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Sociology and Social Work Department; Overview
Professors: Purnima Bhatt, Roger Reitman, Kerry Strand (chair)
Assistant Professors: Laura Moore, Joy Swanson Ernst, Jolene Sanders, Lynda
Sowbel
The department offers three majors—sociology, social work and law and society—and minors in sociology, social work, pre-professional practice in social work and social science research (which department majors may take as a concentration within their major field). In addition, courses are offered in anthropology and the department offers many of the courses recommended for the minor in gerontology.
Facilities: Facilities include a library collection, the Center for Social Science Research and access to computer terminals.
Social Work Overview
We live in an uncertain world where change is constant. From birth through old age, the expected and unexpected changes and demands of life challenge people. Social workers provide assistance to people throughout the course of their lives as they cope with life’s stressful situations, whether they are temporary problems or enduring conditions. The social work major helps students develop an understanding of how personal characteristics interact with societal and environmental forces to create problems in living, especially for society’s most vulnerable populations. The social work major is ideal for students who want to make a difference in individuals’ lives, who are committed to social justice and who appreciate the diversity of the human condition.The goal of the Hood College Social Work Program is to provide a challenging academic environment and sound preparation for beginning generalist practice with individual, families, small groups, organizations and communities. The department prides itself on providing students with opportunities to form close and long-lasting relationships with faculty mentors and fellow students who share educational values and aspirations.
Hood’s program is accredited for undergraduate social work education
by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
The program includes education in history, policies, legislation, advocacy,
ethics and research, as well as social issues critical to the profession. The
program emphasizes preparation for practice to meet the needs of individuals
across the life span. Lifelong learning and critical thinking skills are emphasized
and classroom assignments are focused on developing these skills.
During the senior year, students have a field placement in a social work setting
such as a school- or community-based program, an adult day care center, the
Department of Social Services, the Frederick County Detention Center or the
Department of Aging. The field placement allows students to apply classroom
learning to a workplace setting. As a participant in the Geriatric
Enrichment in Social Work Education project, the program places special
emphasis on giving all students basic knowledge and skills needed to work with
older adults and their families.
You can learn more about the social work profession and career opportunities in social work by visiting the National Association of Social Workers.
For complete departmental information in our online catalog, click here.