
Pettee Hall is听home to听易胜博官网's social work department.
The undergraduateat 易胜博官网 was already doing well when USA Today College and College Factual ranked it eighth in the country last year for top colleges at which to study social work. Besting its former position, the CHHS) program has now moved up to number seven.
Since 2011, 易胜博官网鈥檚 social work program has seen a steady increase in enrollment; this year, 46 students received bachelor鈥檚 degrees in social work compared to 22 undergraduates six years ago. When compiling their list, College Factual considers 鈥渓ow student-to-faculty ratios, high graduation rates and low student loan default rates,鈥 according to a June 11 .听
鈥溡资げ┕偻檚 social work program is one of the oldest in the country, and it was one of the first to be accredited,鈥 says Martha Byam, clinical associate professor and coordinator of the undergraduate program, adding that it was accredited in 1974. 鈥淚 think we鈥檝e found a formula that works.鈥
But there is more to it than that. At 易胜博官网, students are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer service in addition to a 450-hour internship during their senior year. What鈥檚 more, the department has a strong relationship with state healthcare agencies as well as a solid advisory board, both of which add to the program鈥檚 continued betterment, Byam says.
That formula includes the only in the nation (available to undergraduate and graduate students), an emphasis on alternative treatment modalities, including equine-assisted mental health therapy and pet-assisted therapy, study abroad service programs in the Dominican Republic and Ireland and an online master鈥檚 degree program.
Study Abroad
Earlier this month, 12 graduate and undergraduate social work majors spent 12 days in Ireland for the study abroad course 听Trish Cox, clinical assistant professor and coordinator for the master's in social work program, and Will听Lusenhop, clinical assistant professor, led the course that had students touring cultural and historic venues, including a visit to a child welfare agency in Belfast and meeting with the Ireland Association of Social Workers.
With job possibilities ranging from, among others, working in mental health facilities, hospitals, counseling centers, child welfare agencies and addiction and recovery facilities, the social work graduate has ample opportunities to make a difference in people鈥檚 lives.
鈥淭here seems to be an increased interest in people wanting to do good in the world, and maybe by the world,鈥 Byam says.
According to USA Today, 易胜博官网鈥檚 social work program, which combines theory with practical experience, produces graduates who go on to earn an听average starting salary of $41,000.
鈥淥ur social work team consists of highly experienced faculty and staff who are dedicated to our students鈥 educational success, including intensive field internships,鈥 says CHHS dean Michael Ferrara. 鈥淎s this program continues to grow and thrive, it will help 易胜博官网 continue to address the workforce shortages in 易胜博官网 related to behavioral health.鈥
Interested in a career in social work? .
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Written By:
Jody Record 鈥95 | Communications and Public Affairs | jody.record@unh.edu