UofM Lambuth Enhances Academic Offerings
The University of Memphis Lambuth has added three new programs to its portfolio.The campus is now offering a major in political science. The hybrid major allows students to take some classes on campus in Jackson and others through the online degree program. All classes are taught by UofM faculty.
"A bachelor of arts in political science provides students with the intellectual tools necessary to understand issues within the political arena, preparing them for a career in business, government, law or a variety of other jobs that require an understanding of the political world," said Dr. Paul Mego, senior lecturer in political science. "The degree equips students with the tools of effective leadership and hones their skills of written expression, oral communication, quantitative reasoning and critical thinking." Students may use the BA as a foundation to pursue advanced degrees in law, political science, public administration and other related fields.
The Department of Social Work will add the Master of Social Work (MSW) program to the Lambuth campus beginning this fall. Classes will be offered in the evenings and online to accommodate working students. The department has had a strong presence in West Tennessee during the last five years through its undergraduate social work major.
Adding the MSW program will address a critical shortage in the region. In 2016, the Health Resources and Services Administration designated all counties in West Tennessee as mental health shortage regions. Social work is the largest mental health profession. Sixty percent of all mental health services in the United States are provided by clinical social workers, according to the National Association of Social Workers. Social work is also one of the fastest growing occupations in the nation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected employment of social workers to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024. Susan Neely-Barnes, interim department chair and professor in the Department of Social Work, said, "Employers in the Mid-South have consistently commented that graduates of our MSW program stand out for their knowledge, skills and professionalism. We are excited to expand the MSW program to Lambuth and contribute to the number of highly trained professionals in a critical shortage region."
Also this fall, the UofM Lambuth will add the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree.