Focused Areas of Study

In addition to your area of concentration, you may focus on a current social work issue through our Focused Areas of Study (FAS) option. With elective credits you can focus your study on a particular population or social problem that complements your concentration. Students in good academic standing who complete all requirements in an area of study will receive a letter of recognition.

All FAS in the curriculum consist of the following components:

  • Successful completion of six elective credits. Requirements vary depending on the FAS; see below for a list of the courses that meet each area.
  • A year-long practicum placement in a field or practice relevant for the FAS (required). Students will work with their practicum coordinator to indicate interest in pursuing a particular area of study.

The School of Social Work offers the following Focused Areas of Study:

International Issues in Social Work

The FAS in International Issues in Social Work is designed for students who want to include a global perspective in their social work program. The International Issues specialization is useful for students considering careers in international development; working with immigrants, refugees, or inter-country adoption; advocacy work on global policy issues; and those who wish to broaden their domestic practice competence through understanding social issues internationally.

Students are required to take either:

  • SSW 5416 (formerly SWEL 5348): International Social Work: Global Issues OR
  • SSW 5415 (formerly SWEL 5345): International Development: Theory and Practice

Students are required to take one of the following courses:

  • SSW 5406 (formerly HBEL 5328): Puerto Rican & Latino Experiences in the United States
  • SSW 5451 (formerly HBEL 5386): Studies in the Holocaust: Implications for Social Work
  • SSW 5430 (formerly SWEL 5333): Travel Study for Social Work
  • SSW 5415 (formerly SWEL 5345): International Development: Theory and Practice
  • SSW 5417 (formerly SWEL 5350): Comparative Social Welfare Policy between the United States and the Second World
  • SSW 5421 (formerly SWEL 5385): Human Rights and Social Work
  • SSW 5999 (formerly IS 5394): Independent Study for a maximum of three credits (requires advanced approval by the Focused Area of Study Chair)

Chair: Rebecca Thomas (rlthomas@uconn.edu)

Health and Wellness

This FAS is designed to provide students the chance to enhance their knowledge and skills related to working within health, mental health and/or substance disorders settings. This focused area prepares students with the theory and practice needed to address a range of needs related to children; adolescents; adults with mental health or substance use disorders; or practice with older adults.

Students are required to take two of the following courses:

  • SSW 5408 (formerly HBEL 5357): Social Gerontology
  • SSW 5411 (formerly HBEL 5393): Emerging Issues in Mental Health & Substance Abuse
  • SSW 5403 (formerly HBEL 5300): Substance Abuse I
  • SSW 5404 (formerly HBEL 5301): Substance Abuse II
  • SSW 5407 (formerly HBEL 5318): Grief and Loss
  • SSW 5422 (formerly SPTP 5390): Health Equity and Disability Justice in Social Work Practice
  • SSW 5999 (formerly IS 5394): Independent Study for a maximum of three credits (requires advanced approval by the Focused Area of Study Chair)

Chair: Regina Lester-Harriat, LMSW (regina.lester-harriat@uconn.edu)

Gender and Social Justice

The Gender and Social Justice FAS within the MSW program prepares students to critically engage with issues of gender, equity, and human rights across micro and macro social work practice. Through targeted coursework and practicum education, students explore feminist theory, LGBTQ+ experiences, social policy, and human rights frameworks to inform inclusive and justice-oriented practice from an intersectional perspective. Students select two electives and participate in a relevant practicum experience to support acquisition of the analytical tools and applied skills necessary to advocate for gender justice in diverse social work settings.

Students are required to take two of the following courses:

  • SSW 5412 (formerly SWEL 5315): Gender and Social Work: Feminist Theory and Practice
  • SSW 5413 (formerly SWEL 5317): Gender, Family, and Social Policy
  • SSW 5409 (formerly HBEL 5370): Sexuality and Gender Diversity in Multi-Level Social Work Practice
  • SSW 5421 (formerly SWEL 5385): Human Rights and Social Work
  • SSW 5999 (formerly IS 5394): Independent Study for a maximum of three credits (requires advanced approval by the Focused Area of Study Chair)

Chair: Kathryn Libal (Kathryn.libal@uconn.edu)

Please note: Some required FAS courses are not necessarily offered each semester, so plans must be made with your advisor and the FAS Chair with this in mind.