Online Master of Social Work — Widener University

Online Master of Social Work — Widener University

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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

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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

FAQs
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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.

Regular Standing

Our Regular Standing MSW track includes 19 courses and is available to students with bachelor’s degrees outside the social work field.

Advanced Standing

Students who earned a Bachelor of Social Work in a CSWE-accredited program can apply for this track, which waives seven courses from the program.

Trauma Recovery Certificate

Increase your agility in supporting people impacted by trauma and the challenges left in its wake.

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

Curriculum Details

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 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

Widener University graduates walking in front of building in cap and gown

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 Careers

What 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.

1821, Widener University, Online master of social work, apply now, unleash your roar

Resilience of the Online MSW Program

Listen to Carly King, the Online MSW Program Director, as she gives you an introduction to the unique learning environment of the online MSW program.

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

Discover Widener Online

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.

What accreditation has the online MSW program received?

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

Does the online MSW program offer a virtual open house?

You can watch previous sessions on our Virtual Open House page. Be sure to check that page for updates about future events.

What kinds of careers can I pursue after completing the Social Work, MSW program?

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.

Is the Social Work, MSW program available in a blended/hybrid format (campus and online)?

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.

What Do You Want to Learn About the Online MSW Program?

We’re here to provide valuable information as you look for the right online Master of Social Work program for you. Review these frequently asked questions to learn about the program duration, tuition, career opportunities, and more. You’re also invited to call 844-386-7321 or email SWAdmissions@widener.edu to discuss these topics further with a program manager.

Does the online MSW program have a part-time option?

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.

Visit our FAQ page

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.