Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

2-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Social Welfare

Advisor

Barbra Teater

Committee Members

Nancy Giunta

Esther Son

Subject Categories

Development Studies | Disability Studies | Social Work

Keywords

Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Social Work Education, Curriculum Content, Career Interests

Abstract

This study examines how curriculum content on Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) impacts the career interests of social work students. With the growing demand for social workers proficient in I/DD services, it is crucial to understand how educational experiences shape career choices. Using a QUANT→Qual mixed-method approach, this quasi-experimental pre/post-test survey combined quantitative data (N 66 [experimental group]; N =103 [control group] and open-ended survey questions (N = 66 [experimental group]; N =103 [control group] from social work students.

The author-constructed survey assessed student attitudes, perceptions, preparedness, ability to identify I/DD, knowledge of I/DD, and willingness to practice with individuals with I/DD before and after exposure to I/DD-focused curriculum content over a 15-week period. The quantitative findings indicated that exposure to I/DD-focused curriculum content significantly improved students’ preparedness, ability to identify I/DD, knowledge about I/DD, and willingness to work with this population. Qualitative findings indicated that students who completed the I/DD courses reported increased confidence and interest in pursuing careers involving I/DD roles. The study findings emphasize the importance of including dedicated I/DD content in social work education to better equip future practitioners.

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