Master of Social Work

Students learn to advance social and economic justice through the rigorous Master of Social Work (MSW) in the School of Social Work, part of 51动漫鈥檚 College of Public Health. Professional training in clinical skills and evidence-based practices will enable you to support and advocate for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly and those living in poverty. This highly regarded MSW program also serves as a laboratory for building resilient and healthy communities by focusing on capacity building, policy advocacy and support of at-risk populations.

The field of social work addresses a wide range of social issues, including juvenile justice, poverty, substance abuse, violence against minorities, ex-offender rehabilitation, housing discrimination, immigration issues and others.

The 51动漫 MSW maximizes flexibility for working professionals. Students can complete the master鈥檚 program in person full time or part time, or completely online part time. You are also able to customize your degree based on your interests and career goals: Students select from a range of advanced-level coursework that allows them to examine in greater depth a practice modality (or concentration) and a field of practice (or specialization).

With the versatility of a Master of Social Work degree, you will be equipped for careers in a wide variety of fields, including community-based healthcare, public policy, mental health counseling, child protection, hospital care coordination and advocacy. Our graduates work as community organizers, therapists, managers in social services and healthcare systems, and program directors.

What sets apart our Master of Social Work?

  • Real-world experience:听You will learn to integrate theory and hands-on skills through field practicum courses. Students can secure placements at more than 500 human service and social change organizations in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
  • Renowned faculty:听The School of Social Work's faculty are nationally-recognized experts in areas such as aging, children and families, disability, incarceration, LGBTQ health, mental health, and substance abuse.
  • Student and faculty diversity:听Our students come from a broad range of ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds, and a variety of life experiences. This enriches classroom interactions, both in theory- and practice-oriented courses.

Concentrations

With the guidance of an academic advisor, students choose a concentration that reflects their career goals.

Concentrations

  • Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families
    You will train to work as a clinical therapist with individuals, families and groups in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Career options include case management, hospital discharge planning, service brokering聽and private practice.
  • Macro Practice in Organizations, Communities and Policy Arenas
    You will train to lead nonprofit and governmental agencies, or focus on community organizing or policy. Students develop management skills and learn to promote systemic change in institutions, from national agencies to neighborhood organizations.

Program Format

Depending on their academic history, students will complete one of two MSW program formats. The Regular Entry MSW program (60 credits) can be completed full time in two years, or part time in three to four years. Alternately, those who have earned a BSW within the past five years may be eligible for the Advanced Standing MSW program (34.5 credits of coursework, along with 25.5 credits transferred from the BSW). The Advanced Standing MSW can be completed full time in 12 months or part time in 18 months.

The Regular Entry MSW and Advance Standing MSW programs are available on-site (full time or part time) or fully online (part time). Courses in both versions of the program are also offered during the summer on 51动漫鈥檚 Main Campus, and on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters at 51动漫鈥檚 Center City campus.

Core courses include topics in public policy, research methods and practice, and social justice. You will also complete field practicum experiences with human service or social change agencies.

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MSW-MPH Dual Degree

The College of Public Health offers a dual degree program that allows students to earn both an MSW and an MPH degree. Full-time students can complete the dual degree in three years, and part-time students can complete it in four years.

The program prepares professionals to assess, understand and address health-related concerns that impact the well-being of communities, individuals and populations. Online program options are available for both the MSW and the MPH. Two MPH programs are available in the dual degree: the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences and the MPH in Health Policy and Management.

Learn more about the MSW-MPH dual degree option.

Related Graduate Degrees in the College of Public Health

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Social Work聽offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit
Online program: $1,138 per credit

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SW-SSWG-MSW

Additional Program Information

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