Social Work, MSW
The Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students can pursue the regular track of 60 credits or the advanced standing* track. An online track is an option. The Master of Social Work program is jointly offered with Millersville University.
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What Will I Learn?
You will learn how to become an advanced generalist social work practitioner to work in the areas of :
- Aging/healthcare
- Child welfare
- Family services
- Addictions
- Mental health/clinical practices
- Homelessness
- Disabilities
- Plus more
Core classes, electives and internships will provide you with the necessary skills, values, and knowledge to practice social work in a variety of settings and roles. Through the use of competencies, you will be able to advocate and facilitate change within the boundaries of social justice and human rights.
Council on Social Work Education - The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs offered by the Ship’s Social Work and Gerontology Department are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
What Kinds of Experiences Could I Have?
This program is an advanced generalist model. All core classes are offered in the evening, either face-to-face or in a blended format with some online work. Electives are 100 percent online; and the classes are small, taught by faculty who are specialized in the areas they teach. Discussions within the classroom are both intimate and multifaceted with students' diverse backgrounds and experiences. Assignments are related to real life situations in the internship or practice settings.
You will take all courses on the campus where you are enrolled, but you will benefit from the quality faculty and resources of both Shippensburg and Millersville universities.
We also provide many opportunities for co-curricular activities through:
- MSW Research Club
- Annual Racial Justice Events
- Legislative Advocacy Day
- Annual Conference of Social Inclusion and Social Justice
- Institute for Social Inclusion (INSINC)
- Shippensburg Community Resource Coalition (SCRC)
Our program is an official site that admits Coverdell Fellows who are returned Peace Corps volunteers.
Certificates/Dual Programs Available
- MSW/MPA dual degree
- School Social Work certificate
- Behavior Specialist certificate
Meet Imani Cameron | Social Work
“You’ll stay at Ship because of the connections you can make.”Advance Your Career and Impact
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Shippensburg University is designed for students interested in entering the field of social work and those interested in advancing their education or social work career.
NEW! Shippensburg University now offers an online MSW Program for both advanced standing students and those interested in the regular track program. Classes are taught by the same faculty who teach in the face-to-face program and are designed for working professionals with workplace internship options.
Upon graduating from the program, following steps to register with the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors, and passing the accompanying Association of Social Work Boards exam, you can earn the Licensed Master of Social Work credential in PA.
* Advanced standing track: Students with a baccalaureate degree in the last ten years from a CWSE-accredited social work program with an overall GPA of 2.8 and a major GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
What Types of Careers Could I Get With This Degree?
Few occupations can match social work, which offers a wide range of opportunities within a variety of settings. Social workers with a master’s degree can be found in public and private agencies, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, mental health and substance use programs, and even within court settings. Social workers assist individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. They take on a variety of roles such as educators, therapist, researchers, managers, supervisors and even administrators. Social workers can be found working in all levels of government such as political leaders and legislators. There is an abundance of opportunities and areas to advocate, and assist individuals to achieve their best quality of life!