Programs in the School of Education and Professional Studies date from the University's beginnings as a school for the professional preparation of teachers.

The departments' missions are derived from the mission of the institution:

Provide students with the foundational integrated curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics; and prepare students to work confidently and effectively in their chosen careers.

The primary objectives of the school, therefore, are to provide initial and continuing education that ensures professionally competent teachers, health fitness providers, athletic trainers, social workers and school administrators who will become cooperative, innovative leaders dedicated to community service and excellence.

Community Service

All the school's programs interface with the community in special and unique ways and rely on community institutions, agencies and settings for the field components. Whether in teacher education, health fitness, physical education, social work or other veins, the integration of theory and practice takes place in field sites generously provided by the University's surrounding community.

The school's programs are heavily enrolled. The bachelor's degree program for elementary teachers is, for example, among the largest degree programs on campus, and social work enrollments have increased rapidly. The master's degree programs in these areas constitute over 50 percent of the graduate level within the university.

The teacher education and social work programs work cooperatively with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The institutions' dual degree program in sociology/social work has been in operation since 1989, and the cooperative Master of Arts in teaching degree has been in place since 1996.

Accreditations

All teacher education programs are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHELP).

Honorary and Professional Organizations

Student National Education Association
Kappa Delta Pi honor society in education
Social Work Club
Social Work Honor Society
Physical Education Majors' Society
Dance Company

Scholarships and Awards in the School include:

Johnson Scholarship in Education
Seidel Scholars Program in Education
Carey-Simmons Education Scholarship
Simonds and May Scholarship
Worcester County Teachers' Association Grant
Outstanding Senior Student Athletic Trainer Award
Physical Education Excellence Award
Social Work Student of the Year Award
E. Pauline Riall Achievement Award
The Anne H. Matthews Soroptomist Award
The Caruthers Memorial Fund Scholarship
Wicomico Woman's Club Inc. Scholarship
Worcester County Teachers Association Scholarship
Salisbury University Scholar Athlete Award