Online Master of Social Work: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You have 5 years to complete the program.

The online program is designed for professionals who work full-time and is only offered part-time. To review the courses, visit the Curriculum page here.

Designed for professionals who work full time, the online Master of Social Work is available in a part-time format with two classes every eight weeks. This schedule helps with balancing your work, school, and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to absorb the information in your coursework. To review the courses, visit the Curriculum page.

The regular admission Master’s in Social Work program consists of 57 credit hours. Students pursuing their MSW while continuing with their careers may complete the program in just over three years taking courses part-time during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Those who hold an undergraduate degree in social work may qualify to complete the program in just two years (part-time) through the 36-credit hour Advanced Standing Program.

Tuition for the online MSW program is $980 per credit hour. The Regular Standing track consists of 57 credit hours, compared to 36 credit hours for the Advanced Standing track. Review the complete program costs on the Tuition page.

Scholarships are not offered at this time.

Yes, Financial Aid is available for undergraduate or graduate students primarily in the form of federal loans. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Widener University’s FAFSA code is 003313.

Employer tuition reimbursement arrangements are available to qualified students with employer documentation.

Widener participates in educational benefit programs offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the Yellow Ribbon Program, and offers matching tuition assistance to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, Montgomery GI Bill® and Post 9-11 Bill benefit programs are available to qualified veterans.

Tuition for the Master’s in Social Work program is $53,751. You need to complete 57 credits at $943 each. You can review all tuition costs here.

You should expect additional costs for textbooks, supplies, personal expenses, or loan fees. You can learn more about all tuition fees here.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited Widener University’s online Master of Social Work.

No entrance exams are required for admission to the online Master of Social Work program. To review the complete application requirements, visit our Admissions page.

Take the first step by starting your application.

There are no professional requirements for the online Master of Social Work. Our applicants come from many career fields, including:

• Human services
• Education
• Counseling
• Therapy
• Clinical social work

To review the complete application requirements, visit our Admissions page.

Yes, the Master’s in Social Work program accepts up to nine credits of previous graduate level courses may be transferred or up to 27 credits from a previous MSW, pending departmental approval. You can learn more about our admissions policy here.

Here are the GPA requirements for the Regular and Advanced Standing tracks:

• Regular Standing: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Conditional admission is available to applicants if their GPA is below 3.0 and they show potential to complete the program
• Advanced Standing: Minimum GPA of 3.3 for your major courses and 3.0 for your other undergraduate courses

To review the complete application requirements, visit our Admissions page.

In addition to the basic admission requirements, Advanced Standing applicants must meet these requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree from a social work program with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), earned within six years from the date of matriculation
• An overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and a GPA of 3.3 in the social work major
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation; one letter must be from a BSW field instructor or field director
• Official transcripts from every institution attended
• International students: TOEFL score of 75 or higher

The online MSW has no GMAT or GRE requirements. You can learn more on the Admissions page.

You’ll need to meet these admission requirements for the online Master of Social Work program:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Conditional admission is available to applicants if their GPA is below 3.0 and they show potential to complete the program
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from every institution attended
• International students: TOEFL score of 75 or higher

The online MSW has no GMAT or GRE requirements. You can learn more on the Admissions page.

No. At Widener, we welcome students from all backgrounds. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited university to apply to the Regular Standing program. To apply to the Advanced Standing program, you’ll need a baccalaureate degree from a social work program with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), earned within six years from the date of matriculation. Review the complete application requirements by visiting our Admissions page.

We designed the Master of Social Work to fit your life, with convenient online courses and three start dates in January, May, or August. To review the application requirements, visit our Admissions page.

Yes, students who earned an undergraduate degree in social work within the last six years may qualify for the 36-credit hour Advanced Standing admission option and can complete the Master’s in Social Work program in just two years.

The number of credit hours varies based on whether you’re eligible for the Regular or Advanced Standing track:

• Regular Standing: 57 credit hours
• Advanced Standing: 36 credit hours

Review the Curriculum page for course information or visit the Admissions page to learn the admission requirements for each track.

The number of courses varies based on whether you’re eligible for the Regular or Advanced Standing track:

• Regular Standing: 19 courses
• Advanced Standing: 12 courses

Review the Curriculum page for course information or visit the Admissions page to learn the admission requirements for each track.

The online Master of Social Work does not include concentrations or specializations. That said, you can pursue an optional Trauma Certificate while seeking your MSW online. To review the course details, visit the Curriculum page.

In the Master of Social Work program, you will complete each course online. This format allows you to study when and where you prefer without on-campus requirements. The program also includes field experiences, enabling you to apply what you learned in an agency setting.

The online Master of Social Work includes no on-site residencies. That said, we invite you to visit campus for career fairs, graduation ceremonies, and other events.

During this program, you’ll work in a supervised social work setting for two days (16 hours) per week for a total of 450 hours during the Field Instruction I/II & Seminar course. After completing those requirements, you can complete the second half of your field instruction by working in a supervised social work setting for three days (24 hours) per week for a total of 560 hours in the Field Instruction III/IV & Seminar course. For additional information, please visit our Field Experiences page.

The fieldwork practicum is designed to expand your professional social work perspective beyond your current experience. Students may be able to fulfill the field requirements of the program through his or her place of employment. The field director will work with the student and the agency to develop a field plan that clearly differentiates the student’s field placement from the job responsibilities.

Yes, we can assist with finding a setting for your fieldwork. Students will work with their field instructor to find the location and field experience of their choice. For more information, view our Field Experiences page.

Most of the faculty in the online MSW program are tenured. They stay current on the needs and news of the industry and educate the next generation of social workers to make a difference in their communities.

Widener University has offered the Master of Social Work program online since 2014.

By earning your Master of Social Work online at Widener University, you can prepare for social work roles in various sectors, including individual and family services, government, and education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects social work employment will increase by 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Visit our Careers page for additional Social Work, MSW outcomes.

Yes, graduates of Widener University’s online masters in social work are fully prepared and eligible to sit for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam. And, after two years of supervised clinical practice, graduates may sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) exam.**

Yes. Our online Master of Social Work program prepares you to sit for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam in most states. After two years of supervised clinical practice, graduates may sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) exam. Keep in mind that licensure requirements vary — be sure to check the requirements for your state.

If you’re interested in advancing as a social worker or entering this field, it is worth it. Our online Master of Social Work aligns with licensure requirements in many states and provides a solid clinical skillset to help you move beyond entry-level roles. Visit our Careers page to explore the Social Work, MSW outcomes.