Pennsylvania Advanced Standing MSW Programs
List of Pennsylvania Colleges That Offer CSWE Accredited Advanced Standing MSW Programs in 2024
Bloomsburg Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg, PA
The advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Bloomsburg Commonwealth University in Bloomsburg, PA, addresses the increasing demand for licensed social workers in the context of evolving societal challenges. With the anticipation of a growing need for social workers over the next decade, the program is uniquely positioned to train professionals who can navigate the complexities of our current economic, healthcare, and social crises. Recognizing the pivotal role social workers play in advocating for, empowering, and assisting marginalized individuals and communities, the program emphasizes the importance of upholding fundamental human rights.
Whether supporting children and families living on the margins or strengthening social systems and support networks, the program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in diverse social work settings. Additionally, the program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring a high standard of education and professional preparation. While the program does not offer an online option, its commitment to in-person training underscores the importance of hands-on experience in developing effective social work practitioners.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: No
Carlow University – Pittsburg, PA
Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA, offers an advanced-standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). This evidence-based program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills through a trauma-informed lens, ensuring they are prepared for advanced-level social work practice. The faculty at Carlow University is experienced and committed to providing students with opportunities and individualized coaching, guiding them toward pathways that align with their preferred social work settings.
The program offers three specializations: Direct Practice, Macro Practice, and School Social Work, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. Whether students aspire to work directly with individuals, engage in broader community-level interventions, or focus on school settings, the MSW program at Carlow University provides a comprehensive and specialized education. Additionally, the online option enhances accessibility for students who may benefit from the flexibility of remote learning while maintaining the program’s high standards and accreditation.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Direct Practice
- Macro Practice
- School Social Work
Online Option: Yes
Eastern University – St. Davids, PA
Eastern University’s advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program in St. Davids, PA, stands out for its commitment to excellence through expert professors and a curriculum that seamlessly integrates theory with practical experience. Taught by seasoned professionals who stay abreast of the latest developments in the field, the program ensures that students are well-prepared for the dynamic challenges of contemporary social work.
One distinctive feature is the program’s emphasis on trauma-informed practice, a burgeoning field in high demand within social work agencies. Eastern’s MSW program equips practitioners with the skills to apply trauma-informed competencies across diverse settings. What sets it apart is incorporating spiritual meaning-making strategies fostering resilience in clients and constituencies. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the program imparts competence and instills ethical grounding in a spiritually-informed, trauma-informed care model.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
Kutztown University – Kutztown, PA
Kutztown University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Kutztown, PA, offers an advanced standing track designed exclusively for graduates with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. This program incorporates a comprehensive summer bridge curriculum, a prerequisite for advanced-standing students. The bridge curriculum is meticulously crafted to equip students with heightened analytical and critical thinking skills, bridging the gap between undergraduate and graduate-level education. Emphasizing the integration of theory and practice, Kutztown University’s advanced-standing students strive to articulate these principles to diverse stakeholders.
The MSW program at KU adopts a Family-In-Environment perspective, fostering the development of autonomous practitioners capable of applying these principles in their chosen fields. The advanced standing status allows students to complete the MSW degree in 44 credits, offering a fast-track option to complete the program full-time in one calendar year. Alternatively, students can extend the program over two or more years. The curriculum includes a summer bridge experience that combines practicum and seminar components, providing students with a hands-on foundation before entering the advanced level.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Child and Family Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Medical Social Work
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- School Social Work
Online Option: No
Messiah University – Mechanicsburg, PA
Messiah University’s advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Mechanicsburg, PA, is a distinguished offering with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program is tailored for individuals who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution, allowing them to pursue an expedited path toward a master’s degree in social work. This advanced standing option recognizes the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during the undergraduate BSW program, allowing students to delve deeper into specialized areas of social work practice.
With a commitment to maintaining high standards and adhering to the rigorous criteria set by the CSWE, Messiah University ensures that graduates from this program are well-prepared and equipped to make meaningful contributions to the field of social work. While the program currently does not offer an online option, the on-campus experience in Mechanicsburg provides students with valuable opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and engagement with faculty and peers.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: No
Millersville University – Millersville, PA
Millersville University’s advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program, located in Millersville, Pennsylvania, stands out as a distinguished offering in social work education. The program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring it adheres to rigorous standards of quality and relevance in social work curriculum and training. What sets Millersville University apart is its commitment to providing an accessible and flexible learning experience.
With the availability of an online option, the program caters to the needs of individuals seeking to advance their social work careers while accommodating diverse schedules. This online flexibility doesn’t compromise the program’s quality, as it maintains the same high standards as the on-campus counterpart. Millersville University’s MSW program is designed for those with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. It offers an advanced standing track that recognizes the foundational knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate studies, enabling students to complete their MSW streamlined.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
Shippenburg University – Shippenburg, PA
While the program does not offer an online option, the in-person experience at West Chester University provides students with valuable opportunities for hands-on learning, networking, and collaboration with faculty and peers. The campus, situated in the vibrant West Chester, PA community, contributes to a rich learning environment, fostering student engagement and a sense of community. With a focus on excellence and a commitment to preparing social work professionals for diverse and challenging contexts, West Chester University’s MSW program represents a solid choice for those seeking an advanced standing option in social work education.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: Yes
Slippery Rock University – Slippery Rock, PA
Slippery Rock University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Slippery Rock, PA, stands out for its comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the skills needed to address the diverse needs of vulnerable individuals and communities. With a clinical concentration, the program strongly emphasizes social work interventions, particularly in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. While the curriculum specializes in clinical practice, it also encompasses general practice competencies essential for all graduate social work programs, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Medical or Clinical Mental Health
- Substance Abuse
- Child or Geriatric Welfare
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Community Service Management
Online Option: No
Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
Temple University’s advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Philadelphia is a dynamic and rigorous offering within the School of Social Work, housed in the College of Public Health. The program stands out for its commitment to fostering social and economic justice. It emphasizes clinical skills and evidence-based practices that empower students to champion vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those affected by poverty. At the heart of this highly esteemed program is a dedication to cultivating resilient and healthy communities, achieved through capacity building, policy advocacy, and support for at-risk demographics.
This MSW program provides a comprehensive exploration of various social issues, including juvenile justice, poverty, substance abuse, violence against minorities, ex-offender rehabilitation, housing discrimination, and immigration challenges. Recognizing the diverse needs of its students, Temple University’s MSW program offers flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to pursue the degree full-time or part-time in person or online. The customization options enable students to tailor their education based on personal interests and career aspirations, choosing from a range of advanced-level coursework that delves deeper into specific practice modalities and fields of specialization.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families
- Macro Practice in Organizations, Communities, and Policy Areas
Online Option: Yes
University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
The Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is a prestigious and transformative educational experience designed to cultivate dedicated and empathetic social work leaders. This program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), is situated in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, providing students with a rich environment to engage with diverse communities and real-world social issues.
What sets the University of Pennsylvania’s MSW program apart is its renowned faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and diverse field placements. The faculty comprises field experts committed to shaping the next generation of social work professionals. The curriculum offers a range of specializations, including Social Work in Healthcare, Child Well-Being and Child Welfare, and Criminal Justice, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. The program’s commitment to social justice and meaningful change is evident throughout, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues and advocating for marginalized populations. While the program does not offer an online option, the on-campus experience provides students with invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and networking in a supportive academic community.
Accreditation: CSWE
Specializations:
- Social Work in Healthcare
- Child Well-Being and Child Welfare
- Criminal Justice
Online Option: No
University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA
Grounded in evidence-informed and culturally responsive practices, the MSW program at Pitt empowers students to not only enhance their social work skills but also to shape social policies and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities.
Recognizing the importance of quality education, the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation, the foremost accrediting association for social work schools in the United States. By choosing Pitt’s MSW program, students align themselves with an institution committed to excellence, ensuring they are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the dynamic field of social work.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: No
West Chester University – West Chester, PA
West Chester University, based in Philadelphia, offers an advanced-standing Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program that caters to individuals with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. This program distinguishes itself through its comprehensive approach to advanced social work education. The advanced-standing track is designed to be completed in approximately 12 to 16 months, providing a swift and focused pathway for those with a solid foundation in social work principles. The program typically requires around 30 to 33 credits for completion, ensuring a well-rounded education in the field. One notable aspect that sets West Chester University’s MSW program apart is its variety of specializations, allowing students to tailor their education to align with specific areas of interest, such as clinical social work, child welfare, or community development. This customization empowers students to develop expertise in their chosen niche, preparing them for impactful and specialized roles in the field. The program also emphasizes a hands-on approach, integrating practical experiences and internships to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the complex challenges of modern social work practice. West Chester University’s commitment to flexibility, specialization, and practical skill development makes its advanced-standing MSW program a standout choice for aspiring social work professionals.
Accreditation: CSWE
Online Option: No
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