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A destination for strategic thinking, a launchpad for discovery.
Welcome to CHESS
This is an exciting time to be a part of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS) and Alvernia University.
College of Humanities, Education, and Social Services Offerings
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- Adult Education
- Online
- Minors
- Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Cultural Studies
- English
- History
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Social Work - Gerontology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theology
- Women's & Gender Studies
- Pre-Law
- Pre-professional
- Certificates
Adult Education Certificate
Graduate Certificate
About CHESS
Read our mission and vision statements, and discover the Franciscan values that comprise the foundation of an Alvernia education.
Our Faculty
Our faculty take pride in creating a supportive home that fosters compassionate, socially responsible leaders prepared to solve the hardest of today’s societal challenges.
Our Campuses
Alvernia offers community-based campuses in Reading, Philadelphia and Pottsville.
Helping Professions in CHESS
Students interesting in obtaining a degree in counseling or other helping professions will find plenty to choose from at Alvernia, with programs in both day and evening classes for busy adults.
Education program earns top national ranking
Alvernia is one of three universities in PA to earn an “A” in a recent report.
Success Stories
Adult student
Shannon Qualters
Addictions caused her to lose everything — perseverance helped her recover
Faculty
Rosemary McFee
Criminal justice professor focuses on real world preparation
Adult student
Jennifer Hack
Student guides troubled youth on pathway to success
Faculty
David Reyher
Director of groundbreaking program believes his field is a calling
