Where Social Work
Meets Social Justice
The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work prepares you to promote individual, family and community well-being in a curriculum centered on social justice. With flexible coursework, career-relevant practicum experiences and more than a century of educational excellence, we equip you with the skills to transform the world.
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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 of 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 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. Whether you’re interested in becoming a licensed clinician, community/system leader, entrepreneur, policymaker or researcher, our program will equip you with the skills to solve the key issues impacting individuals and families locally, nationally and beyond.
Choose From Two Learning Formats
Our 60-credit MSW program offers two learning formats. Each 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 to build proficiency in a specific practice area.
Online Format
Learn from anywhere in our Part-Time Online MSW program and complete asynchronous coursework on your own schedule.
- 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 3.5 years
- Our Career Center offers immediate and long-term professional support
- In-state tuition rate applies to all online students, regardless of residency
In-Person Format
Enjoy the benefits of traditional in-person study at our main campus in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Specialize in Direct Practice or Community, Organization and Social Action (COSA)
- Students specializing in Direct Practice may earn an optional certificate in five areas: Children, Youth and Families; Gerontology; Home and School Visitor/School Social Work; Integrated Healthcare; or Mental Health
- Students specializing in Community, Organization and Social Action (COSA) may earn an optional certificate in three areas: Human Services Management; Community Organizing Practice; or Gerontology
- Pursue full- or part-time study
- Advanced standing format available for students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last 10 years
- Earn your degree in as few as 12 months
- Our Career Center offers immediate and long-term professional support
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.
Application Deadlines
Online Format
In-Person 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.
Social work skills are highly transferable and can be valuable in a variety of career settings. Our graduates are highly sought after and frequently receive competitive, multiple job offers that pay well. Students are making a difference in fields like community organizing, health care, mental health, aging, child welfare, research, and more.
Pitt is one of only a few schools of social work that have their own dedicated career center. The VanKirk Career Center helps students prepare for the social work job market by providing specialized workshops, individual consultation, and licensure support. These services are designed to develop greater self-confidence, expand awareness of career opportunities, and foster effective job search practices.
Why Study Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh?
As a student at the top-ranked Pitt School of Social Work, you’ll learn how to become an outstanding social work practitioner, educator or researcher in a community-engaged, inclusive and welcoming environment. Our world-class faculty will educate you with the knowledge, skills and values needed to engage in culturally competent practice with diverse populations and communities, to critically analyze personal, familial and environmental factors affecting practice settings and practice techniques, and to advocate for those who confront barriers to maximizing the achievement of their fullest potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students in the Master of Social Work program are required to complete 60 credit hours. Those enrolled in the in-person format can earn their MSW degree full time in as few as 12 months. Those studying online can earn their degree part time in 3.5 years. Please note that these timelines 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. 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.