WCU Advantage

Quality

Our nationally-ranked Master of Social Work program offers students a quality education at an exceptionally affordable rate. Within a public university renowned for its commitment to student-centered education, the MSW Program at West Chester University combines personal attention with accessibility to interdisciplinary resources.

Students are immersed in the study and practice of cutting-edge social work practice areas including social work with veterans and military families, older adults, substance use disorders, child welfare, traumatic brain injury, and community practice. Students work alongside faculty nationally recognized for their research and practice experience.

Flexibility

The MSW Program is designed to meet the needs of students, who are often working and caregiving while attending graduate school. All required MSW courses are offered during the day and evening so full-time students can complete the degree in two academic years. For students working full-time as well as attending school, there are some opportunities for employment-based field placements as well as extended field placements, working at the field site during breaks, with a reduced requirement for weekly hours. We offer students the flexibility to take courses on a part-time basis and complete the degree in three or four years.

The MSW Program also offers a 12-month Advanced Standing option to qualified applicants who have graduated within the last five years with a bachelor's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students may also complete the Advanced Standing program in two years on a part-time basis.

Affordability

West Chester University is a public comprehensive institution that demonstrates a long-standing commitment to public education. WCU is member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, whose purpose is "to provide high quality education at the lowest possible cost to students."

The MSW Program at West Chester University offers the highest quality education for the best value in the greater Philadelphia region. See how WCU's tuition stacks up against other local MSW programs .

Personal attention

Students in the MSW Program enjoy intentionally small classes taught by experienced faculty. The individual attention students receive provides intensive and comprehensive training in social work practice and research, as well as professional mentoring and guidance. A number of professors have involved students in research projects and presented with students at local, regional, state, national and international professional conferences.

Commitment to social justice

The driving force behind the MSW Program at WCU is a strong commitment to our social work roots: community action, social justice and the enhanced well-being of vulnerable populations through meaningful and lasting social change.

Highlights

  • Knowledgeable and experienced faculty committed to excellent teaching, advancing the field through research, and improving the community
  • One of the most affordable MSW programs in the region
  • Recently redesigned curriculum
  • Small class size (less than 20 students on average)
  • Interdisciplinary opportunities through Graduate Certificate Programs
  • Diverse elective offerings across two locations and seven departments
  • High touch academic advising model
  • Suburban and urban locations
  • Study abroad opportunities
  • Diverse student body