The College of Health and Human Development at Pennsylvania State University will launch a new online Master of Social Work program, with the first cohort starting in fall 2024 on Penn State World Campus.
Program Introduction:
The Master of Social Work at Pennsylvania State University is designed to train social workers to address challenges faced by clinical social workers today, building a foundation through coursework and clinical experience. Applicants with backgrounds in psychology, human development, and sociology are encouraged, but those with a bachelor's degree in any field who wish to pursue clinical social work are welcome to apply.
Students can choose between two concentrations: children and families, or mental health and substance use. The degree program prepares graduates for clinical social work roles and qualifies them for various levels of licensure, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
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Program Strengths:
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Full-time and part-time options available
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Flexible format: 100% online
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CSWE accreditation: Pre-candidacy status has been applied for with the Council on Social Work Education.
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Faculty hold doctoral degrees and have decades of social work experience
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Integrates advanced clinical computer simulations and instructional technology with hands-on field experience in real-world settings.
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Offers greater learning flexibility and career opportunities.
Career Prospects:
Related Fields:
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Child protective services social worker
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Director of child welfare services
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Clinical social worker
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Healthcare social worker
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Hospice and palliative care social worker
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Social services director
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Social work case manager
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Substance abuse counselor
Employment Outlook for Related Careers:
.PNG)
Career Services:
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Opportunities to connect with employers
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Career advisor/coach support
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Career and salary information
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Internships
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Graduate school resources
Curriculum:
Program Length:
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Three terms per year (spring, summer, and fall), typically 12–15 weeks each.
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Full-time: 2 years, four courses per term (fall and spring only)
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Part-time: schedule to be arranged with an academic advisor
Credits:
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60 credits
Program Requirements:
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Core required courses (36 credits): Includes Foundations of Clinical Social Work Practice, Clinical Social Work Across the Lifespan, Diverse Populations in Clinical Social Work Practice, and more.
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Concentration courses (12 credits): In their chosen concentration, students will take courses on social work practice with those populations, policy issues, and trauma and treatment.
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Clinical practicum credits (12 credits): Students will engage in field work related to their concentration at various points in the program and complete 900 hours of field work before graduation—225 hours per term, approximately 15 hours per week.
Required Courses:
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Core Required Courses (36 credits)
Choose one of two concentrations (12 credits)
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Children and Families concentration
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Mental Health and Substance Use concentration
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Practicum Courses (12 credits)
Admission Requirements:
Application Deadlines:
Fall 2024 start (August 26): application deadline July 1, 2024
Requirements:
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Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ scores
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Must hold a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent
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Official or certified transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
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Three references
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Resume or CV
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Statement of purpose: In 1,000 to 1,500 characters, outline your career goals and reasons for joining the program
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Undergraduate GPA of 3.0+
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GRE not required
Tuition:
- Calculated per credit
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2024–25 academic year: fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025
For more updates on Pennsylvania State University admissions, follow CheersYou（清柚教育） for the latest study-abroad information!
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