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SALISBURY, MD---ºÚÁÏÍø has been awarded almost $800,000 to offer two of its academic programs - social work and interdisciplinary studies - at regional higher education centers across Maryland.

“In a knowledge-based economy, college degrees are critical to professional success,” said Dr. Melanie Perreault, SU’s associate provost. “The University System of Maryland supports state and national goals of having 55 percent of the population attain degrees, and these programs will enable SU to provide excellent academic experiences to more people statewide.”

Both programs launch in fall 2013.

To meet growing population needs in its region, the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center in St. Mary’s County will soon become the fourth satellite site in Maryland to offer accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from SU. The degrees are supported by a $432,000 startup grant from the USM.

At the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center in Wye Mills, students may pursue a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies. Courses allow them to gain research, analytical and communication skills, and explore the American experience across the arts, humanities and social sciences. One of seven SU programs offered at the ESHEC, the new degree also is supported by a $357,000 USM startup grant.

“The Social Work Department has been responding to an identified need for students to earn degrees without having to relocate from their home communities,” said Deborah Mathews, department chair. “All classes are offered in a hybrid or online format, and course scheduling will meet the needs of students who are nontraditional or working.”

“This offers a great opportunity to be creative about course delivery,” said Dr. Maarten Pereboom, dean of the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts. “Technology can improve undergraduate education, and this program allows us to provide courses through a variety of means, and with a continued emphasis on mentoring, face-to face instruction and academic community, which people seek in quality higher education.”

For details about the SMHEC programs, contact Dr. Cynthia Shoemaker at 301-737-2500 or cshoemaker@smhec.org.  M.S.W. degree applications are being accepted now at www.salisbury.edu/apply.  An SU representative will be at the SMHEC Open House 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, to answer questions.

For details on the ESHEC program, contact Deborah Urry at 410-827-5761 or durry@chesapeake.edu.

For more information about SU, call 410-546-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.