MSW Program in Philadelphia
The Master of Social Work program at West Chester University offers the same quality education in Center City Philadelphia via part-time evening classes. Check out this video to hear from some of our students and see our facilities at PASSHE Center City.
Application Deadlines
Please see our Admissions Page for full details regarding application requirements.
Programs Offered
Advanced Standing Entry: 1-Year and 2-Year Completion Options
Qualified applicants who have earned a B.S.W. within the past seven years from a CSWE-accredited program may qualify for advanced standing and reduce their time of enrollment. The Advanced Standing Program can be completed in one or two years.
Regular Entry: 2-Year, 3-Year or 4-Year Completion Options
The MSW Program is designed to meet the needs of students who are often working and caregiving while attending graduate school. At the Philadelphia location, all required MSW courses are offered in the evening and can be completed in two, three, or four academic years.
Curriculum, course times and sequence for all programs.
Field Education
In accordance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), all students must complete at least 952 hours of field experience to graduate. Hours are completed through two separate field experiences, the first totaling 448 hours and the second totaling 504 hours. West Chester University's MSW Department partners with hundreds of agencies in the region, allowing us to meet students' diverse interests within the social work profession.
For students working full-time in addition to attending school, there are some opportunities for employment-based field placements as well as extended field experiences, that require working at the field site over breaks and/or into the summer, with a reduced requirement for weekly hours. While weekend and evening placements are sought after, they are limited.
All field placements are arranged by the department's director of field education, rather than by students. It is recommended that individuals interested in advanced standing apply early to receive the broadest availability of placement opportunities.
As prescribed by the CSWE, academic credit cannot be given for life or work experience, or for internships outside of an accredited graduate social work program.
Contact
We're here to help! If you have any questions about WCU or the application process contact Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, Emma Garner at egarner@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2575.