McKEESPORT, Pa. — Penn State Greater Allegheny’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program has earned accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation, the national body that ensures programs meet rigorous quality standards, including sufficient resources, qualified faculty, and effective field training in the United States.
The milestone follows Greater Allegheny’s efforts to build a program that prepares students to tackle social challenges and support individuals, families and communities. Coursework emphasizes research-informed practices while exploring the cultural and community factors that shape people’s lives. The campus is the only one at the University where students can complete the degree.
Classroom learning is paired with 400 hours of field placement in a social service agency under the supervision of a professional social worker, giving students hands-on experience before graduation. This practicum often leads directly to employment, as it did for social work alumna Tomisha Pierce, who was hired by Children and Youth Services after completing her field placement with the agency.
“I would emphasize the very well-documented need for social workers,” said Patty Schake, program director at Penn State Greater Allegheny. “The field is growing, not only in our area but across Pennsylvania, and our students are being prepared to meet that demand.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 44,700 jobs nationwide. The agency estimates roughly 74,000 openings for social workers each year, many created as workers retire or transition to other careers.
Accreditation is an important milestone for the program. Graduates of an accredited BSW program are eligible to pursue bachelor’s-level licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It also creates a more efficient pathway to graduate study, allowing graduates to qualify for advanced standing in Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and complete their graduate degree in about one year without repeating foundational coursework.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Social Work program at Penn State Greater Allegheny.