Undergraduate Catalog: Overview of the University

Seal || Motto || Accreditations and Approvals || Setting || History || Mission Statement || Core Values || Goals || Curricular Purpose

Seal

The black diamond in the lower center of the seal represents the city of Scranton, which is located in the heart of the once thriving anthracite coal district of Pennsylvania. Coal was king in Scranton at the time of Marywood's founding, and a gold field surrounding the diamond symbolizes the wealth the coal industry produced.

The diamond is charged with the open book of learning, and upon its pages the Greek letters Alpha and Omega are inscribed. These represent God as the beginning and end of all things and the foundation of true education.

An image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, garlanded with roses, pierced by a sword, marked by her crown as Queen of Heaven and tinctured in the gold eternity, is displayed on a forest green background to symbolize in canting form, the name of the University. (Canting arms indicate the name of the bearer.) On either side of the heart are fleurs-de-lis, a symbol of the Blessed Virgin, taken from the seal of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who founded Marywood University in 1915.

 

Motto

The University has embodied its ideals, which are identical with the goals of true humanism, in the University motto: Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas (Holiness, Knowledge, Health).

Accreditations and Approvals

Regional:

Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3524 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Phone: 1-267-284-5000

The Commission on Higher Education is the unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the Middle States region, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several locations abroad.

Professional:

Business and Managerial Science Programs granting the B.B.A. Degrees at the Undergraduate Level and the M.B.A. and M.S. in Management Information System Degrees at the Graduate Level are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, 7007 College Boulevard, Suite 420, Overland Park, KS 66211. Phone: 1­913­339­9356

The Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies is accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant, 12000 Findley Road, Suite 240, Duluth, GA. Phone: 1-770-476-1224

The Graduate Art Therapy Program of the Department of Art is accredited by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc., 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304. Phone: 1-888-290-0878 or 1-703-212-2238

The Didactic Program, Coordinated Program, and Internship and Distance Internship Programs in the Nutrition and Dietetics department are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, American Dietetic Association, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606. Phone: 1-312-899-4817 ext. 5400

The Undergraduate Music Therapy Program is accredited by the American Music Therapy Association, Inc., 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: 1-301-589-3300

The Master's Program in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. Phone: 1-800-498-2071

Business and Managerial Science Programs granting the B.B.A. Degrees at the Undergraduate Level and the M.B.A. and M.S. in Management Information System Degrees at the Graduate Level are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, 7007 College Boulevard, Suite 420, Overland Park, KS 66211. Phone: 1-913-339-9356

The Athletic Training Program in the Health and Physical Education Department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, 2201 Double Creek Drive, Suite 5006, Round Rock, TX 78664. Phone: 1-512-733-9700

Counseling Programs in Elementary Counseling, Secondary School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, 5999 Stevenson Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304. Phone: 1-703-823-9800 ext. 301

The Masters and Baccalaureate of Social Work degree programs in the School of Social Work are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, 1725 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone: 1-703-683-8080

Programs in Art and Design of the Department of Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190. Phone: 1-703-437-0700

Programs in Music are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA20190. Phone: 1-703-437-0700

Programs for the preparation of elementary, secondary, K-12 and special education teachers and for the preparation of other school personnel including school psychologists, guidance counselors, principals, superintendents, librarians, reading specialists, speech and language pathologists, home school visitors, and supervisory personnel are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, 2010 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: 1-202-466-7496

The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in Clinical Psychology is accredited as a doctoral program in clinical psychology by the American Psychological Association (APA), Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE,Washington, DC 20002-4242. Phone: 1-202-336-5979

Setting

Marywood was established in Scranton at a time when its mines, mills, and railroads were providing essential goods for the entire nation. Scranton was best known as the national center of the anthracite industry; workers who labored in the coal mines and lived nearby supplied the fuel for heating and transporting the people of the United States. Marywood's mission was to provide an excellent education for the daughters of the workers of the area.

The city of Scranton is rich both in natural environment and in history. It is located in the Pocono Mountains region, an area renowned for the beauty of its lakes and forests and the access it offers for all kinds of ports and other outdoor activities. Scranton has become a tourist center in the region, providing a wealth of cultural opportunities - concerts, theatre, ballet, lectures, and art shows. It celebrates its distinguished history as a labor center in museums and Steamtown National Park and is a living showcase of magnificent Victorian architecture. Marywood University, by its presence in Scranton - through its library, theatre, art galleries, educational facilities and spacious campus (recognized as one of the most beautiful in the state)- continues to be a vital, valuable part of the exceptional city it calls home.

Since its foundation, Marywood University has expanded its perspective and its outreach to global dimensions, faithfully preserving its mission of service and excellence in education. Responding to the global character of modern society and the challenge to support the human aspirations of men and women of all ages and circumstances, the University has developed from a single school to four colleges and two schools. It delivers credit and non-credit opportunities, both on campus and through distance learning activities. The 34,000 graduates of Marywood provide leadership and service for the human community not only throughout the region but across the nation and throughout the world. From its welcoming of its first international students in 1919 to establishment of its undergraduate curricular focus, "Living Responsibly in an Interdependent World," in 1991, the University has prized its membership in the global community and its capacity to promote the well-being of that community.

History

Marywood was founded in the spirit of dedicated service characteristic of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This religious congregation was established in 1845; a Redemptorist missionary, Louis Florent Gillet, C.S.S.R., and an African American sister, Teresa Maxis Duchemin, IHM founded the Congregation in Monroe, Michigan. The Congregation undertook its ministry in Northeast Pennsylvania in 1858, operating schools and social services facilities throughout the region.

As educators who were concerned with the needs of the women in Northeast Pennsylvania, the sisters began plans for a women’s liberal arts college in Scranton. The idea, conceived by Mother M. Cyril Conway and endorsed by the Most Reverend Michael J. Hoban, D.D., bishop of Scranton, was realized by Mother M. Germaine O’Neill, who formally opened Marywood College in September 1915.

In 1917, the College was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and approved to grant three degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. Marywood became a charter member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 1921.

Amendments to the first charter enabled the University to grant the degrees of Master of Arts (1922), Bachelor of Science in Education (1922), Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (1928), Bachelor of Science in Library Science (1937), Master of Social Work (1969), Bachelor of Social Work (1974), Master of Public Administration (1975), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1978), Master of Business Administration (1980), Master of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts (1981), Master of Arts in Teaching (1985), Master of Health Services Administration (1995), Doctor of Philosophy (1995), Master of Education, (2000), Doctor of Psychology (2000), and Educational Specialist (2005).

The University Board of Trustees approved plans to open the region’s first School of Architecture in Fall 2009. The School of Architecture offers a pre-professional degree, Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture (B.E.D.A.), and two professional degree programs, the five year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) and the six year Master of Architecture (M.Arch.).

Marywood further was empowered to educate students as school librarians (1929), vocational home economics teachers (1936), guidance counselors (1938), public school psychologists (1942), and teachers of the mentally retarded (1948) and to grant graduate certificates in theology (1953).

A revision of the bylaws was made in 1968, establishing a new Board of Trustees to include both religious and lay members as Marywood’s governing body, while retaining ownership by the members of the corporation, namely, the congregation administrator and the other officers of the congregation.

During the 1960s, the graduate education activities of the College were formalized in the establishment of a Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and a School of Social Work. From 1981 to 1990, the Gillet School extended Marywood’s services in baccalaureate, non-degree and non-credit/continuing education at the undergraduate level.

Men have attended the graduate schools since their establishment, and have been enrolled in undergraduate programs since the 1970s.

In 1990 the Undergraduate School was restructured to provide residence for men as well as women. All the degree-granting units of the College were fully coeducational, with residence opportunities for all students. At that time, non-credit and continuing professional educational programs were offered to a wide variety of publics through the School of Continuing Education, which replaced the Gillet School.

Marywood’s continued growth brought another dramatic change in 1997, when the Pennsylvania Department of Education, recognizing the institution’s academic excellence as well as its significant contributions in research, cultural activities, educational outreach, service and importance to the community, granted university status. Marywood College became Marywood University, which now consists of four colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the College of Health and Human Services; the Insalaco College of Creative Arts and Management; and the Reap College of Education and Human Development.

Marywood University Mission Statement

Marywood University, sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, roots itself in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the principle of justice, and the belief that education empowers people. The University integrates an enduring liberal arts tradition and professional disciplines to create a comprehensive learning experience. Our undergraduate and graduate programs promote academic excellence, advance innovative scholarship, and foster leadership in service to others. Within a welcoming and supportive community, Marywood challenges individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and make choices based on spiritual and ethical values. Marywood University prepares students to seek sustainable solutions for the common good and educates global citizens to live responsibly in an interdependent world.

Goals

1. Provide a values based context for university experiences.
2. Foster an awareness and appreciation of the pluralistic nature of contemporary society.
3. Provide a supportive and welcoming environment to a diverse academic community.
4. Prepare people for socially responsible leadership roles.
5. Provide a challenging instructional program.
6. Inspire a sense of personal responsibility for responding to social justice issues.

Core Values

Catholic Identity

The pursuit of truth, goodness, beauty, justice, and the common good within the context of the Catholic faith tradition and in dialogue and service with persons of diverse faiths and worldviews.

Respect

Honoring the uniqueness and dignity of each human person; demonstrating ethical and just interactions; and caring for the earth and all creation through a commitment to sustainability.

Empowerment

Access to education that enables all to achieve their full potential to live as conscientious citizens in a pluralistic society.

Service

A commitment to promoting social responsibility which fosters community engagement to meet real needs.

Excellence

Manifesting Marywood University's pursuit of the highest level of achievement in support of "Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas."

Statement and Implementation of Undergraduate Core Curricular Purpose: Living Responsibly in an Interdependent World

The undergraduate core curriculum at Marywood University contributes to the University’s mission and goals. Its central focus may be expressed in the phrase “living responsibly in a diverse and interdependent world.” In offering this curricular experience, the University fulfills its historic mission as a Catholic university and affirms its commitment to the liberal arts tradition.

The core curriculum thus helps students think critically, examine values, and act responsibly; it challenges students to engage in civic responsibility in terms of social justice, unmet human needs, and empowerment of others; and it provides a context within which students can realize meaningful personal and professional lives.

To create an environment in which students can develop into fully human persons, Marywood University integrates professional programs with a general education curriculum composed of a strong liberal arts core, general electives and competen­cies. Each component contributes an essential perspective to the central focus of the curriculum.

The liberal arts core is organized into six categories:

Category I encompasses the New Student Seminar, “Living Responsibly in an Interdependent World” and English 160, Writing Skills. The New Student Seminar (UNIV 100) is intended to promote for new students a positive adjustment and assimilation into the University, and to introduce them to the University’s life, culture, mission, history, and traditions. Writing Skills (English 160) helps prepare students for college­level, process­based academic writing. While learning to write well in various contexts is an ongoing process, ENGL 160 lays strong foundations for argumentative and inquire­based writing by increasing rhetorical awareness and analytical skills. Through guided practice, students gain experience in using research to join ongoing academic conversations.

In pursuing studies in Category II, The Human Condition in Its Ultimate Relationships, students examine the nature, purpose, and meaning of life through philosophical and religious lenses that help them to evaluate their own life position and choices. They develop their critical thinking skills, explore the religious dimen­sion of life, and experience the free and responsible pursuit of truth, as they examine the ultimate questions that have always engaged human beings. Studies in this cate­gory supply students with a theoretical basis and a cognitive process for making ethical decisions in promoting justice, peace, and compassion in the contemporary world.

The studies included in Category III, The Human Condition in the Context of the Physical Universe, are vital for fulfilling the central focus of the core. Many urgent concerns of the interdependent world are scientifically and technologi­cally based and require knowledge and analytical skills for effective response. The studies not only promote an appreciation of the natural sciences, but also an aware­ness of our dependence upon nature and a sense of stewardship in fostering the earth’s resources.

Essential preparation for living responsibly in an interdependent world is also provided in Category IV, The Human Condition in Relation to Self and Social Structure.

The Social Sciences – including Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, and Criminology, among others – provide students opportu­nities to understand more fully the complex relations between individuals and the social order in which they find themselves.

The studies encompassed in Category V, The Human Condition in its Cultural Context, heighten students’ sensitivity to human concerns and to the chal­lenges and delights shared by persons of diverse cultures and historical periods. They foster aesthetic appreciation and the ability to communicate effectively within and outside one’s own cultural group. They provide access to understanding of our partners in interdependence.

The Human Condition in its Historical Context, Category VI, provides historical contexts that enable students to think more critically and creatively about the diverse and interdependent world in which they live. Knowledge of past and contemporary societies promotes recognition of the radical interdependence of human beings and helps students respond to contemporary challenges with well­informed effectiveness.

The total undergraduate curriculum promotes lifelong independent learning and fosters the development of creative and responsive leadership in personal and profes­sional life. It is hoped that, as a result of their studies, students will be able to fulfill the mission of the University, learning to live responsibly in this interdependent world.

As a result of their courses in the core curriculum, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of and respect for the religious, spiritual, and moral dimensions of life;
2. Develop a critical awareness of the whole self, as well as an understanding of the complexities of human persons in diverse historical and social contexts;
3. Develop and evaluate thinking through quantitative, qualitative, and scientific reasoning; problem solving; and research;
4. Respond justly and with empathy to social inequity – local, regional and global;
5. Demonstrate effective communication skills, including skills in a second language at an appropriate level;
6. Create or interpret works of art – literary, visual, or performing.