Faculty

James R. Zabora, Sc.D.	Dean; Professor
Barbara Early, Ph.D.	Assistant Dean; Associate Professor; Chair, Doctoral Program
Lynn Milgram Mayer, Ph.D.	Assistant Dean; Assistant Professor; Chair, Baccalaureate Program
Marie J. Raber, Ph.D.	Assistant Dean; Associate Professor; Chair, Master's Program
Frederick L. Ahearn Jr., Ph.D.	Professor; Editor, Social Thought
Susanne Bennett, Ph.D.	Assistant Professor
Wendy Whiting Blome, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Karlynn BrintzenhofeSzoc, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Sister Ann Patrick Conrad, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Laura Daughtery, Ph.D.	Assistant Professor
Linda Plitt Donaldson, Ph.D.	Assistant Professor
Michaela Z. Farber, Ph.D.	Assistant Professor
Cathleen Gray, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Sister Mary Vincentia Joseph, Ph.D.	Professor Emerita
Christine Sabatino, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Joseph Shields, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Elizabeth D. Smith, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Barbara Soniat, Ph.D.	Associate Professor
Elizabeth M. Timberlake, Ph.D.	Professor Emerita
Mary Jeanne Verdieck, Ph.D.	Associate Professor

Associates of the Faculty

Frederick B. Brewster, Ph.D.	Lecturer
Jean Burgess, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Sharon Cascone, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Kathleen Casey, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Eileen Dombo, Ph.D.	Visiting Assistant Professor
Nancy Fox, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Danielle Goldberg, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Nancy Harris, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Anthony Hill, M.S.W.	Clinical Associate
Carol Kutzer, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Jo-Ann Leitch, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Nancy W. Levy, Ph.D.	Lecturer
Haylee Liss, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Julie Lopez, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Jude Setian Marston, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Alina E. McClerklin, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Maureen McFadden, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Richard Millstein, J.D.	Director of Research and Faculty Development
Patricia O'Donnell, Ph.D.	Lecturer
Andrew Pollock, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Britt Rathbone, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Anita Reed, Ph.D.
Loretta Vitale Saks, M.S.W.	Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Field Education
Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt, M.S.W.
Michael Sheridan, Ph.D.	Visiting Scholar
Ellen Thursby, Ph.D.	Lecturer
Dorothy Van Dam, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Judith Walter, Ph.D.	Visiting Assistant Professor
Beverly Russau Weaver, Ph.D.	Lecturer
Jennifer Weaver, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Rachel Bradley Williams, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Daniel W. Wilson, M.S.W.	Lecturer
Aileen Worrell, M.S.W., M.B.A.	Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

2007-2008 NCSSS Field Agencies

NCSSS Field Educators and Internship Coordinators 2008–2009

Wendy Adams, M.S.W.
Frederick Ahearn, Ph.D.
Jeasmine Aizvera, M.S.W.
Charles Akinboyewa, M.S.W.
Donilee Alexander-Goldsmith, M.S.W.
Gladstone Alleyne, Jr., M.S.W.
Joanne Assarsson, M.S.W.
Caryl Banks, M.S.W.
Carol Bartlett, M.S.W.
Ralph Belk, M.S.W.
Moshe Bleich, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Linda Bloch, M.S.S.W.
Mary Ann Blotzer, M.S.W.
Sage Bolte, M.S.W.
Teyawanda Wright Booker, M.S.W.
Mark Boothe, M.S.W.
Belindia Boyer, M.S.W.
Drucilla Brethwaite, M.S.W.
Timothy Briceland-Betts, M.S.W.
Melissa Lim Brodowski, M.S.W.
Erika Bugaj, M.S.W.
Julie Burgess, M.S.W.
Mindy Burgin, M.A.
Carrie Buttrey, M.S.W.
Elaine Byergo, M.S.W.
Miriam Calderon, M.S.W.
Laurinda Cameron, M.S.W.
Sophia Carre, M.S.W.
Hilary Cassaretto, M.S.W.
Shannon Catanzaro, M.S.W.
David Cavanaugh, M.S.W.
Carol Chace, M.S.W.
Sinae Choi, M.S.W.
Stephanie Chong, M.S.W.
Tamitha Christian, M.S.W.
Claire Cohen, M.S.W.
Linda Coleman, M.S.W.
Philip Conklin M.S.W.
Jennifer Crawford, M.S.W., J.D.
Veronica Cruz, M.S.W.
Cyndy Dailey , B.S.W. 
Beth Daniel, M.S.W.
Kim Daulton, M.S.W.
Cindy Donovan, M.S.W.
Wright Doss, M.S.W.
Jennifer Douglas, M.S.W.
Deborah Dozier-Hall, M.S.W.
Marlene Dunsmore, M.S.W.
Benjamin Ellis, M.S.W.
Tamara Ellis, M.S.W.
Deena Erickson, M.S.W.
David Facenda, M.S.W.
Mary FitzGerald, M.S.W.
David Fortuna, M.S.W.
Debbie Frank, M.S.W.
Mjiba Frehiwot, M.S.W.
Allison Friedman, M.S.W.
Carla Galone, M.S.W.
Patricia Garcia Golding, M.S.W.
Anita Gardner, M.S.W.
Laura Gardner, M.S.W.
Mark Gardner, M.S.W.
Paula Gaudino, M.S.W.
Miriam Gilbert, M.S.W.
Robert Glennon, M.S.W.
Sabine Gnesdiloff, M.S.W.
Lori Goodman, M.S.W.
Mike Goodman, M.S.W.
Catherine Graham, Psy.D.
Colleen Guerrero, M.S.W.
Gail Gunod-Green, M.S.W.
Wendy Guyton, M.S.W.
Lynn Hardesty, M.S.W.
Jay Hardin, M.S.W.
Susan Harper, M.S.W.
Nancy Harry, M.S.W.
Amanda Hasek, M.S.S.
Peggy Higgins, M.S.W.
Susan Ingram, M. Ed.
Sheryl Jefferson, M.S.W.
Jean Jerardi, M.S.N.
Vera Johnson, M.S.W.
Margaret Kabat, M.S.W.
Haley Kartey, M.S.W.
Christine Katcher, M.S.W.
Kathy Kauffmann, M.S.W.
Cindy Kim, M.S.W.
Tracy Knight, M.S.W.
Thanos Kosmopoulos, M.S.W.
Kathryn Kramer, M.S.W.
Mindy Krupp, M.S.W.
Jonah Kuhlman, M.S.W.
Judith Kurtis, M.S.W.
Danielle Kurzweil, M.S.W.
Bruce Lee, M.S.W.
Jo-ann Leitch, M.S.W.
Trent Lewis, M.S.W.
Brad Lewis, M.S.W.
Kathy Lipp-Farr, M.S.W.
Darcy Litzenberger, M.S.W.
Catherine Love, M.A.
Kate Mahar, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Liz Mathews-Jolley, M.S.W.
Branden McLeod, M.S.W.
Nadine McLeod-Peterkin, M.S.W.
Geraldine McMahon, M.S.W.
Sara McManus, M.S.W.
Pam McRae, M.S.W.
Melva Meade, M.S.W.
Allison Medina, M.S.W.
Silvio Menzano, Ph.D.
Nancy Meyer, M.S.W.
Christine Miles, M.S.W.
Karen Miller, M.S.W.
Cheryl Moore, M.S.W.
Roberta Morell, M.S.W.
Lyn Morland, M.S.W., M.A.
Kevin Morton, M.S.W.
Melissa Mueller, M.S.W.
Georgia Munson, M.S.W.
Stefanie Nash, M.S.W.
Nancy Nerad, M.Ed.
Jayne Nicholson, M.S.W.
Catherine Nolan, M.S.W.
Melissa Nolan, M.S.W.
Emma Jean Norfleet-Haley, M.S.W., Psy.D.
Joanne Odom, M.S.W.
Barbara Osborn, M.S.W.
Randall O'Toole, M.S.W.
Theresa Owens, M.S.W.
Melissa Pardue, M.S.W.
Marisa Parrella, M.S.W.
Kathyrn Patrizia, M.S.W.
Lynn Paulson, M.S.W.
Sondra Petty, M.S.W.
John Pleasant, M.S.W.
Tracye Polson, M.S.W.
Michelle Popper, M.S.W.
Meg Press, M.S.W.
Emily Price, M.S.W.
Amanda Pyron, M.S.W.
Sinead Quinn, M.S.W.
Miriam Ratner, M.S.W.
Jo Reed, M.S.W.
Sheila Rice, M.S.W.
Elaine Richardson-Dalzell, M.S.W.
Joel Rogers, M.S.W.
Deborah Rubenstein, M.S.W.
Pamela Rubin, M.S.W.
Joan Rudick, M.S.W.
Dean Rueckert, M.S.W., D.S.W.
Claudia Ruiz Fitzgerald, M.S.W.
Mary F. Sandiford, M.S.W.
Clare Savage, M.S.W.
Adrienne Scally, M.S.W.
Tess Scannell, M.S.W.
Grace Scarfi, M.A.
Jennifer Sherman, M.S.W.
Janice Siegel, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Margaret Simmons, M.S.W.
Susan Smith, M.S.W.
Glenna Smith, M.A., M.Ed.
Kathleen Soloway, M.S.W.
Betsy Sprouse, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Lindy Spruill, M.S.W.
Shannon Stapleton, M.S.W.
Schroeder Stribling, M.S.W.
Nina Swanson, M.S.W.
Lisa Syed, M.S.W.
Barbara Taylor, M.S.W.
Ellen Thursby, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Dossi Toviessi, M.S.W.
Fidel Turner, M.S.W.
Dorothy Van Dam, M.S.W.
Ashley Varner, M.S.W.
Lisa Von Dohlen, M.S.W.
Meghan Voris, M.S.W.
Kevin Waldorf-Cruz, M.S.W.
Nancy Walker, M.S.W.
Debra K. Waranch, M.S.W.
Tamara Weissman, M.S.W.
Catherine White, M.S.W.
Sabrina Willis, M.S.W.
Sharon Winget, M.S.W.
Kristin Zagar, M.S.W.
Lisa Zimmerman, M.S.W.
Janet Zinn, M.S.W., Ph.D.

In 1918 the National Catholic Welfare Conference, seeking to enhance the education of relief and rehabilitation workers in Catholic social service agencies, established a service school. Graduates of the school proved to be valued employees in the burgeoning diocesan social service programs in the United States and abroad. This convinced the American bishops to call upon the National Council of Catholic Women to develop the program into a professional school of social work for women. In 1919 they formed the two-year graduate school and named it the National Catholic School of Social Service, NCSSS.

NCSSS functioned as an autonomous educational institution during its formative years, but in 1923 its independent status changed. In that year it became affiliated with The Catholic University of America, and its graduates henceforth received their master's degrees in social work from the university. In the same year, NCSSS was admitted to the organization later known as the American Association of Schools of Social Work.

The Catholic University of America, in response to requests by the diocesan director of Catholic Charities for the social work education of priests, religious and laymen, decided to establish an additional school of social work in 1934. Because NCSSS limited its enrollment to women, the new Catholic University School of Social Work was a professional school for male social workers. This school became affiliated with the American Association of Schools of Social Work in 1937.

Almost immediately the two schools began exchanging faculty, students, courses and resources, and by 1939 there was an academic fusion. In 1947 the schools were formally merged as the National Catholic School of Social Service of The Catholic University of America.

Education toward the master's degree, M.S.W., was the primary mission of NCSSS at its inception, but additional degree programs have been subsequently established. The doctoral program was established in 1934 and is the third oldest in the world. Through the university's School of Arts and Sciences, an undergraduate degree program in social work was established in 1969. In 1983, NCSSS developed a graduate training program for Third World social work educators in Santiago, Chile, and graduates of the program have received The Catholic University of America degree, Master of Teaching in Social Work, M.T.S.W. In 2007, the Master of Teaching in Social Work was initiated in the Phillipines.

Derived from the mission of The Catholic University of America, the needs of people and the goals and values of the social work profession, the mission of the National Catholic School of Social Service is to prepare generalist and advanced practitioners, scholars and educators whose work is grounded in the social justice and charity foundation of Catholic intellectual tradition and Judeo-Christian values as well as in the tradition of a modern university, which welcomes all forms of human inquiry and values. In keeping with the teachings and values of the Roman Catholic Church, NCSSS embraces as its special responsibility the education of social workers who promote the dignity of all people as bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings, and who serve the Catholic community, the neighboring community and beyond.

In support of its mission, NCSSS has established the following goals:

1. To advance professional social work knowledge, values and skills through the development and dissemination of social work research and theory, multidisciplinary collaboration and other scholarly activities relevant to the times.

2. To educate students to become ethical social work practitioners and leaders imbued with an understanding of cultural diversity and the intellectual and professional competencies capable of promoting both individual and social change.

3. To educate students to address the basic needs of all people with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of vulnerable, oppressed and impoverished people and communities.

4. To contribute responsibly to social justice and to promote individual and societal well-being in the context of the Catholic and general communities on the local, national and global level.

To this end, we offer accredited programs at the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral levels, as well as continuing education opportunities for the social work community.

NCSSS achieves its goals primarily through its three major programs as well as a variety of additional activities. The major programs are the Ph.D. program, the M.S.W. degree program, and the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work major program. Additional activities include the work of several research and training centers, the Master of Teaching Social Work program for educators in other countries, nondegree enrollment programs, summer and part-time programs and continuing education programs. The school actively participates in the publication of the scholarly journal, Social Thought, as well as in the work of the research centers of the Life Cycle Institute. NCSSS also maintains an on-going relationship in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area with social welfare agencies and programs.

The National Catholic School of Social Service is one of the professional schools of The Catholic University of America. As such it is governed by its own faculty and dean, under the jurisdiction of the university's president, Board of Trustees and Academic Senate. The school recommends students in its graduate programs for M.S.W., M.T.S.W. and Ph.D. degrees directly to the Academic Senate and the university president. The undergraduate program's B.A. degrees are awarded through the university's School of Arts and Sciences. The baccalaureate and M.S.W. programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Center for International Social Development

The Center for International Social Development at the Catholic University of America is an interdisciplinary program of research, teaching, service and public education on the problems and prospects of international development. Drawing on twenty-one faculty from six of the schools of the university, the center aims to promote international development in the interests of peace and justice, with respect for the totality of the human person, through periodic public events and workshops, a graduate certificate program, and collaborative research. The certificate program will offer graduate students at the university and, eventually, professionals in the field the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of development issues.

Center on Global Aging

The Center on Global Aging was established in 1996. This center provides opportunities for the direct personal exchange of ideas and information, supports comparative studies of aging policies and programs from social, political, economic and cultural perspectives among countries, supports international visitors who come to the United States to study aging, conducts seminars on aging issues and provides training on aging. The center also conducts seminars and provides education and training on aging.

Center for the Advancement of Children, Youth and Families

This CUA center, based at NCSSS, seeks to improve the quality of life, safety and well-being of children and their families within their own communities, through the provision of training, evaluation, and research. Grounded in the social justice foundation of the Catholic intellectual tradition and Judeo-Christian values, the center's mission is to facilitate multidisciplinary exploration of trends, issues, values and challenges associated with delivering socially just and culturally competent social work and other services to children and their families.

Center for Community Development and Social Justice

The Center for Community Development and Social Justice is the home within the National Catholic School of Social Service for faculty members throughout The Catholic University of America with shared interests in cooperative, participatory partnerships with communities to build on their strengths and assets, promote individual and community well-being and contribute to social justice.

The center's mission is to strengthen communities, enhance the individual well-being of its members, and promote social justice through a program of community/university collaborative projects which may include training, education, research, capacity building, leadership development, policy advocacy and service.

Center for the Promotion of Health and Mental Health Well-Being

The mission of the center is to develop and conduct research studies that focus on promoting the physical and mental health of individuals, organizations, communities and society. The primary objective of the center is to generate and disseminate knowledge that informs social work practice, enhances the delivery of social services and influences state and national policy in the health/mental health fields. In addition, the center sponsors educational seminars and workshops on health and mentel health issues.

Center for Spirituality and Social Work

The Center for Spirituality and Social Work, CSSW, housed within the National Catholic School of Social Service, provides integrated state-of-the-art social work research, as well as training and service from a bio-psycho-social-spiritual perspective, with a particular emphasis on client-centered spirituality. The CSIW is committed to performing rigorous research on spiritual practices, needs assessments and interventions to serve social work clients and systems. The CSSW also provides training and education for social workers and other helping professionals at the student and practitioner level, along with spiritually sensitive services to social work clients and systems.

Social Thought

In addition to its educational programs and community service, the National Catholic School of Social Service publishes, with the Haworth Press, a scholarly journal, Social Thought. This journal is committed to exploring topics pertaining to diverse sectarian and nonsectarian approaches to religion and spirituality related to social work and the helping professions. The journal also publishes philosophical and theoretical papers that deal with professional ethics and innovations in professional paradigms, world views, conceptual frameworks, and the philosophy of social work.

Master of Social Work Program

The M.S.W. program at NCSSS seeks to prepare advanced practitioners who, consistent with their chosen concentrations, act as agents of change to promote individual and societal well-being. The goals of the Master of Social Work program, in keeping with the goals of the school and grounded in the liberal arts, educate social workers whose practice is rooted in traditional values and theory but is current with the demands of the changing practice environment. Thus, the M.S.W. program will:

1. Educate practitioners who will promote the well-being of all levels of client systems within each social environment.
2. Provide a curriculum that enables students to integrate the values of The Catholic University of America with those of the profession of social work, especially in valuing the dignity of all people as bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings.
3. Provide both the theory and the skills of empowerment practice for working with the strengths of all levels of client systems, including individuals, couples, families, and groups within organizations and communities.
4. Challenge students through academic material and field practicum experiences to see the value conflicts inherent in a society that continues to oppress vulnerable populations and is reluctant to achieve a positive change.
5. Promote an identification with the history of the profession and its early commitment to social justice, as well as provide experience with developing theory and practice in the promotion of social and economic justice.
6. Provide content that enables students to be informed consumers of social work research as well as competent practitioners of practice and program evaluation.
7. Ensure that all students build upon a breadth of foundation theory with depth in advanced theory to inform advanced practice.
8. Provide classroom and field opportunities that promote knowledge and skill for service to the Catholic and general communities on the local, national, and global level.

M.S.W. Admissions

The National Catholic School of Social Service is committed to educating students to contribute responsibly to the fulfillment of social welfare objectives and to enhance the effective social functioning of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Through the admissions process, NCSSS seeks to enroll those who will be successful in the M.S.W. program, and effective and proficient as social work professionals.

Once a complete application portfolio has been received by the NCSSS Office of Admissions, applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee according to the following criteria:

1. Evidence of student's ability to do graduate work including readiness to engage in scholarly work, evidence of analytic and conceptual thinking and strong writing skills. Evidence of the above may be found in previous academic work, (usually optional) test scores and the personal statement. Academic work should reflect a liberal arts foundation, including both social and behavioral sciences. Coursework in human biology as well as social statistics is recommended. A G.P.A. of 3.0 and above is preferred.
2. Evidence of personal qualifications essential for professional practice, including an interest in people and the processes of human relationships; a sensitivity and openness to others; an alertness to current social issues; strong interpersonal skills; readiness for increased self knowledge; and respect for the values and ethics of the profession.
3. Commitment to the social work profession, which may be evidenced by human service employment or volunteer experience, to be listed on the résumé and discussed in the personal statement.

Application Process

Application to the Master of Social Work degree program consists of the development of a complete portfolio utilizing the guidelines and forms available from either The Catholic University of America Office of Graduate Admissions or the National Catholic School of Social Service Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20064 (202-319-5496). See our web site: http://ncsss.cua.edu/admissions/masters.cfm to read about the application process and to download required application materials. Applications are accepted for full-time or part-time status for fall semesters and for part-time status only for spring semesters. The application portfolio consists of the following:

1. Completed and signed NCSSS application form accompanied by a $55 nonrefundable application fee.
2. An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate college attended. (Offers of admission to those currently enrolled in undergraduate degree programs are made pending receipt of final transcript showing award of the bachelor's degree).
3. A purpose statement developed according to the guidelines provided below (four to six typewritten, double-spaced pages):

a. Profession of social work as a career goal. Why does professional social work appeal to you? What aspects of social work are of greatest interest to you? Discuss proposed career goals. Why did you choose to apply to NCSSS?
b. Life and relationships. Discuss how your background (e.g., family, cultural, religious, economic, ethnic, racial) has affected your desire and ability to work in social work.
c. Work experience. Describe current and/or past work experience, including volunteer work, as it relates to the profession of social work. How have these experiences helped prepare you for social work practice?
d. Experience in the helping role. Social work is concerned with helping individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Using an example from your professional, volunteer or personal life, discuss and analyze a situation in which you have observed the helping role, including how it changed a problem situation.
e. Experience as a student. Evaluate yourself as a student. What differences in performance between your previous educational experiences and your forthcoming graduate experience might you anticipate? Discuss any special circumstances affecting your undergraduate performance.
f. Planning. Describe your ability and commitment to undertake graduate education at this time. What family, work or other responsibilities do you anticipate during the course of your studies at NCSSS? Evaluate your ability to fulfill these obligations.

4. Résumé including educational history, work and volunteer experience.
5. Three current letters of reference from persons, other than family and friends, who are able to address personal, professional and academic capabilities. The three references should not come from a single source.
6. Standardized test scores are optional except as follows:

• If cumulative undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, M.S.W. applicants must submit either GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) scores. Otherwise, test scores are not required as part of the admissions portfolio. Exception: If a student wishes to be considered for competitive CUA Scholarships, GRE scores are required. See Financial Aid section for additional information.
  

• Students for whom English is a second language are required to submit the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, including the written test.

As much of the above as possible should be submitted in a single packet to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
The Catholic University of America
620 Michigan Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20064

A pre-admission interview may be requested by the NCSSS Office of Admissions after all written material has been received. Applications completed by published deadlines are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis, once all materials have been received. Applications completed after published deadlines will be reviewed only if space is available. All applicants are advised in writing of the Admissions Committee's decision.

Letters of admission indicate whether a student has been admitted to the full-time or part-time program. Requests for changes must be made in writing to the director of admissions. Space is reserved for admitted applicants only when they confirm, in writing, the intent to enroll and when a nonrefundable tuition deposit has been received.

Records of applicants who do not respond to the invitation to enroll are not retained unless a written request to defer enrollment is received. Enrollment may be deferred one time only with the approval of the director of admissions.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester
April 1	Advanced standing and M.S.W. transfer students
July 15	Full-time M.S.W. program applicants
July 30	Part-time M.S.W. applicants
Spring Semester
Dec. 8	Part-time M.S.W. applicants

Advanced Standing Applicants

Graduates of social work baccalaureate programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may apply for consideration for "advanced standing" status. Individualized education contracts are developed between the applicant and the director of admissions, indicating the number of semester hours to be waived (not to exceed 30 semester hours). Additional courses beyond 30 semester hours may be required. The criteria for advanced standing status include:

1. A bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program (received within five years of enrollment in the M.S.W. Program)
2. A cumulative average of at least 3.2 in all the social work courses of the undergraduate program
3. A cumulative average of at least 3.0 in all courses applied toward the bachelor's degree
4. A minimum of B- in each social work course to be considered for waiving of credit
5. One of the three reference letters must be from the chair of the undergraduate program, who must explicitly state that the applicant is capable of Advanced Standing graduate work
6. An undergraduate practicum experience that is comparable to that expected in the NCSSS foundation practicum, including 480 hours of field instruction.

Applicants must include with their application a copy of their senior field evaluation for both first and second semesters. Offers of admission are made pending receipt of the final evaluation showing successful completion of the second semester field placement.

NCSSS Transition Course for Advanced Standing Students
All students accepted with advanced standing status will be required to take an on-line course the summer prior to their enrollment. This course is designed:

Transfer Applicants

NCSSS accepts a limited number of transfer students each year. To be eligible for transfer, courses must have been taken within five years of entrance into the program and grades of B or better must have been earned. Transfer of semester hours may not be applied toward satisfaction of the minimum residency requirements. No academic credit is granted for life experience or previous work experience. There are two categories of transfer students:

1. Students requesting transfer from another accredited M.S.W. degree program to NCSSS must follow the usual application procedure described above. One of the three letters of recommendation must be from the M.S.W. chair or an M.S.W. program faculty member, indicating the applicant has left the program in good standing and is eligible to return. In addition, the applicant must submit course descriptions of M.S.W. courses taken and, when applicable, field work description and evaluation. A maximum of 30 semester hours may be transferred from another M.S.W. program.

2. Students may request transfer of up to six semester hours of elective credits from other accredited graduate programs at the time the advanced year concentration is declared. At that time, the student writes to the M.S.W. chair, submitting a rationale showing that the course is appropriate to the concentration and submitting a copy of the course description and transcript for approval.

Courses that duplicate subject matter of foundation year courses are not transferable.

International Students

An applicant from a foreign country must have obtained a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. It is therefore essential that the official transcripts (with an attached English translation) be received for evaluation of course content and credit at the earliest possible date. The Office of Admissions usually requires an independent evaluation of foreign educational credentials. Complete applications from other countries should be received as early as possible to allow time for processing and overseas communication when necessary.

Students from other countries should have previous experience in the social welfare field before applying for admission to the social work program of this school.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must demonstrate their proficiency by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and have the scores for all three components (listening, writing, vocabulary/comprehension) sent to NCSSS as part of the application process. A minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) is expected. Proficiency in English will be confirmed upon arrival at the school by means of a personal interview, evaluation by the Intensive English Program of The Catholic University of America and/or review by the director of field education, prior to finalization of registration and participation in a field internship. Ph.D. applicants must also submit the Test of Spoken English.

Information on the TOEFL may be obtained at U.S. embassies or consulates, or by contacting the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Conditional Status

Applicants who do not meet all the requirements for admission to the M.S.W. degree program, but whose applications reflect significant potential for graduate study and competent professional practice, may be admitted to the program on a "conditional" basis. Conditional students may earn no more than one grade of C or below, for a period encompassing the first 18 credit hours of the foundation year curriculum, taken consecutively over a maximum of two semesters and two summer sessions. At the end of this period the student's performance is reviewed and the conditional status negated, or the student is required to withdraw from the program.

Nondegree Enrollment

With the permission of the program chair, nondegree seeking students may take a maximum of nine credits in NCSSS courses, taking no more than one course per semester. Applicants must submit a completed university nondegree application form; an official transcript, and a nonrefundable application fee.

Enrollment in courses as a nondegree student does not guarantee admission to the M.S.W. program. Course offerings for nondegree students are limited and are offered on a space-available basis after registration for enrolled, degree-seeking students is completed. 

Qualifying Examinations

Qualifying examinations are offered to allow degree-seeking students to waive up to nine semester hours in the following areas: Social Welfare Policy and Services I (581), Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Human Development and Psychopathology (571, 572), and Social Work Research (590). Students must apply to the M.S.W. program chair for approval to take the examinations. All students take the examinations on the same day in August, January, or May. Students must take any qualifying exams within the first two semesters of their entrance to the school. They must verify that, through previous coursework, they have mastered the course material. The Council on Social Work Education mandates that life or previous work experience cannot be used as justification for application for a qualifying exam. A student must earn a grade of 85 or above on a qualifying examination to waive that course. No other course need be substituted, making it possible for a student to graduate with fewer than 60 credits.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance is available to M.S.W. students as follows: loans, CUA scholarships (requiring submission of GRE scores), NCSSS grants, and federal work study (FWS) funding for M.S.W. students in field internships.  Assistantships and traineeships are not available for M.S.W. students. Applicants to the National Catholic School of Social Service may contact the school's Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (202-319-5496) for information about scholarships, grants and loans.Prospective applicants should request loan information and forms from the Office of Financial Aid, 6 McMahon Hall, CUA, Washington, DC 20064, 202-319-5307.

Loan Programs

Information about available loan programs is explained in detail on the CUA Office of Financial Aid web pages: http://financialaid.cua.edu/. To be considered for loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

CUA Full- and Half-Tuition Scholarships

The University awards several Full- and Half-Tuition Scholarships based on exceptional academic ability, as evidenced by applicants' academic records and GRE scores, to full-time students. M.S.W. students with exceptional GRE scores and academic records may be nominated for Full-Tuition Scholarships; NCSSS' nominees for these scholarships compete for these scholarships along with applicants to other CUA graduate programs. A limited number of Half-Tuition scholarships are awarded annually to highly qualified master's students; generally, a minimum V/Q GRE score of 1200 is required for consideration.

Applicants for CUA Full-Tuition Scholarships must submit all parts of the admissions portfolio, including GRE scores, by February 1 for the upcoming fall semester. Priority consideration for Half-Tuition Scholarships is given to those who submit all parts of the admissions portfolio, including GRE scores, by February 1.

CUA Provost Scholarships

Both full-time and part-time M.S.W. applicants who submit GRE scores as part of their admissions portfolio may be nominated for Provost Scholarships. These scholarships pay 25% of a student's tuition in fall and spring semesters, as well as in summer sessions. These scholarships are intended to attract students who would be unable to attend NCSSS without financial assistance.

National Catholic School of Social Service Grants

The National Catholic School of Social Service has a limited number of grants, generally ranging from $1,500 - $6,000, awarded based on merit and financial need. Some grants require that students meet criteria determined by the donors, such as specific ethnic, cultural, and/or religious background. Scholarship applications are available from the Office of Admissions and require submission of a resume and an essay providing information about area of professional interest. Renewal of one-year scholarships may be requested.

Applicants for NCSSS scholarships must submit their scholarship applications by April 1, and must have been admitted to the M.S.W. program in order to be considered for scholarship funding. Usually, only those who have submitted a FAFSA are considered for NCSSS grants, since need is a primary consideration in making these awards.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study (FWS) is taxable funding awarded annually to full-time and part-time M.S.W. students (1) enrolled in field, and (2) demonstrating financial need (FAFSA). The funding is granted for work completed as part of the regular NCSSS field internship. There is no application deadline, but because this federal funding is limited, early submission of the FAFSA and the field application is strongly encouraged.

To be considered for FWS, (1) complete the FAFSA and (2) submit the NCSSS field application as early as possible. No separate application is required. In 2008-2009, full-time students receiving FWS were usually granted $8,000, payable monthly over the fall and spring semesters, and part-time students receiving FWS were usually granted $4,000, payable monthly during the fall semester only.

M.S.W. Program Objectives

All students in the M.S.W. program will:

1. Apply critical thinking skills to analysis of various theories of development and change in the assessment of client system needs, and the facilitation of client system growth.
2. Apply critical thinking skills to policy analysis, administration and management.
3. Engage in practice that is grounded in the values and ethics of the profession.
4. Place knowledge of the current structure and issues of society within the historical context of the profession.
5. Understand the effect of oppression and discrimination on client systems and apply this knowledge to the promotion of social justice
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist social work perspective to practice with systems of all sizes.
7. Practice with sensitivity and respect for all client differences.
8. Use appropriate communication skills with clients, colleagues, and communities.
9. Know the impact of government and agency policy on human systems, specifically on vulnerable populations.
10. Apply critical thinking skills to the evaluation of research and its application to practice.
11. Demonstrate the professional use of self in effective communication with clients.
12. Demonstrate the professional use of self as adult learners in ongoing supervision and consultation.

Clinical concentrators elect courses within categories on advanced clinical theory, theory and practice with individuals across the life cycle, and theory and practice with family. These elected requirements, together with ethics, evaluation, and a field practicum within a chosen field of practice, form the core of the clinical concentration. This core enables them to facilitate change that will promote individual and family well-being. Thus, in addition to the objectives above, clinical concentrators will:

1. Apply advanced practice theory to understand the development and needs of individuals as bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings functioning in a family or family-like structure, within a chosen field of practice.
2. Apply advanced clinical skills to facilitate change in individuals as bio-psycho-social spiritual beings, within a chosen field of practice.
3. Integrate the knowledge and skills learned from the academic educational experiences with those of the practicum, within a chosen field of practice.
4. Expand the depth, breadth and specificity of the foundation knowledge of research methods, to evaluate practice with client systems within a field of practice.
5. Apply professional values and ethical principles to clinical practice within a chosen field of practice.
6. Apply knowledge of the impact of difference and the mechanisms of oppression on populations-at-risk, including use of strategies for promoting social and economic justice within clinical social work practice.
7. Health Specialization Only: Integrate the knowledge and skills of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual issues of health and illness within the health care field.

Social Justice and Social Change concentrators elect courses within categories on management, policy analysis, social planning and community organizing. These requirements, together with a theory course, ethics, evaluation, and a field practicum within a chosen field of practice, form the core of this concentration. This core enables them to facilitate change that promotes organizational and community well-being. Thus, in addition to the objectives above, Social Justice and Social Change concentrators will:

1. Apply advanced organizational, community, political and economic, and social justice theories to under-stand the issues that arise in management, planning, policy analysis, community development, and community building, within a chosen field of practice.
2. Apply advanced skills to facilitate change through management, planning, policy analysis, community development, and community building, within a chosen field of practice.
3. Integrate the knowledge and skills learned from the academic educational experiences with those of the practicum, within a chosen field of practice.
4. Expand the depth, breadth and specificity of the foundation knowledge of research methods, in order to evaluate programs within a field of practice.
5. Apply professional values and ethical principles to social justice/social change practice within a chosen field of practice.
6. Apply knowledge of the impact of difference and the mechanisms of oppression on populations-at-risk, including use of strategies for promoting social and economic justice within social justice/social change social work practice.

Combined concentrators must elect within categories of advanced clinical theory, individual and family theory and practice courses as well as macro theory and practice courses. These elected requirements, together with ethics, evaluation and a field practicum within a chosen field of practice, form the core of the combined concentration. This core enables them to facilitate individual and societal wellbeing. Thus, combined concentrators will meet the following objectives:

1. Apply advanced clinical practice theories and social justice/social change theories to understand the development and needs of client systems of all sizes, and the issues that arise in management, planning, policy analysis, community development, and community building, within a chosen field of practice.
2. Apply advanced skills to facilitate change in client systems of all sizes, within a chosen field of practice.
3. Integrate the knowledge and skills learned from the academic educational experiences with those of the practicum, within a chosen field of practice.
4. Expand the depth, breadth, and specificity of the foundation knowledge of research methods to evaluate practice with client systems and evaluate programs, within a field of practice.
5. Apply professional values and ethical principles to clinical and social justice/social change practice within a chosen field of practice.
6. Apply knowledge of the impact of differences and mechanisms of oppression on populations-at-risk, including use of strategies for promoting social and economic justice within clinical and social justice/social change social work practice.

Program of Study Leading to the M.S.W. Degree

The school offers several options for working toward the M.S.W. degree: the full-time two-year program, the part-time program, and the advanced standing program. In all cases students must meet the minimum residency requirements of the school. In addition, the National Catholic School of Social Service and the Columbus School of Law offer a dual-degree program where students may earn both the M.S.W. and the J.D.

Full-Time Two-Year Program

The full-time structure is a four-semester (two academic years) program, which provides for a sequential learning experience of coursework and concurrent field experience.

Part-Time Program

The part-time program allows students to complete their M.S.W. degree requirements over several years, usually completing coursework in the first and third years, and field placement, integrative seminar, and theory and practice coursework in the second and fourth years. Students may fulfill degree requirements by taking some courses in the evening, or in summer, depending on availability of courses. Part-time students complete 18 hours within a calendar year to meet residency requirements. In addition, all requirements for the degree must be completed within five years. During the first semester of graduate study each part-time student, in consultation with a faculty adviser, develops a plan of study for completion of the degree.

Advanced Standing Program

The advanced standing program is individually structured in relation to the courses and credits completed in the social work program at the bachelor's level (see Admissions). Advanced standing students must meet the residency requirement (see Residency Requirements).

Dual-Degree Program: Social Work and Law

The National Catholic School of Social Service and the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America offer a dual-degree program in which qualified full-time students may earn both a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) and a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.).

Applicants for admission to the dual-degree program must meet the separate admissions requirements of each school and must be accepted by each school independently.

Although admission to the dual-degree program is usually decided at the onset of student registration, it is possible to consider a candidate after independent completion of the first year of law school.

Interested applicants may contact the Office of Admissions of the National Catholic School of Social Service and the Office of Admissions of the Columbus School of Law, both at The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064 for further information.

M.S.W. Curriculum

The M.S.W. curriculum comprises foundation knowledge (30 credits) and advanced knowledge (30 credits). Its concentrations educate three types of advanced social work practitioners: (1) clinical social workers who will be licensed as effective practitioners within the constraints of a fast-paced managed care service delivery system; (2) those whose indirect practice reflects a depth and breadth of knowledge and skill for advanced policy analysis, planning, and management; and (3) unique practitioners who are capable of indirect practice of substance, but who are also fully licensable as clinicians. M.S.W. students may complete the 60-credit M.S.W. program within a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. During the graduate program, students complete 12 credits of field placement (two placements over four semesters) and 48 credits of coursework

Full-time students complete the 60-credit M.S.W. program in two academic years. ALL part-time students must take at least six hours of academic credit per semester, and may take up to nine hours of academic credit during the fall and spring semesters. All students must have completed or be concurrently registered for SSS 581, 571, 572, and 605 when registering for SSS 673; similarly, they must have completed or be concurrently registered for SSS 581, 582, 571, 572, 570, 590, and 606 when registering for SSS 674. Part-time students may have to take course(s) during summer sessions, depending on the number of credit hours taken during fall and spring semesters. While we make every effort to offer many courses during late afternoon and evening hours, it is imperative that students understand that they will not be able to complete the entire M.S.W. curriculum only during evening hours. Part-time students generally complete the M.S.W. program within three to four years.

Foundation Curriculum

Social Welfare Policy and Services (581, 582) presents the historical and contemporary context for understanding social work practice. Students learn the political and organizational processes that are used to influence policy as well as develop skill in analyzing policy. With a focus on effecting policy change for vulnerable and stigmatized populations, issues of power and oppression are considered. Students are also required to take one of three one-credit policy electives. Social Work Research (590) provides, through lecture and class exercises, the scientific, analytic approach to building knowledge for and evaluating practice against the ethical standards for scientific inquiry.

Human Behavior and Social Environment (571) utilizes an ecological perspective to examine the theoretical frameworks related to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of human development. Human Development and Psychopathology (572) utilizes a "life course perspective" to analyze pathological human behavior. The discrete course Diversity in a Multicultural Society (570) examines the history of diversity and discrimination, enhancing self-awareness and sensitivity for a culturally competent social work practice. The generalist model of social work practice is introduced through the two generalist practice courses (605-Individuals, Families and Groups, and 606-Groups, Organizations and Communities) and an integrating seminar (673/674). Supplementing supervised practice in the field, the seminar provides the opportunity for practicing skills through role play, case and project presentations, and seminar discussion. The seminar instructor serves as the liaison between the field agency and the school, maintaining and enhancing that link.

Foundation Curriculum

570	Diversity in a Multicultural Society
571	Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
572	Human Development and Psychopathology
581/582	Social Welfare Policy and Services I and II
590	Social Work Research
605	Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
606	Generalist Practice with Groups, Communities and Organizations
673/674	Foundation Field Education and Seminar I and II

Advanced Curriculum

Upon completion of the foundation curriculum, M.S.W. students choose among the Clinical, Social Justice and Social Change and Combined concentrations.

Clinical concentrators choose three of four theory and practice courses with individuals at various points in the life cycle: Clinical SW with Older Adults, Adults, Adolescents and Young Adults, and Children, (801, 802, 803, 804); as well as elect between two family courses-the traditional models (821) or strengths-based model (822). These methods are further supported by an advanced theory course, either Psychodynamic (723), Cognitive/Behavioral (724), or Transpersonal (725). Evaluation of Social Work Practice (756) and Ethics (740) reinforce the empirical and value bases of clinical social work. Clinical concentrators have a two-semester field internship along with a weekly Clinical Field Integrative Seminar (871, 872) Clinical concentrators round out their program with six hours of free electives.

Health Care Specialization. Students placed in settings that include hospitals, medical clinics, home health agencies or hospice may select this specialization, which includes all clinical concentration requirements, along with a Health Care Field Integrative Seminar and two-semester field internship (877/878), and a required elective course, Theories and Models of Health Care (665) along with an additional course selected from the following: Death, Health Care Policy, Advocacy and Decision Making, Attachment Theory and Neurobiology, Treatment of Chemical Dependency (668, 653, 663, 662), or an additional theory course.

Social Justice and Social Change. Students select two of the following practice courses: Advanced Policy Analysis, Social Planning, Nonprofit Management or Community Organizing for Equitable Development, (831, 832, 833, 835). These methods courses are supported with a theory course, either Organizational Theories and Change, Theories of Administration; or Theories of Social Justice (880, 885, 946). Program Evaluation (757) and Ethics (740) support these indirect methods of social work practice. Students choose three elective courses in the track they have selected:

• Community Organizing for Equitable Development,

• Social Administration, or

• International Social Development.

Elective courses may include other advanced-year methods and theory courses in the Social Justice and Social Change concentration; relevant courses from NCSSS or other CUA departments (with guidance from the concentration adviser); and relevant courses from the university consortium (with guidance from the concentration advisor and approval from the M.S.W. chair.

Combined. This concentration offers students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and practice skills in both clinical social work practice and in social work planning, administration/management, and policy practice. Combined concentrators select two of the four Social Justice and Social Change concentration methods courses: Advanced Policy Analysis, Social Planning, Nonprofit Management or Community Organizing for Equitable Development (831,832, 833, 835). Combined concentrators have a two-semester field internship and Combined Field Integrative Seminar (873, 874). Combined concentrators select one clinical theory and practice population course: Clinical SW with Older Adults, Adults, Adolescents and Young Adults, and Children (801, 802, 803, or 804); one clinical theory course: Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Transpersonal (723, 724, 725): select one Social Justice and Social Change theory course: Organizational Theories and Change, Theories of Administration, Theories of Social Justice, (880, 885, 946) one family course, traditional or strengths based, (821, 822) and select one of two research courses (756, 757). Like all other advanced students, combined concentrators take the ethics course (740).

In all three concentrations, advanced students enroll in field education and integrative seminar I and II (871/872, 873/874, 875/876 and 877/878). As with the foundation seminars, the seminar instructor serves as the field liaison.

Advanced Curriculum

Clinical Concentration
723, 724, 725 (elect 1)	Psychodynamic; Cognitive-Behavioral; Transpersonal Theories
740	Ethics
756	Practice Evaluation
801, 802, 803, 804 (elect 2)	Clinical SW with Older Adults;Adults; Adolescents and Young Adults; Children
821, 822 (elect 1)	Clinical SW with Families: Traditional Models; Strengths-Based Model
871/872	Clinical Field Education and Integrative Seminar I and II
Electives	Six semester hours
Health Care Specialization
Instead of 871/872 and electives above, select courses below:

665	Theories and Models of Health and Illness (req.)
877/878	Health Care Field Education and Integrative Seminar I and II
653, 662, 663, 668 or additional theory course (elect 1)	Attachment Theory and Neurobiology, Death, Treatment of Chemical Dependency, Health Care Policy, Advocacy and Decisionmaking or additional theory course
Social Justice and Social Change Concentration

740	Ethics
757	Program Evaluation
831/832/833/835 (elect 1)	Advanced Policy Analysis; Social Planning; Social Work Management, Community Organizing for Equitable Development
880, 885, 946 (elect 1)	Organizational Theories and Change; Theories of Administration; Theories of Social Justice
875/876	Social Justice and Social Change Field Education and Integrative Seminar I and II
Electives	9 semester hours in track selected, with adviser's approval
Combined Concentration

723, 724, 725(elect1)	Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Transpersonal Theories
740	Ethics
756, 757 (elect 1)	Practice Evaluation, Program Evaluation
801, 802, 803, 804 (elect 1)	Clinical SW with Older Adults; Adults; Adolescents and Young Adults; Children
821, 822 (elect 1)	Clinical SW with Families: Traditional Models; Strengths-based Model
831, 832, 833, 835 (elect 2)	Advanced Policy Analysis; Social Planning; Nonprofit Management, Community Organizing for Equitable Development
873, 874	Combined Field Education and Integrative Seminar I and II

Field Education

Field internship learning experiences are essential to the achievement of the objectives of the M.S.W. curriculum. In the M.S.W. program each student has the opportunity for a two-semester practicum/internship in two different agency or program settings. In the foundation year, utilizing the generalist model of practice, students gain practice experience with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations using a range of intervention modalities. Their learning experiences in the practicum support what they are learning in the classroom. Direct engagement in service activities enables the student to experience the discipline of professional relationships; to apply human behavior, research, and social policy curriculum content to the theory and practice of social work; to develop the self-awareness required for a professional level of performance; and to learn to integrate social work knowledge, values, skills, and ethics within the context of a professional social work practice setting.

In the advanced year, students practice in agency settings with assignments and activities focused in their chosen area of concentration. Clinical students gain practice skills at an advanced level, learning to differentially apply explanatory theories to the assessment of client systems, to distinguish the appropriate treatment modality for particular client problems, and to differentially apply practice models to treatment planning and intervention. Social Justice and Social Change students learn to differentially apply macro theories to their practice, and they gain the expertise and skills necessary to facilitate change that promotes organizational and community well-being. Combined concentrators have both micro- and macro-practice learning opportunities, acquiring depth in the methodology of both clinical- and macro-social work practice.

Field education is a collaborative endeavor between the National Catholic School of Social Service, the agency and the student. The school, through its Office of Field Education, assumes responsibility for fieldwork being educationally directed, coordinated and monitored.

With some exceptions (e.g., advanced standing students), students complete four semesters of field education (over two academic years). Students are in the field placement 16 hours per week in the foundation year (total of 480 hours) and 20 hours per week (total of 600 hours) in the advanced year (up to 24 hours per week for combined concentrators). Most students are assigned to agencies on Wednesdays/Thursdays during the foundation year, and Tuesdays/Wednesdays/half days on Thursdays during the advanced year. A very limited number of flex-time placements are available to part-time students. These placements all require daytime hours for staff meetings, case conferences and training. Every part-time student should plan for a minimum of one eight-hour block per week during regular working hours, with other hours scheduled on evenings and weekends. Students should be prepared to travel to and from the practicum either by car or public transportation. Agencies and students are expected to arrange field learning experiences so that they are in consonance with the academic calendar. It is the school's expectation that students will have only two weeks' break from the practicum between the first and second semesters. Any additional time away from clients must be negotiated between field instructor and student.

Students are placed in agencies and programs that provide specific social services or use qualified social work practitioners in the planning, administration, and delivery of a variety of human services. These agencies and programs are selected and approved by the staff of the school's Office of Field Education. The school works with agencies in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area, Maryland and Virginia. Supervision in the field setting is the responsibility of the field instructor, who is a qualified and committed social work professional, most often agency-based. The field instructor orients the student to the agency, assigns and oversees the student's activities, and provides the student regular weekly one-on-one supervision. In many agencies, additional training opportunities are available to interns, e.g., case conferences, group supervision, peer supervision, and educational seminars.

In placing foundation-year students, the Office of Field Education considers their prior experience, interests and educational goals, as discussed in the field application. The Office of Field Education assists students by providing agency information via an internet-based search engine. Students entering the advanced year research agencies of interest and appropriate to their selected concentration, submit their preferences to the Director of Field Education, and are then referred for interviews.

The weekly integrative seminar, taken concurrently with the field practicum, helps students to integrate course content and the field work experience. Supplementing supervised practice in the field, the integrative seminar provides the opportunity for practicing skills through role play, case and project presentation, and seminar discussion. The seminar instructor serves as the liaison between the field agency and the school, maintaining and enhancing that link, and providing support and monitoring as necessary. The seminar instructor assigns the grade for field education/integrative seminar at the end of each semester. The final grade is based on evaluation of student performance in field education (60 percent) and seminar work (40 percent).

Students in field practica are required to pay an additional fee for malpractice insurance (about $50/year) and to furnish proof of health insurance coverage. Some agencies may have additional requirements, e.g., immunization verification, police clearance, or drug screening.

M.S.W. Degree Requirements

For students entering the M.S.W. program in the fall of 1999 and later, the Master of Social Work degree is conferred upon students who have:

1. Satisfactorily completed 60 credit hours in accordance with the curriculum requirements as specified by the NCSSS faculty. Some students, who have received a B.S.W. degree from a CSWE-accredited school of social work, may meet the requirements with fewer than 60 credit hours by being awarded up to 30 advanced standing credits. Transfer credits may be accepted in accordance with the school's policy.

2. Successfully passed a foundation comprehensive examination during the university-designated comprehensive exam period in which the student is enrolled in the foundation field/seminar (SSS 674). Passing the foundation comprehensive is required for a student to proceed to the advanced curriculum.

3. Successfully passed an advanced comprehensive examination in the student's chosen concentration (Clinical, Social Justice and Social Change, or Combined) during the university-designated comprehensive exam period in which the student is enrolled in the advanced field/seminar (SSS 872, 874, 876, 878); and either designated any two research papers that are already required in advanced courses and will have been completed and graded, to fulfill the "Option of Degree Without Thesis" writing requirement, or they may write a master's thesis.

• To assist the students in preparing for the transition from undergraduate to graduate social work education. 
• To strengthen the student's knowledge of theory for generalist social work practice competency that will enhance their advanced year concentration.
  
• To create a community for advanced standing students to support one another and connect with current NCSSS students.
• To provide the students with a faculty member who helps with the transition, serves as their advisor, and assists the students with the necessary preparation for their advanced year.

Residency Requirement

The minimum period of residence for the master's degree is one year of full-time study (18 credits) beyond the bachelor's degree. A full-time student may not complete this requirement in less than two semesters. A planned part-time student meets this requirement by completing 18 credits in one consecutive 12-month period.

Leave of Absence

A student who must interrupt his or her studies for adequate reasons-such as sustained ill health, family crisis, or military service-may be granted a leave of absence for a stated period, usually not to exceed one year. The student should apply in writing to the dean and the program chair stating the specific reason for requesting the leave.

Grading Policy

Approved by the Academic Senate, beginning September 1990 for all graduate students except students in the Columbus School of Law, the following grading system will be in effect:

Grade

Rating

Numerical Equivalent

A	Excellent	4.00	(95-100)
A-		3.70	(90- 4)
B+		3.30	(87-89)
B	Satisfactory	3.00	(83-86)
B-		2.70	(80-82)
C	Passing but Marginal	2.00	(70-79)
F	Failure	0.00	(<70)
P	Pass
I	Incomplete
W	Withdrawal

A grade of C indicates marginal progress toward the degree. Master's students are expected to maintain a minimum of a B- (2.70 G.P.A.) to remain in school and to graduate. A Review Committee shall be called by the chair of the M.S.W. program upon a student's receipt of two grades of C or one grade of F or other evidence of unsatisfactory or marginal work. The receipt of more than two grades of C or below, more than one F or termination from a second field placement during his/her academic program is grounds for dismissal by the dean. In the Ph.D. program, a grade of C ordinarily indicates unsatisfactory progress toward the doctorate. Two C grades, one F grade or a pattern of multiple incompletes will result in the convening of a Review Committee. The receipt of more than two grades of C or below or more than one F is grounds for dismissal.

Please note that the section entitled General Information at the beginning of these Announcements contains information on general university policies which are applicable to all graduate students enrolled in NCSSS.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work degree is awarded by The Catholic University of America as the mark of the highest academic achievement in preparation for active scholarship, research and leadership in the social work profession. The doctoral program is committed to imbuing students with the knowledge, skills, and vision to promote human rights and social justice. It seeks to further the development of the profession through scholarly research, theory building, and leadership, so that it may increasingly serve society in the prevention, intervention, and ultimate alleviation of social problems as well as the enhancement of social well-being.

PhD Program Goals

Grounded in the content of the curriculum, doctoral graduates are prepared to:

1. Contribute to the critique, transformation, and dissemination of knowledge for the profession in response to existing and emerging social problems.

2. Apply humanistic values, ethical principles, and philosophical and theoretical perspectives to the understanding and alleviation of these problems.

3. Promote and enhance the role of social work in society by assuming leadership and research roles in clinical practice, administration, social policy analysis, and social work education.

Doctoral Admissions

Admission to the doctoral program requires the applicant to hold an M.S.W. degree from an accredited school of social work and to have completed a minimum of one year of successful professional practice subsequent to the attainment of the master's degree. The M.S.W. prerequisite is based on the assumption that acquisition of the core knowledge, values and skills of the profession and professional socialization are accomplished during M.S.W. study. The practice requirement is based on the assumption that mastery of social work practice provides a common set of experiences basic to producing scholarship and research in social work. Occasional exceptions may be made for applicants with an advanced degree in a related field and who have extensive subsequent practice or research experience.  M.S.W. graduates without subsequent practice experience who wish to proceed directly from a master's to a doctoral program will be considered if they have demonstrated exceptional performance during their M.S.W. program and have the written endorsement of their M.S.W. chair for immediate doctoral study. Admission is selective and determined by the quality of the total application.

Admission is selective.  NCSSS seeks to enroll those who will be successful in all aspects of the Ph.D. program and competent as future social work scholars, researchers or educators. Application portfolios are reviewed against the following criteria:

1. Evidence of the applicant's readiness for doctoral study including:

a. capacity for critical and analytical thinking;
b. ability to understand and apply a broad range of conceptual frameworks such as philosophy, sociology and practice theory; and
c. facility for strong, clear, cogent and concise critical and analytical writing. These capacities may be demonstrated in previous academic work, especially that of the M.S.W. program, test scores and writing samples such as scholarly works, monographs and agency manuals.

2. Evidence of personal qualifications indicative of a high level of motivation and capacity for independent study and reflective of a strong identification with the social work profession, its values and standards. Evidence of these qualities may be demonstrated in previous volunteer and employed work experience, the purpose statement or the views of those providing recommendations.

Applications are accepted for full-time or part-time status for fall semester and for part-time status only for spring semester.

Nondegree Enrollment

With the permission of the program chair, nondegree-seeking students may enroll in a maximum of nine credits in NCSSS courses, taking no more than one course per semester. Applicants must submit a completed university application form, official transcripts, and a nonrefundable application fee. Enrollment in courses as a nondegree seeking student does not guarantee admission to the Ph.D. program. Course offerings for nondegree-seeking students are limited and are offered on a space-available basis after registration for enrolled degree seeking students is completed.

Application Process

An application to the Ph.D. Program must be supported by materials listed below, sent to either The Catholic University of America, Office of Graduate Admissions or Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, National Catholic School of Social Service, 620 Michigan Avenue N.E., Washington, DC 20064. The application portfolio consists of the following:

1. A completed university application form, with the nonrefundable $55 application fee.
2. Official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate academic work.
3. A detailed purpose statement that includes:

a. Professional goals. Reasons for wishing to undertake doctoral studies, which addresses the relevance of a doctoral education at this school to future professional goals.
b. Areas of interest/concentration. Specific emphasis to be pursued in doctoral study in social work, identifying major professional or scientific interests in the areas of either theory or research.
c. Work experience. Prior work experience both in social work and other fields, with specific emphasis on post-master's professional experience and evaluating professional experience to date, including the contributions made to professional development, and the limitations of these experiences.
d. Research Experience. Description and evaluation of participation in research projects, including a list of any individually or collaboratively written published professional material.
e. Research Agenda.  Identification of the area or areas of future interest for resarch, questions regarding social or psychosocial problems of interest to exploreA plan of study; institutions or agencies with which to partner in future research; and any other research relevant ideas.

4. Three letters of recommendation: At least one of the recommendations should be an academic reference.
5. Results of the Graduate Record Examination taken within the past five years.
6. Résumé of all work experience (paid and volunteer).
7. Writing sample of published material or other example of written work that will give evidence of research skills, practice competency, conceptual style and scholarly writing skills.

International Students

NCSSS welcomes qualified international students to its program.  In addition to submitting all required items (applicaiton fee, transcripts, purpose statement, resume, references, and GRE scores), international students must also submit documentation that shows financial support for tuition and expenses for one year of study. 

Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to submit TOEFL scores for both written and spoken English.  International applicants must also complete the Request for Visa Documentaion form in the CUA Graduate Admissions Applicaton Packet.

International students must arrange to have their transcripts translated and credits and/or degrees certified by the World Education Service (WES.org)

Application Deadlines

June 1	Ph.D. applications for full-time status in fall semesters
June 30	Ph.D. applications for part-time status in fall semesters
November 30	Ph.D. applications for part-time status in spring semesters

Financial Aid

The Catholic University of America offers a variety of scholarships, grants and loans to new and continuing doctoral students. 

1. CUA Scholarships: Based on very high Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, full-time applicants are eligible for the competitive CUA Graduate scholarships. Students must submit all application materials by February 1 to be eligible for these awards.
2. NCSSS Scholarships: Full and part-time incoming and returning doctoral students may apply for NCSSS Doctoral Scholarships on the basis of need. Application for Doctoral Scholarships includes submission of the NCSSS Scholarship Application to demonstrate merit and the FAFSA to demonstrate need.
3. Loans: Federal Stafford Loan Programs - The Federal Stafford Loan Program enables a student to borrow money directly from a savings and loan institution, credit union, bank, or other eligible lender. All students who want a Federal Stafford Loan must have a FAFSA on file before the university can process their applicaiton. Commercial/Alternative/Private loan Programs - Many lenders offer privately funded educational loans. In most cases, the CUA Financial Aid Office will need to certify enrollment and educational costs. These commercial loans will have varied interest rates, origination fees and repayment terms, and may require a co-signer.
4. Veterans Benefits. Often overlooked are many benefits available to veterans and to children of deceased veterans or those disabled in military service. In addition to the benefits offered directly by the Veterans Administration, others are available through their various service organizations, such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Catholic War Veterans, and directly through the branches of the Armed Services.

Applicants to NCSSS may contact the school's Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (202-319-5496) for information on scholarships, grants and loans.

Ph.D. Curriculum

Building upon the earned Master of Social Work degree, the doctoral program requires an additional 45 semester hours of coursework taken over 5 semesters for full-time or 7 semesters for part-time study. The program curriculum is composed of a foundation common to all, a choice of two concentrations, an individualized specialization, and the capstone is the dissertation.

The Foundation

Committed to the elaboration of the scientific base of the profession, the 18 credit-hour foundation curriculum includes core social work knowledge and descriptive and explanatory theories derived from other disciplines reformulated and integrated into the knowledge base of the profession. Content includes philosophical issues in social work knowledge building (SSS 940), selected social science theories (SSS 883), theory building in professional social work ethics (SSS 944), the first of three research methodology courses (SSS 950) and the two statistics courses (SSS 947 and 948).

In addition to the foundation curriculum, entering students will be required to complete the Seminar in Scholarly Writing for Social Work.This is a non-credit course, graded Pass/Fail.  

Instructors in the six first year foundation courses will, in addition to submitting a grade, write a narrative report of the students' readiness for doctoral study within specific domains. This report will be shared with the student and forwarded to the program chair. All beginning students will be reviewed by the doctoral faculty based on these narratives, and if the group deems it necessary, a review committee will be called to determine with the student a plan for strengthening the student's performance.

The Concentration

Building on foundation knowledge, students choose the Theory and Research in Macro Social Work or the Theory and Research in Clinical Social Work concentration, both of which include content on critique of theories and models appropriate to the concentration. In the 15 credit-hour concentration, all students take a second research course (SSS 953) that deepens their understanding of multiple designs, and then they choose one of two final research courses-one in qualitative (SSS 955) or quantitative (SSS 956) methodology.

Theory and Research Macro Social Work Concentration

Students choosing the Macro Concentration prepare for positions in research and leadership in social welfare policy development, social justice and administration. In addition to the two advanced research courses (SSS 953 and 955 or 956), concentration courses cover conceptual schema for social welfare policy analysis and planning (SSS 890), theories of social justice (SSS 946), theories of organizations (SSS 880); and model construction (SSS 914).

Theory and Research in Clinical Social Work Concentration

Those who select the Clinical Concentration are prepared to contribute to the systematization of the theoretical and technological bases of clinical social work. In addition to the two advanced research courses (SSS 953 and 955 or 956), concentration coursework helps students learn to analyze, critique and compare the theories of clinical practice at the level of the individual, family and small group (SSS 911). They select one of three specialized clinical theories for more in-depth analysis, and they take a course in the conceptual schema for social welfare policy analysis and planning (SSS 890). Concentration content is integrated and applied to the development of a new or adaptation of an existing model of practice (SSS 913).

The Specialization

Students complete their doctoral coursework with 9 credit hours of specialization electives. The specialization may be a field of practice, population, problem, or other such area that will provide a focus for the dissertation.  Examples include health, mental health, child welfare, child and family, community development., spirituality, ethics, aging, international development, social work education, or powerty.  A package of three courses relevant to the declared specialization will be formulated by the student and approved by the advisor.  These courses may be taken at the National Catholic School of Social Service, elsewhere at CUA, in the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, or in another accredited university graduate program.  Of thse three, only one course may be an independent study; two must be formal courses.  

The Comprehensive Exam

In order to be admitted to doctoral candidacy, an NCSSS doctoral student must successfully pass the written comprehensive examination. Students must formally register with the university for the Doctoral Comprehensive Exam. (See CUA Class Schedule for appropriate registration number and procedure).

Prerequisites

Students must have completed the 33 hours of foundation and concentration curriculum. Specifically, all students will have completed the foundation (940, 944, 883, 950, 947, 948). Clinical concentrators will have completed 953, 911, 913, an advanced theory course, 890, and either 955 or 956. Macro concentrators will have completed 953, 890, 914, 946, 880, and either 955 or 956.

Exam Content

This two-day written exam is given during the university comprehensive period of the fall or spring semester (see: http://registrar.cua.edu/calendar/). The purpose of these comprehensive exams is to assess the student's ability to organize and integrate knowledge through clear and comprehensively formulated answers during set time limits. The exam will test specifically all foundation and concentration content including that of the final research course.Students may add their own elective content as appropriate to inform their answers.On the first day, students are examined on application of theory to practice.The second day focuses on application of theory to research.Both days are designed to reflect the concentration of the student.

Grading

Although consisting of two parts, the written exam is regarded as one entity that must be satisfactorily passed in one sitting. The written exam is graded pass, marginal, or fail. A clear pass requires no oral exam. If one or both days are considered marginal, an oral exam on the content of both days is required to determine if the exam is a pass or a fail. If one or both days are failed, there will be no oral exam, and the student fails and must re-take the entire exam.

The doctoral chair will assign two members of the faculty to read each day's exam.If both graders agree on the grade (pass, marginal, or fail), that grade stands.If the two graders disagree on the grade, the chair will ask a third reader.If two graders ultimately agree that a day's exam is marginal, an oral exam is required.The chair will assign three members of the faculty to conduct the oral.Following the oral, each examiner will assign a grade of pass or fail.If the three agree that the student passed the oral exam, the student will have successfully completed the comprehensive.If two or three grade the oral as fail, the student fails the comprehensive and must re-take the entire exam during the next university scheduled time.A student who incurs two failures in the written comprehensive examination will be dismissed from the doctoral program. After beginning the written comprehensive examination, whether taking the exam for the first time or re-taking because of failure, a student may choose to withdraw from the examination process with no failure penalty.However, a student is limited to withdrawing only once.

Dissertation

For admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree, the student must have successfully completed 45 or more credit hours of course work, and passed the written comprehensive examination.Upon completion of these requirements, the student is officially admitted to candidacy on the first day of the following semester.The candidate must submit a dissertation proposal within two years of acceptance into candidacy.Between the time of admission to candidacy and completion of the doctoral dissertation, the student must maintain continuous enrollment by registering each semester for Dissertation Guidance.

The capstone of the Ph.D. program at NCSSS, production of a scholarly dissertation distinguishes the doctoral degree from all other educational attainments in the social work profession. At its best, the process encourages original thinking, evaluative questioning, indepth objectivity and scholarly independence. Built upon a historical perspective, relevant theory and empirical research, the dissertation fulfills several major functions. It is a production of original research and scholarship that makes a substantive contribution to existing knowledge and to the social work profession. The dissertation involves a process that demonstrates the candidate's mastery of research methodology. Specifically, it requires ability to address an important professional problem, to use research methodology and tools, to organize the findings and to report them in scholarly fashion.

Residency Requirement

The residency requirements for the doctoral degree are met through:

• the work done for the M.S.W. degree at this university or its equivalent at another university of approved standing and

• at least two sequential semesters spent in full-time study for the required full-time residency year beyond the M.S.W. The two sequential semesters may be during the academic year or the calendar year.

Continuous Enrollment

The doctoral program committee supports the policy of the university for continuous enrollment. Students must either be in class or be registered for dissertation guidance. In the unusual circumstance that a dissertation chair/adviser thinks a deviation of this policy is appropriate (e.g., registration in absentia), this must be approved with the program chair.

Transfer of Credit

During the admissions process, applicants to the Ph.D. program may make a written request that up to 9 semester hours of credit be transferred toward the Ph.D. degree.

Coursework must be appropriate to the chosen concentration, have been earned at an accredited university graduate program, taken within the past five years and graded at the level of B or above. The written request, accompanied by official transcripts and course description from university catalogue or course outline, must be made of the program chair, who will approve each individually.

Grading Policy

Approved by the Academic Senate, beginning September 1990 for all graduate students except students in the Columbus School of Law, the following grading system will be in effect:

Grade

Rating

Numerical Equivalent

A	Excellent	4.00	(95–100)
A-		3.70	(90–94)
B+		3.30	(87-–89)
B	Satisfactory	3.00	(83–86)
B-		2.70	(80–82)
C	Passing but Marginal	2.00	(70–79)
F	Failure	0.00	(<70)
P	Pass
I	Incomplete
W	Withdrawal

The National Catholic School of Social Service affirms its right to require its students to meet accepted academic requirements that consist of scholastic and behavioral components. Consistent with Catholic social teaching and social work values, NCSSS respects the worth and value of all persons regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, handicapping conditions or diversity of opinion. Students' behavior should reflect the core values of the social work profession-service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. Standards for professional performance require that students adhere to ethical standards as outlined in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the requirements stated below.

Scholastic Requirements

As required by CUA policy, any NCSSS student who is involved in unethical practices in connection with any work required for a course will receive a grade of F (Failure) for the course. Further penalties may be imposed in accordance with specific circumstances. For example, it is strictly prohibited, as an unethical practice, to submit as one's own written work; for example, term papers, research, or professional papers, dissertations, or exams in which material provided by a professional research agency, the internet, or by other persons is utilized.A graduate student who employs such assistance or other unethical practice in the research or writing of a thesis or dissertation shall be liable to expulsion from the university upon proper hearing by the school and dean.

In the Ph.D. Program, a grade of C, a grade point average of less than 3.0, or a pattern of multiple Incompletes indicates unsatisfactory progress toward the degree.Students are expected to maintain a minimum of a B (3.0 G.P.A.) to remain in school and to graduate.One grade of C or F, or a pattern of multiple Incompletes will result in the convening of a review committee.The receipt of more than one grade of C or below is grounds for dismissal by the Dean.

Behavioral Requirements

NCSSS PhD students are expected to maintain accepted standards of professional conduct and personal integrity in the classroom and in the university setting. Students should:

• Attend classes regularly and contribute constructively to the classroom culture
• Recognize and avoid behavior that jeopardizes the learning/teaching environment of other students or the instructor
• Demonstrate competence in planning academic activities and in following through on those plans
• Reasonably respond to and respect others' reactions to one's comments or actions I the classroom
• Use an appropriate level of class time and instructor's time and attention in and out of class
• Behave in a manner that is consistent with the ethical principles of the social work profession.Students are expected to show an appropriate level of professional judgment, being careful not to jeopardize the best interests of people for whom they have a professional responsibility.

Students whose professional judgment and performance are hampered in any way are expected to immediately seek consultation and take appropriate remedial action by seeking professional help, making adjustments in workload, terminating the field internship or taking any other steps necessary to protect clients and others. Students who are unable to meet any of the academic requirements may be subject to the review committee process.

Review Committees

Students in the PhD program may encounter educational difficulties, have difficulty meeting academic requirements, have exceptional or personal problems or require special attention. To assure that these needs are met without compromising the school's integrity or treating the student unfairly, an orderly procedure has been established. When the student or relevant faculty feels that any of these problems may have arisen, a Review Committee may be convened. The committee provides a formal procedure to deal constructively with the problems. Problems may range from poor academic performance, possible unsuitability for the profession or continued education in the profession or a student's belief that he or she has been treated unfairly.

A Review Committee is convened and chaired by the program chair, although a request to have such a committee may be made by the student, the student's adviser or by any one of the student's instructors. The chair notifies the student and other participants in writing of the date of the meeting and invites them to attend. Participants at the review committee shall be limited to the student, the student's academic adviser, instructors, representatives of the Office of Field Education (when appropriate) and, if the student desires, either one representative from the NCSSS student government or another member of the NCSSS student body selected by the student.

Typically the Review Committee is presented with the concerns and gives each participant, including the student, an opportunity to describe the problem and potential resolution. Based on this exchange, the committee makes a recommendation. If a finding is reached that is not unanimous, a statement of majority and minority findings is written. In all three programs, the Review Committee recommends to the NCSSS dean and the cognizant dean a plan to assist the student. In some situations, the Review Committee may recommend that a student be dismissed from the program. In any case, the student may appeal to the dean the Review Committee's recommendation. In all cases, the final decision is made by the dean.

Students at NCSSS have, in all its programs, access to many resources designed to enhance their learning experiences and opportunities. These include a student advisory system, student government associations for each of the three degree programs, active participation on NCSSS program committees, career planning guidance and an annual job fair.

In addition, the school provides students and faculty members with opportunities to engage in activities that have a local and national impact on the crucial social issues of the times and to do this in a manner compatible with scholarly endeavor. Such activities include evaluative research, community studies, consultation and demonstration of social work practice in the community.

The school also encourages and arranges for faculty members and students to engage in social planning, social action, and research in the community as events and conditions may require.

Advisement System

After enrollment in any one of the three NCSSS degree programs at CUA, each student is assigned a faculty adviser. The adviser assists the student in planning overall academic programs, reviews educational progress and assists with educational problems that may occur. All students meet with their advisers prior to enrollment each semester in order to ensure that the student's work toward graduation is in accordance with academic requirements and individual educational needs. Other meetings may be scheduled by either student or adviser as needed. It is the school's philosophy that regular meetings between advisers and students contribute to both the student's growth and the ongoing evaluation of the program.

STUDENTS' RIGHTS UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ADA

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, all qualified students with a disability (as defined under the law) are eligible for reasonable accommodations or modifications in the academic environment that enables the qualified individual to enjoy equal access to the university's programs, services or activities. The university is not required to provide any aid or service that would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the program.

The Office of Disability Support Services provides disability consultation, advocacy and the coordination of support services and accommodations for all qualified students with disabilities. Services and accommodations are determined individually based on disability documentation.

CUA is committed to promoting the full participation of all qualified students with disabilities in all aspects of campus life. Students with disabilities are required to meet the same academic standards as other students at the university. It is only through a student's voluntary disclosure of their disability and request for accommodations that CUA can support disability needs. Students who have a disability and wish to make a request for disability related accommodations or services must do so through Disability Support Services (DSS).Each student must submit their documentation along with an intake form to DSS in order to apply for services.Students are encouraged to register with DSS prior to arrival on campus for the upcoming semester.Once eligibility is determined, appropriate accommodations, based on the submitted documentation are put in place. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis.(See Student Life Disability Services Policies, Procedures and Services for Students website at:http://policies.cua.edu/studentlife/disabilitysvcs//disability.cfm).

Career Services

Career services for students and alumni/ae are offered both at NCSSS and the university Career Services Office, CSO. NCSSS maintains Internet listings of social service positions primarily in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas, but also including some positions available nationally. Typically, several agencies come to NCSSS annually to interview job applicants. Students are encouraged to meet individually with CSO staff for assistance in developing résumés and cover letters. They are also encouraged to utilize the job and internship listings of the CSO. Programs are held at the school each year to help students plan their advanced social work studies and to help them clarify professional social work goals. Every spring, NCSSS sponsors and organizes a Social Work Career and Job Fair.

Student Records and References

As a convenience to NCSSS graduates, the school and university maintain copies of transcripts of the student's final academic record and final reference statements. Access to transcripts is through the university registrar, subject to the guidelines of university policy. The final reference statement, kept in confidential NCSSS files, is prepared upon the student's graduation by NCSSS faculty under the leadership of the student's adviser. The student is permitted to review the contents of the statement before it is incorporated into the records. The reference statement may be used as a letter of reference only if the student so desires and indicates by signature. If the student does not want the statement used as a reference, that fact is also noted in the student's record. The school then notifies any inquiring agency that the student has not given permission for a reference to be sent, that the student is a graduate of the school, what the student's concentration was, and the date of graduation. NCSSS suggests to the inquiring agency that if it wants further information it must ask the student to authorize release of the transcript through the university registrar's office.

Student Government

Each of the three degree programs has its own student association with officers elected annually by its student body. The undergraduate association is called the Social Service Organization and is affiliated with the university's Undergraduate Student Government. Its membership is open to all undergraduate social work students and other students interested in learning about the profession. The student organization for the M.S.W. program is known as the Master's Student Association and its membership is composed of all students in the program. It is affiliated with the university's Graduate Student Association. Students working toward their Ph.D. degrees participate in the NCSSS Doctoral Student Association. Delegates from each student government body are invited and encouraged to participate in faculty meetings and all planning committees of NCSSS.

Through these relationships, the students participate in curriculum planning and program development. The student governments also help NCSSS faculty plan educational forums and social events. They sponsor various speakers programs, newsletters, get-acquainted socials and alumni activities. The student body associations also take major responsibility for planning their graduation ceremonies and new student orientation programs. Representatives from the student associations also participate in grievance and review committees.

Courses Offered

Please consult the registrar's Web site at https://cardinalstation.cua.edu for descriptions of courses offered in the current semester.

SSS	Course Title
528	Human Sexuality
533	Feminist Issues in Social Work Intervention
543	Delivery of Social Work Services in the Workplace
545	An Introduction to the DSM-IV
547	Issues and Strategies Serving Persons with Disabilities
553	Basic Budgeting and Accounting for Social Workers
554	Homelessness: Individual and Societal Considerations
557	Catholic Social Thought and Contemporary Social Issues
570	Diversity in a Multicultural Society
571	Human Behavior and Social Environment
572	Human Development and Psychopathology
581	Social Welfare Policy and Services I
582	Social Welfare Policy and Services II
590	Social Work Research
605	Generalist Social Work Practice: Individual, Family and Groups
606	Generalist Social Work Practice w/Groups, Organizations and Communities
611	Child Welfare: Policy and Practice
612	Child and Family Services
613	Social Services with Older Persons
614	Social Work in Health Care Settings
653	Attachment Theory and Neurobiology
654	Family Violence Across the Lifespan: Implications for Social Work Practice
661	Spiritual Dimensions of Social Work Practice
662	Death
663	Treatment of Chemical Dependency
664	Long-Term Care of the Elderly
665	Theories and Models for Use in Health Care
668	Health Care Policy, Advocacy and Decision-Making
673	Foundation Year Field Instruction and Seminar I
674	Foundation Year Field Instruction and Seminar II
723	Psychodynamic Theory and Social Functioning
724	Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Social Functioning
725	Transpersonal Theory and Social Functioning
731	Social Work With Couples
732	Social Work With Groups
733	Supervision and Consultation in Social Work
740	Ethical Issues in Contemporary Social Work
756	Evaluation of Social Work Practice
757	Evaluation of Social Work Programs
761	Drug Abuse: Public Health and Policy Considerations
797	Reading and Research Social Work (1)
798	Reading and Research Social Work (2)
799	Reading and Research Social Work (3)
801	Clinical Social Work With Older Adults
802	Clinical Social Work With Adults
803	Clinical Social Work With Adolescents and Young Adults
804	Clinical Social Work with Children
821	Clinical Social Work with Families: Traditional Models
822	Clinical Social Work with Families: Strengths-Based
831	Advanced Policy Analysis
832	Management of Non-Profit Organizations
833	Social Planning
835	Community Organizing for Equitable Development
871	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: Clinical I
872	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: Clinical II
873	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: Combined I
874	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: Combined II
875	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: SJSC I
876	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: SJSC II
877	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: Health Care I
878	Advanced Field Education and Seminar: Health Care II
880	Organizational Theory and Change
882	Adult Learning Theories for Professional Education
883	Seminar in Social and Behavioral Science Concepts
885	Theories of Administration
886	Issues in International Social Development
890	Analysis and Critique of Social Policy Methods
911	Critique of Theories Influencing Clinical Social Work Practice
913	Social Work Model Development
914	Theory Construction and Model Development
915	Clinical Social Work Preceptorship
916	Clinical Social Work Preceptorship
919	Seminar in Social Work Education I
920	Seminar in Social Work Education II
921	Social Work Education Laboratory
922	Social Work Education Laboratory
923	Advanced Interact ional Theories
924	Advanced Interpersonal Theories
940	Philosophical Issues in Social Work Knowledge Building
944	Theoretical Framework for Ethical Decision Making and Knowledge Building
946	Theories of Social Justice
947	Multivariate Statistics and Design I
948	Multivariate Statistics and Design II
950	Research Foundations: Introduction
953	Advanced Social Work Research
955	Qualitative Research Methodologies
956	Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
974	Independent Study in Clinical Social Work Theory I
975	Independent Study in Clinical Social Work Theory II
976	Independent Study in Clinical Social Work Theory III
977	Independent Study in Clinical Social Work Theory IV
978	Independent Study in Social Policy and Administration
987	Reading and Research in Social Work (1)
988	Reading and Research in Social Work (2)
989	Reading and Research in Social Work (3)
995	Master's Thesis Guidance
996	Master's Thesis Guidance
997	Dissertation Guidance
998	Dissertation Guidance