School of Professional Studies

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Contact Information

Phone: 401.865.1211
URL: www.professional-studies.providence.edu
E-mail: professionalstudies@providence.edu
Location: Harkins Hall 206

Jennifer E. Swanberg, Ph.D., Dean

The School of Professional Studies is composed of the undergraduate programs in education (secondary and elementary/special education), health policy and management, and social work. Included within the school are the graduate programs in administration, school counseling, higher education, literacy, urban teaching, and special education (elementary and secondary). In addition, the College offers a two-year, secondary education Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers (PACT) master’s program designed for college graduates willing to live in faith-based communities and teach in inner-city New England Catholic schools. Upon completion of a graduate program, students receive an M.Ed. degree.

The programs adhere to the mission of Providence College and their stress on values focuses on moral and spiritual growth. We are committed to creating for students an environment that is grounded in mutual trust, shared responsibility, and open communication. Within the context of the liberal arts, the School of Professional Studies supports the practical role of preparing students for a career. We are dedicated to providing students an academic program that allows them a realization of their vocation as well as a strong commitment to scholarship. The interest of all our programs in preparing individuals who are dedicated to servicing and improving the lives of the people in their community is paramount.

The social work major requires 600 hours of professionally supervised internships in community health and human services organizations and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Health Policy and Management requires structured field experience and favors an interdisciplinary approach to the study of health and health care. All education programs, except higher education and urban teaching, have been approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Rhode Island is a member of National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which provides for streamlined teaching certificate transfer to most U.S. states and territories.

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