Points of interest…
- Pennsylvania's 13 ranked online MSW programs range from about $11,185 at Kutztown University to $29,220 at La Salle University in tuition.
- Advanced standing tracks let BSW graduates finish their MSW in as few as one year, saving significant tuition costs.
- BLS data shows a wide salary gap between entry-level social workers and licensed clinical social workers in Pennsylvania.
- All MSW graduates must complete 900 to 1,080 supervised field placement hours, even in fully online programs.
Pennsylvania employs roughly 38,000 social workers across child welfare, behavioral health, school systems, and rural community services, with persistent shortages in counties outside the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh corridors. That demand has pulled more than a dozen CSWE-accredited online MSW programs into the state, ranging from public options near $11,000 in total tuition to private programs above $29,000, with advanced standing tracks that compress the timeline to roughly one year for qualifying BSW holders.
The practical tension for most applicants is not whether to enroll, but which combination of cost, format, and field placement support actually fits their county and caseload. Licensure adds another constraint: LSW and LCSW credentials in Pennsylvania require specific post-graduate supervised hours that vary by clinical track.
Top Online MSW Programs in Pennsylvania, Ranked
These rankings weight affordability most heavily, factoring in net price and financial aid metrics alongside institution-wide graduation rates and available program-level outcomes. Because program-specific graduation data is not published for most MSW programs, the rates shown reflect each university overall. Each school listed holds CSWE accreditation (or candidacy status where noted), which is the baseline requirement for Pennsylvania LSW and LCSW licensure eligibility.
- Net price and financial aid
- Graduation and retention rates
- Graduate earnings outcomes
- Program flexibility and delivery
- Accreditation and licensure alignment
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
Pennsylvania Western University
#1California, PA · $11,000 – $16,000/yr
Best for: Budget-focused students seeking asynchronous delivery
PennWest University emerged from the consolidation of Edinboro, California, and Clarion universities, and its online MSW preserves the 100% asynchronous delivery that made the former California campus program popular statewide. The trauma-informed curriculum spans 60 credits for regular standing students or 33 credits for BSW graduates entering the advanced standing track. Field placements can be arranged near a student's home community anywhere in Pennsylvania, and the program is designed to map directly to PA LSW and LCSW educational requirements.
- 100% asynchronous online, no campus visits required
- Regular Standing track: 60 credits over two years
- Advanced Standing track: 33 credits for BSW holders
- Trauma-informed clinical practice emphasis
- 900 supervised field hours (600 for Advanced Standing)
- CSWE accredited and aligned with PA licensure
- In-state tuition roughly $11,261 per year
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
#2Slippery Rock, PA · $20,000/yr
Best for: BSW graduates wanting certificate add-ons
Slippery Rock offers its CSWE-accredited MSW in both online and hybrid formats, giving students a choice between fully remote coursework and blended campus sessions. The 60-credit traditional track can be completed in two years full-time, while the 39-credit advanced standing track takes about one year. Notable add-ons include certificate options in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Animal-Assisted Social Work, which distinguish SRU from other PA public programs.
- Available online or hybrid, 39 credits for BSW holders
- Full 60-credit track also offered for non-BSW applicants
- Completion in one year (advanced) or two years (traditional)
- Optional CBT and Animal-Assisted Social Work certificates
- No GRE required for admission
- CSWE accredited with clinical elective options
- In-person field placement component required
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
#3Millersville, PA · $11,000 – $23,000/yr
Best for: Central PA professionals wanting hybrid flexibility
Millersville and Shippensburg universities run a joint MSW program that blends on-campus, online, and teleconferencing delivery. The collaboration gives students access to faculty and field networks across central Pennsylvania, with placements available locally or near a student's home. Both regular standing (full program) and advanced standing tracks are offered, and courses are scheduled with working professionals in mind.
- Joint program leveraging two PASSHE universities
- Hybrid delivery: online, on-campus, and teleconferencing
- Regular standing and advanced standing options
- Field placements across central PA or near student location
- Advanced generalist focus for clinical and administrative roles
- CSWE accredited, prepares for PA licensure
- Courses starting summer 2026 for new cohorts
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
#4Kutztown, PA · $21,000/yr (net price)
Kutztown's MSW program stands out for offering three distinct concentrations: Behavioral Health, Community Development, and Leadership and Management. The hybrid format mixes online and face-to-face instruction, and an executive schedule option lets working professionals attend on a compressed timetable. Traditional students complete 60 credits with a 900-hour practicum, while advanced standing students need 39 credits. Practicum partnerships are concentrated in the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, and surrounding Eastern PA agencies.
- Hybrid format with face-to-face and online courses
- 60 credits traditional or 39 credits advanced standing
- 900-hour agency-based practicum required
- Executive schedule option for working professionals
- Six 1-credit elective courses for specialization
- CSWE accredited, Eastern PA practicum networks
- Same credit and practicum structure as other concentrations
- Focus on policy development and agency administration
- Hybrid delivery with flexible scheduling
- Electives in therapeutic interventions available
- KU BSW holders may have essay requirements waived
- Serves Lehigh Valley and surrounding regions
- Concentration in organizational leadership
- Hybrid and executive schedule options
- Advanced standing completion possible in one year
- Traditional track completable in two years
- Practicum in diverse agency settings
- Prepares graduates for administrative social work roles
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
#5Shippensburg, PA · $14,000 – $16,000/yr
Shippensburg's online MSW takes an advanced generalist approach, preparing graduates for both clinical and administrative positions. The program is structured around evening classes, small cohort sizes, and one-on-one faculty mentorship, all designed for working professionals. No entrance exam is required, and the CSWE-accredited curriculum aligns with Pennsylvania licensure requirements. Field internships are arranged regionally in South-central Pennsylvania.
- Fully online with evening course scheduling
- Advanced generalist curriculum, CSWE accredited
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Small class sizes with direct faculty mentorship
- Real-world internship placements in South-central PA
- Affordable public university tuition structure
- Prepares for both clinical and administrative roles
Temple University
#6Philadelphia, PA · $23,000 – $39,000/yr
Temple's MSW is a Philadelphia-based hybrid program offering concentrations in Clinical Practice and Macro Practice, plus dual degree pathways and study abroad options. The 60-credit program serves full-time and part-time students, with advanced standing available for BSW graduates. Roughly 1,050 practicum hours are completed at agencies across Philadelphia and surrounding counties, giving online and hybrid learners deep exposure to urban social work practice settings.
- Hybrid format blending online and campus sessions
- Concentrations in Clinical Practice and Macro Practice
- Advanced standing track for BSW graduates
- Approximately 1,050 practicum hours required
- Dual degree and study abroad options available
- CSWE accredited, 75.1% university graduation rate
- Field placements across Philadelphia metro area
Carlow University
#7Pittsburgh, PA · $20,000 – $25,000/yr
Carlow University, a private institution in Pittsburgh, offers its CSWE-accredited MSW with specializations in Direct Practice, Macro Practice, and School Social Work. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months, with advanced standing reducing the requirement to 39 credits. Carlow's Franciscan mission shapes a curriculum emphasizing social justice, human rights, and ethical leadership, and the 12:1 student-faculty ratio supports close mentorship.
- Online delivery with hybrid practicum components
- Specializations: Direct Practice, Macro, School Social Work
- Advanced standing: 39 credits for BSW graduates
- Traditional track: 60+ credits over 24 months
- Trauma-informed curriculum with ethical leadership focus
- CSWE accredited, prepares for PA licensure
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio for individualized support
La Salle University
#8Philadelphia, PA · $19,000/yr
La Salle's hybrid MSW uses a cohort model that pairs in-person and online coursework, building peer relationships over one to four years depending on pace. The traditional track requires 60 credits and 1,100 practicum hours, while advanced standing students complete 30 credits and 600 hours. Located in Philadelphia, La Salle's practicum partnerships span Southeastern Pennsylvania agencies, and its interdisciplinary faculty mentorship model distinguishes it among regional private options.
- Hybrid cohort model combining online and in-person
- Traditional: 60 credits with 1,100 practicum hours
- Advanced standing: 30 credits with 600 practicum hours
- Completion timeline ranges from 1 to 4 years
- Multiple start terms: January, May, June, August
- CSWE accredited with faculty mentorship
- Practicum placement assistance in SE Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh
#9Pittsburgh, PA · $30,000/yr
The University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work, established in 1918, is one of the most highly regarded programs in the state. Its part-time online MSW is built for working professionals who want to stay in their home communities while earning a degree from a nationally ranked institution. The curriculum includes generalist coursework, specialization options, and certificate pathways, and online students can arrange field placements with agencies statewide rather than being limited to Pittsburgh.
- Part-time online delivery for working professionals
- Statewide field placement network across Pennsylvania
- Generalist courses plus specialization and certificate options
- Dual degree programs available
- CSWE accredited, nationally ranked program
- 85.5% institution-wide graduation rate
- Evidence-based and social justice-oriented curriculum
Eastern University
#10Saint Davids, PA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Eastern University delivers a fully online MSW grounded in a Christian worldview, with transparent per-credit pricing: $450 per credit plus $30 in fees, totaling $28,800 for the 60-credit traditional track or $14,400 for 30-credit advanced standing. Coursework runs in seven-week terms for flexible pacing, and in-person internship placements are arranged near each student's location. The program enrolls students across Pennsylvania and beyond at a flat tuition rate regardless of residency.
- 100% online with 7-week flexible terms
- 60 credits traditional or 30 credits advanced standing
- $450/credit tuition, $28,800 total for traditional track
- Flat tuition rate regardless of state residency
- In-person internship placements near student location
- Trauma-informed practice and Christian ethics integration
- CSWE accredited, start terms in August and January
Messiah University
#11Mechanicsburg, PA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Messiah University's online MSW emphasizes an Advanced Generalist specialization with focus areas in health, leadership in organizations, and mental health. Small class sizes and experienced faculty create a mentorship-driven environment, and transparent tuition with available discounts keeps costs manageable for a private institution. Note that Messiah's MSW currently holds CSWE accreditation candidacy status rather than full accreditation, which prospective students should verify before enrolling.
- Flexible online format, Advanced Generalist specialization
- Focus areas: health, organizational leadership, mental health
- Small class sizes with experienced faculty mentors
- Transparent tuition with available discounts
- Hands-on field practicum component included
- CSWE accreditation candidacy (verify current status)
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio university-wide
Alvernia University
#12Reading, PA · ~$28,000/yr (est.)
Alvernia University's online MSW focuses specifically on clinical practice in behavioral health, making it a strong fit for students drawn to mental health and addiction services. The traditional track spans 60 credits over two to three years, while advanced standing compresses the program to 33 credits in one year, both priced at $516 per credit. Guided by Franciscan values, the curriculum integrates coursework with fieldwork in diverse community settings, and admission includes a faculty interview alongside standard application materials.
- Online program focused on behavioral health clinical practice
- Advanced Standing: 33 credits in 1 year for BSW holders
- Traditional track: 60 credits over 2 to 3 years
- $516 per credit for both pathways
- Faculty interview required as part of admissions
- Fieldwork in diverse community settings
- CSWE accredited with Franciscan values emphasis
Saint Joseph's University
#13Philadelphia, PA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Saint Joseph's University offers a fully online, 62-credit advanced generalist MSW with distinctive perks: zero textbook costs and paid practicum opportunities. Tuition starts at $879 per credit, placing it at a higher price point, but merit scholarships and alumni discounts help offset expenses. Flexible completion timelines range from one to four years, and evening online classes accommodate working schedules. The program holds CSWE accreditation candidacy, so applicants should confirm current status.
- Fully online, 62-credit advanced generalist curriculum
- Zero textbook cost across all courses
- Paid practicum opportunities available
- Tuition from $879/credit, merit scholarships offered
- Completion flexible from 1 to 4 years
- Evening online classes for working professionals
- CSWE accreditation candidacy (confirm current status)
What Online MSW Programs in PA Actually Cost
Tuition for online MSW programs in Pennsylvania ranges dramatically, from roughly $11,185 at Kutztown University to $29,220 at La Salle University, depending on school type and residency status. The table below sorts all 13 ranked programs by in-state tuition from lowest to highest, with net price included for comparison. One important caveat: the net price column reflects an institution-wide average after financial aid across all degree levels and is drawn from federal data. It is not a guaranteed MSW-specific figure, so your actual out-of-pocket cost may differ. Notice that several private universities (like Messiah and Eastern) list a single flat tuition rate regardless of residency, while public schools such as Pitt and Temple charge significantly more for out-of-state students.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (All Students) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | Public | $11,185 | $16,742 | $21,331 |
| Pennsylvania Western University | Public | $11,261 | $12,386 | $18,256 |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | Public | $12,479 | $17,339 | $20,787 |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | Public | $12,330 | $17,190 | $23,726 |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | Public | $12,720 | $18,287 | $19,608 |
| Messiah University | Private | $14,040 | $14,040 | $26,502 |
| Eastern University | Private | $14,534 | $14,534 | $26,662 |
| Alvernia University | Private | $17,010 | $17,010 | $28,138 |
| Saint Joseph's University | Private | $20,048 | $20,048 | $29,689 |
| Temple University | Public | $22,818 | $29,924 | $28,198 |
| Carlow University | Private | $24,816 | $24,816 | $20,786 |
| University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh | Public | $27,580 | $46,786 | $30,434 |
| La Salle University | Private | $29,220 | $29,220 | $19,409 |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Accelerated Online MSW Options for BSW Graduates in PA
How quickly can a BSW holder finish an online MSW in Pennsylvania, and how much tuition does the shorter track actually save? Advanced standing is the mechanism that makes the acceleration possible, and several CSWE-accredited PA programs build their online tracks around it. For a broader look at this pathway nationwide, see our guide to accelerated online MSW programs.
What Advanced Standing Actually Means
Advanced standing lets students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work skip the foundation year of the MSW. The logic is simple: BSW coursework already covers generalist practice, human behavior, social welfare policy, and an initial field placement, so requiring graduates to repeat that material would be redundant. Instead, advanced standing students enter directly into the specialized (concentration) year. A full MSW typically runs 60 credits over two years; advanced standing compresses that to roughly 30 to 39 credits and 12 months of full-time study.
One firm requirement: the BSW must come from a CSWE-accredited program. A bachelor's in psychology, sociology, or human services does not qualify, no matter how relevant the coursework looks. Programs also impose recency limits, since social work practice standards evolve.
PA Online Programs With Advanced Standing Tracks
- PennWest University: 33-credit advanced standing track, 600 field hours, completion in 12 to 24 months. Requires a 2.5 overall GPA, 3.0 in the major, and a BSW earned within the last 10 years.
- Widener University: 36-credit advanced standing track over roughly 24 months. Requires a 3.0 overall GPA, 3.3 in the major, and a BSW completed within the last 6 years.2
- Eastern University: 30-credit advanced standing track designed for completion in 12 months, with a 5-year BSW recency window.3
Other ranked PA programs, including Carlow, La Salle, Alvernia, Kutztown, Slippery Rock, Shippensburg, Millersville, and Temple, also publish advanced standing options ranging from 30 to 39 credits.
The Cost Math
Cutting credits cuts tuition proportionally. At Eastern's published rate, the 30-credit advanced standing track lands near $14,400 in tuition versus $28,800 for the full 60-credit program.3 At PennWest, dropping from 60 to 33 credits eliminates nearly half the per-credit charges. Across the ranked PA programs, advanced standing students typically save somewhere between $8,000 and $20,000 compared with the full MSW, on top of finishing a year earlier and entering the workforce sooner.
MSW Graduate Earnings and Debt Outcomes in Pennsylvania
Program-level earnings and debt figures for MSW completers at Pennsylvania schools are drawn from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. These reflect outcomes specific to MSW graduates, not university-wide averages. At the time of publication, Scorecard program-level earnings data for the online MSW programs featured in this ranking have not yet been released for enough schools to build a meaningful comparison chart.
Social Worker Salaries in Pennsylvania: BLS Data and Career Outlook
Entry-level positions versus licensed clinical roles tell very different salary stories in Pennsylvania, and the gap between them is one of the strongest arguments for completing an MSW rather than stopping at a BSW. Earning your MSW and pursuing clinical social work licensure can significantly expand your earning potential.
What Pennsylvania Social Workers Earn by Specialty
BLS data from 2023 shows clear variation across the three main social work subcategories in Pennsylvania. Healthcare social workers earn the most in the state, with a median annual wage of $63,010.2 Child, family, and school social workers cluster lower, with state median wages estimated in the $51,000 to $53,000 range. Mental health and substance abuse social workers fall in the middle, with medians roughly between $52,000 and $55,000.
These figures are from Pennsylvania-specific data. They are not directly comparable to the national figures below because the national data uses 2024 estimates while the state breakdowns reflect 2023 OEWS data.
How Pennsylvania Compares to National Medians
Nationally, BLS projects 2024 median annual wages as follows:
- Child, family, and school social workers: $58,570
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $59,200
- Healthcare social workers: $65,580
Pennsylvania's healthcare social workers track reasonably close to the national figure. Child, family, and school social workers in Pennsylvania, however, appear to earn somewhat below the national median for that category, which is worth factoring into specialty decisions.
Geographic Variation Within Pennsylvania
Where you practice inside Pennsylvania matters. BLS data for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area shows median annual wages for the broader "social workers, all other" category at $71,670, with a mean closer to $73,630.4 The top 10 percent in that metro earned above $110,470. The wage floor was lower, with the bottom 10 percent earning around $38,410.
Pittsburgh-specific breakdowns for individual social work subcategories were not available at the time this was written. In general, major metro areas command a wage premium over rural Pennsylvania counties, reflecting both cost of living and employer density.
Job Growth and Hiring Outlook
BLS projects social work occupations to grow about 6 percent nationally between 2024 and 2034, generating roughly 74,000 annual job openings across all specialties when turnover and retirements are included. Pennsylvania's labor market largely mirrors national trends: aging population, expanded Medicaid behavioral health coverage, and school-based services are driving consistent demand. Healthcare and behavioral health settings, in particular, have seen sustained hiring pressure statewide.
Related Articles
How Pennsylvania's LSW and LCSW Licensure Works
Pennsylvania requires all MSW programs to hold CSWE accreditation before graduates can apply for licensure. The path from degree completion to independent clinical practice follows a clear sequence governed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
Field Placement Logistics for Online MSW Students in PA
Field placement is where online and on-campus MSW programs converge on the same requirement: every student must log substantial supervised hours at an approved agency before graduating. For a deeper look at how placements work across programs nationwide, see our social work field placement guide.
How Many Hours to Expect
Pennsylvania programs cluster in the 900-to-1,080-hour range for the standard two-year MSW track. University of Pittsburgh sits at the higher end at 1,080 hours2, Temple University requires 1,0503, Widener University requires 1,010, and PennWest sets the floor at 900 hours. Advanced standing students, who typically hold a BSW and skip the foundation year, complete fewer hours: PennWest, for example, requires 600 hours for that cohort, and most PA programs fall in the 600-to-700-hour range for advanced standing MSW programs. These totals are usually split across two field placements, one generalist and one concentration-specific.
How Online Programs Coordinate Placements
Distance learners do not get assigned to a site near the university's main campus. Instead, placement happens where the student lives, with the program providing coordination support. Temple's fieldwork advisors help connect students to approved agencies within Pennsylvania.3 PennWest's field education team works with students to identify and vet local sites. The University of Pittsburgh offers dedicated placement support for online students navigating the process from a distance.2
Many PA programs have pre-established partnerships with agencies across the state, which gives students in larger metros a ready list to work from. Others require students to research and propose a site that meets program criteria, with the field office then confirming the agency meets accreditation standards. If you are considering a program that serves students outside Pennsylvania, check the specific policy: Eastern University, for instance, does not guarantee placements for out-of-state students.5
Urban vs. Rural Placement Realities
Students in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and their surrounding suburbs have the widest range of approved sites: hospitals, community mental health centers, child welfare agencies, VA facilities, and school systems all regularly accept MSW interns. Rural counties across central and northern Pennsylvania present a tighter landscape. Fewer agencies operate in those areas, some may not have the supervisory infrastructure programs require, and students may need to drive longer distances or be more proactive in identifying a qualifying site early in the application process.
If you live outside a major metro, contact the field education office before you enroll rather than after. Confirming placement feasibility in your county upfront can prevent a scheduling problem later in the program.
Online MSW Programs Near Philadelphia
Three CSWE-accredited MSW programs with online or hybrid delivery operate in Philadelphia proper: Temple University, La Salle University, and Saint Joseph's University. Temple offers a hybrid MSW with full-time and part-time tracks, while La Salle's hybrid program runs cohorts with multiple start dates. Saint Joseph's delivers a fully online MSW with evening classes and paid practicum opportunities. Just beyond the city line, Eastern University in Saint Davids provides a 100% online MSW that connects students to in-person field placements across the region. These programs are featured in the rankings above and give students direct access to one of the East Coast's most dynamic social work job markets.
Why Field Placements in the Philadelphia Metro Area Stand Out
Philadelphia's dense network of healthcare systems, school districts, and social service agencies creates unmatched field education opportunities. Students often secure placements at major hospital systems like Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health, within the School District of Philadelphia, or at behavioral health organizations such as community mental health centers and addiction recovery programs. Child welfare and family services agencies are equally abundant, giving MSW candidates exposure to varied populations and practice settings. This concentration of fieldwork sites means students can build specialized clinical, school, or macro-practice skills while staying close to home, a major draw for working professionals and career changers.
How Online Students Outside the City Access Philly Placements
You do not need to enroll in a Philadelphia-based program to complete your field hours in the region. Many fully online MSW programs headquartered elsewhere in Pennsylvania, including those at PennWest, Shippensburg, and Slippery Rock, maintain placement networks that reach into southeastern Pennsylvania. The critical factor is the program's placement coordination infrastructure, not geographic proximity to campus. During your interview, ask how the field office partners with agencies near your zip code. A well-connected coordinator can open doors to Philadelphia's top social work employers regardless of where your online classes originate. Some out-of-state online programs also actively place students in Philadelphia if they have established affiliation agreements. Students in neighboring states such as Maryland or Washington, DC may find similar metro-area placement arrangements available through their own programs.
Salary Outlook Reinforces the Metro Area's Appeal
Philadelphia's social work labor market rewards advanced credentials. As detailed in the salary section earlier, metro-level BLS data show that social workers in the Philadelphia area consistently earn above the statewide and national median wages. The combination of strong demand across healthcare, education, and government sectors and competitive pay makes investing in an MSW, and the intensive Philadelphia-based practicum that often accompanies it, a strategic career move.
How We Evaluated These PA Online MSW Programs
Every program in this guide was selected and ordered using a methodology that prioritizes what prospective students tell us matters most: whether they can actually afford the degree and what they stand to gain from it financially.
What Drives the Rankings
Affordability carries the heaviest weight. Net price after financial aid, published tuition rates, and broader financial accessibility metrics are the primary factors that determine where a program lands in the list. Beyond cost, we incorporate institution-wide graduation rates and, where available, program-level earnings outcomes drawn from federal College Scorecard data. Online or hybrid delivery availability also factors into inclusion, since this guide is specifically built for students who need flexible scheduling. For a broader view of how these PA programs compare nationally, see our guide to accredited online MSW programs.
What the Rankings Do Not Measure
These rankings do not attempt to evaluate curriculum quality, faculty credentials, student satisfaction survey results, or pass rates on the ASWB licensing exam. Those dimensions matter, but reliable, standardized data across all programs simply does not exist in a form that allows fair comparison. Readers should weigh those factors independently when making a final enrollment decision.
Baseline Filters
Every program listed here meets two non-negotiable criteria before any ranking methodology is applied:
- CSWE accreditation: The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, or is currently in candidacy. This is the baseline requirement for licensure eligibility in Pennsylvania and every other state.
- Online or hybrid delivery: The program offers coursework in an online or hybrid format, meaning students are not required to relocate to campus for the classroom portion of the degree.
If a program did not meet both filters, it was excluded regardless of cost or reputation.
Choosing an Online MSW in PA: Common Questions Answered
Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often when weighing online MSW programs in Pennsylvania. Where specific numbers are cited, they reflect the most recent data available as of the 2025 to 2026 academic year.