Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Combining outstanding programs in professional fields with a powerful liberal arts orientation, The Marywood University Social Sciences Department offers you both a solid academic background and preparation to help you succeed in your chosen field. Our faculty members are committed to your intellectual and professional growth, and you'll also benefit from small class sizes and personal attention. Coursework in your chosen track will prepare you for a range of careers as well as further graduate study. Whether your goal is to teach history/social studies; to attend law school; to become active in politics or public service; to conduct historical or sociological research; or to work in areas of criminal justice, such as probations, parole, law enforcement, or the prison system, your foundation for an exciting spectrum of meaningful careers begins with the social sciences and Marywood University.

Featured Pacer Profile

A freshman History/Pre-law student and a member of Marywood’s Men’s Track and Field team, Scott proposed the idea of writing letters from Santa to the children and young family members of Marywood's faculty, staff, and alumni.
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Accreditations

Institutional:
Middles States Commission on Higher Education

Program-related:
As part of the offerings of Marywood's education unit, our secondary education program in History/Social Sciences is recognized and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The approval process establishes rigorous standards for program quality and professional educator competency and holds licensed institutions accountable for meeting these standards.  

About The Social Sciences Department

Our goal is to help you understand the larger social, political, economic, and environmental contexts that shape human interactions. You can then use this knowledge to identify points in your individual life and career where you can contribute to life in an interdependent world.

Courses in the Social Sciences will help you:

  • Broaden your understanding of the social sciences
  • Engage in purposeful, honest, and effective research
  • Use critical thinking to formulate opinions and conclusions
  • Respond to the challenges of contemporary society by relating classroom study to current affairs
  • Explore the unique cultures of diverse ethnic and religious groups

Transferable Skills

Social Sciences Faculty

Our faculty members are experienced teachers and respected scholars in their fields. The Social Sciences Department prides itself on maintaining open and engaging faculty-student relationships. They're dedicated to helping you put together a program to meet your needs.

Shprintzen, Dr. Adam
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Seffrin, Dr. Patrick M
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Anuszewski, Stephanie G
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Clements, William
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Duque, Richard B
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Grimminger, Erika M
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Hacken, Francis J
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Harris, Dr. Dana M
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Josielevski, Ben
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Kanavy, James Francis
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Rich, Dr. Jeremy M
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Rupprecht, Anna Lee
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Saimbert, John M
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Saldan, Francesca M
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Tanana, Nicole E
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Thiel, Corinne E
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Vari, Dr. Alexandru I
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Wildman, Krista
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Wilson, Dr. Jonathan Wilfred
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Zugarek, John N
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Sigma Delta Kappa

National Honor Society for Criminal Justice.

Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, Iota Sigma Chapter

Criminal Justice

Internships

Internships are a vital component of all of our social science programs. You'll find plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.

Criminal Justice majors can gain experience in probation and parole at the District Attorney's office and the U.S. Marshals Service. Students in education begin their field experience in their first year, culminating in a senior year student teaching placement. Students in pre-law and public history undertake internships in a variety of settings to help them prepare for their careers.

Our department is committed to helping you develop a global perspective. All majors are encouraged to travel and study abroad, often under the mentorship of faculty members. At Marywood, you can also gain valuable experience by participating in university-sponsored service trips

Student Research

Faculty members in the Social Sciences Department invite students to join them in their research endeavors and encourage students to present at regional conferences. Recently, students participated in programs sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, in Albuquerque and San Diego.

Independent Study Experiences

Faculty members offer enthusiastic guidance for independent study experiences so that students can explore areas of particular interest to them.

Careers

A degree in the social sciences from Marywood will prepare you for a variety of careers in:

  • Law
  • Education
  • Administration
  • Law enforcement
  • Military service

Alumni

Graduates from our department have distinguished themselves in a variety of fields:

  • Jacqueline Conforti Barnett, Associate Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania State University System
  • Peter Sweeney, Supervising Judge, Kings County
  • Keith Durkin, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology, Ohio Northern University
  • Kate Lynott, Education Specialist, Federal Judicial Center
  • John Bendzunas, Officer, U.S. Probation Service
  • Maryalice Jacquinot, IHM, President/CEO, St. Joseph Center

Advanced Study

Many of our graduates go on to study law, criminal justice, history, and other fields at a number of universities, including:

  • Boston College
  • Johns Hopkins
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • University of Connecticut
  • Columbia University
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Dickinson School of Law
  • Temple University
  • Case Western Reserve University Law School
  • Rutgers University
  • College of William and Mary
  • London School of Economics

Undergraduate

Criminal Justice
History
History/Pre-Law
History/Social Science Secondary Education
Sociology

Graduate

Criminal Justice
Inode: 7167dc3e-89fb-4949-9218-f677388b6015

Social Sciences Events