Looking for the best Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) in Pennsylvania? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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The best social work degrees in Pennsylvania are offered from accredited colleges and universities, so students can earn the education they need for a successful career. Master's degree-seekers can prepare for work in diverse fields. With a master's degree, graduates gain the skills required to move forward in their field.
The median annual income for individuals who hold a master's degree is approximately $6,296 per month and $81,848 annually. For those with a master's degree, unemployment is at 2.6% versus 6.2% for those with high school diplomas.
Social Work Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Pennsylvania in the Social Work Profession
In order to become a social worker, one must earn a social work degree from an accredited university. There are many different types of social work degrees, but most programs cover common topics such as human behavior, social welfare policy, and research methods. Most social work programs also require students to complete a field placement, where they gain hands-on experience working with clients. Field placements can be completed in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, or community organizations. After earning a social work degree, graduates can find jobs in a variety of settings, such as child welfare, mental health, and aging. Social workers often work in teams with other professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and case managers.
The state's median annual salary is $44,900, or $21.59 per hour. The number includes a total of 5,583,410 employees in Pennsylvania. Based on the BLS, the lowest 10% of earners in the state earn about $23,120 per year, whereas the highest 10% earn approximately $99,330. The following page provides information regarding the earnings of social workers in Pennsylvania.
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As stated by MERIC, Pennsylvania is ranked number 27 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in America against specific states. U.S. averages are based on 100, and all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive) than average. In comparison with the national average, Pennsylvania's cost of living index is 97.9, which is -2.1% lower. The following is a comparison of the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other items in Pennsylvania in comparison to the national average.
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Jobs for social workers are projected to grow by 5.8% over the next decade. The BLS projects the occupation's total employment to change from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. To qualify for these positions, you typically need a bachelor's degree.
#1 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Graduate students interested in a master of social work can earn their degree from the University of Pennsylvania. The MSW program uses a rigorous curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced roles in the field. After completing a master's degree, candidates often pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in social work. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants with a background in social work typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. Students who attend classes on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 8%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $36,254
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $36,254
Average Tuition
In-state
$53,166
Out-of-state
$53,166
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
26,552
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA
4 years
Campus
The online master of social service program, offered by Bryn Mawr College, ranks as a top program. The master of social service program emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a degree in social work or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
Bryn Mawr College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 33%
Program Name: Master of social service
Graduate Tuition In State: $45,240
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $45,240
Average Tuition
In-state
$53,180
Out-of-state
$53,180
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
38%
Students Enrolled
1,634
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh offers an online master's in social work. The master's in social work program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of social work. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. The master's program builds on prior social work experience during a bachelor's program.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like a library and gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
University of Pittsburgh at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 57%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program Name: Master's in social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $23,530
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $39,898
Average Tuition
In-state
$18,628
Out-of-state
$32,656
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
32,277
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
Temple University, located in Philadelphia, enrolls master's students in its online social work program. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the MSW program. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The master's curriculum explores social work research and methodologies. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. Applicants without a background in social work may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as a library and gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
Temple University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 60%
Total Online Master's Programs: 10
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,956
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,346
Average Tuition
In-state
$16,080
Out-of-state
$28,992
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
37,236
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Pennsylvania
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a flexible online master of social work program. The MSW program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in social work. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. The master's program recommends a background in social work or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. On-campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 75%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,288
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,932
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$19,290
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
17,719
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Financing a Master's Degree in Social Work
You can find financial aid to assist with the cost of college. The awards can be in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships, or work-study opportunities. Some students also use federal and private student loans to pay for school. In order to succeed in your research, you should ensure that the colleges you are interested in offer scholarships.
Students should contact the college's financial aid department for information on scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.
Average Cost of Attending College in Pennsylvania
There is a large variation in the cost of education in Pennsylvania. In spite of this, there are some similarities that exist among institutions of all sizes. For more information on attending a public institution, please take a moment to review the following information.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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Have you thought about attending a private university? The cost of education at private colleges is typically higher. Learn more about private colleges in Pennsylvania by looking at the following graph.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Key
Pennsylvania
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to fund your education, have you considered taking out student loans? Before you take out a loan, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
You should be sure you can make all the payments on time and repay the loan when it becomes due.
You should think about whether or not your career goals will be in line with the educational path you choose.
In order to avoid financial hardship once you take out a loan, make sure you understand the repayment schedule.
Take a look at the data below to learn what students tend to borrow.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus are the cost and the class size. Online programs offer advantages like flexibility, affordability, and convenience. A campus-based program is typically more expensive than a distance learning program due to student fees, which are optional for distance learners. The benefits of attending classes, however, are numerous.
Many differences are associated with public and private colleges. First, the cost varies depending on whether you select a public or private school. The cost of education at public schools is often reduced by grants and scholarships. There are usually merit scholarships available for those with high GPAs or SAT scores.
Students benefit from more personal interaction with faculty at private colleges, where the ratio of students to teachers is lower. Listed below are some pros and cons of attending a private college as opposed to one that is public.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for social workers in Pennsylvania?
Social workers in Pennsylvania make a mean salary of $66,720.
In general, are graduates of social work programs in high demand?
The total number of social workers is projected to grow by 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you earn a master's degree in social work online? How?
A master's degree in social work is possible to obtain online. Most schools today offer at least some online courses.
In order to successfully complete a master's degree, how long does it normally take?
Full-time students typically take two years to complete a master's degree. A part-time student will have a different completion time.
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