Pennsylvania – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Pennsylvania is experiencing a serious shortage of social services providers, including licensed social workers. Online social work programs in Pennsylvania provide a flexible and convenient option for students seeking a career in social work. Find out about the state’s top accredited online master of social work (MSW) programs, the benefits of online learning, and employment and salary opportunities.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in Pennsylvania
- Carlow University
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time
- Pennsylvania Western University
- Areas of Practice: Trauma-Informed Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
- Shippensburg University
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Certification Options: School Social Work, Behavioral Specialist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
- Slippery Rock University
- Areas of Practice: Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice
- Certification Options: Behavioral Health, Animal-Assisted Therapy
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
- Temple University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Widener University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Certification Options: School Social Work
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Pennsylvania
Accreditation is the process of evaluating higher education institutions to ensure they meet academic standards. Independent accreditation agencies recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) regularly examine schools and programs to determine whether students receive a quality education.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the nation’s only accreditation agency for social work programs. CSWE-accredited MSW programs provide the core competencies and training to prepare students for licensure and employment. To become a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania, the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors requires candidates to hold a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Pennsylvania
Online programs have transformed the higher education landscape by allowing students to personalize and control their educational experience. Online learning offers flexible formats and convenient schedules, making it a good option for degree-seekers who need to manage work or family commitments.
Compared to traditional campus-based programs, earning an online social work degree may save you money. You do not have to pay for additional housing or transportation costs and may still qualify for financial aid, depending on the program. Online MSW programs make it possible for you to enroll in specialized programs that fit your interests, regardless of your geographical location.
When choosing the right program for you, pay attention to in-person residency requirements and course delivery formats.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Understanding the different online course delivery formats can help you choose a program that fits your learning style and schedule.
- 100% Online: An entirely online program allows you to work at your own pace and on a timeline that fits your schedule. You can access all classes, assignments, and exams virtually from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Hybrid: In a hybrid format, you participate in online classes and on-campus meetings that are often scheduled on weekends or evenings. A hybrid format balances the convenience of distance learning with structured in-person opportunities for faculty direction and peer interaction.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous course delivery offers the most flexibility, enabling you to complete all coursework at your convenience with no required log-in times. While asynchronous courses still require deadlines, this format provides more individualized control over the learning process, making it an appealing option for self-motivated students.
- Synchronous: In synchronous formats, students attend regularly scheduled live-streamed lectures and meetings. Distance learners interact with faculty and classmates during lectures and video conferences in real time. Synchronous courses appeal to students who prefer a more structured learning environment that incorporates immediate feedback from faculty and engagement with other students.
Many online social work programs in Pennsylvania allow you to complete most courses remotely, with no on-campus requirements. However, MSW programs require in-person internships and supervised fieldwork placements to qualify for state licensure. Depending on the program, you may be able to arrange required field experiences in or near your own community.
Pennsylvania Social Worker Career and Salary Information
The U.S. Department of Labor projects an increase of over 2,000 social work jobs in Pennsylvania by the end of the decade. The fastest growing specialization, mental health and substance use social work, is expected to grow by almost 8% between 2022 and 2032.
Based on May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for social workers nationwide is $62,880. Currently, average social worker salaries in Pennsylvania range from $48,000 to $68,000. However, what you can earn depends on your educational level, type of license, and career focus.
According to the National Association of Social Workers, MSW salaries are more than $13,000 higher than salaries for BSW degree-holders.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $54,160 | 4.5% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $63,870 | 7.4% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $48,420 | 7.9% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $68,380 | 3.9% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Social Work
Does Pennsylvania require social workers to be licensed?
Yes, Pennsylvania social workers need a license to practice. Licensing options include licensed social worker (LSW), licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Pennsylvania social work license requirements include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for an LSW, a minimum of a master’s degree for the LBSW and the LCSW credential, supervised experience, and Association of Social Work Boards examinations.
How much do social workers make in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania social workers earn average salaries between $48,420 and $68,380, according to the BLS. Mental health and substance use social workers earn salaries at the lower end of this range, while social workers in specialized fields like forensic social work, earn salaries at the higher end.
Are Pennsylvania’s online MSW programs respected?
Accredited online social work degrees are typically well received by employers. Students who attend online social work programs in Pennsylvania access the same courses and training as students who attend in-person programs.
Are social workers in demand in Pennsylvania?
After completing a social work program in Pennsylvania, graduates typically enter a favorable job market. Federal government projections indicate that Pennsylvania social workers could see 3.9%-7.9% employment growth from 2022-2032. Mental health and substance use social workers could see the highest demand and growth.
