Where Social Work
Meets Social Justice
The University of Pittsburgh’s Part-Time Online Master of Social Work program prepares you to promote individual and family well-being through a curriculum centered on social justice and equity.
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Top-Ranked School of Social Work
We’re ranked #12 nationwide on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Schools for Social Work.
100+ Years of Social Work Education Excellence
Pitt’s School of Social Work has been educating social workers—and transforming our world, our future, and ourselves in the process—for over a century.
Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive Coursework
Our curriculum emphasizes justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI), ensuring you are ready to address today’s complex social challenges.
No GRE Required
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or enter the field, our online program offers an accessible path to earning your master’s in social work.
Overview
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work prepares its students to become leaders who transform social work practice, policy, research and education in a community-engaged and inclusive environment. Our Part-Time Online MSW program will equip you with the skills to promote individual, family and community well-being and succeed as a licensed practitioner.
Earn Your Master’s in Social Work Online
Our 60-credit Part-Time Online MSW program includes a generalist curriculum—designed to provide students with an understanding of the profession’s values, ethical standards, history, philosophy and theories—and a specialization curriculum designed to build advanced direct practice skills.
Learn From Anywhere
- Specialize in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
- Students may earn an optional certificate in three areas: Children, Youth and Families; Integrated Healthcare; or Mental Health
- The program features experiential learning with an emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application
- Earn your degree part time in three years
- Our Career Center offers immediate and long-term professional support
- Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last 10 years may apply up to 21 transfer credits
- In-state tuition rate applies to all online students, regardless of residency
All students participate in career-relevant practicum experiences to translate learning into direct application, and we provide a supportive process for finding your practicum site, which, when appropriate, can include your place of employment.
Interested in earning your MSW on campus?
Explore Our In-Person FormatPitt2Pitt Scholarship
Pitt graduating seniors and alumni in good academic, disciplinary and financial standing who are enrolled in at least 4.5 credits per term can receive up to $1,250 per term in scholarship support. There is no application fee, and graduating seniors and alumni are automatically considered when applying.
Application Deadlines
Online Format
Succeed in an Expanding Field
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of social workers is projected to grow almost twice as fast as the average for all other occupations between now and 2033. While there are a host of social work career paths available, many social workers choose to help meet the increasing nationwide demand for mental health care. BLS forecasts employment in mental health-related occupations will grow 12%—three times as fast as the average for all other occupations—between now and 2033.
Indeed, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), social workers constitute the nation’s largest group of mental health service providers, outnumbering psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric nurses combined. Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in mental health care or another vital area of the field, you’ll gain the skills to succeed in one of the nation’s best social work master’s programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students earning their MSW online are required to complete 60 credit hours and can finish their degree part time in three years. Please note that this timeline may vary depending on how many credits you take each semester.
Applicants must fulfill the following requirements for admission into Pitt’s MSW degree program:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum average of a B (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate work
All MSW applicants are reviewed holistically. Prospective students with a grade point average less than 3.0 may be admitted provisionally to the degree program. However, they may be required to interview with the School of Social Work’s admissions office. GRE scores are not required for admission to the MSW program.
Connecting with an admissions advisor will help you:
- Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you’re eligible to apply
- Learn about application best practices and how to submit a strong application
- Have an immediate line of support for questions about the Master of Social Work program
Are You Ready To Support Your Community and Promote Social Justice and Equity?
Channel your passion for helping people with a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh—and gain the skills to support people in your community and help transform the world.