Benefits of a Dual Degree Program for Social Work: A Dynamic Option From Widener University
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Widener University’s online Master of Social Work (MSW)/Master of Education (MEd) in Human Sexuality Studies program offers a specialized educational path. The program joins social work principles with expertise in human sexuality, preparing graduates to address complex client needs.
By mastering both disciplines, professionals gain the ability to address the intersection of social, emotional and sexual wellness, increasing their impact on individuals and communities. This article provides an overview of these and other benefits of earning an MSW/MEd dual degree online from Widener University, including more flexible career options.
MSW and MEd Dual Degree Program Structure and Academic Development
The program’s hybrid format, a balance of online learning and in-person intensives, meets the needs of working professionals. This structure allows students to integrate their studies while benefiting from interaction with faculty and classmates. The curriculum provides a well-rounded education, ensuring graduates leave with both deep understanding and practical skills.
The MSW component explores clinical social work practice. The following are just some of the key competencies emphasized in this portion of the program:
- Advanced clinical practice: Honing skills in assessing client needs and using interventions
- Social policy and advocacy: Gaining expertise in analyzing social policies and advocating for social justice
- Trauma-informed Practice: Exploring the etiology and treatment of trauma symptoms, with the optional Trauma Recovery Graduate Certificate
The MEd in Human Sexuality Studies component provides specialized knowledge in areas often absent from social work programs. Students gain skills in the following areas:
- Sexuality across the lifespan: Understanding sexual development and expression
- Treatment of sexual concerns: Learning therapeutic techniques for addressing sexual issues
Cultural competence in sex therapy: Developing skills to work with clients from diverse backgrounds
Career Paths and Professional Growth for Dual Degree Graduates
This dual degree program prepares students to thrive in various careers. Two roles in particular, social worker and sex therapist, are popular choices for graduates and offer annual salaries over $70k on average. Note that the salary information provided is current as of December 2024, and actual earnings will vary depending on work experience, job location and other factors.
Social Worker
Social workers’ responsibilities often include conducting thorough assessments of client needs, providing therapeutic support through counseling and therapy sessions, and managing cases by coordinating essential services and resources. They actively advocate for their clients’ rights while offering crisis intervention during emergencies. Another key aspect is connecting clients with appropriate community resources through referrals, along with developing and implementing programs designed to address community needs.
These responsibilities can shift depending on the social worker’s area of specialization, such as child and family services, healthcare, or mental health and substance abuse. Data from Salary.com highlighted on the program page shows an average annual salary of $73,306 for MSW-prepared social workers in Pennsylvania, with potential for higher earnings in certain locations and specialized fields. ZipRecruiter reports that master-level social workers in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $88,936.
Sex Therapist
Sex therapists in the U.S. hold a specialized position within the mental health field, focusing on the assessment and treatment of sexual concerns. Their primary responsibilities involve conducting in-depth evaluations to understand clients’ sexual histories and current challenges, followed by evidence-based therapy tailored to address issues like sexual dysfunction, relationship difficulties and the aftermath of sexual trauma.
They provide relationship counseling to improve communication and intimacy between couples, and they are bound by strict ethical guidelines to maintain client confidentiality. ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $96,927 for private practice therapists in Pennsylvania, but Salary.com data on the program page lists the average salary of sex therapists as $101,861 per year for those working in the state.
Licensure, Certification and Professional Standing: The Path Forward
The program prepares graduates to pursue AASECT certification as a Certified Sex Therapist, a credential that shows expertise. Graduates are also eligible to pursue the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in most states, though state licensure requirements vary.
The ability to combine the skills of a social worker with the specialized knowledge of a sex therapist creates a professional who is highly valued. The specialized knowledge gained through the MEd in Human Sexuality Studies portion of Widener University’s online program allows graduates to serve an often-underserved population. The MSW portion of the program allows for a broader understanding of how a person’s environment and social factors impact their life. This combination of skills, combined with supervised field experience, allows for a more holistic approach to treating clients.
Learn more about Widener University’s online MSW/MEd in Human Sexuality Studies Dual Degree program.