Chapman University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines liberal-arts foundations with social-work theory, practice and applied skills. Early years focus on human behaviour and the social sciences—developmental psychology, sociology, and social welfare history and policy—while later coursework addresses direct practice methods with individuals, families and groups, community practice, research methods and programme evaluation.

• Core practice courses: interviewing and assessment, case management, family systems, group facilitation and crisis intervention.
• Policy and ethics: social welfare policy, ethics and values in social work, understanding service systems and advocacy strategies.
• Research and evaluation: introductory research methods, statistics for social sciences, and using evidence to inform practice.
• Diversity and specialisms: courses on cultural competence, working with children and families, ageing, mental health and substance use, and trauma-informed care.
• Field education: a sequence of supervised practicum placements in community agencies, schools, health-care settings or government organisations, integrated with seminar coursework to build professional skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent and meet Chapman University's general admission standards. Competitive applicants typically present a strong academic record in core subjects, and preparation in relevant social sciences such as psychology, sociology or human development is advantageous.

• Academic preparation: satisfactory secondary-school grades with coursework in English and social sciences recommended.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement outlining interest in social work and any relevant volunteer or paid experience; some applicants include references or transcripts from community placements.
• Other considerations: evidence of maturity, interpersonal skills and commitment to ethical practice; some applicants may be invited to interview or provide additional documentation for placement suitability.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of settings where social work skills are needed. Many take roles in community and social-service agencies, schools, health-care facilities, child and family services, non-profit organisations and juvenile or criminal-justice programmes. The degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study (Master of Social Work) and for licensure pathways where required for clinical practice.

• Caseworker or family-support practitioner in child and family agencies
• School social work support roles and pupil services
• Mental-health support worker in community clinics or hospital teams
• Community outreach and programme coordinator roles in non-profits
• Roles in health and ageing services, including care coordination
• Further study toward clinical social work licensure or specialism in policy, research or administration

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which is valuable for developing practice skills and professional identity. The programme emphasises applied learning through sustained field placements in the diverse communities of Orange County and the greater Los Angeles region, enabling students to gain hands-on experience across schools, hospitals, non-profit agencies and public services.

• Experienced faculty: instructors with practitioner backgrounds who bring current field perspectives into the classroom.
• Strong local partnerships: practicum placement networks that expose students to a variety of client populations and service models.
• Interdisciplinary connections: opportunities to work alongside related programmes in psychology, health sciences and public policy to broaden professional skills.
• Preparation for practice and progression: coursework and field experience designed to prepare graduates for entry-level social work roles and to support transition into graduate social-work training.