Testimonials from Widener University’s MSW Program Graduates
Widener’s CSWE-accredited, online MSW program provides social workers like you with the understanding of past trauma as a root cause and the effect it has on individuals and their communities. Students learn through an advanced curriculum focused on trauma and will be prepared to sit for the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Exam.
Our alumni become experts in their fields and strong advocates for the Widener University MSW program. See what they have to say about their time at Widener:
“My best friend and Widener University Admissions program manager helped me start my journey through the online MSW program. I was quite hesitant and unsure with going back to school and how I would manage working full-time. However, these two ladies helped me navigate through my concerns and "how to questions". The coursework has helped me think outside the box while creating different ways to manage different populations and environments. The program has offered me great opportunities to enhance both my personal and professional skills including the importance of self-awareness. I have grown as a mother, student, and professional since entering in the program in 2015. The program has prepared me to seek out leadership roles and has successfully prepared me for my next journey in life. As I enter into my last semester as a graduate student, my goal is to continue building on my professional skills through coursework which has helped me transition into my clinical internship with Widener Social Work Counseling Services (SWCS).” -Teshell Carpenter, Widener University Social Work Counseling Services Intern
“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 clinicians and it has given me the tools that I need to work with patients/clients across the life span. I have enjoyed my time in the program and have benefited from professors who are professionals, knowledgeable and they did not let me get away with submitting mediocre work. They pushed me to be the best. I was recently offered a social work position at the unit where I am completing my internship. My first day as a medical social worker is on Monday, April 30, 2018."
-Linda Youboty, Medical Social Worker
“Widener's online Master of Social Work program was the perfect fit for my busy life. The online program allowed me to take care of my husband's grandmom (my full time job), allowed me to be a guardian for my mom who has Alzheimer's and also afforded me the opportunity to continue raising my seven children! Being an online MSW student in and of itself 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. The online platform allows students to work with partners and small groups too. I am always amazed at the level of diversity of the MSW program faculty and students. Each faculty member I have had the privilege of working with has extensive experience in the social work arena, listen to the students, and also value the student's opinions. I am a current member of and sit of the board of directors for two local nonprofits that focus on the Substance Use Disorder population, harm reduction, and that serve to reduce the stigma of addiction. Recently, I was offered an opportunity to join a new nonprofit called Be Better. These new opportunities are available to me as a direct result of me starting the MSW program at Widener. As an MSW student at Widener I have learned that I have a voice, if used correctly my voice will make a difference.” -Melissa Fisher, B.S. Mental Health Technology
“I am a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. One of my early long-term recovery goals was and continues to be to earn a Master of Social Work. Friends and allies of my recovery journey spoke and continue to speak highly of Widener University online program, which attracted me to apply, a decision that has proven to be a wise decision. The admission personnel motivated me, and encouraged me to complete all the required paperwork on or before the due date. I have been most impressed with the fact that Widener MSW faculty have accepted me as a person in recovery, without being judgmental, or treating me any different than other members of the Cohort. Attending the MSW program has allowed me to motivate other family, community, and staff members to return to seek a higher level of education based on the flexibility that is offered to the students of the MSW program. Also, I have been able to use the advocacy and public policies skills that I have gained to fight for the rights of those who are in need of support.” -Evan Figueroa-Vargas, Program Manager – Homeless Services
“My admissions manager Shannon Murphy is the reason I didn't give up my attempt to return to school. I graduated with my BA in 1998 and my undergrad GPA was lacking but she insisted that I still had a chance at being admitted to Widener. She helped me collect letters of recommendation and complete all the paperwork. She encouraged me to write a strong personal statement and even when I felt that I had done all I could and was ready to give up she wouldn't let me, she believed in me the whole time. Now 3 years later, ready to graduate with a 4.0 I hope I have made her proud. I haven't taken on any leadership positions yet, but I will and that's because Widener has given me not only knowledge but confidence as well."
-Jennifer Dillon, Masters level intern
“After researching multiple online programs, I found Widener to have the best reviews and the most eye-catching curriculum. My admissions program manager was very persistent and encouraging. I felt defeated and unmotivated at first. She made sure to keep in contact with me and assist me in any way I needed. If it had not been for her I would have given up on the admissions process completely. I have had an awesome experience with the faculty and staff at Widener. Everyone responds in a timely manner and always available to assist in my time of need. The MSW program has provided me with the skills and confidence to obtain leadership roles related to my career. I developed courage from video role plays and case presentations."
-Monique Douglas, MSW Student
“It is more than obvious that the faculty really care about what they are doing. It is apparent that they really want to see their students succeed. My professors have been so encouraging and always push me to challenge myself and take opportunities to practice my skills."
-Leigh Ann Williams, Student
“I am thoroughly impressed with the faculty at Widener. I was not certain that I would do well with an online program, however, the instruction, feedback and encouragement I have received has been great. The application process was seamless; from my first inquiry about the program to the actual admission. There has not been a time when a question went unanswered. I almost felt as if I was missing something because there was no stone unturned by the program manager to the Student Services Coordinator. Communication is excellent! I was contacted at least weekly initially via email and/or cell phone.”
-Wanda M. Sabb, Senior Investigatory/Program Analyst Supervisor
“I have been encouraged to step out of the box and use my voice and knowledge in this program. I feel the training and education I am receiving through the social work program at Widener will lead me into leadership roles in my future career. I would love to start my own organization one day and also look forward to having interns and teaching them and encouraging them to broaden their dreams and passions in the field.”
-Brooke Christian, Student
“I took a job I wouldn’t have considered a year ago because I’m in this program. I’ve learned some new conflict resolution skills, and I’m learning how to be a better counselor and communicator. I’m learning how to listen and really hear what the other person is communicating. That has been the most important lesson I’ve learned to date. It’s also taught me some self-care processes and information I needed to learn. I have felt appreciated in this MSW program and that has been the best thing. It’s allowed me to feel like what I have to say is important and I can use my experiences and new skills to help others.”
-Cary Reid, Student
"Widener University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program will be one that I recommend to aspiring clinical social workers. Now that I have graduated, I feel more than equipped with clinical and interpersonal skills to take the agency in which I work in today to the next level in service to our client population. I do not think this would have been possible had I gone to another university. The careful and personalized attention of Widener’s faculty enabled me to discover new areas of myself and contributed to awaking dreams within me previously unknown. Furthermore, the attuned availability of the faculty created not only professional relationships for me but personal ones as well."
-Jason M. Alexandre, MSW Graduate
"One of the strongest qualities of Widener is its driving philosophy that student needs come first. This quality is apparent throughout the program, from the classroom to the administration. I found that the knowledge and experience I was gaining in the classroom about social work resonated with the interactions I had with the staff and faculty. Widener's social work program truly lives out the social work values it teaches. The faculty encompasses a broad variety of interests within the social work field and their breadth of knowledge and excitement within their respective interests helped me figure out which direction I wanted to go in within the field. When thinking back on the difficult decision I had to make to choose among a group of strong social work schools in the Philadelphia area, I'm very glad that I chose Widener."
-Jenifer Norton, MSW Graduate
"I had been out of school for many years and was apprehensive about returning, but I eventually decided to apply to Widener University and face my fears. I knew from the first time I entered the doors of Bruce Hall that not only had I made the right choice, but that I was part of something truly special. I have never experienced anything quite like what I experienced at Widener. The knowledge and insight of the professors was unprecedented. Their dedication to their students was genuine and created an environment not only conducive to learning, but to understanding. They taught me more about myself in two years than I learned at any other point in my life."
-Melissa Migliazza, MSW Graduate
“I researched online programs and I liked Widener's trauma focused program. I have had great experiences with the professors being very supportive. The field experience was very beneficial. I believe having my MSW will open many doors for me to excel in my career and move into a more desired position.”
-Kristin Lees, Caseworker – Child Protection New Jersey
“I wanted a program where I could complete one class at a time and I wanted the convenience of taking classes online. It has been a great experience. It has 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
“Meeting individuals with diverse backgrounds was the most valuable part of my learning experience. Everyone was very personable and supportive. The MSW program has supported my development as a leader which will be of great use in future endeavors.”
-Glecina Bethea-Tumaini, Clinical Supervisor - Opioid Treatment Program
Call a Program Manager at 1-844-386-7321 or request more information to learn more.
