Pennsylvania Social Work Masters (MSW) Programs

Is there any doubt about getting an MSW degree in Pennsylvania? So read that blog until the very end. We’ll tell you what MSW studies in Pennsylvania are all more or less.

Some of the things you will learn include their types of studies, duration of studies, available courses, etc. However, before driving into details, we will tell you how authentic MSW study is in Pennsylvania.

This will ease your doubts and prepare you for further discussion.

MSW Programs Pennsylvania

Universities in Pennsylvania that offer MSW studies are fully certified by the relevant regulatory agencies. CSWE is one of the organizations which authorizes these institutions.

Most US states recognize MSW certificates from schools that this agency licenses.

MSW Study Type

Two types of MSW studies exist in Pennsylvania.

These are advanced and regular-standing studies. Advanced graduate education is designed for scholars with a BSW or background in social work.

For this reason, core courses are not included in their syllabus. Scholars will only offer specialized courses throughout their study period.

On the other hand, the regular standing study is intended for scholars lacking a social work background. As such, the program includes introductory courses.

These courses are designed to teach MSW scholars the basics of social work. Qualified candidates offer these core courses during their first study year(s).

Best Pennsylvania MSW Schools

Pennsylvania at present boasts fifteen Masters of social work studies. Fortunately, certification agencies like CSWE fully certified all these studies.

After leaving school, you can go after a state permit to work unrestricted. Moreover, you’ll be qualified for numerous employment possibilities in and outside the state.

Without any delay, let’s take a look at these courses.

  • University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia

MSW studies in this institution emphasize interdisciplinary partnerships. It also delivers many approaches to personalizing your education to match your specific interests in the field.

You’ll find their accelerated classes appropriate if you recently obtained a BA in social work. The study syllabus entails only specialization courses. Within a year or two, you can graduate.

Meanwhile, those without BA in social work can opt for extended classes. The syllabus is structured with foundational and concentration coursework.

In addition to that, you’ll cover 900 hours of monitored field research. Scholars in this study format usually finish their studies within two or three years.

  • Temple University-Philadelphia

You can acquire one of the best master’s of social work certificates in this academic institution. Their program’s course content is flexible enough to permit learners to personalize their educational goals.

Additionally, you can choose between their expedited studies and conventional classes.

The accelerated classes will be suitable for learners with BA in social work. That’s because the study syllabus only features concentration courses.

Within 12 months or two years, you’ll be required to cover 34.5 credits with 500 hours of fieldwork.

However, those without social work backgrounds can choose the conventional classes. Course contents consist of introductory and specialization subjects.

In this regard, you’ll cover 60 credits and 1050 hours of supervised field research. It takes two to three years to finish your education on this route.

  • West Chester University

This is another renowned institution you can earn your social work master’s. The school has study options accommodating learners with and without social work backgrounds.

For those with a BSW from a certified institution, their expedited classes will fit you. Within 12 months or two years, you can cover 36 credits and 504 hours of field research.

Traditional classes will suit candidates with bachelor’s degrees in other fields aside from social work. The study curriculum features both foundational and concentration coursework.

You’ll be required to finish 60 credits and 952 hours of supervised site-based research. In two or three years, you should be done with school.

  • University of Pittsburgh

Do you desire MSW studies that center on race and social problems? Then consider coming to this institution. They welcome candidates with and without a BA in social work.

For those with competence in the field, you can opt for their accelerated classes. The course content only speaks about specialization areas. As such, you’ll cover 39 credits and 720 hours of field research.

Furthermore, the extended programs will suit candidates with no BA in social work. The study curriculum consists of introductory and specialization courses.

Students qualified for this study option will cover 60 credits and 1080 hours of site-based research. Within two or three years, you can graduate.

More schools in Pennsylvania offer MSW studies outside the ones we’ve listed. You can research them and learn about their programs to determine which will suit your career needs.

However, from the little we’ve provided above, you will have the one that satisfies your demands.

Online MSW Programs Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a few schools that offer online MSW. If you are looking for a flexible and practical way to grow your career in social work, go to one of their institutions.

You will acquire all the intellectual skills needed by a social work master’s holder without necessarily going to school.

But before you pick a favorite institution, read this blog until the end. You’ll be conversant with their kinds of programs, study courses, time commitment, and tuition costs.

This should help you with your preparedness.

Kinds of MSW Programs in Pennsylvania

There are various types of MSW studies available in Pennsylvania. You can earn your MSW in adult wellness, mental health, and criminal justice depending on your career objectives.

Other programs include trauma and domestic abuse, mental care for older persons, child and family welfare, social work, and more.

Study Courses

Whatever social work program you opt for, there are several study courses you will need to complete.

They include diversity and social justice, family counseling, social work practice with children, community violence, and natural disaster.

Others include integrated gastric healthcare, harm reduction techniques, and more.

Time Commitment

It won’t waste much of your time to earn an MSW in Pennsylvania online. Within two years, you can obtain your doctorate certificate full-time.

Only part-time studies last between 3 and 4 years.

Program Cost

The amount you spend for a master’s degree in social work in Pennsylvania depends on a few factors—the kind of school you choose, your field of study, and your origin.

However, you may spend about $13,264 to $26,130 annually on tuition fees.

You don’t have to give up your job for the sake of school. Thanks to Pennsylvania’s online MSW studies, you can advance your career wherever and as quickly as possible.

How Much Time Does It Take To Complete MSW In PA?

How long you study in Pennsylvania depends on two things. That’s the type of study you choose and whether you’re a part-time or a full-time student.

Advanced standing studies consist of 30-39 credit courses. Scholars who chose this study type full-time will graduate within twelve months. But those on part-time study will spend up to two years.

Regular standing studies take more time than advanced standing studies. That’s because there are core courses in its syllabus, as was mentioned earlier.

There are about 60-69 aligned credit courses for researchers to complete within 2 to 4 years. If you decide to take this type of study full-time, you can graduate within two years.

But if you study part-time, it’ll take you three or four years to finish.

Available Subjects

MSW is one of the fields of study with verse number of classes. As you plan to get an MSW in Pennsylvania, be prepared to offer some courses described below.

  • Child, family, and school social work
  • Health and mental health
  • Clinical social work
  • Adventure therapy
  • Global poverty
  • History and philosophy of social welfare
  • Advanced social policy, etc.

How Do I Qualify For MSW Admission In Pennsylvania?

Academic institutions in Pennsylvania have a few demands for scholars interested in getting an MSW. It’s expected that you satisfy them to be eligible for admission.

Here are a few of those demands.

  • Candidates must have a BSW to be eligible for advanced standing studies. But ensure your certificate is obtained from a CSWE-approved institution. Meanwhile, those wishing to enroll in regular-standing education can present any undergraduate degree. That means your certification doesn’t have to be from social work. However, you should obtain it in well-known schools.
  • You must hold a GPA of 3.0 or greater to be eligible for both entry modes.
  • Researchers will need to submit at least three letters of reference. Such letters should come from a previous institution or workplace.
  • You should also submit your baccalaureate transcripts.
  • Some schools in Pennsylvania might ask you to submit a written note that includes your MSW goal.

For more information about admission essentials for MSW scholars in Pennsylvania, visit the official site of your desired school. Let’s go on.

Where Can I Serve With An MSW Degree In Pennsylvania?

There’re several things you can do with your MSW certificate in Pennsylvania. But right away, we’ll tell you two important things you can do with your MSW certificate.

First, you can use it to process a Pennsylvania social worker state license to let you work freely. Second, with your certificate, you can work at all community levels.

This means you can perform advanced social work such as treatment planning, counseling, supervision, etc.

What Should You Not Do As A Pennsylvania Social Worker?

University establishments in Pennsylvania have many rules for their studies. Scholars are expected to be honest and forthright with these policies.

More or less of the things their universities frown at include the following.

  • Malpractices

For whatever reason, scholars shouldn’t be caught stealing answers during tests or exams. Below are some things you shouldn’t do in response to malpractices in Pennsylvania.

It will help you to understand more.

  • Researchers shouldn’t be caught copying their co-workers’ essay papers.
  • Researchers shouldn’t let another person copy the answers on their test papers.
  • Scholars should not partner with each other in tests or examinations.
  • Using manuals, laptop computers, or other materials during the test is forbidden.

 

  • Plagiarism

Have you ever heard of plagiarism? It means using words and thoughts from others to become your own. That’s a severe offense if most of the educational institutions in Pennsylvania.

Here’re a few things you shouldn’t do regarding plagiarism in Pennsylvania.

  • Scholars shouldn’t use the words of someone else.
  • Researchers should not borrow facts, stats, or other forms of illustrations.
  • It is prohibited to reproduce other people’s ideas. That you paraphrased in your own words is still not okay.

How Much Do MSW Grads Get In PA?

Compensation for MSW graduates in this province depends on a few factors.

They include the type of organization you work with, educational attainment and years of competence, area of specialization, and geographic location.

However, social workers’ earnings in Pennsylvania are about $50,470 per year. We did list a couple of social jobs and their salaries in Pennsylvania.

Please take a look at them below.

  • People who work as social workers with children, families, and schools earn approximately $44,870 a year.
  • Social workers in the health sector earn an average of $54,920 per year.
  • Social workers involved in mental health and addictions make about $38,710.

We can say much more about MSW schools in Pennsylvania. But because of the time, we can’t cover them all. At least you’ve learned about MSW study routes, courses available, entry essentials, etc.

Additionally, you can see how well-paying social work jobs are in Pennsylvania. Based on some analyses, their average salary will reach $58 000-$180 000 in the coming years.

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