Why Choose Marywood’s Social Work Programs?
Informed by a Catholic tradition, as well as the University’s and profession’s intersecting values, the Marywood University School of Social Work prepares a wide variety of beginning, career-changing and mid-career students at the generalist (BSW) and advanced (MSW) level to engage in competent, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed micro, mezzo, and macro level social work practice with diverse client systems. BSW and MSW graduates respond to the evolving needs of oppressed and marginalized populations in local, regional, national, and global communities, guided by a commitment to social and economic justice.
The Marywood University School of Social Work MSW Program, rooted in the University’s core values of Catholic Identity, Respect, Empowerment, Service and Excellence, is committed to an accessible education which prepares graduates for ethical, culturally responsive and evidence-informed professional practice. An Intersectional lens informs the development of inter-professional, collaborative services to all social systems, with particular attention to those who are oppressed and marginalized. The Concepts of Equity, Inclusion, Globalization, and Social, Economic and Environmental Justice provide foundations on which to create learning environments that value diversity and difference.
Facilities & Technology
Liberal Arts Center
The Liberal Arts Center (LAC) contains classrooms utilized by several programs, as well as the Office of Admissions, a variety of other administrative offices, and the NativityMiguel School of Scranton. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Marywood's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.
The LAC provides classroom space to students in the Social Sciences, English, and Philosophy programs. The iconic Rotunda is at the heart of the Liberal Arts Center. The Admissions Office is located on the first floor. A variety of administrative offices are located on the terrace level and second floor, including the Cashier's Office, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Registrar's Office, Provost's Office, Housing and Residence Life, the Center for Global Engagement, and more.
Liberal Arts Center Classrooms
The Liberal Arts Center provides classroom space for coursework in the Social Sciences, English, Philosophy, and Religious Studies programs. Bulit in 1923, it is one of Marywood's oldest buildings and was the first facility totally dedicated to the use of college classes. While it retains many of its classic features and architecture, including the iconic Rotunda, the building has undergone recent physical renovations and enhancements of its learning spaces, including technological upgrades, climate control abilities, and new furniture in each classroom.
Learning Commons
The Learning Commons changes minds about what a library is, how it works, and what it's supposed to do. By seamlessly navigating the ever-changing learning landscape, The Learning Commons in effect removes previous barriers to knowledge creation. Since it is far more than a repository for information, the facility instantly became a place where people collaborate and create knowledge, using the latest technology and the energy that is borne of intellectual exchange and inspirational spaces.
Learning Commons Classrooms
Classrooms are on the second and third floors of the Learning Commons. These learning spaces are open and collaborative.
Immaculata Hall
Meet the Faculty & Staff
Selina Shrestha
Department Director | Assistant Professor of Practice
Kaitlin Ann Anderle
Assistant Professor
Susan G Lettera
Instructor of Practice
Arielle L Arbushites
Lecturer
Charise Breeden-Balaam
Assistant Professor of Practice
Elizabeth T Bruinix-Parris
Instructor of Practice
Pamela Cho
Lecturer
Cherish L Culligan
Lecturer
Lauren E Dennelly
Lecturer
Lucrezia M Grier
Lecturer | Lecturer
Deborah L Guy
Lecturer
Jennifer M Hartz
Lecturer
Sr. Angela Ok Kim
Professor
Joseph H Knecht
Lecturer
John G Lees
Lecturer
Anthony P Linnen
Lecturer
Dr. Yerodin Lucas
Assistant Professor
William R McDonald
Lecturer
Jennifer Marie Moll
Lecturer
Denise Namowicz
Lecturer
Michelle L Ostroski
Assistant Professor
Tessa Palmer
Lecturer
Stephanie Pearce
Lecturer
Dr. Karen Rich
Associate Professor
Laurie A Scoblionko
Lecturer
Saroj Shrestha
Lecturer
Ronald J Simon
Lecturer
Amber L Snyder
Lecturer
Michelle L Valinski
Lecturer
Erin Elizabeth Wagner
Administrative Assistant
Alicia Zehner
Lecturer
Clubs
Both Scranton and the Lehigh Valley Program feature MSW Student Associations.
Student Resources
Licensing Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Licensing information and exam application State specific information: Pennsylvania New York New Jersey Publications The New Social Worker Social Work Today Social Work Speaks Abstracts Search Tools Social Work Search
BSW Field Practicum
Field practicum is an integral and essential component of the BSW degree curriculum. Field practicum places students in agency settings and engages the student in supervised social work practice. It provides valuable opportunities to apply classroom learning in the field. CSWE mandates that BSW programs establish minimum standards for field supervision and that supervisors are experienced social service agency personnel, preferably with a BSW or MSW degree. This formalized supervision results in consistent high standards of quality. Through their field practicums, BSW students refine their professional social work skills and integrate classroom course content with on-the-job experience in service provision, outreach, networking and resource development.
Here are just a few places our BSW students have had the opportunity to complete their field placements. Click on the links to learn more about each agency.
Children's Service Center - Residential Services
335 South Franklin Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Clarks Summit State Hospital
1451 Hilltop Drive, Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Community Intervention Center
445 North 6th Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service
441 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Friendship House
1509 Maple Street, Scranton, PA 18505
Hospice of the Sacred Heart
600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Kidspeace
101 Pittston Avenue, First Floor, Suite 3, Scranton, PA 18505
Lackawanna County Youth and Family Services
200 Adams Avenue, 4th Floor, Scranton, PA 18503
Marworth
Lily Lake Road, Waverly, PA 18471
NHS Human Services - Forest City School
30-32 North Main Street, Carbondale, PA 18407
St. Joseph's Center
2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509
St. Mary's Villa
516 St. Mary's Villa Road, Elmhurst Township, PA 18444
United Neighborhood Centers of Lackawanna County
410 Olive Street, Scranton, PA 18509
Wayne Memorial Hospital
601 Park Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Women's Resource Center
P.O. Box 975, Scranton, PA 18501
MSW Field Education
In addition to traditional classroom courses, the MSW program at Marywood places great emphasis on the experiential learning through field placements, which provide hands-on experience in real-world social service settings.
Students are required to spend a total of 920 hours in field placements, over 4 semesters, acquiring progressively more developed and sensitive skills in helping people as "beginning professionals." Field placements must be taken concurrently with core practice methods courses, since the primary objective of field experience is to integrate theoretical content with practice.
We'll help you select a field placement that meets your interests, in a location that's accessible. If you work full-time, we can help you find a placement that's convenient for you.
Our School of Social Work places students in agencies throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, providing every type of social work practice.
MSW Academic Awards
The Murray Fox Practicum Educators Award-
In memory and honor of the contributions of Dr. Murray Fox, a beloved friend and colleague, to the profession of Social Work, Field Education and the School of Social Work; the Murray Fox Practicum Educators' Award was established in 1988. Dr. Fox was a faculty member from the opening of the School of Social Work in 1969 until his death.
Each year, one Field Instructor is selected for this award based on his/her commitment to supervising and educating graduate social work students. The recipient is chosen by the Field Education Committee from nominations made by Faculty Liaisons. If a student feels his/her Field Instructor is a suitable candidate he/she is encouraged to discuss their idea with their Liaison.
The recipient of the Murray Fox Practicum Educators' Award is honored at the Spring Colloquium Field Education Program and Luncheon at Marywood University's main Scranton Campus
The Elisa Kalwaytis Social Work Legacy Award
The Elisa Kalwaytis Social Work Legacy Award was established in 2004 by Mary S. and Andrew B. Yaniga in memory of their granddaughter, a graduate of both the Marywood BSW and MSW programs. This award is given to a graduating MSW student who also holds a BSW from any accredited program.
The award recognizes outstanding achievement and commitment to Social Work practice. The recipient is honored at the Spring Colloquium Field Education Program and Luncheon at Marywood University's main Scranton Campus.
The Geffen Medal for Outstanding Performance in Practicum Education
The Geffen Medal for Outstanding Performance in Practicum Education was established in memory of and to honor Albert Geffen, MSW; an outstanding community social worker, leader and Field Educator who was instrumental in the development and establishment of the School of Social Work.
Each year, a graduating MSW student is selected for the Geffen Medal for Outstanding Performance in a Social Work Field setting. The student is nominated by a Faculty Liaison and chosen by the Field Education Committee. The recipient is honored at the Spring Colloquium Field Education Program and Luncheon at Marywood University's main Scranton Campus and receives the Medal at the Commencement ceremony in May.
The Polizzi Medal for Scholarship and Service
This medal is awarded to a graduating MSW student who overall in the School of Social Work, MSW program stands out in class, field, the social work profession and community. The award recognizes the student for outstanding educational performance and service in the field of Social Work. The medal was founded by the Student Association of the School of Social Work in 1972 in memory of Anthony C. Polizzi, MSW (1971). The recipient is honored at the Spring Colloquium Field Education Program and Luncheon at Marywood University's main Scranton Campus and receives the Medal at the Commencement ceremony in May.
The Jill S. Rouse Award
This award was established in 2015 in memory of Jill S. Rouse, MSW (2013) by her family and classmates to annually recognize an MSW graduate for exemplary field work with an emphasis on veteran and/or social justice issues. is honored at the Spring Colloquium Field Education Program and Luncheon at Marywood University's main Scranton Campus.
The Kaitlin A. Prislupsky Social Work Award
The Kaitlin A. Prislupsky, BSW’14, MSW’15 Social Work Practice Award was established in 2015 by the Prislupsky family in memory of Kaitlin, a graduate of both the Marywood University BSW and MSW Programs. This award is given to an MSW student with a demonstrated interest in social work practice in the behavioral health field. Students are nominated by faculty or professional staff. The recipient is honored at the Spring Colloquium Field Education Program held on campus during the spring semester.
Contact the School of Social Work
Location: Immaculata Hall | 2FL
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 570-348-6211 x2698
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