Looking to start or advance your career as a social worker in The Keystone State? Then these rankings of the best MSW programs in Pennsylvania is the perfect place to start!
This state boasts an impressive array of Master In Social Work degree programs. In fact, we counted at least 16 different programs to choose from. With all those options, choosing the right school for you may seem like a daunting task.
Fortunately, however, we gathered data on every single available program. Then, we ranked them by graduates’ success on official ASWB licensure exams.
Additionally, we provide all the key information you need to know about the top MSW programs in PA. This includes exam pass rates, available degree pathways, admission requirements, tuition, and more.
So, to discover if one of these programs may be the perfect fit for you, keep reading.
Table of Contents
- What Is The Best MSW Program In Pennsylvania?
- 5 Best MSW Programs In Pennsylvania Ranked
- Is An MSW Program In Pennsylvania Right For You?
- Pennsylvania MSW Programs FAQs
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What Is The Best MSW Program In Pennsylvania?
There is a two-way tie for the best MSW program in Pennsylvania based on our ranking criteria. Both Penn State University and Slippery Rock University attained a 100% pass rate on the ASWB Master’s Exam and Clinical Exam.
While only one graduate from each school took each exam, they all passed.
However, just because these two schools topped our rankings doesn’t necessarily mean one of them is the right fit for you.
For example, while Penn State had high exam pass rates, they only offer an online MSW degree. This means it won’t be a good fit if you’re looking to attend classes on-campus.
Meanwhile, a school like UPenn offers a ton of graduate certificates and specializations. This could be good if you’re particularly interested in one specific area of social work. However, this school is also one of the most expensive in our rankings, which could limit its appeal if you’re searching for a more affordable degree.
Ultimately, picking the right program will depend on your own unique goals, interests, and circumstances. So, keep reading to learn more about all the top MSW programs in Pennsylvania, and what makes each one stand out.
5 Best MSW Programs In Pennsylvania Ranked
To rank the best MSW programs in Pennsylvania, we used official exam pass rate data from the Association of Social Work Boards. This way we were able to rank each school using an objective metric.
Since you’ll need to pass the Master’s Exam in order to become a Licensed Master of Social Work, these pass rates are a good measure of how well each school prepares you for social work practice.
The table below ranks every MSW program from the highest ASWB Master’s Exam pass rate to the lowest. To learn more about the top MSW programs in Pennsylvania, keep reading after the table.
Note: Cairn University had one graduate take and pass the ASWB Master’s Exam. This gave them a 100% pass rate, placing them within the top three performing schools. However, the School of Social Work at Cairn University has been defunct since Summer 2021. School officials declared that the Council on Social Work Education’s accreditation requirements didn’t align with the university’s values regarding sexuality and gender. Since this program no longer exists, we do not cover it in our rankings after the table.
| School | Masters Exam Pass Rate | Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| 1. Pennsylvania State University | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| 2. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| 3. Cairn University (defunct) | 100.0% | N/A |
| 4. University of Pennsylvania | 89.1% | 84.6% |
| 5. University of Pittsburgh | 76.8% | 77.2% |
| 6. Bryn Mawr College | 72.9% | 83.9% |
| 7. Shippensburg University | 66.7% | 83.3% |
| 8. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | 59.7% | 64.7% |
| 9. Millersville University of Pennsylvania | 55.6% | 57.9% |
| 10. Widener University | 53.0% | 53.0% |
| 11. Temple University | 52.9% | 69.5% |
| 12. West Chester University | 52.8% | 66.7% |
| 13. Marywood University | 49.6% | 57.1% |
| 14. California University of Pennsylvania | 42.2% | 55.0% |
| 15. Kutztown University | 42.0% | 46.7% |
| 16. Carlow University | 33.3% | N/A |
| 17. Alvernia University | 31.2% | N/A |
| 18. Elizabethtown College (BSW only) | 0.0% | N/A |
| 19. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (BSW only) | 0.0% | N/A |
1. Penn State University
Based on our research, it appears that Penn State University only offers an MSW degree through their online “World Campus”. While they currently only offer a 60-credit Traditional Standing track, they will begin offering an Advanced Standing option beginning in 2025.
The Advanced Standing track allows you to receive credit for the year-one Generalist curriculum. However, the number of advanced credits granted is dependent on your BSW program’s comparability to Penn State’s first-year Generalist courses.
Furthermore, since this program is fully online, you can take advantage of flexible scheduling and complete courses at your own pace. For Traditional Standing students, you’ll need to complete 60 credit hours, 12 credit hours of which are field practicum courses.
We should also note that this is a clinically-focused program. This means you’ll gain the skills to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.”
Finally, to gain entry into the MSW program at Penn State’s World Campus, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a broad liberal arts foundation; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last five years
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate coursework; Advanced Standing students must attain a minimum 3.25 GPA in all undergraduate coursework
- Advanced Standing students must achieve a B grade or better in their BSW major courses to receive credit towards the MSW program
- Advanced Standing students can receive 6 field education credits from their BSW program, as long as they practicum totals at least 400 hours and you receive a B grade or higher
- Three references; Advanced Standing students must include their BSw field supervisor as one of the references
- Submission of resume and goal statement
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $1,027 per credit (part-time students taking 11 or less credits per semester); $12,325 per semester (full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester) | It appears that, because this program is only online, the tuition is the same for resident and non-resident students | 100% | 100% |
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2. Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Tied for first place in our rankings of the best MSW programs in Pennsylvania is Slippery Rock University. Like Penn State, this school achieved a 100% pass rate on the ASWB Master’s and Clinical Exams. One graduate took each test, and both of them passed.
Slippery Rock allows you to earn your Master in Social Work degree through a Traditional Standing or Advanced Standing track. Additionally, you have the option to complete your coursework on-campus or online.
Furthermore, the Traditional Standing pathway requires two years of full-time study to complete, while the Advanced Standing pathway requires just one year. You may also choose to pursue your degree in an individualized part-time format.
We should also note that this school’s MSW program is clinically-focused, equipping you with the skills to diagnose and treat mental health problems. However, the program also “addresses the general practice competencies required for all graduate social work programs.”
Uniquely, you’ll automatically earn a graduate certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the completion of this MSW program. You may also opt to pursue a graduate certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work.
Finally, to gain admission into the Slippery Rock University’s MSW program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree; No particular timeline is provided for Advanced Standing students as to when they must have earned their BSW degree
- No specific GPA requirements are listed on the website
- Submission of resume and personal statement
- Two electronic recommendation forms
Unfortunately, not all of the specific admission requirements are explicitly communicated for this program. So, if you’re interested in this one, it may be smart to reach out directly to the graduate coordinator.
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $4,644 per semester (full-time students taking nine or more credits per semester); $516 per credit hour (part-time students taking eight or fewer credits per semester); $516 per credit hour (online students) | $6,966 per semester (full-time students taking nine or more credits per semester); $774 per credit hour (part-time students taking eight or fewer credits per semester); $568 per credit hour (online students) | 100% | 100% |
3. University of Pennsylvania
The third school in our rankings of the top MSW programs in Pennsylvania is University of Pennsylvania. Graduates from this school achieved an 89.1% pass rate on the ASWB Master’s Exam in 2022, with 90 out of 101 passing the test.
Meanwhile, 115 of the 136 graduates who took the Clinical Exam passed, equalling an 85.6% pass rate.
UPenn offers several different pathways through which you can earn your MSW degree, including:
- Two-Year, Full-Time Traditional Standing: Beginning in the Fall semester and concluding the following Spring, this track requires you to take four courses per semester. You’ll complete one field placement each academic year, spending three days per week in the field.
- Three-Year, Part-Time Traditional Standing: Beginning in the Fall semester, you’ll take two courses during Fall and Spring semesters for all three years and during two Summer semesters. You’ll complete two field placements, one in the second year and one in the third year, spending 16 hours per week in the field.
- 10-Month, Full-Time Advanced Standing: Beginning in the Summer semester and concluding in the Spring, you’ll take three courses in the first semester and four courses in each of the following semesters. You’ll complete either a clinical or macro concentration field placement from July to April, spending three days per week in the field.
- Child Welfare Education For Leadership (CWEL): This track is for employees of Pennsylvania county child welfare agencies who have been employed by the same agency for at least two years. This track is available both full-time or part-time.
In addition to the degree pathways listed above, this school also offers several certificate programs and specialization options, including:
- Ann Nolan Reese Penn Aging Certificate
- Certificate in Law
- Cohen Veterans Network MSW Scholars
- Global Human Rights Certificate
- LGBTQ+ Certificate
- Social Work in Healthcare Specialization
- Certificate For Applied Data Ethics, Law, and The Social Good
- Child Well-Being and Child Welfare
- Criminal Justice Specialization
- Graduate Certificate in Latin American and Latinx Studies
- MSW/Home-School Visitor Certificate
We should also note that UPenn provides several dual degree options you can pair with your MSW, such as:
- Master in Law
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Fine Arts
- Master of Science in Criminology
- Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- Master of Bioethics
- Master of City Planning
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science in Education
- Master of Science in Social Policy
- Juris Doctor
Finally, to gain entry into the MSW program at University of Pennsylvania, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a liberal arts perspective; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last five years
- No specific GPA requirements are listed
- Advanced Standing students must attain a grade of B or higher in all undergraduate social work courses
- Submission of resume and application essay
- Three letters of recommendation, with at least one academic and one professional reference; Advanced Standing students should also submit one reference from their BSW field placement instructor
- Submission of recorded video interview
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $55,824 per academic year (Full-time Traditional Standing students); $69,780 per academic year (Full-time Advanced Standing students); $6,978 per course unit (Part-time Traditional Standing students) | N/A (private university) | 89.1% | 84.6% |
4. University of Pittsburgh
Fourth in our rankings of the best MSW programs in Pennsylvania is University of Pittsburgh. Graduates from this school achieved a 76.8% pass rate on the ASWB Master’s Exam in 2022, with 149 out of 194 passing the test.
Meanwhile, of the 180 graduates who took the Clinical Exam, 139 of them passed, giving this school a 77.2% pass rate.
University of Pittsburgh provides several different tracks through which you can earn your Master’s in Social Work degree, including:
- Two-Year, Full-Time Traditional Standing
- 10-Semester, Part-Time Traditional Standing
- 12-Month, Full-Time Advanced Standing (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- 16-Month, Full-Time Advanced Standing (Fall, Spring, Fall)
- Part-Time Advanced Standing (there is no particular timeframe for this track, but you must complete the program within four years)
Additionally, this school offers two MSW specializations: Direct Practice with Individuals, Families, and Small Groups or Community, Organization, and Social Action (COSA).
The Direct Practice specialization equips you with the skills to assess, intervene, and evaluate clients’ needs and strengths. Meanwhile, the COSA specialization prepares you for leadership roles in community development and human services management.
You may also opt to pursue a certificate to complement your MSW degree, such as:
- Children, Youth, and Families (Direct Practice Specialization)
- Gerontology (Direct Practice Specialization)
- Home and School Visitor/School Social Work (Direct Practice Specialization)
- Integrated Healthcare (Direct Practice Specialization)
- Mental Health (Direct Practice Specialization)
- Human Services Management (COSA specialization)
- Community Organizing Practice Certificate (COSA specialization)
- Gerontology (COSA specialization)
We should also note that this school provides several joint degrees you can pair with your Master In Social Work, including:
- Master of Public and International Affairs
- Master of International Development
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Divinity
Finally, to gain entry into the MSW program at University of Pittsburgh, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last 10 years
- Ideally, of your 60 undergraduate credits, 30 should be in liberal arts and 30 should be in social sciences
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate coursework
- Advanced Standing students must earn a B or better in undergraduate social work courses for them to count as credits toward the MSW degree
- Advanced Standing students must complete at least 400 practicum hours and earn a grade of B or better in their undergraduate field experience to apply six field education to the MSW degree
- Submission of resume and personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $12,917 per semester (full-time students); $1,038 per credit (part-time students) | $18,086 per semester (full-time students); $1,881 per credit (part-time students) | 76.8% | 77.2% |
5. Bryn Mawr College
The fifth and final school in our rankings of the best MSW programs in Pennsylvania is Bryn Mawr College. Graduates from this school attained a 72.9% pass rate on the ASWB Master’s Exam in 2022, with 70 out of 96 passing.
Meanwhile, of the 56 graduates who took the Clinical Exam, 47 of them passed, giving this school an 83.9% pass rate.
The degree Bryn Mawr College awards is called the Master of Social Service, which is equivalent to a Master In Social Work. You can earn this degree through several different pathways, including:
- Two-Year, Full-Time Traditional Standing
- Three-Year, Part-Time Traditional Standing
- One-Year, Full-time Advanced Standing
We couldn’t find any information regarding a part-time Advanced Standing track, so we’re unsure if this option is available at this school.
However, regardless of your degree pathway, you can pursue one of two advanced specializations: Clinical Social Work Practice or Communities, Organizations, Policy, and Advocacy.
The Clinical Social Work Practice specialization “focuses on practice with individuals, families, and groups.” Meanwhile, the Communities, Organizations, Policy, and Advocacy specialization focuses on understanding and aligning the priorities of communities and “helping shape responsive, socially just programs and policies.”
We should also note that you can choose to pursue one of two graduate certificates while enrolled in this MSW program. They include the Home and School Visitor Certificate Program and Center For Child and Family Wellbeing Fellowship.
Finally, to gain admission into Bryn Mawr College’s MSW program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last five years
- Advanced Standing students must attain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate coursework; No minimum GPA requirement is listed for Traditional Standing students
- Submission of personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation (if you’ve been out of school for less than five years, you must submit at least two academic references); Advanced Standing students must submit one reference from each of the following: BSW program director; field instructor; and faculty member
- Completion of admissions interview
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $5,420 per semester course | N/A (private college) | 72.9% | 83.9% |
Is An MSW Program In Pennsylvania Right For You?
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There are lots of MSW programs in Pennsylvania to choose from. However, any of the ones listed in this article could make a great choice.
While Penn State caters specifically to online students, Slippery Rock provides a strong clinical social work foundation, automatically earning you Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certificate.
On the other hand, UPenn offers an impressive array of certificates and specializations, from a Global Human Rights Certificate to Social Work in Healthcare specialization.
Likewise, University of Pittsburgh provides several certificates to enhance your MSW degree, along with both 12-month and 16-month full-time Advanced Standing pathways.
Finally, Bryn Mawr College could make the best fit for those looking for a school with small class sizes and a close-knit community.
However, if you didn’t see a program that quite piqued your interest above, you’re not limited to school Pennsylvania. In fact, you may want to consider other online degree options, which typically offer more flexibility and affordability than traditional programs.
So, to find an MSW program that suits your specific interests and goals, fill out this form and we’ll help you get started!
Pennsylvania MSW Programs FAQs
What Is The Salary For An MSW In Pennsylvania?
The average annual MSW salary in Pennsylvania is $71,893. However, salaries typically range anywhere from $59,135 to $86,267 per year.
Does Penn State Have An MSW Program?
Penn State does have an MSW program, but they only offer the program online through their World Campus.
Unfortunately, it does not appear that Penn State provides an on-campus option to earn your Master In Social Work degree.
