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Chatham’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for generalist social work through a curriculum that integrates theory, research, and hands-on learning. Coursework covers human behavior, policy, practice, and research, with a 500-hour senior-year field placement and capstone project. The program emphasizes work with diverse populations and addressing complex social issues within a liberal arts framework. Graduates are eligible for bachelor-level licensure and advanced standing in MSW programs, often completing them in one year. They are equipped for entry-level roles in mental health, schools, healthcare, juvenile justice, and nonprofits, or for continued study in graduate programs.
Chatham’s curriculum employs simulations and real-world practice to develop skills in behavioral health, crisis intervention, advocacy, and client assessment and evaluation.
Students are encouraged to participate in the Chatham Social Work Club, including advocacy day in Harrisburg and our chapter of Phi Alpha, the social work honor society.
Students study the psychological, social, and cultural factors affecting behavior throughout life and examine the impact of social welfare policies on individuals and communities.
Social work employment is projected to grow faster than average in the coming years, with thousands of annual openings due to retirements and career changes (BLS.gov).
After beginning my master's program I have realized how greatly prepared I am for my class and field work after leaving Chatham’s social work program. It was such an advantage to receive so much personalized instruction during my time in the program, and I find myself very knowledgeable already about everything we are learning in class about direct practice and policy alike!
—Carly Snow, '24
Our small program in a city full of field placement opportunities provides students with a personalized educational experience. Social work students are encouraged to study abroad, including the community engagement program in Costa Rica, which was developed with the BSW program director.
Chatham's BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring compliance with rigorous standards through peer review. Chatham BSW graduates can sit for professional bachelor-level social work licensure nationwide or pursue graduate education. Our graduates have a 100% acceptance rate into MSW programs across the US, are eligible for advanced standing in those programs, and typically complete their degree in one year.
Chatham’s Bachelor of Social Work program curriculum is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary for effective generalist practice in the field of social work. The program combines theory, research, applied learning, and hands-on experience to prepare students for working with individuals, families, communities, and organizations. Click the button below to view a sample course progression.
Explore Social Work Curriculum : Checkerboard 2 - Courses & Curriculum
During their senior year, students complete a 12-credit, 500-hour field placement. Students are placed in agency settings, where they gain practical experience working directly with clients under the supervision of licensed social workers and our field placement coordinator. The field experience helps students integrate classroom learning with hands-on practice, and students often remain with these positions after graduation. The student’s integrated capstone experience is completed in conjunction with the field placement.
Students have had field placements at organizations including Catapult, Healthy Village Learning Center, UPMC, VITAS Hospice, PA Women Work – Forensic Re-entry, Healthy Start Pittsburgh, First Step Recovery Homes, Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, PAAR, CLASS, Community Human Services, Planned Parenthood, Area Agency on Aging, CYF, Central Outreach Wellness Center, and Financial Empowerment Center among others. Field experience allows students to apply classroom learning in practical settings, often leading to post-graduation employment.
Every social work student participates in a capstone seminar, where they channel knowledge and skills into a discipline-specific project related to their field of interest. Experienced faculty mentors provide guidance, fostering critical thinking and preparing students for future careers or studies.
Earning a certificate or minor is a great way to become proficient in a field that complements your major or that you feel passionate about—and it can really make you stand out to an employer. Popular options to pair with the BSW degree include Chatham's Forensic Social Work Certificate and Environmental Social Work Certificate.
Explore Certificates : Checkerboard 6 - Customize Your Education
If one word could best sum up Chatham's social work faculty, it would be engaged. Professors bring their experiences to relate the course lessons to real-world situations. Students will obtain academic and career guidance every step of the way from advisors who are faculty members with real-world experience as practicing social workers. Click here to view faculty in the news, and click the button below to view their profiles.
Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 7 - Program Faculty
Chatham University's social work program offers two unique funding opportunities for students, the Maggie Hobbs Social Work Award and the Deborah Rubin Scholarship Fund of the Class of 1962 Scholarship Challenge.
Explore Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 8 - Funding Opportunities
Chatham University, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), and Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) have partnered to create the 2+2 Pathways program, an articulation agreement that gives students a clear and efficient pathway to earning a BSW by completing their first two years at CCAC or WCCC and finishing their education at Chatham.
Explore Transfer Options : Checkerboard 9 - CCAC & 2+2 Pathways Program
Students can join Chatham’s social work club, SWIRL (Social Work is Real Life) as a complement to their education. The club provides opportunities to participate in activities at Chatham and in the Pittsburgh community and to attend local and regional social work conferences.
View Clubs & Organizations : Checkerboard 10 - Join the Community
This PDF book contains important information about requirements and policies of the program. If you have a specific question that is not answered here, please contact a member of the social work faculty or staff.
Download the Handbook (PDF) : Checkerboard 11 - Social Work Student Handbook
As members of a program fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), students can receive advanced standing in graduate social work programs across the country. View the CSWE frequently asked questions by clicking here.
View Accreditation & Learning Outcomes : Checkerboard 12 - Accreditation & Learning Outcomes
