Why Widener University?
This small private university in Chester, Pennsylvania offers an online Master of Social Work degree program aimed at students from any background. No specific undergraduate degree or prerequisite courses are compulsory.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Widener University |
| Location | Chester |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Center for Social Work Education |
| Credits | 57 |
| Cost per credit | $983.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $56,031 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Concentration in clinical social work and trauma |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| 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 | Traditional and advanced standing, part-time only |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | To prepare culturally competent social workers who: Are dedicated to the attainment of social and economic justice for the betterment of poor, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families, groups, and communities; Demonstrate care and compassion for clients from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds; Hold an unwavering belief in client strengths, client empowerment, and the importance of the helping relationship |
| Program Description | Requiring 57 credits of coursework, this online master’s program in social work prepares students to be culturally competent practitioners who approach social work from a strengths-based perspective. No capstone is required, but all students complete a required practicum. Students can enroll in a concentration in clinical social work and trauma. |
What will I Learn?
The emphasis throughout the program is to prepare culturally competent social workers who are dedicated to the attainment of social and economic justice for the betterment of poor, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program aims to produce graduates who demonstrate care and compassion for clients from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Throughout the program, students are urged to hold an unwavering belief in client strengths, client empowerment, and the importance of the helping relationship.
The required curriculum begins with two courses on Human Behavior and the Social Environment, accompanied by a course in Interpersonal Processes. Theory is complemented by practical training in Foundation Generalist Social Work Practice and Foundation Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Small Groups. Students gain further skills in Methods of Social Work Research, and two courses in Social and Economic Justice. All students complete the required practicum in Field Instruction I/II and the accompanying Seminar. In their second year or equivalent, students focus on clinical practice in Foundation for Clinical Social Work Practice, Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals, Clinical Social Work Practice with Families, and Clinical Social Work Seminar. The second year practicum includes Field Instruction III/IV and an accompanying Seminar. All students are required to complete courses in Organization and Program Development and Treating Trauma.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $983.00 per credit for a total of 57 credits, or just over $56,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
The program offers only asynchronous classes, which can be completed on a student’s own schedule. No visit to campus is required, leading to greater flexibility and lower cost. Most students in the Traditional program (ie. without Bachelor’s of Social Work) complete the program in 3 years. The program can only be completed part-time, and students can begin in Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.
Summary
Students seeking an online MSW program at a smaller institution with a strong trauma focus would be attracted to the program at Widener. The program falls into the middle range in terms of cost, with required courses similar to comparable programs. The program is offered in a part-time model only, which would be attractive to students who wish to maintain full-time employment during the MSW.