Experiential Learning
Complete your field practicum alongside social workers with local organizations like Frederick County Public Schools, the Mental Health Association of Frederick and more.
About this Program
Social workers strive to address human problems. Social work involves collaboration with individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations or communities to enhance their social functioning, resolve problems and to create conditions conducive to those goals. Social workers address institutional, governmental and organizational policies, laws and regulations in an effort to create services that are responsive to the needs of vulnerable people and populations.
Program Overview
The social work program’s mission is to prepare students for competency at an entry-level of professional practice in social work. Graduates promote the well-being and quality of life for diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities, both locally and globally, with particular appreciation for the distinct strengths and differences of each client system.
To this end, our program is committed to the provision of a generalist education focused on experiential learning, grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation. The curriculum is integrated with the knowledge, evidence-based methods, skills, values and ethics of the social work profession based on a holistic, hands-on perspective and committed to universal human rights and social justice.
The social work field experience prepares students for practice with diverse client groups across the life span. Because of the growing number of older adults who will need social services in the 21st century, Hood College social work students graduate with basic competencies needed to practice with populations of all ages, regardless of the social work field of practice in which they plan to work.
Hood College is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.
2023 Assessment of Learning Outcomes (Based on 2015 EPAS)
Degrees Offered
- BA
- Minor
Department Offering
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Choose a Pathway
Information will vary based on program level. Select a path to find the information you're looking for!
The social work minor offers students in related majors (such as sociology, psychology, law and society and education) an introduction to the methods and theory of social work practice. It enhances students’ understanding of human behavior and social policy, and teaches intervention strategies designed to enhance functioning of individuals, families, groups and communities.
High-Impact Practices
Take on a service-learning project that meets your unique interests and goals.
Career Outlook
Social worker occupations are expected to grow 12% by 2030, faster than the national average.
Community Project: Report the Crime... Protect the Child
Every social work senior has the opportunity to do a community project to impact change in their field placement or the community. Kellianne Dubbin '16 created this video for her project with the Child Advocacy Center.
Program Contact
Michelle Gricus, DSW
Director of Social Work
Phone
301-696-3397
Email
Michelle Gricus
- Associate Professor of Social Work
Naeem Shaikh
- Visiting Professor of Social Work
Social Justice Spotlight | Sarah McKinley ’23
Social Work Student Testifies at Maryland Senate Undergraduate Student
Sarah McKinley ’23 describes her experience advocating for prison reform before the Maryland State Senate.
- Experiential Learning
- Student Engagement
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Law & Political Sciences
- Community Involvement