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The Next Generation of Public Safety Leadership

The Justice Institute is a unique cross-disciplinary initiative that adds a liberal arts, public health, and mental health education perspective to any curriculum. Managed by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the Justice Institute offers training and academic certifications approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) as well as the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission.

The Institute works with the Department of Criminal Justice and provides hands-on career enhancement and retooling skills to help students prepare for advanced study and/or entry into federal, state, county, municipal, and private criminal justice and corrections agencies. 

The Justice Institute at Coppin will enhance the professionalism of public safety services encouraging leadership and innovation through education and training.

Bishop L. Robinson Sr.

Workforce Enhancement

Maryland has critical workforce shortages across several high-growth areas, including correctional services, health care, parole counseling, homeland security, school-based police support, transit systems, and private security details.

Program Areas

We've framed our program to:

• promote innovation and practice improvement across law enforcement, correction, and juvenile services.
• conduct research on effective policy and service delivery.
• foster effective partnerships between criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, public safety, public health and non-criminal justice disciplines.

The Institute provides a prototype for customized cross-disciplinary training programs that link cutting–edge research to field practice. While participating in the Institute, students have access to our state-of-the-art facility with smart classrooms, forensics laboratory, moot court room, and a crime scene laboratory.

Recent Research

Coppin State University Gun Violence Study

Dangerous Recipe: Ingredients Contributing to African American Gun Violence

Purpose of Study: Principal Investigator and associate professor of criminal justice Dr. Johnny Rice II, and a trained team of Coppin State University student researchers investigated the contemporary causes of gun violence, specifically exploring why Black males ages 15-24 in marginalized urban communities possess and carry guns. The team also explored factors that influence the impulse to carry a gun and what serve as triggers for gun use, based on the perceptions of African American men interviewed, who live in affected communities in Baltimore City.

The study comprised two phases: 

1. a quantitative secondary analysis of existing data sources of each study site and
2. a qualitative participant component in which each site conducted qualitative in-depth interviews.

The project was housed and supported by the College of Behavioral Sciences and the Bishop L. Robinson Sr. Justice Institute. The Coppin State University research team interviewed eligible study participants, Black males aged 15-24 who reside in Baltimore City and have a history of gun possession. To learn more and to read the findings please review the publications below:

• Unlocking Gun-Violence Solutions: The Necessity and Power of Lived Experience
• Learning from Lived Experiences to Identify Gun Violence Solutions
• Understanding the Perception of Place and Its Impact on Community Violence

Background: The Grant award of $105,290 was to conduct qualitative interviews during PHASE II of the study. This research grant was awarded to CSU by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), which received a $1 million grant from the National Collaborative for Gun Violence Research. To implement the study, TMCF brought together leading HBCU Criminal Justice researchers in Houston, TX (Texas Southern University), Wilmington, DE (Delaware State University/Lead Research Partner for the collaborative project), and Jackson, MS (Jackson State University) to leverage the experience, knowledge, and status of HBCUs in the African-American community to conduct research on attitudes toward guns ownership, possession, and usage by urban youth; the dynamics of social transmission of gun ownership and possession, carrying a gun, using a gun to threaten someone; and escalation to gun violence.

We use a systems approach to address social problems and on a micro, mezzo, and macro level, and encourage policy and legislation that help communities and individuals thrive.

Opportunities. Everywhere.

Our social work program gives senior students multiple opportunities to thrive, prepare for state licensure, and secure employment. And with a job outlook 13% faster than average, graduates are likely to find opportunities available for licensed BSW graduates.

The program also prepares students to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, and additional areas of specializations including but not limited to child welfare, addictions, as well as other issues of concern for vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished persons and communities.

Core values:

• Utilization of cutting-edge technology
• Inclusion of Service Learning and Community Engagement Facilitation of Student-centered Advancement
• Promotion of Leadership Development

Learn about Social Work Core Competencies.

Accreditation

The excellence of CSU's Social Work program is evidenced by accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes 2023-2024

Prior years: 2022-2023 | 2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-2018 | 2016-2017 | 2015-2016 | 2014-2015

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Mission

The mission of the undergraduate social work program at Social Work is to prepare a diverse student population to become skilled, compassionate, and ethical generalist social workers capable of practice, research, leadership and entrepreneurship in a global society. Grounded in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion competency-based curriculum, the program equips students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to work ethically and effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of those in historically marginalized communities.

Central to the program is a commitment to Black liberatory frameworks, cultural humility, and anti-oppressive practices. These principles guide students in being self-reflective, understanding and dismantling systemic inequities, promoting equity, and fostering empowerment within communities. By integrating theoretical learning with hands-on field experiences, the program cultivates critically conscious practitioners who advocate for social justice, embrace diversity, and engage in lifelong learning to meet the evolving challenges of the profession. Coppin State University’s social work graduates are globally minded and grounded in principles of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Vision Statement

The Department of Social Work at Coppin State University envisions a world where social justice prevails, systemic inequities are dismantled, and individuals and communities thrive. Rooted in a legacy of empowerment and service, we aspire to be a leading force in preparing socially conscious, culturally competent, and transformative social workers who champion equity, diversity, and liberation. Through innovation in education, research, and community engagement, we aim to create a global impact by fostering resilience, advocating for marginalized populations, and advancing the profession of social work.

Core Values of the Department of Social Work

• Commitment to ADEI (Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
  Actively championing anti-racist principles and fostering an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive.
• Black Liberatory Frameworks Inclusive of Cultural Humility
  Centering Black experiences and liberation while embracing cultural humility to promote justice, equity, and empowerment for all.
• Inclusion of Service Learning and Community Engagement
  Building strong connections between academic learning and real-world service to foster community empowerment and social change.
• Facilitation of Student-Centered Advancement
  Prioritizing the holistic growth and success of students through tailored support and opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Utilization of Cutting-edge Technology
  Leveraging innovative tools and platforms to enhance learning, practice, and community impact.
• Promotion of Leadership Development
  Cultivating future leaders equipped to inspire, advocate, and drive meaningful change in their communities and the social work profession.
• Integration of Research, Policy, and Practice
  Bridging theory and action to address societal challenges with evidence-based solutions and informed advocacy.

Thank you for your interest in the Maxie Collier Scholars Program at Coppin State University. The Program has a strong legacy of preparing undergraduate Scholars for professional careers in the field of public behavioral health services.

Application Packet

Please complete and include the following documents in your application packet: 

• Application 
• Personal Statement: Responses to three questions on application 
• Signed applicants’ agreement included in application 
• Proof of Maryland residency 
• Three submissions addressing your strengths and why you should be selected as a Scholar. Two submissions from CSU professors and one submission from a community person (examples: supervisor, clergy member, volunteer coordinator ). Submissions are due by March 17, 2021 and may be submitted to Maxie Collier Scholars Program Recommendation Form.

Submit Your Application Packet 

Applications may be submitted in person or by email. Please submit the complete application packet to: 

• Email: Email your application packet to MaxieCollierScholarsProgram@coppin.edu 
• In Person: Drop your application off in room 522 of the Health and Human Services Building (HHSB) 

Important Dates 

Please be reminded of the following important dates: 

• January 20, 2021 - Applications available 
• March 17, 2021 - Deadline to submit completed Applications and Recommendations
• April 7, 2021 - Interviews for Applicants 

Please feel free to reach out if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

Julie Manley, MCSP Program Coordinator

• From the State of Maryland 
• Officially enrolled as a Coppin State University undergraduate student
• Have a minimum of 1 year remaining as an undergraduate student at CSU
• 3.0 minimum GPA preferred
• Declared major in criminal justice, natural sciences, nursing, psychology, or social work
• Commitment to pursue a behavioral health career in the State of Maryland
• Completed Application to include a required personal statement
• High rating in a required personal interview
• Three letters of support from recommended sources
• Official college transcript

Completed applications should be returned to:

Maxie Collier Scholars Program Coordinator
Coppin State University
2500 W. North Avenue, HHSB Room #523 or 339
Baltimore, MD 21216

Graduation Requirements

The Mental Health Seminar HEED 105 is a graduation requirement for Maxie Collier Scholars.

Participating Departments

In order to participate in the Maxie Collier program students must declare a major in the following departments/schools:

• Helene Fuld School of Nursing
• Psychology, Counseling & Behavioral Health
• Department of Criminal Justice
• Department of Natural Sciences
• Department of Social Work

Honoring the name of a prominent practitioner, Dr. Maxie T. Collier, lends prestige and honor to a scholars program designed to increase the number of minority professionals in the field of Mental Health.

Maxie Collier graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee with a degree in psychology in 1967. He graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1977. Dr. Collier began his private practice in 1980 where he offered his expertise in the areas of family therapy, individual psychodynamic therapy, and forensic psychiatry. In 1987, Dr. Collier became the Chief of Psychiatry for the Johns Hopkins Health Plan where he was responsible for the management and supervision of mental health services including outpatient treatment, inpatient admission, and rehabilitative services.

Dr. Collier sat on numerous boards and committees, including the Baltimore City Medical Society Board of Directors, Baltimore Urban League Executive Board, Congressman Benjamin Cardin's Health Advisory Committee, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine Admissions Committee.

In addition to his many professional activities, Dr. Collier was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Dr. Collier created "The Baltimore Project," a novel prenatal care project aimed at reducing infant mortality and future unwanted pregnancies. He established the Baltimore City Health Consortium, which acts as a resource for health care partnerships, and the Health Expo intended to recruit high school juniors and seniors into the field of health. Dr. Collier also created an office of Minority Health to conduct research and education and to orient Baltimore Health Department services to better serve minorities. From 1987 to 1990, Dr. Collier served as the Commissioner of Health for Baltimore City, a cabinet level appointee of the Mayor.

Prior to his unexpected death in April of 1994, Dr. Maxie T. Collier was President of Spectrum Development Services, Inc. and in addition provided consultative services for the Green Spring Mental Health Services, Inc.