School of Education and Social Policy

Mission

In the School of Education and Social Policy at Merrimack College, a Catholic, Augustinian institution, we believe that education is a transformative practice that changes the world. Our dynamic, rigorous programs prepare students to engage with communities by linking theory, research, and practice. With a focus on ethics and professionalism, we mentor students to be reflective and engaged educators, practitioners, and advocates for the common good. Our students become leaders and agents of change within schools, colleges, community organizations, and criminal justice institutions.

Vision

To educate for social transformation.

Description

The school collaborates with over 100 regional partners. We provide students a breadth of offerings in course work and field-based experiences in schools, community organizations, non-profits, legal, social service and law enforcement local agencies. Our students gain practical skills while supporting effective schools and community services. Thus, while promoting access to opportunities for the common good which strengthens families and their respective communities.

The Education department offers undergraduate programs in Teacher Education, and students can earn endorsement for licensure in the following areas: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Moderate Disabilities, STEM Education, and Middle and High School Education. All licensure programs in the School of Education and Social Policy have been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (“DESE”) and allow formal reciprocity through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (“NASDTEC”) Interstate Agreement. Some states have additional requirements for full licensure.

The Applied Human Development and Community Studies department offers an undergraduate program in Human Development and Human Services. Through robust course offerings and supervised field experience opportunities, this program prepares students to pursue careers in a broad range of fields, for example, social work, social services, guidance, school counseling, child care, health education, human services, community education, educational policy, child development, and family studies.

The Criminology and Criminal Justice department offers undergraduate programs (majors and minors) that help prepare students to think critically about, and engage thoughtfully with, the legal system and issues of crime, social policies, and systems of punishment and social control. The Criminology and Criminal Justice program recognizes the complex relationship between society and its members and thus focuses on how broader socio-cultural, political-economic, and historical forces influence the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Students completing majors and minors in Criminology and Criminal Justice can pursue jobs and graduate work in law enforcement agencies, social services, family studies, law firms, juvenile courts and corrections agencies, community organizing and advocacy groups.

Departments housed within the School:

Applied Human Development and Community Studies

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Education

Undergraduate degree programs offered by the School:

Major(s)

Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A.

Education, Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) Licensure, B.A.

Education, Elementary Education (1-6) Licensure, B.A.

Education, Middle School (5-8) and High School (8-12) Licensure, B.A.

Education, Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) Licensure, B.A.

Forensic Science, B.S.