About

Students learn to advance social and economic justice through the rigorous Master of Social Work (MSW) in the School of Social Work, part of Temple's College of Public Health. Professional training in clinical skills and evidence-based practices will enable you to support and advocate for vulnerable populations including children, the elderly and those living in poverty. This highly regarded MSW program also serves as a laboratory for building resilient and healthy communities by focusing on capacity building, policy advocacy and support of at-risk populations.

The field of social work addresses a wide range of social issues, including juvenile justice, poverty, substance abuse, violence against minorities, ex-offender rehabilitation, housing discrimination, immigration issues and others.

The Temple MSW maximizes flexibility for working professionals. Students can complete the master's program in person full time or part time, or completely online part time. You are also able to customize your degree based on your interests and career goals: Students select from a range of advanced-level coursework that allows them to examine in greater depth a practice modality (or concentration) and a field of practice (or specialization).

With the versatility of a Master of Social Work degree, you will be equipped for careers in a wide variety of fields, including community-based healthcare, public policy, mental health counseling, child protection, hospital care coordination and advocacy. Our graduates work as community organizers, therapists, managers in social services and healthcare systems, and program directors.

What sets apart our Master of Social Work?

Real-world experience: You will learn to integrate theory and hands-on skills through field practicum courses. Students can secure placements at more than 500 human service and social change organizations in the Philadelphia region and beyond.
Renowned faculty: The School of Social Work's faculty are nationally-recognized experts in areas such as aging, children and families, disability, incarceration, LGBTQ health, mental health, and substance abuse.
Student and faculty diversity: Our students come from a broad range of ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds, and a variety of life experiences. This enriches classroom interactions, both in theory- and practice-oriented courses.

Concentrations

With the guidance of an academic advisor, students choose a concentration that reflects their career goals.

Concentrations

Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families
You will train to work as a clinical therapist with individuals, families and groups in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Career options include case management, hospital discharge planning, service brokering and private practice.
Macro Practice in Organizations, Communities and Policy Arenas
You will train to lead nonprofit and governmental agencies, or focus on community organizing or policy. Students develop management skills and learn to promote systemic change in institutions, from national agencies to neighborhood organizations.

Program Format

Depending on their academic history, students will complete one of two MSW program formats. The Regular Entry MSW program (60 credits) can be completed full time in two years, or part time in three to four years. Alternately, those who have earned a BSW within the past five years may be eligible for the Advanced Standing MSW program (34.5 credits of coursework, along with 25.5 credits transferred from the BSW). The Advanced Standing MSW can be completed full time in 12 months or part time in 18 months.

The Regular Entry MSW program is available on-site (full time or part time) or fully online (part time). The Advanced Standing MSW program is available on-site only; it will be available online beginning in summer 2019. Courses in both versions of the program are also offered during the summer on Temple's Main Campus, and on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters at Temple's Center City campus.

Core courses include topics in public policy, research methods and practice, and social justice. You will also complete field practicum experiences with human service or social change agencies.

See a full list of program courses.

MSW-MPH Dual Degree

The College of Public Health offers a dual degree program that allows students to earn both an MSW and an MPH degree. Full-time students can complete the dual degree in three years, and part-time students can complete it in four years.

The program prepares professionals to assess, understand and address health-related concerns that impact the well-being of communities, individuals and populations. Online program options are available for both the MSW and the MPH. Two MPH programs are available in the dual degree: the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences and the MPH in Health Policy and Management.

Learn more about the MSW-MPH dual degree option.

Related Graduate Degrees in the College of Public Health

Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
Master of Public Health in Applied Biostatistics
PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple's commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Social Work offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2022–2023 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,004.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,381.00 per credit
Online program: $1,039 per credit

Learn more about our tuition and fees.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Fee Information

Application Fee 60

How to Apply

There are important details to keep in mind as you complete and submit your application to Temple University.

1. Apply using one of two methods.

Choose one of the following two methods to apply.

1. Online Application

Submit an online application and pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online using either a credit card or a bank account drawn on U.S. funds.

2. Paper Application

Download the PDF application and save it to your device. (Adobe Acrobat is required for access.) You can write on the form, save the final version, and then print for mailing. If you have questions while completing the paper form, refer to the application instructions. Before mailing, enclose a check or money order made payable to Temple University, in the amount of $75, drawn on a U.S. bank. The application fee cannot be refunded.

2. Ensure you use the same name on your application and standardized tests.

Use the exact same name on your application that you used when registering for your standardized tests. Slight differences in your name can cause your application to go unmatched with your reported test scores and delay the processing of your application.

3. Submit all supporting credentials.

Submit the documentation you have been gathering for your application. You can find the correct mailing address or alternate electronic submission information on the degree program’s "Contacts" page in the Graduate Bulletin. All application materials, including portfolios and exhibits, become the property of Temple University and will not be copied, forwarded to another institution or returned.

4. Contact the department with any questions.

If you have any questions about your application, contact the program or department directly. Admissions decisions are made by the department based on your complete application profile, which includes grades, test scores, recommendations, statement of goals, research interests, past employment, portfolio and more.

5. Check the status of your application.

Remember that your application is reviewed only after it is complete. You can check the status of your application and materials by returning to the application system through which you applied.