Chatham University

Accounting

The accounting major prepares students with not only technical accounting skills but also the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workplace. Chatham Accounting graduates are fully prepared to take advantage of diverse career opportunities including public accounting, industry or government.

Arts Management

The arts management major is an interdisciplinary program, combining courses from business and the arts. The major is designed specifically to prepare students for leadership roles through expertise in strategic planning, management, marketing and artistic planning. Students will also identify business opportunities within the art world and focus on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the use of resources to accomplish performance goals in art organizations.

Athletic Training

The curriculum for the Master of Science in Athletic Training adds to the foundational coursework from the undergraduate major in Exercise Science. This professional degree combines coursework in the clinical assessment and treatment of athletes with courses that emphasize the critical appraisal of the athletic training literature, healthcare delivery and management, and sport psychology in addition to clinical education.

Biochemistry (BA)

Biochemistry is a science whose boundaries encompass many aspects of chemistry and biology, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecology. Scientists use the tools of biochemistry to explore cures for disease, improve public health, remediate environmental pollution, and develop cheaper and safer natural products.

Biochemistry (BS)

Biochemistry is a science whose boundaries encompass many aspects of chemistry and biology, from molecules and cells to organisms and ecology. The program is certified by the American Chemical Society and is ideal for students who are planning graduate work, seeking jobs in biotechnology, or applying to medical school.

Biology (BA)

Biology includes the study of the structure, function, and interactions of living organisms at multiple levels. The BA degree is appropriate for students who want to demonstrate their capability in biology, but also want to explore related areas like teaching.

Biology (BS)

Biology includes the study of the structure, function, and interactions of living organisms at multiple levels; it is a field that is evolving rapidly. This major provides students with a broad interdisciplinary base in scientific knowledge combined with an in-depth exploration of a preferred area of interest through cell and molecular or human biology tracks.

Biomedical Studies

The Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies is a one-year, accelerated degree, primarily for students wishing to improve credentials for admission into medical, dental, or physician assistant programs, or other allied health programs. Coursework will enhance highly sought professional skills.

Business Administration

Chatham's Master of Business Administration program prepares students to excel in today's competitive job market. This IACBE-accredited 30-credit one-year program equips students with core business skills in strategic planning, business analytics, entrepreneurship, leadership, global marketing, and effective communication. Students can attend full-time or part-time, fully online or in person, and start the program in the fall, spring, or summer sessions.

Chemistry (BA)

Approved by the American Chemical Society, the chemistry curriculum includes preparation for graduate study and careers in the chemical industry or governmental laboratories. The BA option pairs a required core in general, organic, and inorganic chemistry with restricted electives and a chemistry capstone.

Chemistry (BS)

Approved by the American Chemical Society, the curriculum includes intensive preparation for graduate study and careers in the chemical industry or governmental laboratories.

Communication

Communication is a degree targeted to opportunities in a media-savvy world. Students take a common set of core courses that prepare them for an industry with growing convergence in print, broadcast, and online media. Students choose one of four concentrations: communication studies, journalism, public relations, or visual communication design.

Counseling Psychology

The program focuses on the professional, intellectual, and personal growth of students, emphasizing human-centered values as well as evidence-informed treatment approaches, and prepares students to become competent providers of counseling psychology services. Graduates are ready for employment in agencies providing mental and physical health services, social services, and other educational, professional, and business organizations.

Counseling Psychology

The Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. The curriculum reflects APA's Standards of Accreditation by offering discipline-specific and practice-related coursework, practica experience, comprehensive exams, dissertation, and internship credits consistent with a doctorate degree in counseling psychology.

Creative Writing

Students majoring in creative writing develop and hone their skills through a focused sequence of creative writing courses culminating in a capstone project. The program requires a firm grounding in literary forms and history, along with genre theory, literary theory, and literature study, in order to foster the development of a unique writing voice.

Creative Writing, Low-Residency

Chatham University's Low-Residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program can be completed in two years with two summer residencies of 10 days each, and shares the residency program's focus on nature, environment, and travel writing. In lieu of writing workshops and literature courses each term, students take six-credit mentorships with a publishing writer. Effective August 1, 2023, the program is not accepting applications while it is on hiatus.

Creative Writing (MACW)

The Master of Arts in Creative Writing is distinct from the MFA in Creative Writing in that no thesis is required. Except for the thesis, the program is exactly the same as the MFA in Creative Writing.

Creative Writing (MFACW)

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing is a broad program of study designed to prepare students for careers as writers or other positions requiring similar professional skills, such as editing, publishing, and content development for the web. Its focus on nature, environmental, and travel writing provides students unique opportunities to explore the world and travel as part of their degree program. Most full-time students will be able to complete the program in two years.

Criminology

Criminology is the scientific study of crime and delinquency. Criminologists use concepts, theories, and methods from the social and behavioral sciences to explore the causes and consequences of criminal behavior and juvenile delinquency. Completing the criminology major prepares students for graduate study in criminology, criminal justice, or law, and for entry-level positions in law enforcement, legal, correctional, or human services agencies.

Cultural Studies

Cultural studies draws on social, cultural, and literary theories to pursue the analysis of cultural objects in their social contexts. Students learn to apply contemporary theory, with an emphasis on examinations of race, ethnicity, and class, in their critical analysis of literature, film, and other cultural narratives.

Data Science Analytics

Big data is transforming industry, science, and society, creating an urgent need for individuals with complex data analytics skills. The data science analytics curriculum spans key areas of statistics, data visualization, computing, mathematics, and ethics. Students learn to apply theoretical principles to solving real-world interdisciplinary problems.

Economics

The economics major provides a flexible and attractive skill set in key areas: statistics, managerial economics, decision-making, and global and emerging markets. A degree in economics is excellent preparation for graduate study in law, policy, or business.

Education: PreK-4

The liberal arts major in PreK-4 Education offers a comprehensive preparation program for teaching young children, predicated on a foundation in the liberal arts. Students must earn a 3.0 GPA to be recommended for certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

English

Students majoring in English learn to make successful and astute arguments about the interrelations between literary texts, literary history, and literary theory, orally and in writing. English majors are well-prepared for careers requiring methodical research, intellectual sophistication, and clear expression. Certification in secondary education in English is available.

Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship Certificate is one of three School of Business and Enterprise graduate certificates, each comprised of nine credits of coursework reflecting specialized business knowledge in high demand across business sectors. Completed certificates can be stacked to apply toward Chatham's 30-credit Master of Business Administration degree.

Environmental Science

The environmental science major provides students with an interdisciplinary, scientific perspective to help them develop an evidence-based approach to environmental challenges. Foundational courses in biology, chemistry, ecology, climate science, and geology are coupled with skills-based courses and labs that prepare them for jobs in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors or for further graduate study.

Environmental Social Work

The certificate in environmental social work is a multi-disciplinary certificate designed to equip students with social work principles within the context of environmental justice, food access, and sustainability. The certificate is intended for students who are interested in exploring environmental justice in social work.

Exercise Science

The exercise science major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The program prepares students for professional practice in a variety of fields including exercise and fitness training, hospital-based and corporate wellness programming, and preparation for graduate study in exercise physiology, medicine, physical therapy, and other health science programs.

Food Studies

The Master of Arts in Food Studies emphasizes a holistic approach to food systems, from agriculture and food production to cuisines and consumption, providing intellectual and practical experience tied to both the local farm and culinary spaces as well as global contexts. At the heart of the curriculum are core areas, depth electives, and applied courses which allow students to develop a shared knowledge base and community-based networks.

Food Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Food Studies provides an interdisciplinary and applied approach to the study of food systems, culinary culture, and sustainable agriculture in local and global contexts. The program offers social, cultural, scientific, economic, environmental, and historical analyses combined with experiential learning in farm, kitchen, and community settings.

Forensic Social Work

This certificate will equip students with social work skills, knowledge and principles within the context of the American criminal justice, mental health and child welfare systems. The goal is to foster world-ready graduates committed to social justice equality to become change makers within their organizations, communities, and in society.

Health and Wellness

The BS in Health and Wellness curriculum provides interdisciplinary studies that are ideal for careers in health care. Students shall acquire the skills to think critically and scientifically about human health and behaviors, understand and navigate healthcare systems, and gain perspectives on health and disability and their social and environmental determinants.

History

The history program offers courses in African, American, Asian, European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern history that provide students with a grounding in the many ways historians have made sense of the world. Throughout their course work, students learn to acquire, organize, analyze, and clearly communicate information and present complex histories to the public in a variety of formats.

Immersive Media

The BA in Immersive Media is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with knowledge of design thinking, computer programming, interactive game design technology, creative methods, and cutting-edge hardware to create immersive experiences for a variety of applications and industries.

Interior Architecture

The Master of Interior Architecture is a 54-credit graduate program covering interior architecture theory, design and behavior, digital visualization, building codes, construction documents and systems, architectural history, and a capstone studio sequence.

Interior Architecture

The Bachelor of Interior Architecture (BIA) is a Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredited first professional interior design program consisting of 120 credits. The curriculum includes foundation courses in interior architecture, a dynamic studio sequence, an internship, electives, and an integrative capstone. This degree prepares students for practice in an interior design or architecture firm.

International Business

Students majoring in international business learn how to think globally about the business world. The curriculum engages the student in all functional areas of business and explores how these functions change and adapt by expanding across borders. Students develop expertise in language, cultural sensitivity, and an ongoing knowledge of world affairs.

International Studies

Chatham's International Certificates allow students to add a significant international component to their degree programs, and a mark of distinction to their official Chatham transcripts. Certificates are offered in five major global regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Students are required to complete language study to at least the intermediate level and to participate in a study abroad or internship abroad experience.

International Studies

Chatham's major in international studies emphasizes cultural texts and histories, both classical and contemporary, in combination with practical experience and firsthand intercultural interaction. Completion of a regional certificate ensures practical grounding in language, historical and geographical understanding, and experiential learning. Likely career fields include civic and non-profit work, international outreach, media and communications, and education.

Management

The management major cultivates strong leadership and entrepreneurial skills through both academic coursework and real-world applications. Graduates are prepared to address challenges in business strategy, talent acquisition, leadership, operations, finance, and the implementation of sustainable business practices.

Marketing

Marketing is a unique combination of art and science, creativity and rigor, innovation and fundamentals. Marketing majors obtain the full range of knowledge and skills needed to develop cutting edge business strategy and tactics. Special emphasis is placed on ethical marketing practice and adaptation to new technologies, changing consumer preferences, sustainability practices, and a rapidly expanding global economy.

Mathematics (BA)

Mathematics includes an introduction to the principle branches of mathematics: calculus, algebra, probability, statistics, and analysis with emphasis on application of mathematics to the sciences and social sciences. The BA combines required core courses with restricted mathematics electives.

Mathematics (BS)

Mathematics includes an introduction to the principle branches of mathematics: calculus, algebra, probability, statistics, and analysis with emphasis on application of mathematics to the sciences and social sciences. The teacher certification program offers certification in secondary mathematics teaching.

Media Arts

The media arts major provides the opportunity for students to develop creative, conceptual, and technical skills across coursework in film, photography and graphic design, fostering a critical awareness of contemporary, convergent media practices. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles in media arts production industries or to pursue graduate programs in related fields.

Modern Languages

A certificate is awarded for completing a course in linguistics and a sequence of four language levels in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, or Arabic. Students will be prepared to use their language skills in their chosen fields from business, science, and the arts to politics, healthcare, education, and more.

Music

The music program offers a variety of courses in the history, theory, and performance of music, including cross-cultural and technological aspects. Performance is encouraged through numerous student recitals, the capstone, and participation in the Chatham Choir and Instrumental Ensembles.

Music Business

The music business major is an interdisciplinary program, combining courses from music and business. Students will gain experience with both live and recorded music management and achieve fluency in music-specific business issues such as copyright, publishing, and performance rights.

Music Technology

The music technology major provides a broad foundation in music with focus on recording and computer technologies. Students study music theory, ear-training, music history, and performance or composition, as well as basic sound recording and audio production, and various computer music applications. The major also includes coursework in video production and web design.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience combines theoretical and methodological approaches from biology, chemistry, and psychology to explore the nervous system. This program is designed for students who plan to enter a neurosciences graduate program or professional medical program, and for those interested in careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, or related areas.

Nurse Educator

The Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit professional certificate that provides the nurse with the basic educational tools necessary to teach nursing and/or nurses in an academic or clinical setting. The certificate can be completed in two semesters pending course availability.

Nursing

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a clinical doctorate that prepares students to become experts in specialized advanced nursing practice focused on innovative and evidence-based practice and systems leadership. The program is a low-residency, online program that includes a mandatory on-campus residency and culminates in an evidence-based practice clinical immersion experience.

Nursing

The BSN to DNP Integrated Degree Executive Track allows the student to complete two graduate degrees in 48 credits. The MSN component prepares the student for nursing leadership roles and the DNP component has the student develop, complete, and evaluate an executive level project to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of the terminal nursing degree.

Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing program assists individuals in acquiring the knowledge and skills to lead in the current and emerging healthcare fields, with core knowledge based on the AACN Essentials and specialized knowledge in a concentration of leadership or education. The MSN program is an online distance program that builds on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing foundation by preparing nurses to advance their practice as nurse educators or leaders in a variety of settings.

Nursing (RN-MSN)

The RN-MSN Integrated Degree Educator track allows students to earn two degrees (BSN and MSN) in 44 credits. All students are required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours in college-level courses, the university requirements for the bachelor's degree and general education requirements, and the designated nursing courses to earn the BSN degree.

Occupational Therapy, Entry-Level

The entry-level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy degree is a clinical doctorate that prepares students with the skills and knowledge required to pass the NBCOT exam and to function as entry-level occupational therapy practitioners. For degree completion, students must complete all didactic courses, three Level I fieldwork experiences, two Level II fieldwork experiences, and a mentored doctoral capstone experience.

Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional

The Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program is designed for occupational therapy clinicians and academicians who want to enhance their careers and be professional leaders. Students learn to apply evidence-based literature, enhance their clinical skills, and develop leadership skills in teaching, public policy, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. All courses occur online with no travel to campus required, and completion typically takes 16 months.

Pathways to Nursing

Pathways to Nursing (PTN) prepares world-ready nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary in today's healthcare system. Through a partnership with UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, students will complete general studies courses at Chatham and simultaneously complete the nursing diploma program. PTN students will progress to the RN-BSN portion of the program once they have earned their RN license by successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Physical Therapy

The mission of the Chatham University DPT program is to prepare exceptional professionals who meet the challenges of a dynamic healthcare system using science, compassion, and self-directed lifelong learning. The modified problem-based learning curriculum presents the clinical arts and science of physical therapy in an integrated manner organized around body systems. The degree is awarded upon successful completion of seven terms of study including 36 weeks of clinical education.

Physician Assistant Studies

The MPAS program is a 24-month professional course of study designed to award the MPAS degree. The curriculum integrates advanced topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical intervention, pharmacology, research, clinical methods, and hands-on clinical experiences throughout the program. Graduates are trained to provide primary medical care with cultural humility, adhering to ethical, legal, and safety standards.

Policy Studies

The policy studies major is designed to introduce students to policy making in public or private domains. It provides an appropriate foundation for students interested in public service, either in elected office or in government agencies, as well as students interested in non-governmental policy organizations.

Political Science

The political science program offers courses in American politics, international politics, and law-related subjects. The study of political science develops students' conceptual skills and provides them with the tools to analyze political concepts in broad perspective and make sense of new issues as they arise.

Project Management

The Project Management Certificate is one of three School of Business and Enterprise graduate certificates, each comprised of nine credits of coursework reflecting specialized business knowledge in high demand across business sectors. Completed certificates can be stacked to apply toward Chatham's 30-credit Master of Business Administration degree.

Psychology

The Master of Arts in Psychology is a 36-credit hour degree that provides graduate level education and training in psychology, offering a foundation in the study of human behavior and skills for working with people. Graduates use their understanding of psychological science and theories to further their careers in research settings, human service, health, or educational organizations, and in doctoral programs in psychology.

Psychology

The psychology curriculum enables students to think scientifically about behavior and mental processes, to appreciate and respect others, and to pursue a variety of post-baccalaureate alternatives, including employment and graduate or professional school. This major is applicable to any career in which an understanding of human thought and behavior is central.

RN-to-BSN

Building upon a liberal arts foundation, the RN-BSN program expands the student's nursing knowledge, skills, and professional role. The program prepares the nursing graduate to provide holistic, evidence-based nursing care, in health and illness, with diverse populations in the ever-changing and complex healthcare environment. The RN-BSN program is an accelerated online distance learning program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Social, Emotional, and Behavior Wellness in Education

The Social, Emotional and Behavior Wellness in Education certificate focuses on the social-emotional, behavior and wellness of PK-12 students. The program aims to provide individuals working with youth with the tools and knowledge to create a nurturing, empathetic, supportive, and inclusive environment for students to support their overall development.

Social Work

The Chatham Bachelor of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary for effective generalist practice in the field of social work. In addition to coursework, students complete a 12-credit, 500 hour field placement during the senior year.

Sports Management

The sports management major equips students with skills in data analytics, finance, marketing, and leadership tailored to the sports industry. Coursework and experiential learning builds expertise in athlete representation, event planning, facility management, and sports promotion. Graduates pursue careers in sport franchises, marketing agencies, athletic departments, and event management firms.

Sustainability

The Master of Sustainability foundation courses allow students to explore the nature of system analysis and sustainability as it relates to the ecological, economic, social, and business world. Skills for work and research courses provide research, communication, and work-related skills, and students have the option to complete a 70-140 hour placement in a professional or research setting. Track electives allow students to explore in depth a particular area of sustainability study.

Sustainability (BA)

The Bachelor of Sustainability major provides an intellectual and experiential core in sustainability and the ability to specialize in one of three tracks of study. The BA is offered through the sustainable business track.

Sustainability (BS)

The Bachelor of Sustainability major provides an intellectual and experiential core in sustainability and the ability to specialize in one of three tracks of study. The BS is offered with natural resources management, sustainable energy and urban systems, and self-designed tracks.

Sustainability + Business Administration Dual Degree

The program gives students an understanding and skills from both sustainability and business, and students earn both the Master of Sustainability and the Master of Business Administration. It includes core courses in both business and sustainability, and courses that provide breadth and depth in sustainability, business, and sustainable business. The degree is designed to be completed by full-time students in two school years and one summer.

Sustainability Management

The Sustainability Management Certificate is one of three School of Business and Enterprise graduate certificates, each comprised of nine credits of coursework reflecting specialized business knowledge in high demand across business sectors. Completed certificates can be stacked to apply toward Chatham's 30-credit Master of Business Administration degree.

Sustainable Community Planning

The Master of Sustainable Community Planning is a 36-credit graduate degree in the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment, built from a required core with method and depth electives.

Sustainable Environmental Management

The Master of Sustainable Environmental Management is a 30-credit graduate degree in the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment, combining required courses with management, environment, and policy and implementation electives.

Visual Arts

The visual arts major is designed to prepare students to create, analyze, and critique visual art in a complex, rapidly changing global culture. The mission of the major is to empower students through the integration of technical applications, critical theory, and historical awareness. Concentrations are available in art history and studio art.

Women's and Gender Studies

The women's and gender studies major offers students the opportunity for the interdisciplinary study of women, transgender, and gender diverse individuals' contributions to society and women's experience in diverse cultures, polities, and historical periods. Students analyze critically the representations and voices of these individuals in literature, arts, religious and philosophical traditions, social and political theory, and the sciences.

Women's Leadership

The certificate in women's leadership offered by the Women's Institute at Chatham University is a multi-disciplinary program designed to equip students with the theory, skills, and practice of leadership. In addition to 18 credits of coursework, students are required to participate in two signature programs offered by the Women's Institute or its two outreach centers. The certificate may be added to any undergraduate major.