University Times

Social work to offer master's at UPB

Beginning this fall, Pitt's School of Social Work (SSW) will offer a master of social work program at the Bradford campus via interactive television.

The program will be tailored to working professionals interested in advanced direct practice with a focus in the areas of children, youth and families.

"This is a great opportunity for students to earn a master's degree in social work in Bradford without their having to travel to Pittsburgh," said Deborah Dick Pontzer, director of outreach services at Pitt-Bradford.

"The whole region will benefit from the increased number of credentialed social workers," Pontzer added, "and the quality of care and the level of services available at the social service and child welfare offices will be enhanced."

Another advantage of the program, Pontzer said, is that it will provide professional development for child welfare workers through Children Welfare Education for Leadership, which is coordinated statewide by Pitt's social work school.

The M.S.W. program is a result of planning efforts of the School of Social Work, the Office of Adult Continuing Education and Outreach Services at Pitt-Bradford, as well as Pitt's central and Bradford campus administrations. The Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education has provided support for the technologies needed to deliver the program.

For more information on the program contact Pitt-Bradford's adult continuing education office at 814/362-5078 or 1/800-787-1787.