Widener University - Online Master of Social Work and Dual MSW/MEd in Human Sexuality Studies

The School of Human Service Professions Center for Social Work Education at Widener University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program with an Advanced Standing option. In addition, the Center for Social Work Education and the Center for Human Sexuality Studies (CHSS) offer a hybrid dual MSW/MEd degree in Human Sexuality Studies. The various degree paths all focus on trauma training, preparing social workers to address the trauma that is often a predecessor to mental health issues.

Upon graduation, students will be eligible to take the Licensed Social Worker (LSW) exam. In addition, after two years of supervised clinical practice as an LSW, professionals can sit for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam.

The MSW program and path options are 100% online with no campus visits required, however, field experiences are required. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer.

The regular admission MSW program consists of 64 credits and can be completed in a little over three years, part-time. Students complete two internships totaling 1,100 hours of field work.

The Advanced Standing MSW comprises 41 credits and takes two years to complete on a part-time basis. In order to qualify for the Advanced Standing option, applicants must hold a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work. This option consists of 41 credits and one internship experience of 680 field work hours.

The dual MSW/MEd degree in Human Sexuality Studies consists of 103 credits and begins in the fall only. It can be completed in 3 years on a full-time basis. Students complete two practicums in Clinical Sexology and well as the two internships for the MSW that total 1,100 hours.

Graduates will be prepared to address issues of sexuality in their practice, including sexual identity issues, human trafficking, and sexual abuse.

Widener University delivers MSW courses asynchronously through a hands-on curriculum. Students begin with an online New Student Orientation to gain exposure to the online learning system. Widener offers opportunities for collaboration, service projects, and career preparation. Internships and practicums give students hands-on experience in the real world. Students have access to a program manager, a personal student services coordinator (SSC), 24/7 online technical support, and the career services department.

The regular admission MSW consists of core courses, concentration courses, and electives. Core courses may include Human Behavior and the Social Environment I-II; Interpersonal Processes; Foundation Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Small Groups; Methods of Social Work Research; and Social and Economic Justice I-II. Concentration courses may include Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals; Clinical Social Work Practice with Families; Organization and Program Development; Treating Trauma; and Clinical Social Work Seminar. Some elective choices may include Social Work in Prisons & Community Reintegration; Biographical Timeline; Children & Families At Risk; Social Work with People Who Have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; and Grief and Loss Across the Life Cycle.

The Advanced Standing MSW includes 9 credits of core courses, 23 credits of concentration courses, and 9 credits of electives. These may include Human Behavior and the Social Environment II; Interpersonal Processes; Foundations for Clinical Social Work Practice; Clinical Social Work Practice with Individuals; Clinical Social Work Practice with Families; Organization and Program Development; Treating Trauma; and Clinical Social Work Seminar. Electives are chosen from the same options as the regular admission MSW.

The Dual MSW/MEd in Human Sexuality Studies combines courses from social work curriculum and the human sexuality department. In addition to course requirements for the MSW degree, students complete courses such as Behavioral Foundations in Human Sexuality; History and Ethics of Human Sexuality; Sex Therapy I: Couples and Relationship Therapy; Education and Training Methods for Clinical Sexologists; Biological Foundations of Human Sexuality; Sexual Minorities; Sex Therapy II: Sexual Dysfunctions and Treatment; and Sensitive Issues in Clinical Sexology.

Widener University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).