Online MSW Programs in Pennsylvania
A social work license in Pennsylvania allows professionals to treat and support members of their community. The Pennsylvania Board offers two routes to become a social worker; candidates can pursue a Licensed Master of Social Work credential, or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential. Pennsylvania social work practitioners can find opportunities in schools, hospitals, or with community programs.
CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Annual Tuition | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern University | $13,264 | Saint Davids |
| Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | $17,835 | Edinboro |
| PennWest California | $18,508 | California |
| Temple University | $24,236 | Philadelphia |
| Widener University | $24,130 | Chester |
Master of Social Work Online Programs in Pennsylvania
A social work license in Pennsylvania allows professionals to treat and support members of their community. The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors offers two routes to becoming a social worker: candidates can pursue a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) credential or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. Pennsylvania social work practitioners can find opportunities in schools, hospitals, or with community programs.
In Pennsylvania, a career in social work typically requires a Master of Social Work (MSW). MSW programs in Pennsylvania must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to count toward a student's licensure pathway.
CSWE-accredited MSW programs usually take two to three years to complete, but some in-person and online MSW Pennsylvania degrees offer accelerated programs lasting one to two years. To pursue an MSW degree in Pennsylvania, learners should have an undergraduate degree in social work or a related field. Some schools prefer candidates with previous work or volunteer experience in social work.
To learn about online MSW programs and social worker requirements in other states, explore our list of CSWE-accredited online MSW programs by state below:
CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Can You Get an MSW Online in Pennsylvania?
Students interested in pursuing their master's degree in social work can complete their degree online. An online social work degree in Pennsylvania can be beneficial for learners who don't live within a convenient distance from their schools or need flexibility with their full-time jobs.
Many organizations respect an online degree as much as an in-person degree when earned at an accredited institution. Several schools offer online MSW programs in Pennsylvania to allow students to learn in a format that suits them. A few schools with CSWE-accredited programs in Pennsylvania include the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, PennWest California, and Temple University.
How Do I Prepare for an MSW Program?
Before applying for an in-person or online MSW in Pennsylvania, speak with a financial advisor at the schools you're interested in to learn about scholarships, student loans, and other financial aid opportunities. Doing so can help you prepare to finance your education and devise a budget before entering your MSW program. Choosing one of the most affordable MSW programs can also help you save money on your degree.
Also, try to decide on an MSW specialization before or soon after applying. Some schools have several MSW concentrations for different fields of social work, like healthcare or child and family services. Your specialization can guide your studies and field experience to ensure that you gain the appropriate skills for your future career.
Pennsylvania Online MSW Admission Requirements
Many MSW programs in Pennsylvania seek applicants with a bachelor's degree in social work, liberal arts, or a related field. Applicants with a different undergraduate degree may need to complete prerequisite courses before beginning their MSW program. Applicants must also submit their official transcripts, resumes, college entrance exam scores, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, some schools may require applicants to submit a video interview or meet with an admissions counselor for an interview as part of the application process.
MSW Careers in Pennsylvania
In addition to licensed and clinical social workers, an MSW and Pennsylvania social worker license can lead to multiple careers in social work within the state, including the following:
School and Career Counselors and Advisors
School and career counselors work in all school levels, from elementary to college. At the elementary level, these counselors assist students with critical social and academic skills to help them become successful learners. In middle and high school, they may begin guiding students toward discovering their potential career interests. At the college level, counselors help students sign up for the programs that best fit their career goals and offer career readiness guidance.
Behavioral Counselors
Behavioral counselors evaluate and coordinate treatments for their clients with behavioral health challenges. They may also work with clients struggling with mental health or substance addiction. A social work background is helpful for these counselors to connect clients with community resources and other specialists who will be involved in their treatment plans.
Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors play a key role in assisting people with disabilities to function at home, at work, and within society. They assess their clients' behavioral, mental, social, and physical needs and interests to guide them toward the best resources for independent living.
Pennsylvania Social Work Licensure
To get a Pennsylvania social worker license, candidates must meet the requirements of the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors. The board requires applicants to have a minimum of a master's degree. Students may choose from in-person or online MSW programs in Pennsylvania as long as they are approved by the CSWE. After completing their degree, candidates can sit for the exam given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Test-takers that receive a passing score as verified by the Pennsylvania state board may apply for social work licensure with an initial application fee of $75.
Social Work License Reciprocity in Pennsylvania
Professionals wishing to practice social work in Pennsylvania who are already certified in another state can obtain permission to practice. Incoming professionals must meet Pennsylvania requirements, including holding a minimum of a master's degree in social welfare or social work. Their degree must be from a school approved by the CSWE. Graduates from international schools must submit their credentials, which should be comparable to those earned with a master's degree in social work in the United States. Pennsylvania social work licenses also require passage of the state board exam and proof of a valid social work license from another state, including a letter from that state's licensing authority validating the authenticity.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
A social work license in Pennsylvania requires biennial renewal, with a $95 fee. Licenses must be renewed no later than the final day of the month in which a license was renewed during the previous cycle. License-holders can renew either the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential by downloading a biennial renewal form from their online account. Renewal forms are available to candidates 45-90 days before their license expires. Completed forms must be returned via mail with the accompanying fee enclosed. License holders must also submit proof of at least 30 hours of board-approved continuing education.
Licensed Social Worker
The LSW track requires a master's degree in social work. Once students have completed their degree, their next step is to take the National Social Work Licensing Exam from the Association of Social Work Boards. The ASWB sends exam scores to the Pennsylvania board of social work, which determines if the student achieved a passing grade. Once students have graduated and passed their board exam, they may apply for a Pennsylvania social work license. Applications are available from the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Pennsylvania social workers must obtain an LCSW in order to practice clinical social work. To qualify for this license, candidates must hold either a master's degree in social work, a doctorate, or a graduate degree in a relevant field from a CSWE-accredited institution. Prospective clinical social workers must also pass the ASWB exam and complete 3,000 supervised hours of clinical experience over two years.
Once an applicant has met all of the requirements, they may apply for their LCSW through the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. A complete application must include the required fee and two letters of recommendation.
FAQs About Social Work in Pennsylvania
How Do I Get My Social Work License in Pennsylvania?
To get a Pennsylvania social worker license, you must first complete a CSWE-accredited master of social work program. Upon graduation, you can apply to take the ASWB exam. Once the Pennsylvania state board certifies your passing grade, you can apply for a Pennsylvania social worker license with an initial fee of $75.
How Much Do Licensed Social Workers Make in Pennsylvania?
Average salaries for social workers in Pennsylvania range from $46,360 to $73,800 depending on the type of social worker. Child, family, and school social workers and healthcare workers both make average salaries higher than the national median pay of $50,390 for social workers.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your MSW in Pennsylvania?
MSW programs in Pennsylvania usually include 30-60 credits and take two to three years to complete. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that students can finish in one year. Others have combined bachelor's and master's degrees that take a total of four to five years to complete.
MSW Resources
As you begin your social work career journey in Pennsylvania, you might consider joining professional organizations to extend your network, read the latest industry news, and gain continuing education credit and certifications. The following resources can assist Pennsylvania social workers:
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