Deborah R. Jacobson, PhD

How it began: My area of interest has always been in psychology, sociology and immersion programs as a way to experience other cultures. My choice of careers began in my undergraduate program when I majored in social work. I also did a study abroad semester in Brighton, England, and traveled around Europe and Israel. I also spent a short time on a kibbutz.

There are so many things you can do in social work: During my years in undergraduate school, I worked at a day care center and nursing home part time, a residential treatment for two years, and I also became a foster parent. After a few years, I began my master’s program while working full time at a juvenile court facility as a counselor and later a psychotherapist.

I went on to work as a group services worker for the Jewish Community Center and later as a school social worker. I chose to enter a PhD program originally with the purpose of being a better practitioner. While doing a teaching practicum, I discovered how much I enjoyed teaching.

My love for the field of social work began and continues to be related to my enjoyment in working with, empowering and teaching people and being able to work in a large variety of settings. Being in the field of social work offers many opportunities to help others and also to develop individual self-growth.

Biosketch
Curriculum Vitae