About Widener University
When students begin Widener University’s online degree programs, they quickly see that service, leadership, and academics come first. The courses foster career advancement, delivering specialized skills and experience for becoming a leader in your organization and community. Throughout your program, you’ll learn from expert faculty who emphasize active scholarship and personal attention that foster success.
Why Choose Widener University’s Online Degrees?
Hands-on learning, service, and career preparation — these benefits are at the heart of Widener University’s MSW, dual degree, and certificate programs. As a Widener student, you’ll become part of a learning community built on a tradition of helping students transform into innovative leaders. Request information to talk with a program manager about how we can empower you to create a better future as a social work practitioner.
Ranked Among the Best Schools for Social Work U.S. News & World Report1
Top-Ranked Online MSW Programs in Pennsylvania Social Work Guide2
Top 15 CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs Social Work Degree Center3
Best Colleges in Pennsylvania by Salary Potential Payscale4
“I have learned so much during my time here. I have grown personally and professionally. This experience has allowed me to gain insight and get a better perspective on how to be an effective clinician, and it has given me the tools that I need to work with patients and clients across the lifespan. “
– Linda Youboty, Medical Social Worker
Request More Information
Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited Widener University’s online MSW. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality education that imparts competencies for engaging in social work practice and pursuing licensure after completing your online MSW program. Additionally, Widener University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Fast Facts
- 100% online social work courses
- No GRE/GMAT requirement for the online MSW
- 65,000+ alumni worldwide
- Named a National College of Distinction for 2024-20255
- Advanced Standing MSW available
- Receive dedicated career and academic support
Our Mission
Here at Widener University, we’ve built our academic programs to be centers of excellence and influence — fueled by distinguished faculty, high-impact research, and innovative degree paths that are shaping and informing their fields. Our curricula connect to societal issues, and we integrate emerging trends and skills into all coursework. Start your career long before you graduate, gaining relevant experience, learning from industry insiders, and developing skills and connections that will launch and accelerate your professional path.
When you graduate, you won’t just be starting your career. You’ll be continuing the work you’ve been doing all along.
Our Vision
Widener has a bold vision for supporting students and meeting the demands of a radically shifting world. To achieve that vision, we focus on nimbleness and continuous improvement for our institution and students. We take great pride in our diverse and inclusive community, welcoming ideas and input from across the university as we strive to increase our capacity, adapt to rapid change, and sustain our success.
Our Values
Widener University is committed to the core values of respect, integrity, and excellence. These values unite us as we hold ourselves and others accountable to support them through our actions.
Our History
Widener University’s history of public service and career preparation dates back to our founder, John Bullock, who established Widener as the Bullock School for Boys in 1821. The name of Bullock’s institution changed several times over the years, transforming into military academies and, in 1892, the Pennsylvania Military College, home to cadets known for leadership, scholarship, and service to their country.
In 1972, the institution became Widener College, growing to become Widener University in 1979. Today, our core values stand as a respectful legacy of our past in preparing students to become citizens of character, and we proudly continue to develop skilled and effective leaders in a global society.
Sources and Disclaimer
- U.S. News & World Report. “Best Schools for Social Work.” Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings.
- Social Work Guide. “Pennsylvania – Featured Online Programs in Social Work.” Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.socialworkguide.org/schools/pennsylvania/.
- Social Work Degree Center. “20 Best CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs.” Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.socialworkdegreecenter.com/features/top-best-cswe-accredited-online-msw-degree-programs/.
- Payscale. “Best Colleges in Pennsylvania by Salary Potential.” Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/best-schools-by-state/bachelors/pennsylvania.
- Colleges of Distinction. “Widener University.” Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/widener-university/.
Additional accreditation details: Widener’s MSCHE accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 17, 2017, was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.