Master of Social Work at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The MSW prepares students to become licensed clinicians, community and system leaders, policymakers and researchers. It is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offered face-to-face or as a part-time online option; Pitt's School of Social Work was established in 1918.

Faculty: School of Social Work | Department: School of Social Work | Duration: Advanced standing: minimum 39 credits in 12 or 16 months full-time; part-time online 3.5 years | Intake: Fall | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Six generalist courses on social welfare history, societal structures, human development and research methods, then a specialised curriculum with optional MSW certificates and dual degrees. The part-time online MSW specialises in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups.

Career pathways

Licensed clinician, community and systems leader, entrepreneur, policymaker and researcher roles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MSW: bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in undergraduate work (applicants below 3.0 may be admitted provisionally and interviewed). Requires GradCAS application, transcripts from all schools, resume, 1 letter of recommendation and a personal statement; no application fee and no GRE. 2026-27 deadlines (face-to-face): early decision 10/15/2026, priority 2/1/2027, international 3/1/2027, final 6/1/2027; online: early decision 10/15/2026, priority 3/1/2027, final 6/1/2027. Advanced standing is available to holders of a CSWE-accredited social work bachelor's within ten years.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Social Work, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 40,686 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Social Work, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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