Dual Degree Programs in Social Work: is it Possible in Ukraine?
Vol. 10, No 2, 2017
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Nadia Horishna,
Volodymyr Hnatyuk Ternopil National Pedagogic University,
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Dual Degree Programs in Social Work: is it Possible in Ukraine? |
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Hanna Slozanska,
Volodymyr Hnatyuk Ternopil National Pedagogic University,
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Abstract. The paper analyses the key issues related to dual degree social work programs in Ukraine. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed to explore the overall number of programs, the levels and types of degrees they award, Heads of Social Work Departments’ perceptions and attitudes towards dual degree programs. The survey results have shown there are no dual degree social work programs in Ukraine, but the majority of respondents (81%) expressed confidence in positive outcomes of implementation of these programs both for students and higher education institutions. Some reservations were conveyed which highlighted difficulties for institutions in implementation and for students in completing these programs. The authors prove that combining social work with other fields of study within undergraduate or graduate dual degree programs is relevant to the labour market’s and the profession’s demands, and educational needs of practitioners. It also suits the interests of social work programs being one of the ways to address the challenges that higher education reform in Ukraine presents for social work education. The paper offers a platform to further discuss the value and possibilities of dual degree programs’ implementation under the current situation in social work education in Ukraine. |
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Received: December, 2016 1st Revision: February, 2017 Accepted: April, 2017 |
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DOI: 10.14254/2071- 789X.2017/10-2/12 |
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JEL Classification: I21, I23, I28, I30, I38 |
Keywords: dual degree programs, social work education, higher education, Ukraine. |
