Specializations are offered by the GCSW. This option allows students enrolled at the University of Houston to develop specialized knowledge and skills essential to working effectively with specific populations and/or social issues. Specializations are available in the following areas:

• Gerontology
• Health Disparities
• Political Social Work
• Trabajo Social

These optional specializations do not require additional credit hours; however, they are earned by completing 9 credit hours of select courses in the chosen specialization area, with a minimum of a “B” average. For MSW students, a related field practicum is encouraged.

For additional information, please contact your Academic Advisor or Dr. Sheara Williams, Coordinator of Specializations at swilliams3@uh.edu or (713) 743-8120.

Specializations

Dr. Sheara Williams, Faculty Coordinator of Specializations

Political Specialization
9 SCH

At least 1 of these 2 courses is required (3 SCH):
SOCW 7329: Affecting Social Policy/Social Policy Advocacy
SOCW 7320: Empowerment

2 elective course (6 SCH) chosen from the following list:
SOCW 7372: Global Justice Issues
SOCW 6304: Women’s Issues
SOCW 7321: Multicultural Practice
SOCW 7338: Community Empowerment with Elders of Color
SOCW 7374: Mediation for Social Workers
SOCW 7329: Affecting Social Policy/Social Policy Advocacy
SOCW 7320: Empowerment

Trabajo Social Specialization
9SCH

At least 1 of these 2 courses is required (3 SCH):
SOCW 7397: Practice in Latino Communities (spring)
SOCW 7397: Clinical SW Practice with Latinos/Latinas (fall)

2 elective course (6 SCH) chosen from the following list:
SOCW 7397: Social Work Practice with Latino Immigrants
SOCW 7321: Multicultural Practice
SOCW 7397: Hispanic Populations in the United States
SOCW 7397: Practice in Latino Communities (spring)
SOCW 7397: Clinical SW Practice with Latinos/Latinas

Gerontology Specialization
9 SCH

Courses Offered in Spring 2011:
SOCW 7336: Issues in Aging
SOCW 7397: Spirituality & Aging

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS SPECIALIZATION
HAVE NOT BEEN FINALIZED.

Health Disparities Specialization

1 of these 2 sections of the same course is required(3 SCH):
SOCW 7397: Disparities in Health in America (summer)
HLT 7305: Disparities in Health in America (fall)

2 elective course (6 SCH) chosen from the following list:
SOCW 7320: Empowerment
SOCW 7321: Multicultural Practice
SOCW 7329: Affecting Social Policy
SOCW 7363: Health Care Systems and Issues
SOCW 7333: Bioethical Issues
HLT 6323: Cross-Cultural Aspects of Health

Specialization Note

With the consultation and written permission from the Faculty Coordinator of Specializations, students may alternately take an elective course not on the above lists to fulfill the 6 SCH elective requirement. The course may be from another graduate department or college, independent study or offered at the GCSW.