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I am so thankful that I chose Chatham for my BSW. My professors made all the difference—they were encouraging yet challenged me and clearly care about their students. They believed in me even before I began to believe in myself. The support I received at Chatham propelled me towards success quicker than I could have imagined.
— DANI WILSON ‘12, MSW, Executive Director, Our Clubhouse
Chatham's BSW is ranked #15 on 's list of "The 40 Best Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs." A professional major built upon a liberal arts foundation, Chatham's BSW prepares you for professional social work practice or graduate studies in social work and related fields. Click the button below to explore sample courses and curriculum.
Explore Social Work Curriculum : Checkerboard 1 - Courses & Curriculum
During senior year, your field placement will give you a closely supervised, hands-on experience that connects classroom learning with real-world, on-the-ground social work. You will complete 500 hours of field placement work by the time you graduate.
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. Customize your BSW by earning the Certificate in Environmental Social Work or the Certificate in Forensic Social Work.
Explore Certificates : Checkerboard 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - Funding Opportunities
Chatham University and the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) have partnered to create the 2+2 Pathways program, an articulation agreement that gives students a clear and efficient pathway to earn a BSW by completing their first two years at CCAC and finishing their education at Chatham. Click the button below to learn more.
Explore Transfer Options : Checkerboard 7 - 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.
Students have had field placements at organizations including the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, Community Living and Support Services, Community Human Services, Planned Parenthood, Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, Allegheny County Children Youth and Families, Central Outreach Wellness Center, Our Clubhouse, ACLU, East End Cooperative Ministry, and Gwen’s Girls.
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 10 - 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 Accreditation & Learning Outcomes : Checkerboard 11 - Accreditation & Learning Outcomes