Specialization Program in Global Service

Purpose:

This specialization will provide MSW students with an enriched program of study at GSSS, which allows them to integrate content and skill building in both a method and a specialized area of practice. This program could enhance employability of Fordham MSW graduates and provide them with an advantage in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Graduates are able to include on their resume information about the specialization they earned.

Concept:

This specialization incorporates a global perspective for practice locally as well internationally. This program is an overlay on the existing curriculum, and can serve as an enhancement for the clinical, client centered practice and management, administration, or research concentrations. It includes curriculum on social welfare, community organizing models, social policy analysis, advocacy and practice focused on immigrants and refugees. This specialization has been developed to support the mission and objectives of our MSW program to serve in our inner city with its heterogeneous immigrant and refugee population, and to serve in our increasingly interconnected world. Upon successful completion of the designated courses and field requirements, students will receive a Global Service certificate.

Requirements:

Field practicum: Advanced year in a relevant setting with specific learning goals and assignments related to services and practice in the global network.

Field integrative seminar: A special section for MSW advanced year students placed in global service settings. All students choosing this specialization must attend this field integrative seminar.

Policy Requirement: For the required Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy and Practice course (SWGS 6007), students in the Global Service specialization must take:
SWGS 6007 Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy and Practice (Immigrants and Refugees)
OR
SWGS 6007 Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy and Practice (International Social Work)

Global service course requirements: All students specializing in global service must take one of the following courses:
SWGS 6705 Comparative International Social Welfare
OR
SWGS 6605 Community Organization (International)
OR
SWGS 6017 Empowerment Practice with Immigrants and Refugees

Additional points:

Faculty-field advisors experienced in international practice and work with refugees and immigrants will be assigned to the global specialization students. Students selecting the global service specialization will be required to enroll in classes at the times they are scheduled. The Career Development Office will assist students in presenting the information about the certificate on their resumes and in job interviews. Second year placements will be selected with students, mindful of the student’s prior experience in the field, first year field experience, and the field learning needs and goals. The learning needs of each student will clearly determine the ultimate field placement selected.

For further information, contact Dr. Robert Chazin at 212 636-6673 or Chazin@fordham.edu, or Associate Dean Dr. Elaine Congress at 212 636-6667 or Congress@fordham.edu.