School of Justice and Social Sciences
All School of Justice and Social Sciences students begin their freshman year with a strong, broad-based liberal arts core curriculum grounded in the principles of the Catholic tradition. After the sophomore year, students choose a major and begin an in-depth study of their profession in conjunction with the core curriculum. In the junior and senior years, advanced coursework is designed to run concurrently with community field placements so that students have the opportunity to observe and work alongside professionals in the community. Field experiences are integral to most programs, and each student’s placement in the community is chosen to reflect his or her interest and to provide a comprehensive, hands-on, team approach to learning. The College’s programs are built on solid relationships with public and private schools, business and trade associations, private research firms, the criminal justice system, and various government agencies, hospitals, and community treatment centers for children, adults, and the elderly in Central Massachusetts.
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School of Justice and Social Sciences Majors and Minors
The School of Justice and Social Sciences offers the following professional bachelors’ degrees in the social sciences:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice major provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective on criminal justice that balances both theoretical knowledge and practical application. It prepares them for the criminal justice/human service professions and provides a solid foundation for graduate or professional studies. Courses develop a sense of global awareness and a commitment to social justice and responsibility while promoting respect for the dignity of all persons involved in the criminal justice system. Small classes promote the interchange of ideas between students and faculty members, all of whom bring practical experience to the learning environment.
Minors
Minors/certificates offered through the criminal justice program are:
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Human Services
The Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Human Services provides students with a broad-based and interdisciplinary education focused on the preparation of individuals who seek a career in a wide variety of professional settings in education, human services, social services, and related fields. The major is specifically designed to encourage students to self-design their major field of study while also completing a core set of courses in the liberal arts and in the interdisciplinary field of Human Development and Human Services. In keeping with the mission of Anna Maria College, students are required to take courses that integrate the College's commitment to liberal and professional education that fosters critical and integrated thinking, technological and quantitative literacy, scholarly and personal exploration of religious faith, the Catholic tradition and the meaning of human existence, ethical conduct, scholarly and professional knowledge, and an appreciation for the diversity of human cultures and society.
Minors
Minors offered through the human development and human services program are:
The criminal justice major provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective on criminal justice that balances both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Minors
Minors/certificates offered through the criminal justice program are:
- Criminal Justice
- Victimology and Victim Studies (minor and certificate)
- Forensic Studies
- Teacher of Students with or without Disabilities (PreK–2) teacher preparation licensure track to complement the Bachelor of Arts degree (see School of Education)
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Human Services
The Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Human Services provides students with a broad-based and interdisciplinary education focused on the preparation of individuals who seek a career in a wide variety of professional settings in education, human services, social services, and related fields.
Minors
Minors offered through the human development and human services program are:
- Human Development and Human Services (HDS)
- Early Education and Care (birth–8 years) – for HDS majors
- Out of School Time (5–13 years) – for HDS majors
- Early Education and Care Leadership – for HDS majors
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
The major in legal studies examines law as an area of liberal study. It is designed to develop an understanding of law and legal systems; the relationship between legal thought and other disciplines such as philosophy, religion, history, and literature; the significance of law as a social institution; and the impact of law on private life. Study in this concentration also enhances the analytic and critical abilities of students through close reading and analysis of legal texts.
The major in legal studies examines law as an area of liberal study.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Political science studies questions about the common problems people face in all countries, as well as the particular problems people face in any given country. Political science examines politics in law, government, international organizations, social movements, and the relations among people, governments, and all levels in between. Political science is concerned with the exercise of power, the consequences of the exercise of power, and the moral implications.
As the study of politics is inherently multicultural and multidisciplinary, students will confront diverse political experiences and viewpoints. The political science program exposes students to philosophical thinking, the empirical study of politics, and the search for a "scientific" explanation of political behavior. In all, the program seeks to acquaint students with the great issues of politics and alternative ways to analyze those issues; strengthen their critical thinking, research, and communication skills; clarify and reexamine their own political values and beliefs; and prepare them for careers in government, public policy, law, business, teaching, the nonprofit sector and related fields, and/or graduate study.
Political science studies questions about the common problems people face in all countries, as well as the particular problems people face in any given country.
As the study of politics is inherently multicultural and multidisciplinary, students will confront diverse political experiences and viewpoints. The political science program exposes students to philosophical thinking, the empirical study of politics, and the search for a "scientific" explanation of political behavior. In all, the program seeks to acquaint students with the great issues of politics and alternative ways to analyze those issues; strengthen their critical thinking, research, and communication skills; clarify and reexamine their own political values and beliefs; and prepare them for careers in government, public policy, law, business, teaching, the nonprofit sector and related fields, and/or graduate study.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The psychology program has as its primary goal the preparation of students for graduate programs and work in the human services field. The curriculum includes introductions to the basic concepts of psychology, the evolution of the field, theories of normal and abnormal psychological development, experimental psychology, and an internship in a community setting. At the beginning of the senior year, students who have maintained a 3.0 QPA may apply for the fifth-year program in psychology. This option allows students to complete the master of arts degree in counseling psychology within one year of the completion of the baccalaureate degree.
Students interested in a Liberal Studies or a Self-Designed Bachelor of Arts degree are encouraged to contact their faculty advisor to discuss these options.
The psychology program has as its primary goal the preparation of students for graduate programs and work in the human services field.
Students who elect psychology as their career choice will find Anna Maria's program to be both exciting and personally enriching. In light of the demands of an increasingly complex world, the psychologist of tomorrow must be a well-rounded individual with a broad knowledge base and also be knowledgeable within the discipline of psychology. The program has the dual goal of preparing the student for a graduate program and work in the human services field and of helping the student develop an understanding of the central place of religion and values in life, as well as a solid sense of self, a caring about others, and the ability to think analytically, communicate clearly, and live a productive life.
Minor
A minor in psychology is offered through the psychology program.
A minor in psychology is offered through the psychology program.
Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy
The major in public policy is interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from business, criminal justice, economics, legal studies, and political science. The major emphasizes both theory and application in order to develop understanding of issues and policy dealing with the public/government sector and their responsibility for a relatively large range of social action. The rationale for integrating knowledge from various disciplines is to provide fundamental theoretical and applied skills for improving the quality of decision making.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Accredited at the baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education, the Bachelor of Social Work program at Anna Maria College is dedicated to preparing social work students for further education and employment. Because of the program's multidisciplinary approach, Anna Maria College social work graduates go on to a variety of careers in public and private social work agencies.
Following professional tradition, the social work program prepares baccalaureate-level students for
generalist practice and uses a holistic approach and person-in-environment (the family, community, organizations, and broad social systems) framework that simultaneously focuses on strategies and guidelines for ethical practice, advocacy skills, and respect for human dignity. Specifically, students focus on the development of professional social work competencies including the development of critical thinking skills, an appreciation for diversity and difference, an understanding of research methods and theoretical frameworks informing human development, an ability to advance social justice and influence policy, and an ability to effectively assist clients using a variety of interventive techniques. Faculty members, who have significant professional and academic experience, provide students with a comprehensive foundation for the practice of social work in fulfillment of the College's mission to educate the whole person.
Minor
A minor in social welfare is offered through the social work program.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
The major in public policy is interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from business, criminal justice, economics, legal studies, and political science.
The major is designed to prepare students for positions in organizations that deal with public policy issues, such as business, trade associations, private research firms, the criminal justice system, and various government agencies. In addition, it provides a solid foundation for those planning to pursue graduate or professional study in the social sciences, law, or public administration.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Accredited at the baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education, the Bachelor of Social Work program at Anna Maria College is dedicated to preparing social work students for further education and employment.
Following professional tradition, the social work program prepares baccalaureate-level students for
generalist practice and uses a holistic approach and person-in-environment (the family, community, organizations, and broad social systems) framework that simultaneously focuses on strategies and guidelines for ethical practice, advocacy skills, and respect for human dignity. Specifically, students focus on the development of professional social work competencies including the development of critical thinking skills, an appreciation for diversity and difference, an understanding of research methods and theoretical frameworks informing human development, an ability to advance social justice and influence policy, and an ability to effectively assist clients using a variety of interventive techniques. Faculty members, who have significant professional and academic experience, provide students with a comprehensive foundation for the practice of social work in fulfillment of the College's mission to educate the whole person.
Minor
A minor in social welfare is offered through the social work program.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Sociology is often defined as the scientific study of human social life. In its consistent inquiry, the study of sociology considers cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental forces as they continually influence our world and the individuals within it. Areas of study within this versatile science are vast. They include an array of intriguing topics such as culture, sexuality, crime and deviance, the media, mass communications, inequality, gender, poverty, schooling, race and ethnicity, power, aging, social change, health care, technology, religion, and socialization. This brief list only cracks the surface of the many more areas of human social life that students may explore, describe, and analyze while we, as a dynamic society, continue to race through the 21st century. The sociology concentration will complement programs in criminal justice, human development and human services, social work, and psychology.
Minor
A minor in sociology is offered through the sociology program.
A minor in sociology is offered through the sociology program.
Students interested in a Liberal Studies or a Self-Designed Bachelor of Arts degree are encouraged to contact their faculty advisor to discuss these options.
Fifth-Year Option
Students who wish to pursue graduate or professional study can complete the requisite coursework through courses offered in the School of Justice and Social Sciences and the Colleges of Worcester Consortium. Through the Fifth-Year Option at Anna Maria College, advanced students may also earn up to two courses in advanced placement graduate credits. Students are encouraged to discuss fifth-year option programs with their academic advisors.
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Dean, School of Justice and Social Sciences
Dr. Christine Holmes has been associated with Anna Maria College since 1999. As Director of Education Programs, Dr. Holmes has infused AMC’s educator preparation programs with rigor and excellence, helping to produce professional teachers and educators who have been recognized in their fields. Respected by her colleagues both on and off campus, Dr. Holmes was promoted to full professorship in 2011 and received the AMC Excellence Award for academic year 2011–2012.
A graduate of Fitchburg State College, Dr. Holmes received her M.S. from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts, and earned her Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her background and experience in the areas of human development and education complement her ongoing research that focuses on college teacher beliefs and conceptions about teaching and learning, preservice teacher preparation, inservice and mentor teacher training, affective learning, and ways of teaching and learning both face to face and online.
Dr. Holmes is cofounder of the Center for Teaching Excellence and serves as its Director as well as a faculty mentor. In this capacity, her work focuses on faculty development and developmental supervision.
Licensure and Certification
• Massachusetts State Teacher Licensure, Early Childhood (N-3)
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts EEC LT PS I/T DII
Scholarship
Ongoing research on college teacher beliefs and conceptions about teaching and learning; preservice teacher preparation; inservice and mentor teacher training; developmental supervision; affective learning; and ways of teaching and learning both face to face and online.
Publications
Eliason, S., & Holmes, C. L. (2012, February). A course redesign project to change faculty orientation toward teaching. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 12 (1), 36-48. Retrieved from http://josotl.indiana.edu/article/view/1974
Eliason, S.K., & Holmes, C.L. (2010, June). Reflective Practice and Inquiry in Professional Development for Online Teaching. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 6(2), 454-465.
Holmes, C. L. (2009, Summer). An intergenerational program with benefits. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(2), 113-119. doi:10.1007/s10643-009-0329-9.
Holmes, C. L., & Eliason, S. K. (2008, Fall). Playing with ideas engaging students in the electronic environment: Your learning environment is a playground. NEFDC Exchange, 19 (1), 10-12. Retrieved from New England Faculty Development Consortium Web site: https://www.nefdc.org/images/exchange/Fall2008.pdf
Holmes, C.L. (2004). College teachers’ orientation to teaching: A comparative case study (Doctoral. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA UMI No. 3152707).
Professional Presentations
Engaging Evidence: Improving Assessment and August 2012
Performance of Students in a First-Year Washington, DC
Experience Course (Poster Presentation)
Council of Independent Colleges Engaging Evidence Conference
Mentoring as Professional Development for Mid-Career May 2010
Faculty in Higher Education (Poster Presentation) Westford, Massachusetts
New England Faculty Development Consortium Conference
“Teaching for Learning”
Pedagogical Preparation from a Student August 2009
and Course Designer Perspective (Presentation) San Jose, California
Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning
and Online Teaching (MERLOT) Teaching and Learning
in a Networked World International Conference
Playing with Ideas: Engaging Students in the July 2008
Electronic Environment (Poster Presentation & Paper) Las Vegas, Nevada
BbWorld ’08: Ideas into Action International Conference
Negotiating Higher Education (Workshop) January 2008
The Role of the Director in Supporting Staff Development Worcester, Massachusetts
Early Education and Care: Building Careers
Playing with Ideas: Engaging Students in the November 2007
Electronic Environment (Poster Presentation) Worcester,Massachusetts
New England Faculty Development Consortium Conference
The Changing Field of Early Childhood Education April 2005
(Keynote Address) Needham, Massachusetts
Leadership Skills that Promote Change (Workshop) April 2005
Celebrating Excellence Early Childhood Training Conference Needham, Massachusetts
Communities United, Inc.
Intergenerational Programming (Workshop) April 2000
National Academy for Early Childhood Education Worcester, Massachusetts
National Conference
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