7 Best Online Social Work Degrees in Pennsylvania 2025

Completing a top online bachelor's in social work can help you pursue various career paths, as well as advanced studies that can translate to a career as a licensed social worker. If you're interested in finding out about the best online social work degrees in Pennsylvania, you're in the right place.

Below, we'll talk about some of the top options for online learners in Pennsylvania, including low-cost online social work degrees, reputable bachelor's and master's degrees, and flexible programs. We'll also answer some questions you may have about becoming an online learner in a social work program.

Best Online Social Work Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

Various Pennsylvania colleges and universities have online social work degrees. Keep reading as we explore some of the top schools and the programs they offer.

1. Temple University

Temple University is a public school in Philadelphia. It offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program.

This part-time program is one of the best online master's in social work programs. It is ideal for busy working professionals and those with other commitments. A mix of live and asynchronous classes provides a unique blend of structure and flexibility. Students complete fieldwork requirements in their local communities and often earn this degree within four years.

2. Widener University

Widener University is a private school headquartered in Chester providing several online programs � one of these is a Master of Social Work. Students in this MSW program can choose between traditional and advanced-standing options, allowing them to accelerate their studies if they already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.

An optional trauma certificate is available as part of this program. Students benefit from flexible coursework, a generous transfer policy, and a high-quality program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

3. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a public school with campuses in Mansfield, Bloomsburg, and Lock Haven. Various online degrees are also available, including a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

The program provides basic and advanced generalist education to help students pursue numerous entry-level careers in social work and other human services fields. Students develop an appreciation for social justice and improve critical-thinking skills through online coursework, then gain hands-on experience through high-quality field placements.

4. Pennsylvania Western University

Pennsylvania Western University, also known as PennWest, is a public school with campuses in various areas of Pennsylvania, including Edinboro, California, and Clarion. Students can pursue bachelor's and master's degrees in social work online at this school.

Students in these programs study topics like human behavior, social policy, and advanced clinical practice. Field experiences provide real-world applications to what students learn in the classroom. Coursework is flexible, and students who complete the programs are eligible to pursue various career paths.

5. Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's University is a private school headquartered in Philadelphia. It provides an online Master of Social Work program.

The program is highly flexible, enabling students to earn their degree in one to four years, depending on study preferences. Students learn to promote social welfare and the well-being of vulnerable populations. Those looking for accelerated online social work degrees can enroll in this program as part of a 4+1 program, helping them earn their bachelor's and master's degrees quickly.

6. Eastern University

Eastern University is a private school headquartered in St. Davids. It offers a highly accessible Master of Social Work degree with both advanced-standing and traditional tracks.

MSW students in this program enjoy self-paced coursework, affordable tuition rates, and the ability to complete practicum requirements at a location convenient to them. This trauma-informed, accredited degree is an excellent choice for those looking to further their career while fitting their education into their busy lives.

7. Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University is a small public school named for the town where it is located. It provides an online Master of Social Work degree.

The program is customizable and comes with a built-in cognitive behavioral therapy certificate. Traditional and advanced-standing tracks are available, and students can choose electives like crisis intervention, animal-assisted interventions, and forensic social work. Field education is completed at locations near the student's home for maximum convenience.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose only the highest-quality programs when compiling our school lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the schools in this article:

• Accreditation: All of the schools above are accredited by U.S. Department of Education-recognized organizations as well as the CSWE.
• Reputation: Each school is well-respected and known for providing top-level academics for both online and in-person students.
• Accessibility: Many of the programs offer flexible coursework and the freedom to study full-time or part-time. Affordable tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, generous transfer credit policies, and other features also make these programs more accessible for a greater number of students.

How To Choose an Online Social Work Program

If you're trying to choose which online social work degree program is right for you, it's important to think about what you want most out of your educational experience. Is there a specific school you want to attend? A maximum per-credit-hour tuition rate you're willing to pay? Clubs or other student organizations you'd like to be involved with?

Make a list of your priorities and determine which ones are most important. Then, as you browse different schools, see which ones meet or exceed the greatest number of these priorities. This will help you narrow down your options and effectively choose a school that best aligns with your interests.

Benefits of Online Programs in Social Work

Students studying online tend to have much more freedom and flexibility than on-campus students. Online programs are often designed with flexible or even self-paced coursework that students can complete on their own time.

Online programs often cost less than in-person programs, especially for out-of-state students. Tuition rates may be lower, especially at online colleges that accept FAFSA and other types of financial aid. Additionally, students studying online won't have to pay for expenses like transportation or room and board, which can also help them save money.

FAQs About Online Social Work Degrees in Pennsylvania

If you still have questions about beginning your social work profession with an online degree, keep reading. In this section, we'll answer some common questions you may have.

How Do I Become a Certified Social Worker in Pennsylvania?

To begin working as a supervised, entry-level social worker in Pennsylvania, you will need a bachelor's degree in the field. However, full-fledged licensed social workers (LSWs) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) must earn a master's degree.

You may also be required to obtain supervised clinical experience depending on which certification you are pursuing. To obtain licensure at any of these levels, you will need to pass the appropriate exams. The entire process of gaining the necessary education, experience, and licensure can take anywhere from four to eight years.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Social Work Degrees in Pennsylvania?

Admission requirements can vary by school and program level. However, some of the most common requirements you may need to meet include:

• having a high school diploma or GED
• submitting official transcripts
• maintaining a minimum GPA
• submitting standardized test scores
• submitting letters of recommendation and a personal essay
• holding a bachelor's degree (for master's students)

How Much Does an Online Social Work Program Cost?

Online programs are typically more affordable than in-person programs, but they can still be pretty pricey. On average, total tuition costs range from around $30,000 to $45,000. Book costs and mandatory fees can raise the overall cost even further. Fortunately, financial aid and scholarships can diminish your out-of-pocket expenses.

Enroll in an Online BSW or MSW Degree Today

If you're ready to begin your CSWE-accredited program in social work online, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their programs and to choose the right one for you.