Social Work Program Expands Across Maryland

SALISBURY, MD---Reaching out to students statewide, Salisbury University’s growing Social Work program has expanded even further across Maryland.

SU recently signed articulation agreements with three community colleges in Central Maryland making it easier for social work students at those campuses to go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Beginning in fall 2008, students at Frederick Community College and Hagerstown Community College will be able to transfer seamlessly to SU’s satellite social work program at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown.  Similarly, students attending Harford Community College may enroll in SU’s satellite program at Cecil College in Elkton, MD.

“In a lot of these areas there are no universities nearby that offer a social work program,” said Cindy Wingate, SU’s satellite program coordinator.  “So by having streamlined access to our satellite sites, where classes are offered in the evening, it’s a really great opportunity especially for working professionals.”

Designed to provide a smooth transition from community college to a bachelor’s degree program, the agreements outline course requirements to avoid duplication of curriculum. Students take general education requirements at the community colleges and can ultimately transfer more credit hours, Wingate said.

SU has already signed similar articulation agreements with Cecil College, as well as Chesapeake College where students take classes at its Eastern Shore Higher Education Center at the campus in Wye Mills, MD.  Another agreement with Delaware Technical and Community College allows social work students to seamlessly transfer to SU’s main campus.

SU’s Social Work Department began a pilot program to offer its Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Master of Social Work programs at satellite sites in spring 2007.  There are currently 53 students enrolled in the program and Wingate expects that number to double in fall 2008.

“We have been heartened by the public response to the program,” said Dr. Marvin Tossey, chair of SU’s Social Work Department.  “The demand for fall admissions for the second cohort at all locations is greater than it was for the first year.”

All satellite courses are “blended,” using the latest technology, including face-to-face, fully interactive live video and online instruction from SU’s full-time faculty.  Student may complete all degree components in their local communities, from course registration to advising and field placements.

All of SU’s undergraduate and graduate social work programs are fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, a must for earning licensure.

For additional information about the satellite program, contact the SU Social Work Department at 410-677-5363 or e-mail socialwork@salisbury.edu.