Online MSW and Hybrid Dual MSW/MEd FAQs

The regular admission online MSW program consists of 57 credit hours. Students pursuing their MSW while continuing with their careers may complete the program in just over three years if taking courses part-time during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Those who hold an undergraduate degree in social work may qualify to complete the program in just two years (part-time) through the 36-credit hour Advanced Standing Program.

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 online MSW program in just two years.

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

The fieldwork practicum is designed to expand your professional social work perspective beyond your current experience. Students may be able to fulfill the field requirements of the program through his or her place of employment. The field director will work with the student and the agency to develop a field plan that clearly differentiates the student’s field placement from the job responsibilities.

Yes, Widener does help with finding field work. Students will work along with their field instructor to find the location and field experience of their choice. For more information, view our Field Experience page.

Wideners’ Online MSW requires students work in a supervised social work setting for two days (sixteen hours) per week for a total of 450 hours in Field Instruction & Seminar I and II. After completing the first two field work courses, students will be able to complete the second half of their field instruction and must work in a supervised social work setting for three days (twenty-four hours) per week for a total of 560 hours in Field Instruction & Seminar III and IV. For more detailed information, view our Field Experience page.

No. However, online students are welcome to attend on-campus events of interest, including career fairs, recruiting opportunities, and graduation ceremonies.

The online MSW consists of 57 credit hours at a cost of $980 per credit hour. Up to nine credits of previous graduate level courses may be transferred or up to 27 credits from a previous MSW, pending departmental approval.

The online MSW Advanced Standing option consists of 36 credit hours at a cost of $980 per credit hour.

Our Hybrid Dual MSW/MEd program consists of 98 credit hours: 22 MSW courses (51 credits) and 17 MEd courses (47 credits). The cost per credit hour varies depending on the type of course. MSW cost per credit hour is $980 and the MEd cost per credit hour is $855.

Widener University requires MSW candidates to meet a few basic and professional competencies. No GMAT or GRE required. Candidates must have:

• An earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• An undergrad GPA of at least 3.0*
• TOEFL score of 75 or higher (For International Students Only)
• Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, two recommendation forms and official transcripts from every institution attended.

To learn more about the admission requirements or the statement of purpose, contact a Program Manager at 844-386-7321 or request more information.

*Conditional admission is available for those with GPAs below 3.0 who show potential to successfully complete the program.

In addition to the basic admission requirements, advanced standing applicants must have:

• A baccalaureate degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)–accredited social work program earned within six years from the date of matriculation.
• An overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and a GPA of 3.3 in the social work major.
• A letter of recommendation from the BSW field instructor or field director.

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

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.

No. Candidates eligible for the online MSW are not required to have completed any professional requirements. However, many of our applicants have backgrounds in fields such as:

• Human services
• Education
• Counseling
• Therapy
• Clinical social work

No. Candidates eligible for the Hybrid MSW/MEd are not required to have completed any professional requirements.

Yes, graduates of Widener University’s online masters in social work are fully prepared and eligible to sit for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam. And, after two years of supervised clinical practice, graduates may sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) exam.**

Students graduate with a clinical specialization in human sexuality with eligibility for American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) certification.

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.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited Widener University’s online masters in social work.

Yes. Financial Aid is available for undergraduate or graduate students primarily in the form of federal loans. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Widener University’s FAFSA code is 003313.

Employer tuition reimbursement arrangements are available to qualified students with employer documentation.

Widener participates in educational benefit programs offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the Yellow Ribbon Program, and offers matching tuition assistance to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9-11 Bill benefit programs are available to qualified veterans.

Once you request information, a Program Manager will be assigned to assist you with your research and your admissions file. Upon acceptance, you will have a designated Student Services Coordinator to assist you throughout your program.

The MSW program offers three sessions per year to allow you the greatest flexibility and convenience. View our full academic calendar here. The MSW/MEd dual degree program is offered once a year in the fall. Request information or contact a Program Manager for the next session date.

No, at Widener we welcome students from all backgrounds. The requirement is to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Only students looking to pursue the Advanced Standing admission option must hold a BSW.

Yes, for the Regular MSW admission option, with department approval, you may potentially transfer in up to 27 graduate credits from an accredited MSW program or up to 9 graduate credits from a related master’s degree.

If you have earned a Bachelor of Social work from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last six years, you are eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing option, which allows you to waive seven courses from the MSW curriculum.

We review applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Please call us at 844.386.7321 to talk to a Program Manager who can help you get started, or request more information.