Master of

Social Work
First Choice,
Only
Choice
Program Facts
Delivery Method:
Online
Start Term:
Fall, Summer
Completion Time:
12-24 Months
Credits:
39 or 60

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Social Work (M.A./M.S.W.)

About Our Social Work Program

Advance your career, gain knowledge and skills, earn a Master of Social Work degree with a program- embedded Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certificate from Slippery Rock University. The SRU Master of Social Work (MSW) program can be completed online or in a hybrid format. The program prepares students to provide social work interventions with diverse populations in a variety of practice settings. SRU’s MSW prepares students for a specialized practice in “Advanced Clinical Practice with Children, Adults and Families.”

Slippery Rock University's Master of Social Work Degree is a 60-credit program, or 39-credits for advanced standing (Advanced standing students are those with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program). Built on the foundation of SRU's successful Bachelor of Social Work, the program nurtures students’ passion to help others while providing rigorous academic courses that enable them to translate that passion into best practices.

Why Get a Social Work Degree?

  • Learn your way with flexible options — complete the MSW fully online or in a hybrid format if you prefer in-person learning.
  • Finish in just two years full-time with a 60-credit plan, or fast-track your degree in one year if you qualify for advanced standing (39 credits).
  • Create a schedule that works for you with part-time, individualized completion plans.
  • Complete hands-on field placements in-person at a location near you.
  • Earn a Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as part of the MSW program.
  • Choose advanced electives like crisis intervention, grief & loss, forensic social work, and animal-assisted interventions.
  • Pursue a specialized certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work (AASW), including a one-time in-person training experience.
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2020 Masters in Special Education Award Badge
2017 Best Online Colleges for Masters in Special Education Seal
Masters in Special Education Award Badge
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Accredited. Respected. Proven.

The Master of Social Work program at Slippery Rock University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation is the gold standard for social work education, signifying that a program has undergone a rigorous peer-review process and meets the highest national standards for academic excellence. Graduating from a CSWE-accredited program is a critical credential, as it is a requirement in all 50 states for an individual to become a licensed social worker.



Career Outcomes

SRU Master of Social Work graduates are prepared for clinical practice in a varied social work setting including mental and behavioral health, substance abuse, medical/hospital, school/education, forensic/police, veterans/military, aging, and more.

The need for social service managers and clinical social workers has grown by 25% between 2012 and 2022 and will continue to grow faster than average into 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The need for mental and behavioral health and substance abuse practitioners is set to increase by 19%, increasing from about 450,000 workers in 2023 to 534,000 by 2033, making it among the top 20 fastest-growing occupations.

The national mean annual wage in 2022 for social workers was $61,420 with social workers in Pennsylvania earning an annual mean wage between $73,390 and $83,430. The top 10% of social workers in the United States can earn $95,560.


Requirements

What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!

Program Director / Coordinator

Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Tami Micsky
Social Work
724.738.4493
tami.micsky@sru.edu

Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.

Successful applicant profiles will include a strong academic record, volunteer or work experience in health or social services, and letters of recommendation. All applicants must submit a completed online graduate application and non-refundable application fee:

  • Official undergraduate degree transcript(s) and any graduate transcripts
  • Two electronic recommendation forms
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement: Write an essay 1 1/2 - 2 pages describing yourself and the qualities that will make you an effective social worker; your experiences related to social work; your career goals

Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.

Resources from SRU

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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