Specialization Program in Older Persons and Their Families
Purpose:
The specialization program in older persons and their families will provide MSW students with an enriched program of study at GSSS that allows them to integrate content and skills in both a method and a specialized area of practice. Such a program could enhance the employability of Fordham MSW graduates and provide them with an advantage in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Graduates would be able to include on their resumes information about their specialization in work with older persons and their families.
Concept:
The specialization program in older persons and their families is an overlay on the existing curriculum, and can serve as an enhancement for either the clinical, research or administration concentrations. The specialization incorporates content about this growing client population in multiple service settings. Students electing this specialization will use their elective course choices, their fieldwork and the required field integrative seminar to deepen their knowledge and skills in preparation for a career focused on work with older persons and their families. Upon completion of the designated package of courses and field requirements, students will receive a certificate of completion.
Requirements:
— Field Practicum: Advanced year in a setting focused on work with older persons and their families, with specific learning goals and assignments related to services and practice in this area and elaborating on current practicum objectives.
— Field Integrative Seminar: A special section for MSW advanced year students placed in settings related to work with older persons and their families. These seminars will be held at Lincoln Center on Wednesdays at 9:30 and at Tarrytown on Mondays at 5:30. All students choosing this specialization must attend one of these field integrative seminars.
— Older Persons and Their Families Required Courses: The following two courses related to older persons and their families are required and would be taken as electives:
SWGS 6409: Practice with Older People and Their Families
SWGS 6007: Social Policy, Analysis, Advocacy, and Practice with a Focus on Aging
Additional Points:
Faculty-field advisors will be appointed who are experienced in working with older persons and their families and who are knowledgeable about the field.
Students selecting the older persons and their families specialization will be required to enroll in classes at the time they are scheduled. For example, there will be a limited number of sections of each of the seminar classes at both Lincoln Center andTarrytowncampuses.
The Career Development Office will assist students in presenting the information about the specialization on their resumes and in job interviews.
Second year placements will be selected with students, keeping in mind both the student’s prior experience in the field, first year field experience, and learning needs and goals. The learning needs of each student will clearly determine the ultimate field placement selected.
Contact person: Irene Gutheil (718) 817-5631
