Best MSW Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)
Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Pennsylvania for 2026, with tuition costs, LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania has 13 CSWE-accredited MSW programs across the state, from Ivy League UPenn in Philadelphia to affordable PASSHE schools like Kutztown, Millersville-Shippensburg, and West Chester.
- In-state tuition ranges from roughly $534/credit at PASSHE schools (Kutztown, Millersville-Shippensburg, West Chester) to $58,000/year at UPenn. Several programs offer fully online formats, including Pitt, Temple, Widener, PennWest, and Millersville-Shippensburg.
- Pennsylvania social workers earn near or slightly below national medians depending on specialty, but the cost of living outside Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is significantly lower than coastal states. The Philadelphia metro area pays the highest wages in the state.
- The LCSW requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours (minimum 2 years) after your MSW, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. You must hold an LSW first before applying for the LCSW.
- Pennsylvania has 131+ mental health shortage areas covering roughly 46 of 67 counties, with severe shortages in rural central and northern PA. The Primary Care Loan Repayment Program offers up to $48,000 for LCSWs who serve in designated shortage areas.
Pennsylvania is one of the best states in the country for MSW education. With 13 CSWE-accredited programs, you have options that range from one of the oldest and most prestigious social work schools in the nation (UPenn, accredited since 1919) to highly affordable public universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) where in-state students pay around $534 per credit. That kind of range simply does not exist in most states.
The geographic diversity matters too. Philadelphia alone has five MSW programs (UPenn, Temple, Bryn Mawr, West Chester's Center City campus, and Widener), Pittsburgh has the University of Pittsburgh's highly ranked program, and the rest of the state is covered by Marywood (Scranton/Lehigh Valley), Kutztown, Millersville-Shippensburg, and PennWest. No matter where you live in Pennsylvania, there is an accredited MSW program within reasonable commuting distance or available fully online.
After graduation, the path to independent clinical practice runs through the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers. You will first obtain your Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential by passing the ASWB Masters exam, then accumulate 3,000 supervised clinical hours over at least 2 years, and finally pass the ASWB Clinical exam to earn your LCSW. Pennsylvania's licensing structure is straightforward, and the state's large healthcare systems, university hospitals, and dense nonprofit sector provide ample supervised practice opportunities.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Pennsylvania
All 10 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania | $58,000/year (private, flat rate) | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh | $1,079/credit (~$26,876/year full-time) | On-campus | |
| 3 | Temple University | $1,148/credit | On-campus | |
| 4 | Bryn Mawr College | $55,140/year (private, flat rate) | On-campus | |
| 5 | Widener University | $1,000/credit (private, flat rate) | On-campus; Fully online | |
| 6 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania | ~$575/credit (PASSHE rate) | On-campus | |
| 7 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | ~$652/credit (tuition + fees) | On-campus; Online; Executive weekend format | |
| 8 | Millersville University / Shippensburg University (Joint Program) | ~$575/credit (PASSHE rate) | On-campus | |
| 9 | Marywood University | $650/credit (private, flat rate) | On-campus | |
| 10 | Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) | ~$534/credit (PASSHE rate) | Fully online |
University of Pennsylvania
In-State
$58,000/year (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$58,000/year (private, flat rate)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
1,050 (traditional) / 680 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
- Ranked #9 nationally by U.S. News & World Report
- One of the oldest MSW programs in the country, accredited since 1919
- SP2 Scholars Program offers full-tuition scholarships for select students
- Coverdell Fellowships for returned Peace Corps volunteers ($8,750/semester)
- Located in University City with access to Penn Medicine, CHOP, and the broader Philadelphia social services network
University of Pittsburgh
In-State
$1,079/credit (~$26,876/year full-time)
Out-of-State
$1,595/credit (~$39,112/year full-time)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
1,080 (360 generalist + 720 specialization)
Concentrations
- Ranked among the top 15 MSW programs nationally by U.S. News
- Online students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency
- Two distinct specializations: Direct Practice and COSA (macro)
- 1,080 total practicum hours, one of the highest requirements in PA
- JD/MSW, MBA/MSW, MPH/MSW, and MPA/MSW dual-degree options available
Temple University
In-State
$1,148/credit
Out-of-State
$1,577/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
1,050
Concentrations
- Fully online MSW option with part-time flexible scheduling
- Located in North Philadelphia with deep ties to underserved communities
- Both clinical and macro concentrations available in all formats
- Part of Temple's College of Public Health, enabling cross-disciplinary coursework
- MSW/MPH and MSW/MEd dual-degree options
Bryn Mawr College
In-State
$55,140/year (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$55,140/year (private, flat rate)
Length
2 years
Field Hours
900 (traditional) / 450 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
- Awards the Master of Social Service (MSS) degree, equivalent to the MSW for licensure
- One of the oldest graduate social work programs in the U.S.
- Optional certificates in Child and Family Wellbeing, Social Work and the Law, and School Social Work
- Small cohort model with individualized faculty mentoring
- Located on Philadelphia's Main Line with access to the full metro-area placement network
Widener University
In-State
$1,000/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$1,000/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2 years (57 credits)
Field Hours
1,010 (450 generalist + 560 specialization)
Concentrations
- Fully online MSW available with clinical focus
- All-clinical concentration prepares directly for LCSW licensure track
- Advanced standing students can complete the degree for approximately $36,000
- Regular standing track is 57 credits (slightly below the typical 60)
- Located 15 miles south of Philadelphia in Delaware County
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
In-State
~$575/credit (PASSHE rate)
Out-of-State
~$862/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
952 (448 foundation + 504 advanced)
Concentrations
- Ranked #21 nationally among most affordable MSW programs
- PASSHE Center City Philadelphia location for working professionals
- PASSHE in-state tuition makes it one of the cheapest options in the Philadelphia metro
- Specialization tracks in gerontology and criminal justice available
- Strong field placement network across southeastern Pennsylvania
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
In-State
~$652/credit (tuition + fees)
Out-of-State
~$978/credit (tuition + fees)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
900 (traditional) / 450 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
- Four distinct concentrations — more specialization options than most PA programs
- Executive weekend format designed for full-time working professionals
- Online option available for both regular and advanced standing students
- School Social Work certificate available as an add-on
- PASSHE tuition among the most affordable in the state
Millersville University / Shippensburg University (Joint Program)
In-State
~$575/credit (PASSHE rate)
Out-of-State
~$862/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
900 (traditional) / 500 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
- Joint program between two PASSHE universities, with classes at both campuses
- Advanced Generalist concentration prepares graduates for both clinical and macro roles
- Online MSW option for flexible scheduling
- PASSHE in-state tuition keeps total costs under $35,000 for the full program
- Central Pennsylvania location serves the Lancaster, Harrisburg, and York regions
Marywood University
In-State
$650/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$650/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
920
Concentrations
- Three specializations: Behavioral Health, Child and Family Studies, and Administration
- Satellite campus in the Lehigh Valley (at DeSales University) for students in the Allentown/Bethlehem area
- Accredited since 1974, one of the longest-running MSW programs in northeastern PA
- Private university with competitive tuition at $650/credit
- Strong field placement network across northeastern Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey
Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest)
In-State
~$534/credit (PASSHE rate)
Out-of-State
~$801/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
900 (traditional) / 600 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
- Fully asynchronous online MSW — no live class times required
- Formed from the merger of Edinboro, Clarion, and California University of PA
- PASSHE tuition makes it one of the most affordable MSWs in the state
- Trauma-informed advanced generalist focus throughout the curriculum
- BSW degrees accepted up to 10 years old for advanced standing (most generous in PA)
Social Work Licensure Requirements in Pennsylvania
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
717-783-1389
Pennsylvania issues three social work credentials under 49 Pa. Code Chapter 47: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Most MSW graduates will first obtain the LSW, then work toward the LCSW for independent clinical practice.
Pennsylvania requires you to hold the LSW before you can apply for the LCSW. This means you will take the ASWB Masters exam first (for LSW), then accumulate your supervised hours, and finally take the ASWB Clinical exam (for LCSW). All applicants must also complete 3 hours of training in child abuse recognition and reporting before initial licensure.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, psychotherapy, independent clinical practice, private practice
Hours
3,000
Duration
2 years
Exam: ASWB Clinical
Licensed Social Worker
Social casework, group work, community organization, administration, evaluation, and research under general supervision
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Masters
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
Basic social work practice under supervision
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Bachelors
Pennsylvania does not have formal reciprocity with other states but does allow licensure by endorsement for social workers licensed in other jurisdictions with substantially equivalent requirements. You must hold a current, unrestricted license in another state, have completed education from a CSWE-accredited program, and meet Pennsylvania's specific requirements (including the child abuse recognition training). Processing times for endorsement applications can take 6-12 weeks through the PALS licensing portal.
Social Worker Salary in Pennsylvania
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Pennsylvania social workers earn salaries that are roughly in line with national medians, with the Philadelphia metropolitan area paying the highest wages in the state. While PA salaries are not as high as neighboring New York or New Jersey, the cost of living outside of central Philadelphia is significantly lower, particularly in cities like Pittsburgh, Scranton, Lancaster, and Harrisburg. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
National median: $58,570
Top metro: $55,230 (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
Healthcare Social Workers
National median: $68,090
Top metro: $68,440 (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
National median: $60,060
Top metro: $54,670 (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
Pennsylvania Social Work Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Pennsylvania has 131+ mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas covering approximately 46 of its 67 counties (69%). The shortages are most acute in rural central and northern Pennsylvania, where some counties have only 1 behavioral health provider per 3,000+ residents. Even in metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, specific underserved populations and low-income communities are designated as mental health HPSAs.
The state's behavioral health system is administered by the Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), which oversees county-based mental health programs across all 67 counties. Pennsylvania's opioid crisis has been a major driver of demand for clinical social workers, particularly in rural Appalachian communities and mid-size cities like Scranton, Allentown, and Erie.
Major employers of social workers in Pennsylvania include UPMC (the state's largest healthcare system with 40+ hospitals), Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Geisinger, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Allegheny County DHS, the VA Medical Centers (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lebanon, Erie, Wilkes-Barre), and a dense network of community mental health centers and nonprofit agencies across the state.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program — Up to $48,000 for LCSWs and other behavioral health providers who commit to 2 years of full-time service at an approved practice site in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area. Half-time commitments receive up to $24,000.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment — Up to $75,000 for licensed clinical social workers who serve at NHSC-approved sites in Pennsylvania HPSAs for 3 years. Pennsylvania has hundreds of NHSC-approved sites across the state.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at state agencies, VA hospitals, university health systems (UPMC, Penn Medicine), and nonprofit organizations all qualify for federal PSLF after 120 qualifying payments (10 years). PASSHE employees are also eligible.
How to Choose an MSW Program in Pennsylvania
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
With 13 accredited MSW programs, Pennsylvania gives you real choices across price, format, location, and specialization. The right program depends on where you live, what you can afford, and whether you want a clinical or macro focus.
If you want the most prestigious program: UPenn's SP2 is an Ivy League school with one of the oldest MSW programs in the country. Pitt is also nationally ranked and offers online access at in-state rates.
If you're a PA resident on a budget: PASSHE schools (Kutztown, West Chester, Millersville-Shippensburg, PennWest) charge around $534-$652/credit, keeping total program costs under $40,000. PennWest has the lowest per-credit rate.
If you need a fully online program: Pitt (online students pay in-state tuition), Temple, Widener, PennWest, and Millersville-Shippensburg all offer fully online MSW options. PennWest is the most affordable at PASSHE rates.
If you live in the Philadelphia area: UPenn, Temple, Bryn Mawr, Widener, and West Chester's Center City campus are all within the metro. West Chester is the best value for PA residents.
If you live in Pittsburgh: Pitt is the clear choice with its top-ranked program, dual-degree options, and 1,080 hours of field placement.
If you live in northeastern or central PA: Marywood (Scranton and Lehigh Valley) and Millersville-Shippensburg serve the Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and Scranton regions.
If you want the most concentration options: Kutztown offers four distinct concentrations (Behavioral Health, Community Development, Leadership and Management, Family and Child Wellness), more than any other PA program.
If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: PennWest accepts BSW degrees up to 10 years old for advanced standing (most programs cap at 5-7 years). Most advanced standing tracks take about 1 year.
Related Pages
Best Online MSW Programs
National ranking of the top online MSW programs
Best Online BSW Programs
If you need a BSW before your MSW
Best Online DSW Programs
Doctoral programs for experienced social workers
Best Dual MSW/JD Programs
Joint social work and law degrees
Clinical Social Worker Career Guide
What LCSWs actually do day-to-day
Clinical Social Worker Salary
Salary data by state, experience, and setting
MSW Programs by State
Browse MSW programs in all 50 states
Sources
- CSWE Accredited Programs Directory — Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors — Licensure Guide
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Social Workers in Pennsylvania (May 2024)
- ASWB — Licensing Exams
- HRSA — Mental Health HPSA Data
- Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program
- Pennsylvania Department of Health — Shortage Designations