College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences
CHESS is a destination for strategic thinking and a launchpad for discovery. Our offerings include Addictions and Mental Health Treatment, Clinical Counseling, Communication and Digital Media, Criminal Justice, Education, Leadership, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Social Work and Theology.
Getting Started
About CHESS
Read our mission and vision statements, and discover the Franciscan values that comprise the foundation of an Alvernia education.
College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Departments
Baccalaureate
• Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
• Addictions and Mental Health Treatment (Adult Education)
Adult Education Certificate
Baccalaureate
• Film, Culture and the Creative Arts
• Journalism
• Media Design and Production
• Public Relations and Advertising
• Sports Media
• Strategic Communications
• Digital Media Marketing (Adult Education)
Minors
Baccalaureate
• Early Childhood Education (PK-4)
• Early Childhood Education (PK-4) (Adult Education)
• Early Childhood (PK-4) & Special Education
• Early Childhood PK-4 & Special Ed PK-12 (Adult Education)
Masters
• Master of Education programs
Certificates
• Special Education Certification
• Teaching English as a Second Language Certification
Graduate Certificate
• Disabilities and Inclusive Communities
• English as a Second Language Program Specialist
It’s a competitive world — set yourself apart! Participating in Alvernia’s Honors Program can make a big impression when applying for your first job or grad school by demonstrating superior academic abilities, commitment and motivation to take on challenging work, and desirable leadership skills.
Doctorate
• Leadership
Masters
• Organizational Leadership
Graduate Certificates
• Organizational Leadership
Minors
Baccalaureate
• Bachelor of Social Work (Adult Education)
• Criminal Justice (Adult Education)
Masters
Minor
Success Stories
Transfer student follows mother's footsteps to find community and a full-time job
The journey of transfer student Lilibet Perez '26 to Alvernia wasn’t exactly traditional. She originally thought she wanted to be an elementary school teacher, only to realize a year-and-a-half into her college journey that her heart wasn’t in it....
Criminal Justice grad and retired adjunct continues to serve with bereavement-focused books, support group
It’s hard to put Dominic Murgido ’79 in one descriptive box.What lead him to Alvernia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a double concentration in sociology and psychology? It may have been the talks he had with his fa...
Psychology professor believes fun activities are fair play
Associate Professor of Psychology Erin Way has pretty much always been interested in gaining a better understanding of people – what makes them tick, so to speak. Especially children. Having a mother who was a kindergarten teacher certainly fueled...
Celebrated Philadelphia group taps Alvernia grad to be its first full-time medical social worker
As Daria Podell ’24, MSW ’25 was wrapping up her internship at the Black Doctors Consortium during her accelerated master’s in social work, she sought out recommendations for her job search.Podell, 25, was met with puzzlement from Dr. Ala Stanford...
Alvernia holds annual Earth Day of Service, ramps up sustainability efforts
Students, leadership, faculty and staff help to beautify the area, part of the university’s continued push to advance sustainability.
Alvernia students and faculty earn statewide recognition at SPSEA conference
Alvernia University's Education students and faculty were recognized for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to the field at the Kindling Change 2026 Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA) Conference & Convention.
Packapalooza fuels momentum as applications, visits and deposits climb
Signature admissions event turns interest into action as Alvernia’s recruitment reach expands
Alvernia University breaks ground on American House renovation at Reading CollegeTowne
Renovation will expand healthcare access, experiential learning and inclusive workforce development in downtown Reading
