Chatham University

What you'll study

The Bachelor in Social Work is a four‑year undergraduate programme combining foundational liberal‑arts learning with professional social work coursework and supervised field practicum. Core topics include human development and behaviour across the lifespan, social welfare policy and services, research methods for social work, ethics and professional practice, and diversity and cultural competence.

Typical modules and subject areas include:

• Foundations of Social Work Practice: introduction to theory, values and the helping relationship.
• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment: biopsychosocial perspectives on development and functioning.
• Social Welfare Policy and Services: history, policy analysis and advocacy related to public and private supports.
• Research and Evaluation: quantitative and qualitative methods applied to practice and programme assessment.
• Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups: assessment, intervention planning and evidence‑informed methods.
• Community Practice and Organisational Contexts: community organising, programme development and interprofessional work.
• Field Practicum: supervised placements in social service agencies that integrate classroom learning with direct practice.

Students also study general education subjects such as communication, writing and social sciences, and can often choose electives or minors to tailor their study—common complements include psychology, public health, gender studies and nonprofit management.

Entry requirements

Entry to the programme typically requires a completed secondary school qualification comparable to a high school diploma. Admissions generally take into account academic performance, a personal statement outlining interest in social work and relevant experience, and one or more references. Where relevant, applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Mature applicants with relevant work or volunteer experience are usually considered through the same admissions process; applicants whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate English proficiency. Specific grade thresholds, test scores and document lists are provided by the university and should be checked on the official admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor in Social Work are prepared for entry‑level professional roles across statutory, voluntary and private sectors. Common employment settings include child and family services, community and youth work, mental health services, healthcare and hospital social work, schools and educational support, homelessness and housing services, probation and criminal justice support, and nonprofits.

Career progression frequently involves accruing supervised practice hours and pursuing postgraduate qualification where required for advanced practice or licensure. Many graduates go on to undertake a Master of Social Work (MSW) to access clinical roles, specialised practice areas or management positions. Transferable skills from the programme—such as assessment, case management, advocacy, research literacy and cross‑cultural communication—are also valued in policy, advocacy and community development roles.

Why study at Chatham University

Chatham University is located in the Pittsburgh region, offering proximity to diverse social service agencies and community organisations that provide practicum placements and local engagement opportunities. The programme emphasises an integrated liberal‑arts approach and experiential learning, with relatively small class sizes that support close faculty supervision and mentoring.

Students benefit from faculty with both academic and practice experience, partnerships with regional health and social service providers for field education, and interdisciplinary links across allied areas such as public health, psychology and sustainability. The programme’s focus on social justice, ethical practice and community‑centred work prepares graduates to enter practice with a reflective, evidence‑informed approach.