University of Utah
Specialized Structure: Area of Emphasis
University of Utah’s Social Work in Aging emphasis, launched in Fall 2010, incorporates several new aging-related courses and expands one that is already in place. The emphasis builds on the gero-infused MSW foundation curriculum and complements the advanced curricula in the four 2nd year practice domains—mental health, health, public service, and forensic social work.
Students in the emphasis use their elective course choices and their practica to deepen their knowledge and skills in preparation for a career focused on work with older adults and their families in multiple service settings—such as geriatric health and mental health centers, hospitals, home care agencies, long-term-care facilities, multipurpose senior centers, retirement communities, welfare planning bodies and age-related organizations working for policy change.
Required courses include Social Work with Older Adults (2 credits) and Aging Policy and Service Delivery (1 credit) offered fall semester and Chronic Illness in Older Adults: A Family Centered Social Work Perspective (1 credit) and Mental Health Issues with Older Adults: Evidence Based Approaches (1 credit) offered spring semester. Students also complete an additional credit hour in one of the following courses: Interdisciplinary Approach to End of Life / Palliative Care, Interdisciplinary Seminar: Aging, and Aging-related Independent Study.