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Curriculum and Program Quality
Comprehensive information about our curriculum, learning outcomes, and quality assurance processes.
Program Structure
The Master of Social Work with Indigenous Specialization is a two-year, full-time program comprising 42 credit hours integrated across foundational courses, specialized coursework, and practical field experience. The curriculum is structured to develop competencies in Indigenous social work practice while maintaining alignment with national social work standards.
Total Credit Hours
Classroom Credits
Practicum Credits
Core Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits | Key Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISW101 | Introduction to Indigenous Social Work | 3 | Understand Indigenous frameworks, Historical and contemporary contexts |
| ISW102 | Indigenous Perspectives and Decolonization | 3 | Decolonial theory, Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination |
| ISW201 | Social Work Practice with Indigenous Communities | 3 | Community-based practice, Cultural competency |
| ISW202 | Research Methods in Indigenous Contexts | 3 | Indigenous research paradigms, Community-based research |
| ISW301 | Field Community Learning I | 6 | Applied practice skills, Supervised learning |
| ISW302 | Field Community Learning II | 6 | Advanced practice, Leadership development |
Learning Outcomes and Competencies
Indigenous Knowledge Integration
Students understand and apply Indigenous knowledge systems, frameworks, and perspectives in social work practice.
Assessment: Coursework analysis, community learning evaluation, portfolio assessment
Cultural Competency
Students demonstrate cultural awareness, humility, and effective work with Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
Assessment: Self-assessments, faculty evaluation, community supervisor feedback
Critical Consciousness
Students analyze power structures, systemic oppression, and advocate for social justice aligned with Indigenous values.
Assessment: Reflective essays, case analysis, advocacy projects
Professional Ethics
Students apply ethical principles in practice, navigating tensions between Western and Indigenous ethics frameworks.
Assessment: Ethics case reviews, practical decisions in community learning
Evidence-Based Practice
Students integrate research evidence with Indigenous knowledge and community wisdom in decision-making.
Assessment: Research projects, evidence integration papers
Quality Assurance Framework
The program maintains rigorous quality assurance processes that include continuous monitoring of student learning, program effectiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction. These processes inform ongoing improvements and demonstrate accountability to accrediting bodies.
Course Evaluations
Every semesterStudents evaluate courses and faculty; results inform improvements
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
AnnuallyFaculty assess student achievement on core competencies
Program Evaluation
AnnuallyDirector leads comprehensive program review with stakeholder input
Community Feedback
QuarterlyCommunity partners provide feedback on student readiness and program relevance
Graduate Outcomes Tracking
AnnuallyTrack employment, professional development, and career satisfaction
Accreditation Review
Every 7 yearsComprehensive external review against accreditation standards
Assessment Results and Trends
2023-24 Learning Outcomes Achievement
Continuous Improvement Initiatives
- ✓ Enhanced practicum supervision training
- ✓ Increased Indigenous guest speakers
- ✓ Expanded community partnership integration
- ✓ Strengthened research methodology courses