental Health

Attitudes Toward Medical Aid in Dying in a National Sample of Hospice Clinicians

Push Factors, Moving, and Mental Health Among Older Adults: The Moderating Effects of Indicators of Social Support

Oral Histories of Black Women Advocates in the Civil Rights Era: Illuminating Perspectives of Black Healing, Wellness and Spirituality

Moving from Moral Distress to Moral Emotion: A Socioecological Model

Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation, and Parenting Stress in Mothers of Preschoolers

Exploring Child Welfare Placement Pathways to Residential Treatment Settings: A Three Paper Dissertation

Surviving High School Transfers: A Multilevel Study of Student and School Characteristics Related to School Transfer, Graduation, and College Entry

Perceived Need for Care and Mental Health Service Use: The Moderating Effect of Race/Ethnicity and Military Veteran Status among a Population-based Sample of U.S Adults

Understanding Financial Behavioral Health and Race (Racism), and their Association with Investment Risk Willingness

Time-Use and Well-Being in Family and Other Unpaid Caregivers of Older Adults

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Extended-Release Naltrexone

Centering Black Lives: Exploring Oral Histories of Legacy African American Women in the Black Belt to Heal the Wounds of Racialization as Justice

Examining depression and social and emotional development outcomes in parents and children in migrant and seasonal farmworker families

The Interplay of Home Visitors’ Personal and Professional Identities in Effectively Screening and Supporting Women around Sensitive Topics

Youth Worker Perspectives on Building and Maintaining Relationships with Older Adolescents and Emerging Adults in Strongport

Covariates Associated with Completing Short-Term Residential Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder Among Adults in the U.S.

Parents’ Experiences and Perspectives of Early Childhood Mental Health Services and Child Welfare

Comparing the impact of community-based mediation vs. prosecution on assault recidivism among adults

The Role of Self-efficacy, Technology Acceptance, and Support, in E-Learning for Child Welfare Workers

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Social Work

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a nationally-accredited program that prepares students for advanced professional practice in social work. The thesis-based route is designed for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies and/or anticipate a career requiring advanced program evaluation and research skills. 

Students are required to attend the residency attached to their program, which may be in Calgary or Edmonton.

Students holding an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree are admitted directly into a 36-month thesis-based MSW program. Students admitted with a non-social work degree complete 9 foundation courses (in 12 months) followed by the 36-month program (48 months total).

Completing this program

Courses: Students must follow the prescribed curriculum plan for their specialization and complete all 10 courses (30 units) if they entered the program with a BSW or 19 courses (57 units) if they entered the program with a non-social work degree.  The specialization year consists of 4 courses in Advanced Social Work Practice (12 units), 4 specialization courses (12 units), and 2 thesis research courses (6 units).

Thesis: Upon completion of required courses, students conduct original research and prepare a thesis which is evaluated on the written content and is orally defended before an examination committee.

Research Proposal:  Students should complete all coursework prior to having their proposal approved by their supervisor.

Optional Practicum:   Students may elect to complete Social Work 660 Advanced Practicum, but it is not a mandatory component of the thesis-based degree.  Students with a non-BSW degree may need additional Foundational Practicum hours to meet accreditation requirements.

Specializations

• Clinical Social Work Practice (CSWP)
• International and Community Development (ICD)
• Leadership in the Human Services (LHS)

For more information about these specializations please see the Academic Calendar.

Hospitals/community health centers, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit/advocacy groups, government, social service/child welfare/family service agencies, correctional facilities, social housing, family courts, employee assistance programs, private counselling, school boards, consulting.

A thesis-based master’s degree in social work is a preferred pre-requisite for a PhD.

Students are required to complete all required courses, prepare and successfully defend a thesis in an open oral examination.

Students with a BSW complete 10 courses (30 units).  Students with a non-social work bachelor's degree must complete 9 Foundation courses (27 units) prior to their 10 Specialization courses (30 units).  Advanced Practicum ( SOWK 660 - 6 units) is optional.

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Online delivery

The MSW thesis-based program in all three specializations will be offered by distance (online) learning with in-person residencies in Calgary or Edmonton. Online courses consist of a mix of real time classes at set times and learning that can be done on your own schedule. Students not attending residencies may be required to withdraw from the course or the program.

Please consult the Social Work  website  for specific program delivery information.

Time commitment

Three or four years (maximum) of full-time study, dependent on entry route, specialization and program location.

For incoming MSW thesis students, the PhD/MSW Thesis Coordinator will act as the interim supervisor. Before the end of April of the first year, each student must designate a faculty member as permanent supervisor. Students will work with their supervisors to determine if a co-supervisor and/or supervisory thesis committee is preferred. This decision should be made prior to start of  SOWK 670  and must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available.  For more information, visit our website .

Heather M Boynton

Patrina Duhaney

Yahya El-Lahib

Linda Kreitzer

Yeonjung Lee

Anne Marie Mclaughlin

William Pelech

Melanie Rock

Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited/recognized* institution or a four-year bachelor’s degree in another discipline.  The degree must be conferred prior to the May program start.

*The Faculty of Social Work recognizes BSW degrees accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), and international credentials deemed equivalent to a Canadian BSW degree by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).

Work samples

Work experience.

Applicants must have the equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3,000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field.

• A program proposal outlining the applicant's social work perspectives and educational goals.
• A preliminary thesis proposal describing the research problem you hope to investigate and the research methodology or methodologies you are considering.

Reference letters

Two; one professional and one academic

Test scores

English language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 97 (with no section less than 20) .
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7. 0 (Academic version with no section less than 6.0) .
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (no less than 70 in writing and speaking; 60 in reading and listening).
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in academic writing and oral communication courses and B+ in other courses.

For admission on May 1:

• Canadians and permanent residents: November 1 application deadline 
• International students: November 1 application deadline 

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program.

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Email:  [email protected]

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Related programs

Course-based Certificate

Course-based MSW

Educational Research

Course-based MEd (Interdisciplinary)

Course-based MEd (Specialist)

Thesis-based MA

Thesis-based MSc

Thesis-based EdD

Certificate (Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law)

Course-based LLM

Thesis-based LLM

Certificate

Course-based MN

Thesis-based MN

Course-based MN/NP

Highlights of the Social Work program

Creating Meaningful Experiences for Neurodivergent People

Dr. David Nicholas’ Vocational Abilities Innovation Lab is internationally acclaimed for its innovative approach in supporting autistic and other neurodivergent youth and adults.

Making neighbourhoods more liveable for older adults

As our population ages, it’s becoming increasingly important to ensure that Canadian neighbourhoods are liveable for everyone, which is the focus of Dr. Yeonjung Lee’s innovative research.

Leading Field Education Innovation

Finding meaningful practicum opportunities is a growing crisis in social work. Dr. Julie Drolet leads a national/international group that is finding surprising solutions.

Curious about the University of Calgary?

Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.

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Creating a thesis statement.

Write with Might #6: Creating a Thesis Statement

This week we continue our exploration of the writing process, which again includes: (1) prewriting, (2) creating a thesis sentence, (3) developing an outline (4) reverse outlining and (5) proofreading. I would like to offer some support on how to create a thesis statement. The following information is adapted from the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) and the Odegaard Writing &Research Center, with citations following.

Creating a thesis statement

In writing a thesis statement, remember that your task is to take a stance, argue a position and support it thoroughly with academic evidence.

1. Determine the kind of paper to determine your thesis' task

An analytical paper: your thesis should break down an idea/issue and evaluate it An expository paper: your thesis should explain something

An argumentative paper: your thesis should make a claim (an opinion) and argue it

Got something different?: Perhaps you are writing a narrative or reflection paper. If so, your thesis statement is still important as it should communicate one central theme or main idea to your reader. It will also help you stay organized.

• Start with your claim

Locate the strongest idea you developed while prewriting, then ask yourself, "is it arguable?"  Thesis statements

MUST be arguable.

Revise your claim as needed so that it is arguable.

Arguable statements:

• are persuasive and convincing
• tackle an issue/problem/question for which no easy answers exist
• invite a variety of possible perspectives
• Add reasons to your claim

A working thesis is a claim (arguable statement) with REASONS attached

CLAIM: Readers should reject women's magazines with advertising that presents impossibly thin models. REASON: Excessive dieting can cause psychological problems.

WORKING THESIS: Because excessive dieting causes psychological problems, readers should reject women's

magazines with advertising that presents impossibly thin models.

4. Ask: Is my thesis statement specific?

It should only cover what you will argue/discuss/present in your paper and what you can thoroughly

support with evidence within the scope of the paper. Be honest with yourself, perhaps you could pare it down?

5. Ask: Where does my thesis statement appear?

Your thesis should generally fall near end of your first paragraph. You should warm up the reader at the beginning of your first paragraph, providing interest, context and perhaps a brief description of the larger discourse in which your thesis lives. Consider adding a roadmap for the reader, telling them how you are going to prove your mentioned thesis. EXAMPLE: "This paper will....1), 2), 3).

6. Ask: Do I need to change my thesis now that I've written part of/all of this paper?

You may find that after you really delve into writing the body of your paper, you realize you have taken a different path. This is not necessarily a problem. Perhaps you simply need to revisit your thesis statement and change it to ensure it exactly reflects what you are telling your reader throughout the paper. Remember, reverse outlining is a great help for gaining this awareness!

Brizee, A., Tardiff, E. (2011, February, 24). Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. Retrieved from:  http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/1 /

Odegaard Writing & Research (n.d.) Center. Claims, Claims, Claims. Retrieved from:

http://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Claims%20Claims%20Claims.pdf

Have a wonderful, inspired week and take good care of yourself,

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MSW Thesis and Research Experience

Updated march 21, 2024.

FIFSW offers a thesis option as one way for students to gain research proficiency during their MSW program.

Other research opportunities for MSW students consist of taking an additional research course , doing independent research or a reading course with an FIFSW faculty member , completing a research intensive field placement or by participating in research assistantships . Details about these options follow the MSW Thesis Overview sections below.

MSW Thesis overview

Students can consider the option of a MSW thesis. The option of a thesis is available for  up to three MSW  students in an academic year.

Application Process:

To be eligible to do a thesis a student must:

• Currently hold a SSHRC-CGS Master’s Scholarship or OGS award or meet the GPA level for an OGS (3.70 average over the last 20 courses – this includes undergraduate courses)
• Have two years of direct practice experience
• Have a letter from a faculty supervisor
• Research question
• Brief literature review
• Sample methodology
• Data collection strategies
• Analyses plans
• Have met with the MSW Program Director to determine the feasibility of the proposal

Students will be approved for a thesis based on meeting the above eligibility criteria, and based on:  1) the quality of the applicant’s proposed research, and 2) the availability of a supervisor.

Students who undertake a thesis typically require 1-2 extra semesters to complete the process and, therefore, may need to pay additional tuition fees.

There are other options available for gaining research proficiency, including taking additional research courses, seeking an independent study experience with a FIFSW faculty member, seeking courses at other faculties and choosing a research intensive field placement. We encourage students to discuss all these options with their faculty advisors.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the MSW Program Director, Micheal Shier  ( [email protected] ).

Timelines for Academic Year

Advanced Standing Candidates Deadlines for Thesis Application

• Meet with MSW Program Director prior to April 15th
• Application Deadline is May 15th
• Outcome of Application: June 15th

Two Year MSW Candidates Deadlines for Thesis Application

Thesis Committee

Once the thesis proposal has been approved, (see Appendix A, Approval for MSW Thesis Commencement Form ), the student, in consultation with the supervisor, selects other members for the thesis committee. Committee members are chosen on the basis of their known expertise in the student’s area of research. Committee members may be selected to contribute to the substantive area of the thesis or to contribute methodological expertise.

One member is often the second reader of the thesis proposal. A member can also be chosen from outside the Faculty (for example, a field instructor or a leading practitioner in the field). It is possible to appoint a committee member from another university who has similar graduate faculty status at her/his university.

Note: It is not a requirement that all committee members be members of the SGS at University of Toronto.

If the student is enrolled in a collaborative specialization, the thesis will be supervised and evaluated in the same manner as those in the home graduate unit. Normally, at least one graduate faculty member affiliated with the collaborative specialization will be a member of the student’s thesis committee.

It is recommended that the thesis committee consist of at least 2 working members. At a minimum, the thesis committee should consist of the supervisor plus at least one other member. The size and composition of the committee should ensure reasonable support for the student during all stages of development and completion of the thesis.

Note: The final oral examination requires a quorum of three voting members. For the oral examination, one or more examiners join thesis committee member(s) to conduct the exam. A final target of four members for the oral examination committee ensures that the quorum of three voting members will be met should unforeseen circumstances require a member to be absent.

When all thesis committee members have been selected and have agreed to serve, the student completes the “Thesis Committee Member Form” ( Appendix B ), and submits a copy to the MSW Program Director for subsequent placement in the student’s file.

The supervisor (the thesis committee chairperson) and thesis committee provide support and guidance throughout the thesis process. They initially approve the thesis and at least one will be present at the defense. The committee should meet at regular intervals during the research process. It is important that the student keep both the supervisor and the thesis committee informed of her/his progress. The student should come to meetings prepared to discuss progress and problems with the thesis research.

The committee members will provide consultation, suggestions, and specific recommendations for dealing with the problems.

Committee members will assess drafts of the chapters of the thesis and provide feedback within two weeks. They will also evaluate the final draft of the thesis and provide specific feedback as to the revisions needed prior to the oral defense.

Preparation of the Thesis

Depending on the nature of the data required, the student may need three or more months to complete data collection. Data analyses and writing of the thesis often requires an additional six or more months. According to this schedule nine or more months will be required to complete the thesis. This timeline is based on concentrated work on the thesis with only minimal employment responsibilities.

Human Subjects Review

If the proposed research involves the use of human subjects, an application and protocols must be submitted for delegated (expedited) or full review, to Health Sciences REB. Students should refer to the website , for application forms, regulations, policies and guidelines governing human research, dates of upcoming meetings of the Health Sciences REB and deadlines for submissions of protocols (usually 2 weeks prior to meeting dates). The REB now accepts electronic submissions exclusively by email (no need to hand in hard copies), for both delegated and full REB reviews for all REBs. Please e-mail one electronic copy of your protocol and appendices as a single Word document or a pdf, with appendices pasted in at the end to  [email protected] . Electronic signatures are preferred. The Research Coordinator (Room 516) of the Faculty’s research office may also be contacted for help.

The above website also offers other important information on topics such as “informed consent” and “delegated/expedited review”. Informed consent requirements are discussed and sample forms are shown. Studies that may qualify for delegated/expedited review due to minimal risk are also discussed.

Thesis Format

The format for the title page, acknowledgments, abstract, and table of contents is consistent with a standard set by the University.

In general, the content of the abstract should give an overall picture of the thesis and should include: purpose of the study, its focus, and research questions or hypotheses; theoretical framework; source of data; methodology; major findings; limitations and strengths; and implications.

For the main body of the thesis, the sequencing of the chapters follows the format set for the thesis proposal:

• Introduction (includes statement of problem) • Review of Background Literature (theoretical and empirical) • Design and Methods • Findings • Discussion  (includes relevance to Social Work) • References • Appendices

Examination Committee Membership

The supervisor (the thesis committee chairperson) and student, in consultation with the MSW Program Director, determine the composition of the oral defense examination committee.

The examination committee consists of at least three and as many as five voting members. The quorum is three voting members. The examiners will require sufficient knowledge of the content of the thesis to form a judgment about its acceptability.

The committee must include: • one to three members of the supervising committee; • one examiner who has not been closely involved in the supervision of the thesis who is approved by the MSW Program Director (usually the external reviewer); • a non-voting chair appointed by the MSW Program Director

All examination committee members must receive copies of the thesis at least four weeks in advance of the examination date with the exception of the external reviewer who must receive a copy six weeks in advance (see below). It is the student’s responsibility to distribute copies to the external reviewer and the committee members.

External Reviewer (or External Appraiser)

The external reviewer must have an arms-length relationship with the student and the supervisor and is selected by the thesis supervisor and the student in consultation with the MSW Program Director. The reviewer/appraiser completes a written assessment of the thesis, recommends acceptance or lack of acceptance and normally participates on the oral examination committee as an examiner. Thesis appraisals usually consist of an analytical and constructively critical commentary of the thesis, together with an assessment of the importance of the work in relation to the field. The appraisal ends with an explicit recommendation that the thesis either be accepted or not be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work. The typical length is one to two pages, single-spaced with a list of minor errors attached. The external reviewer should have a minimum of four weeks to review the thesis and prepare a response. In turn, the student and all members of the examination committee are entitled to see the appraisal two weeks before the examination takes place. Therefore, the thesis must be given to the external appraiser six weeks prior to the defense date.

The student can use the two weeks to prepare a considered response to the appraisal. However, the student is prohibited from discussing the appraisal with the external examiner until the examination is underway.

Scheduling MSW Thesis Defense Dates

When the members of the examination committee and the external appraiser have been confirmed, the student and supervisor can determine a defense date and time. At this point the student can formally notify the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work of her/his intent to defend the thesis at an oral examination. To make this request, the student should complete the “MSW Oral Defense Request” form (see Appendix C ) and return it to the office of the MSW Program Director. The form is for the internal use of the faculty and includes information needed by the faculty to commence with the defense planning, including the defense date and time, committee composition, AV needs, thesis abstract and a short author’s biography. The form should be submitted four weeks prior to the defense date.

Planning for the thesis defense should take into account the School of Graduate Studies deadlines for convocation and fees. Approximate deadlines for defense are March 31, June 30, and December 18. In order to arrange for a defense, the thesis must be ready at least six weeks prior to these dates. Please note that difficulties in defense scheduling may be compounded by holiday schedules. For instance, the last day to defend for the November convocation is the end of June due to the summer schedule of committee members. However, with the approval of committee members and the MSW Program Director, this defense may be held at a later date.

The Oral Examination

The MSW oral examination should generally follow the established School of Graduate Studies procedures for Ph.D. final oral examinations. Many of these procedures are relevant for the MSW oral examination, which is conducted by the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

At the examination, the chairperson functions to protect the candidate from harassment, ensure the candidate is given reasonable opportunity to defend the thesis, and to ensure the candidate her/himself defends the thesis (not the supervisor or other committee member).

Examination committee members must vote whether or not the thesis and the defense are acceptable or not acceptable. More than one negative vote causes the thesis examination to be adjourned. Members who find the thesis acceptable must also determine whether the thesis is acceptable as is, requires minor corrections, or requires minor modifications.

Minor corrections are punctuation or typographical errors or problems in style. Normally these issues must be correctable within one month. The supervisor informs the candidate of the necessary changes and provides a written statement to the MSW Program Director when the corrections have been completed.

Minor modifications are more than changes in style and less than major changes in the thesis. A typical example of a minor modification is clarification of textual material or the qualification of research findings or conclusions. Minor modifications should be feasibly completed within three months. The committee member in charge of monitoring the changes (usually the supervisor) provides a brief written statement of the necessary changes to the candidate and MSW Program Director. When the modifications are complete, they notify the MSW Program Director in writing.

All corrections and formatting of the thesis must be completed prior to the last day for degree recommendation (see Table 1., page 19 and the SGS Calendar) so that the candidate can be recommended for convocation. The corrected final approved thesis must be electronically submitted to SGS by the deadline or the student will be required to register and pay fees until the thesis is completed.

After the Defense

The chairperson immediately returns all exam forms for the student’s file to the Registrar’s office.

Student makes modifications to the thesis as required. These are reviewed by the faculty member(s) designated at the end of the oral defense (usually the supervisor). Minor corrections are completed within one month or less while minor modifications are completed within three months or less.

Supervisor informs the MSW Program Director in writing that the student has made revisions/corrections (see Voting Ballot and Chair’s Summary Form in Appendix D ).

Student picks up (from SGS) and signs the following forms: o Library release guidelines (The University of Toronto Authority to Distribute Form). o Request for microfilm (National Library of Canada Non-exclusive License to Reproduce Theses). o Students failing to complete all steps by the specified deadlines will be required to register and pay fees for another term.

Submission of Theses

One electronic copy of the final approved version of the defended thesis must be submitted to SGS.  Instructions can be found on their Electronic Thesis Submission page.  All theses will be submitted to the national thesis program at Library and Archives Canada, and theses will be made publicly available on the Theses Canada Portal. This program makes theses available to ProQuest, which in turn makes theses available for purchase on its Proquest Dissertations & Theses Database and includes the catalogue records in its bibliographic services. It is the intention of the University of Toronto that there will be no restriction on the distribution and publication of theses. However, in exceptional cases, the author, in consultation with the thesis supervisor and with the approval of the chair of the graduate unit, shall have the right to postpone distribution and publication for a period of up to two years from the date of acceptance of the thesis. In exceptional circumstances and on written petition to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies the period might be extended, but in no case for more than five years from the date of acceptance of the thesis, unless approved by the Graduate Education Council. More information about producing your thesis can be found on the SGS site.

Following electronic submission of the thesis, a signed hard copy of the Library and Archives Canada Theses Non-exclusive License form (available online here ), along with any necessary copyright permissions, must also be submitted to SGS. Candidates will be charged a fee for the processing and indexing of the thesis.

Specific formatting guidelines must be followed so that theses conform to the requirements of SGS and for the publication of the thesis. Theses that do not confirm to these formatting guidelines will not be accepted. For more information about required fees, forms, copyright, thesis formatting, and other related matters, visit the information for Students’ section of the SGS website.

E-copy to School of Graduate Studies

Students should consult their graduate unit for additional local format requirements, submission deadlines and procedures concerning master’s theses. An electronic copy of the thesis must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies only after the thesis has been successfully defended and any final corrections have been made. The School of Graduate Studies also requires a copy of the letter from the student’s supervisor confirming completion of any required corrections. Students may also be required to submit a bound copy or copies of the thesis to the relevant graduate unit.

Office of Convocation

Students must notify the Office of Convocation of their intent to attend convocation after the Faculty Assessment Committee has approved students to graduate. Visit the convocation website for details.

Other options for Research Learning and Training 

The thesis option is just one way for students to get research experience in their MSW program. Below is a list of other possible research opportunities for MSW students:

• What you can do to evaluate this option: You would need to speak to your advisor and the MSW Program Director about such options. Course instructors may have prerequisites to take a course and course enrolment may be restricted.
• What you can do to evaluate this option: You would need to reach out to a faculty member that is conducting research in an area of interest to you to ask if they would be willing to conduct an independent study course with you.
• What you can do to evaluate this option: You can reach out to an individual faculty member or the staff in the practicum office to find out more about research intensive field placements.
• What you can do to evaluate this option: You can reach out to faculty who are doing research in your areas of interest to see if they are hiring any RAs. Faculty usually post their RA positions on the MSW listserv, where you can review for opportunities. Finally, RA positions are also posted across the university at the CLNX page . For help with navigating CLNX, please visit this video tutorial

Thesis and Capstone Requirements for Social Work Programs

Most social work programs culminate in a final capstone or thesis. Usually, students complete a capstone or thesis in their final quarter, semester, or year of study, but some may begin preparing for the project weeks or even months in advance. Schools assign capstones and theses to assess a prospective social worker’s ability to apply classroom concepts in a professional social work setting.

In general, both kinds of projects require students to undergo internships or complete field work in a social work role. Oftentimes, students must critically analyze a social justice or human rights issue relevant to their field experience. Alternatively, students may offer potential solutions to problems their employers face. In combining research with field work, social work programs also prepare graduates to transition from the classroom to the workplace.

Students can complete their capstones or theses in a diverse range of settings. Common placements for both projects include clinical or hospital environments, public policy organizations, and nonprofits. Within these core settings, students work with underserved populations and address issues such as systemic racism, economic inequality, access to healthcare and education, and substance abuse.

This guide outlines the similarities and differences between the social work capstone and thesis, and provides general guidelines for both projects.

What’s the Difference Between a Capstone and a Thesis in Social Work Programs?

Both a capstone and thesis are supervised research projects that include a practicum or internship in a professional social work setting. These projects also include a written essay synthesizing the student’s internship experience and applying relevant lessons from the social work curriculum. At the end of the process, students give a final presentation.

However, significant differences exist between the two options. Social work bachelor’s students usually complete a capstone, while social work master’s students usually complete a thesis. In general, a capstone demonstrates a student’s ability to apply classroom principles in a professional setting. By contrast, a thesis combines internship work with original, publishable research. Thus, while students prove their mastery of social work theory in completing a capstone, students contribute new ideas to the field in writing a thesis.

What Is a Capstone Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work capstone format.

Typically, a social work capstone is a final project embedded within a required research or practicum course. Field work for the capstone project requires a time commitment of one quarter to one academic year, with many students beginning their practicum or internship experience the summer before their senior year. Capstone projects include extended written components, usually an essay of 30 to 40 pages. In the written portion, students identify an issue or need at their field experience site. They then research the topic and suggest potential solutions. Students often present their papers to an audience of their professors and peers. Most capstones are individual projects, but some programs ask students to collaborate.

Choosing Your Social Work Capstone Topic

Since the capstone incorporates an internship in a social work setting, it also provides an opportunity to network with industry professionals and launch a post-graduation career. As such, students’ professional goals within social work should determine their capstone focus. After choosing a topic, students hone their research goals with the help of faculty advisers, professors who typically have work experience relevant to each student’s interests. Capstone topics vary depending on the program, but students often analyze current human rights or social justice issues such as multicultural family systems, health and wellness, public policy, and sustainable development.

Completing Your Social Work Capstone

While each social work program maintains unique capstone requirements, the project’s timeline typically follows a similar sequence. Prior to securing a field work site, students attend informational forums in which instructors explain field work expectations and available partnership locations. Students apply for field work locations that most closely align with their academic interests and professional goals, and professors assign sites accordingly. Field work usually takes place in social service institutions such as hospitals, children’s welfare agencies, or housing transition programs. Occasionally, students can complete capstone research in their current workplace if they already hold employment in an eligible social work setting.

Once students start field work, they meet regularly with advisers, either one-on-one or alongside a group of peers. During these meetings, students analyze their field work experiences, identify problems or needs in a given area, and design a research topic that offers potential solutions. Usually, social work interns also work with a field site supervisor. This supervisor acts as a mentor and ensures that students meet expectations and log the required number of hours.

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Presenting your social work capstone.

Most social work students present their capstone projects in front of a panel of professors and peers. Capstone panels range in size from a few faculty members to audiences of 30 to 40 people. Occasionally, presentations open to the public. Since capstone presentations cover research data, panels generally encourage visual aids, such as PowerPoint or Prezi, to illustrate measurable statistics. During the presentation, students describe their internship role, analyze the communities this internship served, and reflect on the potential solutions to problems they encountered.

How Is a Social Work Capstone Graded?

Students receive a grading rubric at the beginning of their capstone course outlining the program’s unique assessment requirements. While each program determines the success of a capstone differently, professors usually assess how well a student develops a professional identity, engages in critical thinking, conducts research, and cultivates an ethical practice serving human rights or social justice. Assessors grade a capstone on an “A-F,” or 4.0, scale. Students who fail can occasionally appeal their grades, retake the capstone seminar, or edit their research essay.

What Is a Thesis Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work thesis format.

Most master’s programs include a social work thesis. For the thesis, students complete in-depth research or data collection, write an extended essay of about 50 pages, and present an oral defense of results. Typically, master’s students conduct research on a topic of interest while participating in a field work placement or internship. Candidates then outline their research in a written thesis. This process requires at least a year of work, and students usually complete thesis projects individually. Occasionally, however, graduate students’ theses are collective projects that contribute to larger, faculty-led research studies. In such cases, a group of several students and faculty members conduct research together.

Choosing Your Social Work Thesis Topic

Like the capstone, a thesis offers the chance to conduct academic research while earning relevant work experience and networking with social work professionals. Students should communicate with a faculty member or professor who shares their professional or academic experiences and interests. With the help of their adviser, students can determine their research interests and find field work placement sites.

Though thesis topics vary widely, students often address human rights and social justice concerns they encounter during clinical, public policy, or nonprofit work. Rather than relying on established claims, theses propose new ways of understanding and combating social inequality. Social work thesis topics grapple with issues such as the efficacy of community centers in impoverished neighborhoods, strategies for palliative care social work, and success rates for bully prevention programs.

Completing Your Master of Social Work Thesis

Before designing a thesis, students often spend at least one semester, or two quarters, working in their chosen field placement site. During this process, master’s students work alongside a field supervisor, who regularly conducts one-on-one evaluation meetings to measure the student’s progress. The advisers also record student hours. Depending on a program’s requirements, master’s students spend 15 to 30 hours a week at their placement sites. This experience is crucial to identifying eligible social work thesis ideas.

After this initial work, students partner with a faculty adviser to identify a narrow research topic addressing a question or problem in their field. Students form this question by synthesizing their field work with an in-depth review of relevant literature and case studies from peer-reviewed sources. Finally, master’s students present their topic of inquiry to either their adviser or an advisory committee, usually in the form of a short, ten-page summary of their research interests. If the adviser approves the topic, students then begin formally collecting data and writing the thesis.

Presenting Your Social Work Thesis

The master of social work thesis presentation generally takes the form of a formal thesis defense. During the defense, master’s students present their research and conclusions to a faculty panel consisting of at least three professors, including the student’s faculty adviser. Similar to the capstone presentation, thesis defenses often include visual aids such as PowerPoint or Prezi presentations. The visual aid is especially important if the presentation involves graphs, pie charts, or other mediums of data analysis. Only the faculty panel typically attends a formal thesis defense, but master’s students often present their findings again in informal sessions open to the university community.

How Is a Social Work Thesis Graded?

The thesis should display a student’s ability to conduct independent research and meet the demands of a professional social work position. Professors grade a student’s formation of research questions, analysis of secondary literature, collection of data, and organization of research in a coherent report. Advisers always state their expectations in advance of the deadline. Students who don’t meet these goals can occasionally rewrite the thesis, but failure seriously endangers and delays degree conferral. Professors award grades based on a “A-F,” or 4.0, scale. Passing projects generally receive an “A,” while underdeveloped projects receive failing grades.

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Social Sciences Resources (STA): Theses & Dissertations

• Accessing Resources Off-Campus
• Theses & Dissertations
• Citing & Referencing
• Past Papers
• Information Resources Profiles by Disciplines
• ASK A LIBRARIAN

Theses & Dissertations: Page Contents

• Theses & Dissertations: Introduction
• Theses & Dissertations : Selected Guidelines (UWI)
• Theses & Dissertations : Useful Resources
• Theses & Dissertations : Databases (AJL)
• Theses & Dissertations : Recommend a Resource
• Theses & Dissertations : Report a Broken Link

Theses & Dissertations: Recommend a Resource

• Regionalism-Caribbean Area

Theses & Dissertations: Report a Broken Link

• Report  

Theses & Dissertations: Introduction

The University of the West Indies (UWI) has specific guidelines for the writing of theses, dissertations and research papers (applicable to higher degree candidates, graduate students).  Social Sciences   students should consult their academic supervisors and lecturers regarding the guidelines that ought to be followed for a specific assignment.

The Alma Jordan Library (AJL) provides access to several databases that offer access to theses and dissertations (UWI and non-UWI), in Social Sciecnes and other disciplines.

Theses & Dissertations: Selected Guidelines (UWI)

Please refer to the link below.

For other relevant guidelines, policies and procedures relating to UWI theses and dissertations, please visit the Graduate Studies and Research Information Portal  (GRIP).

• Thesis Guide - The University of the West Indies

Theses & Dissertations: Useful Resources (AJL, UWI)

• Thesis Boot Camp- Citing & Referencing
• Thesis Boot Camp - Formatting Thesis Tips & Tricks
• Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition - Sample Citations

Theses & Dissertations: Databases (AJL)

• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global
• The University of the West Indies Thesis Collection
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• Last Updated: May 9, 2024 10:34 AM
• URL: https://libguides.uwi.edu/social-sciences