Earn a 4-Year Accredited Social Work Degree in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Turn Your Passion for Helping Others into a Professional Career

Social work is all about people, supporting them through challenges, amplifying their strengths, and helping communities thrive. From advocating for children and families to guiding individuals through life’s toughest moments, social workers are where they’re needed most.

Our accredited program prepares future professionals with the knowledge, values, and hands-on experience to make a real impact. You’ll learn to work with diverse populations, promote social justice, and provide meaningful support across a variety of settings, building a career rooted in service, compassion, and lasting change.

Students smiling

Build the Skills to Make a Difference

The Bachelor of Social Work program equips you to step into meaningful roles as a practitioner, educator, or researcher. You’ll explore social challenges, cultural influences, and community dynamics, learning how to apply evidence-based strategies to help individuals and families thrive. Beyond the classroom, hands-on experiences with local organizations give you practical skills and confidence to succeed as an entry-level social work professional, ready to make an impact from day one.

CSWE Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

Ensuring Quality Education

Penn State Greater Allegheny’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Accreditation of a social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals, and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all accreditation standards. 

Accreditation applies to all program options, which include locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. Review our program’s accredited status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.

Students studying in green chairs

Imagine Your Future at Penn State Greater Allegheny

At Penn State, your journey is shaped by your goals, the experiences you seek, and the people you’ll meet along the way. Whether you’re just starting college or returning as an adult learner, Greater Allegheny campus offers more than a great education—it’s a place where you can grow, explore new ideas, and find support every step of the way.

Students posed for a selfie at the nittany lion shrine

Schedule a Campus Visit

See what’s possible at Greater Allegheny campus! Visiting us is the best way to get a feel for our campus community. Tour our spaces, meet the people who’ll support your journey, and see what life here is really like. Schedule your visit and experience it for yourself!

Nittany lion shrine statue

A World-Class Education at an Affordable Price

Cost matters when choosing a college. At Greater Allegheny campus, about 88% of students receive financial aid, and many receive awards covering more than half of tuition. First-year applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply by February 1. We work closely with students and families to make a Penn State education affordable.

City of Pittsburgh

Experience Our Region

Located just outside Pittsburgh, Greater Allegheny campus places students close to one of Pennsylvania’s largest employment markets, giving students access to internship sites and industry partners throughout Allegheny County and the surrounding region. Students build professional experience while staying connected to campus support and small class sizes.

Outside the classroom, Pittsburgh offers professional sports, arts, and dining, along with easy access to outdoor recreation in the Laurel Highlands. It’s a place where students can prepare for their careers and enjoy college life at the same time.