Social Work

Misericordia Female Student in Classroom

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program prepares students for professional practice with a curriculum that integrates theory with practical experience in a Social Welfare Agency. Graduates are eligible for licensing in Pennsylvania and many other states.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the social work program. Students who want to earn a Master in Social Work (MSW) may be eligible for advanced standing in many graduate schools of social work throughout the United States.

CSWE

Accredited

Hands-On
Field Work Experience

Flexible Program Options

Get the highlights on our Social Work program options and hear from alumni and employers

Download a pdf of the Social Work flyer

Mission

The Mission of Misericordia University's Social Work Program is to prepare students for entry-level generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Inherent within this mission is a commitment to the development of BSW graduates who are dedicated to improving social, economic and environmental conditions among diverse populations and to promoting the Sisters of Mercy values of mercy, service, justice and hospitality.

Student Opportunity!

Attention undergraduate social work majors interested in a dynamic and exciting career in public child welfare.

Misericordia is now a participating member of CWEB - Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureates.

CWEB Participant Benefits

Fully paid tuition and fees for your senior year
Fellowship payments of $600 a month for 8 months.
Upon hire in a county child welfare agency: A bonus payment of $640 or $2,200 if completing a Civil Service Intern position (975 internship hours)
$100 book allowance for your child welfare class
Smooth transition from student to employee: Training and child welfare internships are highly valued by counties looking for caseworkers
$200 reimbursement for LBSW registration and exam fees

Learn More

Social Work News

Social Work Honors Brunch

The Social Work Honors Brunch was held on Sunday, April 13th. This event honors social work graduates and their families with an award and pining ceremony. We were also fortunate to host Jennifer Warabak, who is the Executive Director of the Commission on Economic Opportunity, as our guest speaker and is also a 2002 BSW alum.

Pinwheels for Child Abuse Awareness

On April 3, 2025, Misericordia Social Work students were invited to participate in the annual Pinwheel child abuse awareness event in Dallas sponsored by the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center. Each pinwheel planted represents one of the 437 children who bravely disclosed their abuse last year in Luzerne County.

Dr. David Hage accepted into 2024 JHF Feinstein Death & Dying Fellowship in Pittsburgh, PA - 2024

Dr. David Hage accepted into 2024 JHF Feinstein Death & Dying Fellowship in Pittsburgh, PA

Through a combination of nine virtual and in-person sessions/site visits in the Pittsburgh area, David Hage, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, ACSW, C-ASWCM, Director of Field Education in Misericordia's Social Work program, will learn, confront, and discuss the legal, medical, social, cultural, familial, and spiritual aspects of death and dying as part of a multidisciplinary group. Dr. Hage will also hear from experts in a range of end-of-life disciplines, visit local resource providers, and practice serious illness conversation skills.

Now in its 10th year, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) Feinstein Death and Dying Fellowship continues to help better prepare professionals to effectively communicate with patients and families about death, dying, and grief.

Misericordia faculty member testifies to the Senate Special Committee on Aging - Jan. 25, 2024

William Stauffer, LSW, CCS, CADC, adjunct professor of Social Work at Misericordia University, addressed the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging's hearing on the topic "Understanding a Growing Crisis: Substance Use Disorder Among Older Adults," held on December 14 in Washington, D.C. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) serves as chairman of the committee and conducted the hearing.

Click here to read more

Catholic Social Work Students Connection - Fall 2023 Virtual Events

CSWSC is a grassroots, volunteer-run, national organization founded in the Fall of 2022. Our goal is to support Catholic social work students through discussion, mentorship, education, and connection as they walk in the calling of service.

Click here to download the Fall 2023 free virtual events flyer

I. CSWSC leadership will facilitate a “drop in” event for fellowship/mentorship whose primary intended audience is Catholic social work students on Mon, Sep 18, 2023 starting 2:00 CST/3:00 EST; expected to last about 60 minutes, join anytime! A 10-minute presentation will be given by Caitlin Bauer on St. Teresa of Calcutta and human dignity, followed by open forum/conversation. The environment will be for those who may be looking to connect with other students, have questions about integrating the faith professionally, or want to talk about Catholic social teaching.

II. The CSWSC welcomes students, professors, and others considering or connected to social work to “drop-in” online to our open house on Wednesday, Sep 27, 2023 1-2pm CST. Meet members of leadership, find out what’s going on for 2023, and fellowship with other visitors.

Click here to register

Social Work Honors Celebration - April 23, 2023

The Social Work Honors Celebration was held on April 23, 2023, honoring the Class of 2023 with a Pinning Ceremony. The event also served as an Alumni Brunch.

Class of 2023

Lisa Agramonte
Courtney Capie
Kaitlyn Lamont
Jamie Shields
Sarah Tucker
Robin Ungureit
Jamila Walker

Dr. Patricia Lewis Award
For Exemplary Conduct in Representing the Mercy Core Values
Robin Ungureit

Dr. James Calderone Award
For Personal and Professional Growth
Jamila Walker

MU Award
For Academic Achievement
Sarah Tucker

Honors Celebration Photo Gallery

Social Work in the Mercy Tradition: 2nd Annual Global Perspectives - March 27, 2023

William Stauffer: "Expanding Recovery to Heal Addictions" - Feb. 21, 2023

Program Faculty Advocates for Funding - Feb. 4, 2022

NCUR Conference 2021

National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)

NCUR 2021 Conference - April 12-14

Kendra Mattice - Social Work Student
Social work student, Kendra Mattice, submitted her proposal, The Relationship between the Number of Arrests and Drug Treatment Court Completion, that was accepted for presentation at NCUR 2021 @Home on April 12-14, 2021. Dr. Viviana Lucabeche, associate professor of social work, served as Kendra's research mentor, advisor, and contributor.

The purpose of the study was to examine the number of arrests that occur before an individual is referred to a Drug Treatment Court (DTC) program for alcohol or substance use for the first time and the relationship this has on successful competition of a DTC program. The relationship was also examined to determine if there is any influence from variables such as gender and race/ethnicity.

I have really enjoyed this experience; I feel very fortunate to be only the second social work student to ever be accepted to NCUR and will be the first to present.
- Kendra Mattice

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) provides support and professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, administrators, and students. The mission of the CUR is to support and promote high-quality mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.

PRO-A's Individual Champion of Service Award - 2020

John Fabiseski is a person in Long Term Recovery. John's substance use condition has been in remission since January 26th, 2014. John is currently a Certified Recovery Specialist in the Administration of Luzerne County Community College for the AllOne Recovery Educational Institute. John is Region Three Lead for the Pennsylvania Recovery Advocacy Project and a Contracted Trainer for the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance. John is also a current student pursuing a bachelor's degree in the Social Work Program at Misericordia University.

The Social Work Program at Misericordia University has provided me the opportunity to achieve my personal and educational goals. Of course, there are challenges as an adult learner that is working a full-time job, volunteering for policy change at the state and national level, and training other certified professionals across Pennsylvania. The guidance I received from the staff at Misericordia has permitted me to have an individualized pathway to success. The social work program has enlightened my learning while fostering my growth.

John Fabiseski
Accelerated BSW Student

Get to Know Social Work @ MU

Meet Social Work Faculty

@misericordiau Take a #LapOnTheTrack with us and David Hage and George Godlewski from MU’s Social Work department! #mistok #misericordiauniversity #laponthetrack #socialwork #college #VocêNasceuParaMudar ♬ Vibes - ZHRMusic

Meet Emily, Social Work Student

Find out about the Social Work profession as well as the advantages of Misericordia's BSW programs

Formats

Traditional (on-campus)
Accelerated (mostly online)

Click here for the Accelerated BSW Program

Expressway Accelerated Degree Program

You can earn your Bachelor of Science in as little as 2 1/2 years by attending classes part-time. The convenient and predictable schedule allows you take classes either once a week or online up to 12 credits per semester. Courses are offered face-to-face in 5-week sessions at Luzerne County Community College on the Nanticoke Campus, or online in 7 1/2 week sessions.

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Social Work majors are strongly advised and encouraged to pursue minor areas of study or certificates in Gerontology and Addictions Counseling. The Social Work Program has been responsible for the development, administration and supervision of the Gerontology and Addictions Counseling Certificate and minor programs.

Social Work service project — Social Work majors who pursue the gerontology option may complete either their junior or senior field experience, or both, in a setting serving the elderly. The Gerontology minor evolved as a response to the large number of aging services and extraordinarily large aged population in this geographical area (almost 20% of residents in Luzerne County are aged 65 or older). As our society in general continues to gray, trained personnel will be needed.

This minor consists of 15 credits in gerontology courses, including two required courses and three electives.

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Gianna Bach — The addictions counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to work with addicted individuals and families addressing problems associated with chemical addictions.

This minor consists of 16 credits in Substance abuse courses, including four required courses and two electives. These courses meet the educational criteria for the Pennsylvania Certification Board, meaning that students who achieve this certificate may, after the required number of work hours, sit for the certification exam in Pennsylvania.

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Related Minors

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Gerontology Minor
Addictions Counseling Minor

Program Goals

The primary goals of the Social Work Program at Misericordia University are:

To educate and promote the development of problem-oriented, undergraduate generalist social work practitioners whose knowledge and skills base enables them access and address problematic situations among diverse individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations.
To foster students' ability to integrate the institutional and professional ideals of social justice and intervene on behalf of those discriminated against and oppressed,
To enhance students critical thinking and problem solving skills for contextual understanding and intervention with all social systems.
To prepare students for graduate studies and foster commitment to a process of continued professional growth.

Program Requirements

A completion of 121 credits is required to earn a BSW Degree from Misericordia University. Of those, 49 credits comprise the core curriculum; completion of the social work curriculum requires 78 credits. Certain courses--such as Comparative Sociology and Introduction to Psychology--fulfill both the liberal arts core and social work requirements. This allows the social work major a greater selection of elective courses and the opportunity to pursue a minor or a certificate program.

Student must receive a grade of “C”or better in all social work (SWK) courses and maintain a minimum cumulative 2.50 G.P.A. to remain in the program.

Career Development

Graduates of Misericordia University’s Social Work Program are employed in both direct service and administrative roles within hospitals, children and youth agencies, aging programs, nursing homes, adolescent treatment centers, drug and alcohol programs and numerous other social service agencies. Students have also secured employment with the agency where they completed their field assignment following graduation.

Students who accept positions outside the field of social services are pleased to discover that the problem-solving and communication skills developed in their social work training are highly valued by employers.

Graduate School Opportunities

Since Misericordia University’s Social Work Program is fully accredited by the CSWE, students are afforded the opportunity for advanced standing in many Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) programs throughout the country.

For those students interested in application, contact your faculty and advisor for references. Graduates with a BSW degree from Misericordia have been admitted to Marywood University, Columbia University, University of Denver, Fordham University, University of South Carolina, New Mexico Highlands University, Bryn Mawr College and others. Students report that their undergraduate training at Misericordia University prepared them exceptionally well for graduate studies.

Social Work Student Handbook

BSW Professional Licensure in Pennsylvania

Profession licensing is available in Pennsylvania at the MSW and BSW levels. Licensure is an important acknowledgement of professional competence and a protection for those we serve-frequently vulnerable persons within groups and communities across society.

Currently, the PA BSW license is honored in Pennsylvania only. Efforts are in place across the county to create inter-state agreements to accept licensure reciprocally, however, it does not exist for PA at this time. PA BSW licensure is valid in PA only. For military families, there are exceptions. For details regarding military family license portability, contact the licensing body in the state in which you are interested.

For more information contact:

Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) at: https://www.pals.pa.gov/#!/page/default
NASW PA Chapter at: https://www.nasw-pa.org/
PA Dept of State Licensing at: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/programs/professional-licensing.html

Visit to Child Advocacy Center

Students Visit Child Advocacy Center

In addition to receiving a tour of the facility, the students had the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the medical staff, forensic interviewers and child and family advocates. The guiding principle of the CAC is to reduce the trauma to child victims by coordinating medical, law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office and child welfare services.

The students had the opportunity to take information gained in the classroom and use it to form questions and engage in very insightful dialogue with the staff.

Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention

Student Opportunities

Social Work Club

The Social Work Program sponsors a student organization service club open to all majors on campus. The purpose of the organization is to allow students an opportunity to plan and implement academic, professional, and social programs on campus. Club activities are designed to enhance the student's awareness of the profession and the field of Social Work. The club offers field trips as well as professional programs several times during each semester. In many instances, the organization acts in an advisory capacity to the faculty with regard to issues of importance to students. Social Work club members were actively involved in the CSWE visit. Social Work majors are encouraged to join and be active within the organization.

Articulation Agreements

Student Awards

The faculty, staff and leadership of the social work department are proud of the distinct accomplishments of our graduating seniors.

Alpha Delta Mu Award

This distinction is awarded annually to the student who demonstrated the highest academic excellence while demonstrating professional and ethical characteristics.

Recipient: Shawn Matthew Nenichka

Dr. James Calderone Award

Established to honor Dr. Janes Calderone, this award is given to the student who best exemplifies both personal and professional growth.

Recipient: Shawn Matthew Nenichka

Student Testimonials

Community Realized

Kendra Mattice

The Social Work program pushes you to expand your knowledge inside and outside of the classroom. Through the program I have created friendships with peers and relationships with professors and field supervisors that I look forward to maintaining for many years to come.

Tim Kelly '17, BSW

What stands out to me in the Social Work program is that it is full of passionate faculty and eager students sharing the common ground of service and compassion to others. The staff know how to make the learning experience personable and professional.

Alumni Spotlight

Contact

George A. Godlewski, MSW, Ph.D.
Director, Social Work Program
College of Health Science & Education
Office: Trocaire 231
Phone: 570-674-6233
Email:

Meet the Social Work Faculty

Like MU Social Work on Facebook