Master of Social Work (Online MSW)
Promote Meaningful Change as You Advance in Social Work
100% Online Courses
Hands-On Field Experiences
One of the Best Schools for Social Work1
CSWE-Accredited
Request More Information
Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
- Duration 2-3 years
- Cost per Credit $980
- Credit Hours 57
Program Benefits
- Regular and Advanced Standing options
- Earn an optional Trauma Certificate
- No GRE/GMAT requirement
- No on-site residencies
- Transfer up to nine credits
Focus on Trauma to Enhance Your Support for Clients
Trauma is often a root cause of mental health challenges. In the online Master of Social Work program from Widener University, you’ll prepare to help children, adults, and families overcome the effects of trauma while delivering evidence-based services that make a difference in their lives.
Our faculty members are social workers who tailor the online courses and field experiences to the needs of busy professionals. Their mentorship and collaboration foster a high-value experience — in fact, we offer one of the top-ranked online MSW programs in Pennsylvania, according to Social Work Guide.2
Available MSW Tracks and Graduate Certificate
Explore the tracks available for our online social work graduate degree program, along with an optional certificate.
What You Learn at Widener Can Change Lives
Regular Standing: 19 Courses
Advanced Standing: 12 Courses
Earning your MSW online at Widener could be a turning point in your career and for people in your community. The online courses shine a light on how trauma causes long-lasting challenges, preparing you to help individuals overcome its effects. We offer an Advanced Standing track for students with a CSWE-accredited BSW and a Regular Standing track for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Each option includes hands-on field experiences and delivers qualifications for attaining social work licensure in most states after acquiring your master’s in social work online.
Course Highlights
- Clinical Social Work Practice with Families
- Social and Economic Justice I and II
- Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents
- Treating Trauma
An Admissions Process That Works for You
Application Deadline 04/25/25
Start Date 05/19/2025
At Widener, you’ll discover a supportive admissions process for beginning the online Master of Social Work program. You can choose from three start dates each year, and there are no GRE/GMAT requirements. We accept up to nine transfer credits and offer Advanced Standing admission to eligible students, accelerating the time it takes to complete the online master’s degree program.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now. |
|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. A CSWE-accredited BSW earned within the last six years is required for those applying to the Advanced Standing option. |
| Minimum GPA | An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.* For Advanced Standing applicants, you must also show a minimum 3.3 GPA in your major courses. |
| Transcripts | Official college transcripts from each school you’ve attended |
| Statement of purpose | Your statement of purpose will consist of four to six pages, detailing your personal background, career objectives, and a personal evaluation |
| Two letters of recommendation | Two letters of recommendation are required for Regular Standing applicants. Advanced Standing applicants must provide one letter from a BSW field instructor or field director. |
| Résumé | Required |
| 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 DetailsTuition for the Online MSW Degree
Regular Standing: $55,860
Advanced Standing: $35,280
Tuition Calculator Calculate your costs for attending Widener
We designed our CSWE-accredited online MSW program to provide a quality learning experience that leads to a rewarding career. Our program managers can share opportunities to make your education cost-effective, including financial aid and tuition savings for military students through the Yellow Ribbon program. Be sure to ask your human resources team if your organization offers tuition reimbursement benefits — it’s a way to lower your out-of-pocket tuition costs considerably.
Tuition Details“Being an online MSW student has been a wonderful experience. I have been able to connect with faculty and other online students all over the country. The online students are able to have the same learning experience as the on-campus students. The technology used is top notch.”
– Melissa Fisher, Online Master of Social Work Graduate
Acquire Social Work Skills That Set You Apart
It’s an excellent time to pursue your MSW degree online at Widener, as demand for social workers is outpacing most occupations.3 Through our online program, you’ll gain the skills needed to leap from entry-level to advanced positions in specialized areas, including clinical and medical social work, trauma-informed therapy, children’s services, and more. Plus, access valuable career services to search for open roles, prepare for interviews, and negotiate your salary.
Explore CareersWhat You’ll Learn
Our online Master of Social Work provides training for engaging in trauma-informed practice, with an understanding of each client’s history and how to deliver resources that will assist them. The program imparts advanced assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills backed by policy knowledge, transforming you into an effective advocate for those in need.
Program Outcomes
- 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.
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
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.
Take the first step by starting your application.
Scholarships are not offered at this time.
The online Master of Social Work program includes a $50 semester fee. Please visit the Tuition page for details about the costs associated with this program.
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.
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.
We offer this dual master’s degree program in a hybrid format. While all MSW courses are offered online, you’ll complete the MEd in Human Sexuality Studies through a blend of online and campus-based courses. The program also includes field experiences, enabling you to apply what you learned in an agency setting.
Sources
- U.S. News & World Report. “Best Schools for Social Work.” Retrieved August 20, 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 20, 2024, from https://www.socialworkguide.org/schools/pennsylvania/.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Social Workers.” Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm.