Department of Social Work, Public Health and Administration

Preparing Leaders to Serve Communities and Transform Systems

The Department of Social Work, Public Health and Administration is dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers that strengthen individuals, families, organizations, and communities. Through innovative teaching, applied learning experiences, community partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaboration, our department equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to address today’s most pressing health and social challenges.

Our programs emphasize leadership, service, advocacy, evidence-based practice, and social responsibility while preparing students for professional advancement in healthcare, social services, public health, and administrative settings.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Social Work, Public Health, and Administration is to educate and empower learners to become ethical, compassionate, and innovative professionals who advance social well-being, promote health responsibility and advocacy, and strengthen organizations and communities through leadership, service, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Department Values

Our department is guided by the following core values:

Service

We are committed to serving individuals, families, and communities through education, advocacy, and professional practice.

Integrity

We uphold ethical standards, accountability, professionalism, and transparency in all aspects of teaching, learning, and service.

Social Responsibility and Advocacy

We promote fairness, cultural responsiveness, community engagement, and advocacy that improves quality of life and strengthens opportunities for individuals and communities.

Collaboration

We value interdisciplinary partnerships and community engagement to address complex health and social issues.

Leadership

We prepare students to become effective leaders, advocates, and change agents within organizations and communities.

Innovation

We embrace evidence-based practice, emerging technologies, and creative problem-solving to meet evolving workforce and community needs.

Social Work Programs

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Social Work

The AAS in Social Work provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills for entry-level positions in human services and social service agencies. Students gain an understanding of helping relationships, community resources, case management, and professional ethics.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The BSW program prepares students for professional generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students develop competencies in advocacy, engagement, assessment, intervention, and ethical decision-making while completing supervised field education experiences.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW program prepares advanced practitioners and leaders for specialized social work practice. Graduate students strengthen clinical, administrative, leadership, and policy skills while emphasizing trauma-informed practice, diversity, equity, and social justice.

Healthcare and Administration Programs

 Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration

The Healthcare Administration Program prepares graduates for careers managing healthcare services in a variety of medical settings. Administrators may oversee entire facilities, specific departments, or medical office practices while adapting to changing laws, regulations, and technology. Students study healthcare management, marketing, human resources, finance, medical law and ethics. Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, physician offices, and various healthcare facilities.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Healthcare Administration

The Healthcare Administration program prepares students for administrative and operational roles within healthcare systems and organizations. Coursework focuses on healthcare operations, leadership, communication, healthcare policy, and organizational management.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Services

The Health Services program provides students with broad knowledge of healthcare delivery systems, patient support services, healthcare communication, and community health resources. Graduates are prepared for a variety of support and service-oriented roles in healthcare settings.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Health Information Management

The Health Information Management program prepares students to manage healthcare data, medical records, and health information systems while emphasizing accuracy, confidentiality, compliance, and healthcare technology.

Public Health Programs

Bachelor of Applied Science (BSA) in Public Health

The BS in Public Health prepares students to address population health challenges through prevention, education, policy, and community engagement. Students explore epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health, and health disparities while developing skills to improve community well-being.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The MPH program prepares graduate students to become leaders in public health practice, research, and policy. Students gain advanced knowledge in population health, program planning, data analysis, health promotion, and community-based interventions.

Minors

  • Minor in Social Work

  • Minor in Public Health

Certificates

Additional certificate offerings support workforce development, professional advancement, and specialized skill development aligned with emerging community and healthcare needs.

  • Certificate in Medical Coding Specialist 
  • Certificate in Medical Scribe Specialist
  • Certificate in Patient Health Navigator 

Why Choose Our Department?

Students in the Department of Social Work, Public Health, and Administration benefit from:

  • Experienced and supportive faculty

  • Hands-on field and community-based learning experiences

  • Career-focused curriculum aligned with workforce needs

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration across health and human service professions

  • Opportunities for leadership, advocacy, and professional growth

  • Preparation for graduate education and professional advancement

Our graduates are prepared to lead with compassion, integrity, and innovation while making meaningful contributions to individuals, organizations, and communities.

To contact for more info: (330) 941-1598

Department Chair: Ronald Davis, PhD, MSW

email: redavis01@ysu.edu 

Chair

Ronald E. Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chair

Professor

Dana Davis, Ph.D., Professor

Nicolette Powe, Ph.D., Associate Professor 

Sherri Harper Woods, D.M., Associate Professor

Meenakshi Venkataraman, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Dessalegn Guyo, PhD, Assistant Professor

Lecturer

Meghan Bileci, M.S.W., Senior Lecturer, MSW Director

Karla Wyant, M.S.W., Senior Lecturer

Heather Eynon, M.S.W., Lecturer, BSW Director

Lauren Iagulli, MPH Lecturer, Program Director - Public Health 

Angela Kearns, M.S., Lecturer

Tracey Laverick-Miller, MHA, CMA (AAMA)., Lecturer 

Charles T. Morgan, M.S., Lecturer

Amy Zinno, AAS, CMA (AAMA), CCA., Lecturer