Skip to content

MSW/MEd Dual Degree Career Outlook

Develop Interdisciplinary Expertise for Multiple Career Paths

Prepare for AASECT certification

Get on track for LCSW licensure

Expand the possibilities for your career by earning your Master of Social Work and Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies through the Centers for Human Sexuality Studies and Social Work at Widener University. You’ll build specialized expertise on sexual behavior and issues through a social work lens as you prepare for roles in sex therapy and consulting, social work, and education.

  • Finish the dual degree program in three years
  • Learn from a faculty of highly skilled practitioners and educators
  • Complete online MSW courses and hybrid MEd courses
  • Our online MSW is accredited by CSWE

Request More Information

Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.

Career Options in Pennsylvania

Social Worker (MSW) $73,306 average annual salary1

Sex Therapist $101,861 average annual salary2

Build Qualifications for In-Demand Positions

Our online MSW/MEd program provides valuable qualifications for careers in human sexuality and social work. If you aspire to advance in social work, the online MSW component aligns with requirements for the Licensed Social Work (LSW) exam. After two years of supervised clinical practice, you could sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) exam — on average, LCSW salaries are 21% higher than LSW salaries.3,4

This dual master’s degree also positions you for alternative careers for MSW graduates, as the MEd in Human Sexuality Studies component prepares you to meet the AASECT certification requirements. As an AASECT-certified sex therapist, you can begin offering specialized guidance to clients in social work, healthcare, and mental health settings.

  • Marriage and family therapy employment, which is related to sex therapy professions, is projected to grow 16% from 2023 to 20335
  • Demand for all counselors, social workers, and other social services roles is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 20336
  • The sex therapy industry generated $177.6 million in revenue from 2019 to 20247

“One of the strongest qualities of Widener is its driving philosophy that student needs come first. This quality is apparent throughout the program, from the classroom to the administration. I found that the knowledge and experience I was gaining in the classroom about social work resonated with the interactions I had with the staff and faculty.”

– Jenifer Norton, MSW Graduate

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

What You’ll Learn

  • Dedicate yourself to the attainment of social and economic justice for the betterment of poor, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families, groups, and communities.
  • Demonstrate care and compassion for clients from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
  • Hold an unwavering belief in client strengths, client empowerment, and the importance of the helping relationship.

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Advanced assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills
  • An active understanding of policy, empowering you to empathize with and advocate for those in need
  • Self-reflection and critical thinking capacity to provide purposeful, informed interventions
  • Cultural, gender, and racial sensitivity that will help you be effective in working with diverse populations
  • A strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

Advance From the Classroom to a Successful Career

Our hands-on online courses prepare you to thrive as a social worker, and our career services provide support for finding and securing career opportunities. As an online student at Widener, you can take advantage of a wealth of resources and counseling that foster a smooth transition from online student to empowered professional. 

1:1 Career Counseling 

Our expert counselors share valuable insights and resources for achieving career success. 

Handshake 

Use Handshake to discover jobs and internships in your area and across the United States.

WidenerCONNECT 

Become part of our online community to network with other aspiring students and alumni. 

Big Interview 

Our interviewing tool prepares you to nail job interviews and negotiate your salary.

Sources

  1. Salary.com. “Social Worker (MSW) Salary in Pennsylvania.” Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/social-worker-msw-salary/pa.
  2. Salary.com. “Sex Therapist Salaries in Pennsylvania.” Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/position/sex-therapist-salary/pa.
  3. Payscale. “Salary for Certification: Licensed Social Worker (LSW).” Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Licensed_Social_Worker_(LSW)/Salary.
  4. Payscale. “Average Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salary.” Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Licensed_Clinical_Social_Worker_(LCSW)/Salary.
  5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Marriage and Family Therapists.” Retrieved September 13, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm.
  6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Social Workers.” Retrieved September 13, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.
  7. IBIS World. “Sex Therapists in the US – Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029).” Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/sex-therapists-industry/#IndustryStatisticsAndTrends.