Substance Abuse Specialization at the University of Maryland School of Social Work Chair: Llewellyn Cornelius, PhD
Social work practice in the substance abuse field is growing. This growth is in part the result of an expanded definition and approach to substance abuse problems, which include the contribution of social and environmental factors. Through the conception, development, preparation for delivery, and evaluation of policies and social services, the substance abuse specialization prepares students to become active practitioners in improving the lives of people affected by substance abuse. The specialization prepares students to work in direct practice (clinical, social administration, and community organization) and in organizations and agencies that improve the lives of people directly affected by substance abuse (individuals, organizations, communities, and society). The substance abuse specialization provides a broad understanding of the field. Students will be introduced to substance abuse programs and policies and learn how to analyze and evaluate them. The specialization also provides a theoretical base that includes interdisciplinary content crucial to working in the substance abuse field: past and current research in the field and the opportunity to develop skills specific to working with clients affected by substance abuse, and in working with programs and organizations targeted to this population and its needs. A sub-specialization only may be available in fall 2005 in this area. Coursework
During the Advanced Practice Year, students take Substance Abuse and Social Policy (SOWK 717), a specialized addictions course, and a relevant research course. Students also spend three days a week in a setting where they work with substance abuse-related issues, from either a clinical, management, or community organization perspective. Secondary Concentration Option in Substance Abuse
A clinical concentrator who wants to have MACO as a secondary concentration will fulfill the Clinical concentration requirements and substitute SWOA 703 or SWOA 704 for an SWCL optioncourse, and take another SWOA option course. A MACO concentrator who wants to have clinical as a secondary concentration will take the MACO concentration. top | 
