10 Top CWSE-Accredited MSW Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s MSW programs are a great way to get started in social work, especially since the state highly values this profession. Pennsylvania stands among the top five states that employ child, family, school, mental health, and substance use social workers. The field keeps growing steadily – while the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects nationwide social work jobs to increase by 7% by 2033, Pennsylvania projects an impressive 11% growth rate.
Ready to kickstart your career? You’ll find plenty of options here. The state has 16 CSWE-accredited MSW programs. Three universities – Widener University, Temple University, and Edinboro University – now offer fully online MSW programs that give you more flexibility. Students can choose between online MSW programs in Pennsylvania or traditional MSW programs in Philadelphia. The tuition ranges from $516 per credit for residents to $774-$839 for non-residents. The state’s demographics make social workers essential – 20% of Pennsylvania’s population is 65 or older, 12% lives below the poverty line, and 14.7% has disabilities. This means your social work skills will be valuable across many specializations.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is the life-blood of MSW programs in Pennsylvania. It has one of the oldest and most respected social work programs in the country. U.S. News and World Report ranks it 8th in the nation. Penn’s MSW degree program at the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) combines state-of-the-art education with a rich tradition that centers on social justice principles.
Program overview
Penn’s Master of Social Work program creates future leaders who develop and provide services at local, national, and global levels. Students learn both theory and practical applications that help them work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Small class sizes let students receive personal attention from world-class faculty. Students also gain experience through practicum placements at hundreds of sites in Philadelphia and beyond. The program stands out because of its steadfast dedication to social change. Graduates learn to tackle complex societal challenges with compassion and strategic thinking.
Specializations offered
Penn’s MSW program offers excellent depth through 11 different certificate programs and specializations. Students can shape their education by choosing areas such as:
- Social Work in Health Care Specialization
- Child Well-Being & Child Welfare Specialization
- Criminal Justice Specialization
- Global Human Rights Certificate
- LGBTQ+ Certificate
- Penn Aging Certificate
- Certificate in Law
Each specialization needs specific coursework and matching practicum experiences. To name just one example, the Social Work in Health Care Specialization has health policy courses, specialized electives, and an advanced year practicum placement in healthcare settings. These focused tracks prepare graduates to practice in high-demand fields across Pennsylvania.
Program format and duration
Penn gives students three MSW program options:
- Two-year Full-Time program: Students take four courses each semester and complete practicum placements three days weekly
- Three-year Part-Time program: Students can balance their education with other commitments
- Advanced Standing program: A fast-track 10-month program for outstanding BSW graduates from accredited programs in the last five years
The full-time program starts with orientation in August and ends with commencement the next May. Students complete eight courses per academic year along with supervised field experiences that give vital hands-on training.
Tuition and financial aid
Full-time MSW tuition costs $58,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Additional fees include General Fee ($4,108), Technology Fee ($720), and Clinical Fee ($742). This brings the total academic year cost to $63,570. Advanced Standing students pay a higher total of $78,580 because of the condensed timeframe.
Penn offers several financial support options despite these substantial costs. The SP2 Scholars Program gives full-tuition scholarships to select full-time master’s students who show exceptional leadership potential. Other funding options include:
- Coverdell Fellowships for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers ($8,750 per semester)
- City Year National Service Scholarships
- Bonner Community Scholars Program
- Federal work study positions
- Federal loan options for eligible students
Penn ranks among Philadelphia’s top MSW programs. It blends academic excellence with strong support systems to create the next generation of social work leaders.
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, 105 years old, brings a century of excellence to its MSW program. The school stands as one of Pennsylvania’s longest-running social work education programs. Students learn to become transformative change makers through the program’s dedication to community participation, inclusivity, and evidence-informed practices.
Program overview
The University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Social Work program ranks nationally and holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation. The program teaches a person-in-environment framework, global view, and respect for human diversity—all built on scientific inquiry. Students develop skills to become licensed clinicians, community leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The program started with a task to raise social work education standards. Today, it trains capable practitioners who boost human and community well-being. Students get high-quality professional development that prepares them for meaningful community advancements. They learn core social work values like service, social justice, dignity, and integrity.
Specializations offered
Students can choose between two distinct MSW specializations that match their career goals:
- Direct Practice Specialization: Students learn to work directly with individuals, families, and small groups. This specialization gives graduates the ability to work in hospitals, mental health agencies, child welfare organizations, senior services, and integrated healthcare settings. They become skilled at implementing evidence-informed methods while practicing cultural sensitivity and self-reflection.
- Community, Organization, and Social Action (COSA): Leadership and organizational management are the foundations of this specialization. It prepares students for macro-level social work. COSA graduates work as executive directors, program managers, organizers, grant officers, and researchers in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
Students can also boost their specialization with certificate programs in children, youth and families, gerontology, integrated healthcare, and mental health.
Program format and duration
The University of Pittsburgh offers flexible program formats that fit different student needs:
Full-time program: Students complete this traditional two-year format without a BSW background.
Part-time options: Students need six credits each semester and finish the program in 10 consecutive semesters (3.5 years). They must complete all requirements within four years.
Advanced Standing: BSW graduates from a CSWE-accredited program in the last ten years qualify. They can complete their MSW with 39 credits through either a 12-month (fall, spring, summer) or 16-month (fall, spring, fall) option.
Part-Time Online MSW: Starting fall 2025, students can complete flexible coursework on their schedule. They specialize in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups.
Pitt also runs MSW programs at satellite campuses including Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Johnstown. These focus on part-time direct practice education.
Tuition and financial aid
Online MSW program tuition costs $1,050 per credit with a total program cost of $62,973 for 60 credits. All online students pay in-state tuition rates. Additional costs include a $200 nonrefundable deposit, $15 student activity fee, $140 wellness fee, and $100 computing fee per term.
Pitt helps students with several financial options:
- Pitt2Pitt Scholarship: Students get up to $1,250 per term ($7,500 per year). This applies to Pitt undergraduate seniors and alumni who join the MSW program.
- Merit-based scholarships: First-time applicants with a minimum 3.4 GPA who apply by June 15th qualify. Students keep the same award in their second year with good academic standing.
- Federal financial aid: Students apply through FAFSA using Pitt’s federal school code (008815).
Many employers also offer tuition assistance programs. These can cut out-of-pocket costs by a lot for working professionals studying for their MSW degree.
Temple University
Temple University’s School of Social Work in Philadelphia stands out among MSW programs in Pennsylvania. Students benefit from flexible learning formats and strong clinical training. The urban setting gives students field placement opportunities that prepare them for ground challenges in a variety of practice settings.
Program overview
Temple University’s Master of Social Work program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program wants to develop ethical leaders in social work practice. Students learn evidence-based practices and how to promote vulnerable populations like children, elderly, and people facing economic hardships. Small class sizes of 15-20 students per course give students personal attention and meaningful interaction with professors and peers. Temple’s School of Social Work has earned recognition for its quality education and climbed 13 spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings to place in the top 20% nationwide.
Specializations offered
Students can tailor their educational experience by choosing between two main concentrations:
- Clinical Practice: Focuses on therapeutic interventions with individuals, families, and groups
- Macro Practice: Emphasizes community organizing, policy development, and administrative leadership
The program also has specializations in:
- Health and Mental Health
- Children and Family
Each specialization combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through carefully matched field placements. Students complete 1,050 hours of field education (450 hours at the foundation level and 600 hours at the advanced level). This extensive hands-on experience prepares graduates for the workforce.
Program format and duration
Temple’s program formats offer excellent flexibility:
Traditional MSW Program: A 60-credit program for students with undergraduate degrees in liberal arts subjects. Options include:
- Full-time: Complete in 2 years (fall admission only)
- Part-time: Complete in 3-4 years (fall, spring, or summer admission)
Advanced Standing: Students with a BSW earned within the last 5 years from a CSWE-accredited program can apply. The program needs 34.5 credits over 12-18 months.
Online MSW Program: This part-time option combines self-paced learning with weekly scheduled live sessions. Most students complete this program in 3-4 years. Students must attend a three-day residency in Philadelphia between their first and second years. The residency has intensive in-person coursework related to practice, research, and field internship preparation.
Tuition and financial aid
Temple University’s graduate programs in Social Work have these tuition rates for 2025-2026:
- Pennsylvania residents: $1,105 per credit
- Out-of-state residents: $1,518 per credit
- Online MSW program: $1,138 per credit (whatever your residency)
The full 60-credit program costs between $66,300 for Pennsylvania residents and $91,080 for out-of-state students in the traditional format. Students should also plan for various fees, including a $60 application fee.
Temple awards over $100 million in scholarships each year. Students can get financial support through:
- Merit-based scholarships
- Need-based aid (70% of eligible first-year students receive this)
- Graduate assistantships
- Federal work-study positions
- Federal loan programs for eligible students
Students often find Temple’s program valuable. One student shared: “The academic program at Temple University’s Social Work program was rigorous, well-rounded, gave options to pursue a macro or micro pathway, course load was manageable and the information was pertinent and useful”.
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr College stands out among MSW programs in Pennsylvania by offering a Master of Social Service (MSS) degree. This degree matches an MSW for licensure requirements and provides a trauma-informed approach to social work education.
Program overview
The MSS program at Bryn Mawr’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) delivers a balanced curriculum that examines social work roles thoroughly yet flexibly. Students learn cutting-edge practice approaches that emphasize trauma-informed social work, diversity and inclusion, and social justice advocacy. The school received a significant gift in 2017 and expanded its trauma-informed curriculum. This helps students understand how trauma affects individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The program’s integrated viewpoint enables students to connect micro and macro practice through critical analyzes of power, positionality, and structural oppression.
Specializations offered
The MSS program features two main specializations:
- Clinical Social Work Practice: This track focuses on working with individuals, families, and groups through a biopsychosocialspiritual framework. Students become skilled at multiple theoretical approaches including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and integrative frameworks.
- Macro Practice: Communities, Organizations, Policy, & Advocacy: The program prepares students for leadership positions and emphasizes community development, program evaluation, and policy advocacy.
Each specialization requires five core courses plus three electives. Students can also choose certificate programs with their MSS studies or pursue a joint MSS/MPH degree through Jefferson College of Population Health.
Program format and duration
Students can choose from several study options:
- Full-time program: A two-year track with 5 courses per semester in year one and 4 courses per semester in year two
- Part-time program: Completion in three years
- Advanced Standing: Available to students who earned their BSW degrees in the last five years
Classes meet once weekly for 2-3 hours during fall and spring semesters, usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Field practicums need two full days (15 hours) weekly in the foundation year and three full days in the advanced year. Optional summer courses meet twice weekly in five-week sessions.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2025-2026 MSS tuition costs $5,580 per course unit. Students need 18 units to graduate, bringing the total program cost to about $100,440. Additional costs include field instruction ($110) and materials ($300).
Students typically fund their education through:
- Bryn Mawr Social Work Scholarships (awarded at admission)
- Federal student loans
- On-campus employment opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in social work employment from 2023-2033, making this degree valuable. The school achieves a 95.2% clinical licensure exam pass rate—one of the highest in the country. Most graduates find employment within 3-6 months after graduation.
Widener University
Widener University stands out as one of Pennsylvania’s most innovative MSW programs. The university’s unique trauma-informed curriculum prepares social workers for clinical practice in Chester, PA, a short distance from Philadelphia.
Program overview
The Center for Social Work Education at Widener provides a CSWE-accredited MSW program based on a trauma-informed, clinical model that promotes social justice principles. Students learn to care for clients from different backgrounds while focusing on client strengths. The program helps you strengthen your clients and promotes universal human rights. You’ll get hands-on experience through well-structured field placements under trained field instructors. Widener distinguishes itself as the region’s only school that offers pro bono clinical supervision to select on-campus program graduates. This removes a major financial hurdle to licensure that usually costs graduates between $6,000-$15,000.
Specializations offered
Several specialized paths can improve your MSW education:
- Trauma Certificate: Learn about trauma-informed theory and practice in settings of all types
- MSW/Human Sexuality Studies Dual Degrees: MSW/MEd or MSW/PhD programs prepare you to teach, consult, research, and provide therapy for complex human sexuality issues
- Advanced Practice Options: Specialized training helps you work with people who have intellectual disabilities or trauma experiences
These programs help you meet certification requirements from organizations like the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Program format and duration
The MSW program offers both on-campus and 100% online options with flexible schedules:
- On-Campus Program: Choose part-time or full-time study (2 years full-time or under 4 years part-time)
- Online Program: Working professionals can take two classes every eight weeks part-time
- Advanced Standing: BSW graduates from accredited programs can fast-track their degree
Regular MSW students complete 57 credit hours, while Advanced Standing students need 36 credit hours.
Tuition and financial aid
Program costs vary by format:
- Online MSW: $980 per credit hour
- Total cost: $55,860 for Regular Standing and $35,280 for Advanced Standing students
Federal loans serve as the main source of financial aid, with 85% of full-time graduate students receiving aid. Military members benefit from Widener’s Yellow Ribbon program participation and veterans’ education benefits. Students may also qualify for employer tuition reimbursement with proper documentation.
Kutztown University
Kutztown University provides an affordable and complete MSW program in Pennsylvania that uniquely focuses on the family in its social environment. The program helps graduates prepare for clinical practice and leadership roles in a variety of settings while focusing on practical applications.
Program overview
The Master of Social Work program at Kutztown University helps students understand and support families in their social contexts. Students work closely with faculty experts to explore both the strengths and challenges that different family structures face. You’ll work together with other students, faculty, and human service providers to develop interventions for families at risk, respond to families in crisis, and create environmental changes that support today’s families. This family-in-environment approach is the life-blood of your graduate education and prepares you for advanced specialized clinical practice in settings of all types—from mental health and substance misuse to community development.
Specializations offered
Many MSW programs in Pennsylvania offer predefined specialization tracks, but Kutztown takes a different approach. During your advanced year, you’ll become an expert in family-centered practice while creating your own specialization through six one-credit elective courses. These specialized courses cover everything from therapeutic interventions to agency administration and policy development. You can focus on:
- Child and family social work
- Criminal justice social work
- Medical social work
- Mental health and substance abuse
- School social work
Program format and duration
Kutztown’s program stands out with its flexible program paths:
Traditional status students (non-BSW holders) need 60 credits over two years when studying full-time, or up to four years part-time. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs might qualify for advanced standing status, needing only 39 credits completed in one calendar year full-time or two years part-time. The program follows an executive schedule that works well for professionals, with classes on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays through a hybrid online model.
Tuition and financial aid
Kutztown offers one of PA’s more affordable MSW programs. Pennsylvania residents pay $642.10 per credit or $1,926.30 per three-credit course. Non-residents pay $961.15 per credit for on-campus courses. Of course, financial support options are available. Graduate assistantships provide a $7,500 stipend and full tuition waiver for two semesters in exchange for 20 hours of weekly work. Federal Stafford Loans up to $20,500 per year are available for eligible students who take at least six credits each semester. The department reviews applications on a rolling basis and suggests deadlines of May 1 for summer admission and July 1 for fall.
Millersville & Shippensburg University Collaborative
The Millersville-Shippensburg MSW program stands out as the first joint initiative in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Students benefit from combined faculty expertise and resources of both schools. This partnership creates a resilient educational experience that prepares graduates for social work careers of all types.
Program overview
Advanced generalist practice forms the core of this collaborative MSW program, which has become one of the fastest-growing specialization areas nationwide. Graduates learn to handle complex situations at multiple systems levels. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the program, which promotes human and community well-being through a modern curriculum. Students develop a point of view that considers people in their environment. The program helps students become globally responsive practitioners who champion social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
Specializations offered
Many programs make students choose between clinical or macro tracks. However, this program’s Advanced Generalist specialization gives detailed preparation for both direct practice and administrative roles. Students develop multidimensional problem-solving skills that work at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. These skills are especially valuable in South-Central Pennsylvania, where social workers help with different challenges in both rural and urban settings.
Program format and duration
Students can choose from several flexible pathways:
- Regular Standing: 60 credits for non-BSW graduates, completed in 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time)
- Advanced Standing: 36 credits for recent BSW graduates with qualifying GPAs, completed in 1-2 years
- Delivery Methods: Traditional on-campus or fully online options taught by the same faculty
The program starts in summer term, and applications are due by April 15.
Tuition and financial aid
The program costs less than many private institutions, though exact tuition figures aren’t listed. Graduate assistantships and federal loans help qualifying students with financial support. Working professionals appreciate the evening class schedule, which makes it easier to balance career growth with education.
Marywood University
CSWE accreditation dating back to 1969 makes Marywood University’s MSW program one of the 54-year old MSW programs in Pennsylvania. Students receive a values-centered education based on Catholic identity, respect, and the ability to make positive change.
Program overview
The 60-credit Master of Social Work program teaches graduates ethical, culturally responsive social work practice through an intersectional lens. Students learn through an ecological view that combines themes of diversity appreciation, strengths perspective, and social justice. The program helps students work together in interprofessional learning experiences. They learn to help systems of all sizes, especially oppressed and marginalized populations.
Specializations offered
Marywood takes a different approach from traditional concentrations by offering specialized career paths through:
- Dual degree programs including MSW/MPA for students who want administrative expertise
- Elective courses that tackle priority concerns and emerging issues in social welfare
- Field education placements that match student interests in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey
Field work serves as the cornerstone of the program. Students complete 920 total hours – 440 in generalist placement and 480 in specialized practice placement.
Format and duration
Students can choose from multiple paths to earn their degree:
- Full-time: Complete the program in two years
- Part-time: Finish in three years
- Advanced Standing: BSW graduates can receive up to 21 credits toward the generalist year
The university also offers a 5-year accelerated BSW/MSW option for undergraduates. Students can attend classes at the main Scranton campus during weekdays or at the Lehigh Valley Center at DeSales University during evenings.
Tuition and financial aid
The program offers special pricing for Social Work students at $650 per credit. The total program costs about $39,000 (plus $40 per credit general fee). Graduate assistantships provide the main financial support with tuition remission of 4.5 credits per semester for full-time positions and stipends. The university gives over $31 million in institutional aid each year. Almost all full-time students (99%) receive some type of financial assistance.
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock University distinguishes itself among MSW programs in Pennsylvania with its embedded Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) certificate in the Master of Social Work program. This exceptional feature gives graduates specialized clinical skills that today’s mental health field values highly.
Program overview
The MSW program at SRU prepares students to excel in “Advanced Clinical Practice with Children, Adults and Families”. Students build on their BSW program’s foundation and turn their desire to help others into evidence-based practices. The program’s online and hybrid formats are available to working professionals. Students can gain practical experience through field placements near their homes, eliminating the need to relocate.
Specializations offered
The program emphasizes advanced clinical practice and provides specialized knowledge through several elective courses:
- Crisis intervention
- Grief and loss therapy
- Forensic social work
- Animal-assisted interventions
Students can strengthen their credentials by earning optional certificates in Animal-Assisted Social Work (AASW) or School Social Work with their MSW.
Program format and duration
Students can choose from multiple paths to earn their degree:
- Standard MSW: 60 credits, completed in two years full-time
- Advanced Standing: 39 credits for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs, completed in one calendar year
- Part-time options: Custom plans for working professionals
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate students taking 9 credits per semester pay:
- Pennsylvania residents: $4,644 per semester ($9,288 annually)
- Non-residents: $6,966 per semester ($13,932 annually)
The total per-semester cost reaches $6,360 for residents and $9,138 for non-residents after additional fees. Students should budget for total annual costs of $24,906 (residents) and $30,462 (non-residents), which includes housing, meals, and books. The program meets 63% of students’ financial needs. Most graduating students (81%) use some form of loan, with federal loan debt averaging $25,000 at graduation.
Alvernia University
Alvernia University stands out as a leader in mental health and addictions education. The university offers one of the most specialized MSW programs in Pennsylvania that centers on clinical behavioral health. Students in this CSWE-accredited program learn to tackle growing social challenges through a detailed curriculum that combines theory with hands-on experience.
Program overview
The Master of Social Work program at Alvernia sets itself apart with its strong emphasis on behavioral health. Mental health and addiction topics are woven into every aspect of human behavior, practice, research, and policy courses. Students work in selected field placements where they gain direct experience with addiction and mental health practices. The program helps you build skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Graduates leave ready to work in clinical settings, healthcare environments, and specialized treatment facilities.
Specializations offered
Most MSW programs in PA offer multiple concentration tracks, but Alvernia takes a different approach. The program delivers specialized clinical practice in behavioral health. Students take a closer look at:
- Mental health assessment and intervention
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Integrated behavioral healthcare practices
Franciscan values guide the program’s curriculum and shape ethical and professional behavior in all practice areas. Students learn to champion human rights and push for socioeconomic and environmental justice using evidence-informed methods.
Program format and duration
Students can choose between two flexible paths:
Advanced Standing:
- 33 credit hours
- About 1 year to complete
- Courses spanning 7-13 weeks
- Cost per credit: $516
Traditional:
- 60 credit hours
- 2-3 years to complete
- Courses spanning 7-13 weeks
- Cost per credit: $516 [401]
Both paths prepare students to work in culturally diverse settings through core social work competencies and specialized behavioral health training.
Tuition and financial aid
Advanced Standing students pay around $17,028 in total, while Traditional students invest about $30,960, with tuition at $516 per credit hour. The good news is that 99% of undergraduates receive some type of financial aid. Students can access scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Working professionals will find the program fits their schedule with evening classes and flexible timing options that make career advancement possible while studying.
Choose a Top MSW Program in PA
Pennsylvania’s top MSW programs give you excellent ways to move forward in your social work career. The state leads in social work education with 16 CSWE-accredited programs. These programs match different career goals, priorities, and life situations. You’ll get specialized knowledge and skills through various concentrations like clinical practice, macro-level leadership, trauma-informed approaches, and behavioral health.
Your MSW degree investment will without doubt put you in a great position in Pennsylvania’s resilient job market. The state ranks in the top five nationwide. This is a big deal as it means that employment of child, family, school, mental health, and substance use social workers grows at 11% through 2033, beating the national average.
Pennsylvania’s MSW education offers many ways to learn. You can choose traditional on-campus learning, fully online programs, or hybrid formats to fit your schedule. BSW graduates can finish their degrees faster with advanced standing options. Working professionals can balance their education with current jobs through part-time schedules.
Tuition costs vary by a lot – from about $516 per credit at public schools to over $900 at private universities. Many financial aid options exist. Merit scholarships, graduate assistantships, federal loans, and specialized funding programs make education more affordable.
Your perfect program depends on your career goals, learning style, budget, and location. Each school has its strengths. Penn’s global reputation and Alvernia’s behavioral health focus stand out. Research field placements, licensure exam success rates, and job statistics before deciding.
Social workers play vital roles in tackling Pennsylvania’s changing challenges – aging population, poverty, and disability services. These top-tier programs’ complete education prepares you for today’s work and tomorrow’s leadership. You’ll advocate for social change and improve human welfare across the Commonwealth and beyond.