Community and Social Service Programs

Matriculated students take a trauma-targeted series of coursework totaling 18 credits to finish their studies with an MSW degree and a Certificate in Graduate Studies for Childhood and Adolescent trauma. The intent of the (CGS-Trauma) is to increase capacity for graduate social work interns to incorporate trauma-informed knowledge into their practices thus improving outcomes when trauma-sensitive interventions are required. Students will enhance their understanding of how trauma alters the functioning of trauma survivors and their families.

The college provides an affordable option for graduate study to improve trauma-focused knowledge and clinical skills. The curricula for all studies use evidence-based teaching models.

Courses in this program are designed to enhance students’ understanding of how to function as part of an interprofessional team, understand social determinants of health, and develop competencies in engaging and supporting clients across a range of health conditions. Students will complete 300 hours of internship each semester (600 total for the year) in a primary care setting functioning as a behavioral health clinician. This program is grant-funded and provides financial support to students admitted to the program.

This program provides an affordable option for graduate study to improve knowledge and clinical skills in integrated behavioral health and team-based care. The curricula for all studies includes evidence-based teaching models. The School of Social Work offers several interprofessional education opportunities in conjunction with the RIC School of Nursing, Alpert Medical School at Brown University and URI College of Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Nursing.

This program affords new and existing professionals key competency skills in nonprofit management including fundraising, strategic planning, personnel, finance and governance. It was developed in response to increasing demand for training and education in leading and managing nonprofit organizations. CGS courses explore theories and examine connections between leadership and change and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in organizations, communication, fund development, marketing and finance. Additionally, the next generation of leaders who earn this certificate are equipped to address organizational complexity and strengthen the future nonprofit network.

Courses are taught by Rhode Island College faculty and professional experts drawn from local community organizations, with an emphasis on real world experiences and case studies. Through the program, students integrate theory and practice, aiming toward a goal of achieving competencies within the nonprofit studies field.

The MSW Program at RIC prepares students for social work practice in diverse communities, working with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. We work to eliminate social injustice and economic inequality in an effort to realize a just and equitable society. We seek to create, analyze, and evaluate knowledge and to instill in students a deep understanding of the people and communities they work with and the structural influences affecting their daily lives.

RIC provides an affordable option for graduate study. Our faculty have wide-ranging expertise and are committed to delivering a rigorous program that graduates superior social workers prepared to change the world by helping others. We are small enough to know our students by name, yet large enough to offer a rich array of course offerings, grant-funded research proposals, and immersive internship opportunities.