Social Work Degrees in Pennsylvania – PA

As a social worker in Pennsylvania, you’ll spend your days helping a diverse array of people cope with difficult problems that can touch on sensitive issues and stir up emotions. You will provide counseling, advice, and other forms of support to people who may have nowhere else to turn. To be able to do this challenging job effectively and compassionately, you’ll need to be well prepared.

Though it’s possible to have a career in social work without an advanced degree, to receive a license, which most non-support jobs require, you will need at least a master’s in social work (MSW) from an accredited school. An MSW will teach you about human behavior, the effects of social environment and culture, contemporary social policy, and different forms of oppression and discrimination. You can also choose to take electives in the area you want to specialize in, from childhood development to urban policy to crisis intervention.

 If you want to complete your social work degree in Pennsylvania, you have many options, no matter what part of the state you live in. If none of the traditional schools offering degrees seem right for you, you can also take courses online at your own time and pace. 

To make the next jump to a career as a licensed clinical social worker, you’ll also need to have significant experience both in administrative work and direct work like psychosocial interventions and family therapy.

To keep your knowledge fresh and your skills sharp once you start practicing, you’ll also have to take continuing education courses in order to renew your license every two years. These are also available both online and through institution-based programs.

Disclaimer: Program outcomes vary according to each institution's specific curriculum, and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.