Social Work is a specialized degree that prepares students for generalist social work practice in a wide range of settings to work with children, youth, families, adults and seniors. The curriculum has a solid foundation in the liberal arts, focusing on the biological, psychological and social sciences, as well as the knowledge, skills and values of the social work profession. In addition to entry-level practice, the degree prepares students to pursue graduate education in social work and other related fields.
The curriculum provides content in human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, practice theory and skills, research and field education. The field education component (450 supervised hours) provides students with a hands-on learning experience at human service agencies throughout New Hampshire. The curriculum and field assignments integrate content on values and ethics, human diversity, populations-at-risk and the promotion of social and economic justice.
The minor in Child Welfare and Family Studies gives students the opportunity to study the role of families, schools, the community, and government in the health, safety, and well-being of children and families. It examines common family problems, as well as strengths, and explores models of prevention and intervention to preserve and improve family life.
Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of aging. In addition to examining biopsychosocial changes as people age, gerontologists examine the political, economic, and social implications of aging in society. The interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology gives students the opportunity to understand the aging process and develop an understanding of policies, programs, and social needs in an aging society.
The Welfare and Justice for Children and Youth certificate provides students the opportunity to develop and be credentialed for additional professional skills for working with youth across multiple systems. Increasing knowledge of children and youth’s development, especially brain development and the impact of trauma on development, a growing focus on crossover youth and the growing use of a balance and restorative approaches across many social institutions (e.g., schools, court diversion, prevention/intervention/diversion programs and institutional/correctional settings) has left many agencies that serve children and youth challenged to hire qualified individuals. To make a difference in the lives of some of the most at-risk children and youth in our society today, agencies need effective and qualified staff equipped with the necessary skills to effectively engage and support this unique population.
