Social Work Major: Crisis & Trauma


Help assess, intervene and manage trauma

Build a foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse, and trauma in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma. The curriculum’s focus ranges from immediate crisis assessment, intervention, and management to more specific issues; child abuse prevention and treatment, intimate partner violence, and investigating the impact of trauma for individuals and families.

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Degree:

BSW

Delivery:

On campus & online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Crisis & Trauma curriculum

curriculum guide

Students are to complete the major requirements as well as the following courses in crisis and trauma including the impact of trauma, crisis intervention, child abuse prevention and treatment and intimate partner violence. Prior to taking these courses, students complete the prerequisite of either “Introduction to Counseling” or “Theories and Methods of Direct Practice.”

With approval, transfer students may submit a transfer course for one of the above. A minimum of 9 credits in crisis and trauma must be taken at Carlow University.

Notable Courses

  • The Impact of Trauma: This course introduces the student to the field of psychological trauma. The course will be composed of lectures, discussions, guest speakers and videos. It will provide the student with an understanding of the various types of trauma and treatment, trauma theory, the impact of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit, and the historical development of trauma as a clinical entity. Students will gain an appreciation of the depth of trauma and trauma reactions in the fields of social work and psychology.
  • Crisis Intervention: An introduction to the various types of crisis situations practitioners may encounter. In addition, the course will offer various techniques and provide presentations on a variety of components needed to assist the student in understanding the concepts of crisis intervention. Crisis events can occur in a variety of ways, and as practitioners, how we deal with these events can make the difference between healing and hindrance. Emphasis will be upon a general understanding of the implications of techniques to modify, manage, and cope with crisis situations.
  • Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment: This course is designed to familiarize students with child abuse in its multiple forms. Students will have the opportunity to learn the many signs and symptoms of child maltreatment that manifest in both childhood and adulthood, and will investigate poisonous pedagogy, open/closed family systems, and the impact of shame on our lives. Students will have an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the types of child abuse as well as the signs and behaviors associated with each type.

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View Plan of Study

For a more detailed curriculum, view our course catalog, or request more information to talk to an admissions representative.

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for Social work majors

Graduates find jobs as social workers, individual case managers, support group facilitators, victim advocates, child and family advocates, protective service workers, disability and aging advocates, residential case managers, and social services coordinators/administrators/directors.

Increased demand for healthcare and social services will continue to fuel the need for this occupation.


A hand is holding a pen over accreditation papers.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.

View or download the following for more information:

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Be prepared and confident in your career

Krista Burdett ’18 said the Carlow social work program challenged her to think like a social worker: from case studies to role-playing to writing a research paper. “When I entered the field after graduation, I felt confident in myself because I was fully prepared to handle situations. Now that I’m in the field, I reflect back to my course work to pull from competencies and skills I learned.”

Social Work faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059

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