Online MSW Programs in Pennsylvania (PA)

Individuals residing in Pennsylvania who wish to earn their MSW online have several options to consider as they explore Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited online MSW programs. There are various Pennsylvania-based universities and many out-of-state universities with online MSW programs that accept students from Pennsylvania. Below are examples of MSW programs in the Keystone State.

Widener University’s online MSW program offers a clinical social work curriculum with a specialization in trauma. This program explores the role that trauma plays in different mental, emotional, physical, and social challenges that individuals face across the lifespan. Widener University offers traditional standing and advanced standing MSW options. Students complete two field practicums during the program, totaling 1,010+ hours of field education at an approved local agency. This program is fully online, as it does not require students to attend any on-campus intensives or residencies.

PennWest (formerly associated with Edinboro University’s MSW) offers an online MSW program marketed as 100% asynchronous with no required campus visits. PennWest lists Regular Standing (60 credits) and Advanced Standing (33 credits) options. Field education is still required, with program materials indicating a minimum of 900 hours for regular standing and 600 hours for advanced standing.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

The Temple University social work program offers students a variety of concentration choices, including clinical and macro concentrations, as well as specializations in health/mental health and child & family. The program is offered to traditional standing students on a part-time basis, taking about 3 to 4 years to complete the required 60 credits. The field practicum requirements for this program total 1050 hours. (Note: OnlineMSWPrograms.com classifies any program that requires two or fewer visits to campus annually as an online program.)

There are ALSO dozens of online MSW programs offered by out-of-state universities that accept students from Pennsylvania. Many of these universities offer 100% online MSW programs that do not require any campus visits, while some other programs do require students to attend a limited number of on-campus intensives. For students who would like the opportunity to meet course faculty and interact with their fellow students in person while still completing their coursework online, online MSW programs that require campus visits may be a good option. (Note: OnlineMSWPrograms.com classifies any program that requires two or fewer visits to campus annually as an online program.)

Tuition for online MSW programs varies widely by university, so students should check with the admissions offices of the programs they are interested in for the most up-to-date rates. Some online MSW programs charge the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, which is something to consider while researching programs. Finally, some universities charge the same tuition rate for on-campus and online programs, while others charge different rates for on-campus and online students.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

How to Become a Social Worker in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors issues two types of social work license: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).. Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Pennsylvania, which you should confirm with Pennsylvania’s Board of Social Workers.

Pathway to Become an LBSW in Pennsylvania

  • Complete a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program.
  • Apply through Pennsylvania’s licensing system (PALS) for LCSW and obtain approval/eligibility to register for the exam (Pennsylvania’s guidance indicates eligibility notification comes after your application is complete).
  • Complete Pennsylvania’s required child abuse training (3 hours of DHS-approved training) as a condition of initial licensure.
  • Complete the required background check.
  • Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.
  • Submit required education documentation (such as an official transcript, as instructed by PALC/Board materials) so your LBSW can be issued.

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Pennsylvania

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania requires LCSW applicants to hold a current PA license as a social worker (LSW) before LCSW licensure. 
  • Following graduation, complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
  • Apply through Pennsylvania’s licensing system (PALS) for LCSW and obtain approval/eligibility to register for the exam (Pennsylvania’s guidance indicates eligibility notification comes after your application is complete).
  • Complete Pennsylvania’s required child abuse training (3 hours of DHS-approved training) as a condition of initial licensure.

Pathway to Become an LSW in Pennsylvania

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Apply for licensure through Pennsylvania’s licensing system (PALS) under the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. When your application is complete, the Board will notify you that you are eligible to register for the ASWB master’s level exam. 
  • Pass the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Complete Pennsylvania’s initial licensure requirement of 3 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting.
  • Apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Information last updated: January 2026