Why Temple University?
The online Master of Social Work program at Temple University attracts students with undergraduate degrees in liberal arts subjects. Temple University, a large public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers a comprehensive program to prepare students for the social work profession.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Temple University |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $1,000.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $60,000 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | liberal arts foundation |
| Campus Visit Required? | One Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3-4 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Clinical Practice; Macro Practice |
| Synchronous Classes | Yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | 15-20 students per course; online orientation that is self-paced; 3 day residency in Philadelphia between 1st and 2nd year of program, including intensive in-person coursework |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; Engage diversity and difference in practice; Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice; Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; engage in policy practice; Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program includes a 3-day residency in Philadelphia focusing on intensive coursework. Over 60 credits of coursework and a required practicum, students in the program learn to be ethical leaders in social work practice for individuals, groups, and communities. They learn to advance social, economic and environmental justice and conduct practice based in research and evaluation. The program does not include a capstone or thesis. Two concentrations are offered, in Clinical or Macro practice. |
What will I Learn?
As with other programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program at Temple University aims to educate ethical professionals grounded in human rights and social justice. Students learn to engage with diverse populations using research-based methods grounded in evaluation and assessment. They learn to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Required courses in the program include: Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions. Foundations in Social Work Research, and Social Welfare Policies and Services I and II. Students also must take Social Justice: Foundation for Transformative Social Work, 2 courses in Theory-Informed Direct Practice and 2 courses in Theory-Informed Macro Practice. Their required practicum is accompanied by Field Practicum courses. Second-year students complete a course in Advanced Social Justice: Anti-Oppressive Social Work.
Two concentrations are offered. In the Clinical Practice concentration students focus on therapy and other skills for helping individuals, and in Macro Practice students focus on administration and policy in order to improve the lives of groups and communities.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3-4 years and pay $1,000.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $60,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
The Temple University program is primarily synchronous in delivery, meaning that classes meet at a set time each week for “live” online sessions. Most students complete the program within 3-4 years. One visit to campus is required, between the first and second years. Students enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer.
With 15 to 20 students in most courses, the online program features a low student-to-faculty ratio and substantial face time with classmates and professors. A self-paced online orientation introduces students to Temple, social work and the technology they will be using.
Summary
A three-day residency in Philadelphia that is held between the first and second years of the program is a distinctive feature of the Temple University online Master of Social Work. In the residency, students focus on intensive coursework related to practice, research and the field internship. Other attractive features of the Temple program include a required course in Public Health and an interactive online orientation. The program is at the higher end in terms of cost.
