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MSW/MEd in Human Sexuality Studies Dual Degree Program

master in social work students in classroom

Develop Expertise for a Range of In-Demand Careers

3 years

98 – 101 Credit Hours

$855 – $980* per Credit

CWSE-accredited

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Discover the Only Program Focusing on Clinical Social Work and Human Sexuality

Take this opportunity to develop specialized skills for clinical social work and sex therapy careers in Widener University’s dual master’s degree program. This program includes an online Master of Social Work and a hybrid (online and on-campus) Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies, equipping you with interdisciplinary expertise for addressing sensitive subjects as a social worker, therapist, or counselor. We designed each course for working professionals, giving you the flexibility needed to flourish in class and your career.

Program Benefits

  • Establish a foundation for social work licensure
  • Prepare to become an AASECT-certified sex therapist
  • No application fee
  • No BSW requirement
  • Transfer up to nine graduate credits
  • Cost varies between MEd and MSW courses*

Gain Expertise in Two Related Fields of Study

34 – 35 Courses

8-Week Terms

In our MSW/MEd dual degree program, you’ll engage in clinical social work and human sexuality courses that prepare you to provide counseling, conduct research, and consult on complex issues. You’ll learn from expert faculty from interdisciplinary fields of study, with opportunities to build expertise during online courses, on-campus courses, and field experiences. After completing the program, you’ll be ready to pursue AASECT certification and the Licensed Social Work (LSW) credential in most states. The program also allows you to take an optional MEd or MSW clinical course.

Course Highlights

  • Clinical Social Work Practice with Families
  • Social and Economic Justice I and II
  • Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents
  • Human Sexuality for the Social Work Professional
Curriculum Details

We Support Your Success Even Before You Apply

Application Deadline 12/09/2024

Start Date 01/13/2025

What do you want to know about the admissions process for our online MSW/hybrid MEd dual degree? Our program managers can walk you through everything to include in your application. Moreover, you can transfer up to nine credits to the online MSW component of this program, helping reduce the time required to graduate.

Online Application FormApply Now
DegreeBachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
Minimum GPAAn undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0**
TranscriptsOfficial college transcripts from each school you’ve attended
Statement of PurposeYour statement of purpose will consist of four to six pages, detailing your personal background, career objectives, and a personal evaluation
Additional Requirements
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Résumé
  • International students: TOEFL score of 95 or higher

**Conditional admission is available to applicants if their GPA is below 3.0 and they show potential to complete the program.

Admission Details

Review the Tuition for the MSW/MEd Dual Degree Program

$855 to $980 per Credit Hour*

$96,040 to $97,020 Total Tuition

Tuition Calculator Calculate your costs for attending Widener University

With this dual program, Widener provides an efficient way to earn social work and human sexuality master’s degrees. We can identify ways to make your tuition costs manageable, including financial aid and education benefits for military-affiliated students. You can also ask your human resources department about tuition reimbursement benefits that offer significant savings for your dual master’s degree program.

*The cost per credit is $855 for MEd courses and $980 for MSW courses.

Tuition Details

“[The program] allowed me to help others in my community through therapy. I am happy with my choice to go to Widener.”

– Mark Wilson, Peer Support Specialist
MSW student at computer

Advance Toward a Career in Clinical Social Work or Sex Therapy

Social workers and therapists in touch with human sexuality can deliver niche services to clients in their community, and demand is growing for these professionals. The employment of social workers, counselors, and other social service specialists is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.1 This program also serves as a building block for acquiring career credentials for becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and AASECT-certified sex therapist.

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What You’ll Learn

Our hybrid Master’s in Education and Social Work program prepares you as a practitioner capable of engaging in sexual issues to empower the well-being of clients. Moreover, the program delivers qualifications for stepping in to assist individuals impacted by human trafficking or histories of sexual abuse.

Program Outcomes

Learn From Faculty Who Excel as Practitioners and Educators

Widener’s instructors understand where you want to go in your career and provide mentorship for getting there. We have professional experience across the social work field, helping us deliver skills for sparking positive change in your community. Here, you can forge important relationships focusing on your success — both as a student and social work practitioner.

Carly King, Director of the Online MSW Program

Faculty Spotlight: Carly King, MSSW, LSW — Director of the Online MSW Program

A Baltimore area native, Carly King is a licensed social worker who has resided in Philadelphia for more than 17 years. She has professional experience across child welfare programs and a special interest in prevention work, addressing needs within adoption communities and working with older youth in care. In her administrative role, she supports and witnesses emerging social work professionals on their journey as students in the online master’s in social work program.

Education

  • MSSW, Policy Practice: Columbia University (NY)
  • BA in Psychology: Temple University (PA)

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW-PA)

Faculty Spotlight: Jill M. Butler — Director of Field Education, Professor

Born and raised as a true Philadelphian, Jill Butler has more than 20 years of practical and administrative experience in the social work field. She has worked with adults, children, and their families from diverse backgrounds and within settings ranging from foster care, education, medical, and residential treatment to inpatient hospitalization. A graduate of Widener’s MSW, she is now a professor and Director of Field Education at the Center for Social Work Education.

Education

  • MSW: Widener University (PA)
  • MS in Criminal Justice: West Chester University (PA)

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • National Association of Black Social Workers

Jill M. Butler, Director of Field Education, Professor

Online Courses. Tangible Connections.

Experience the connections and community found on Widener’s campus from anywhere. As an online student, you will engage other aspiring students through discussion boards and group projects, accessing opportunities to build your professional network. While completing courses in a convenient format, you will acquire knowledge and skills for becoming a force for good throughout your career.

  • Get support from your personal student services coordinator
  • Access course materials anytime using your laptop or mobile device
  • Learn from a faculty of practitioners and nationally recognized experts
  • Gain experience via hands-on learning and career preparation
  • Become part of a diverse community of social work professionals
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Become an Advocate for Change at Widener

Widener’s Center for Social Work Education empowers you to provide impactful support to diverse populations in your community. Our dedicated faculty mentors engage you through social work experiences that align with diverse career goals, whether you want to advance as a generalist or clinical social worker. We encourage and celebrate the unique traits of each student, fostering growth as a practitioner ready for career advancement. In 2024, Widener was ranked among the Best Schools of Social Work by U.S. News & World Report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.

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.

Students take courses part-time for both programs concurrently and can complete the dual degree program in 3 years.

Our MSW/MEd in Human Sexuality Studies Dual Degree program consists of 98 credit hours: 19 MSW courses (57 credits) and 13 MEd courses (39 credits). The cost per credit hour varies depending on the type of course. MSW cost per credit hour is $943 and the MEd cost per credit hour is $860.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with a 3.0 GPA or higher and submission of scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).


In addition to the basic requirements, students will need to submit the following:

  • Official transcripts from all completed undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Three letters of recommendation: two academic, one professional/volunteer
  • A professional and personal goals statement
  • An autobiographical essay
  • Attendance of an Admissions Day (scheduled after receipt and review of completed application)


To learn more about the admissions requirements or the personal goals statement, contact a Program Manager at 844-386-7321 or request more information.

The MSW program is an online program with all courses being offered online. The MEd program is a hybrid program with most classes offered on the weekends. Some of the MEd classes have online components where students may be required to blog, participate in message boards, and online modules.

H/MSW/MEd Human Sexuality Studies degree students are automatically enrolled in the Sex Therapy track. The Sex Education track is not available for dual degree students.

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Source and Disclaimer

  1. 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.

*The cost per credit is $855 for MEd courses and $980 for MSW courses.