MSW Program Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit the Graduate Student Aid webpage for information on financial aid.

Selected courses may be offered in the summer depending upon enrollment.

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available at Kutztown University. For more information contact the Office of the Office of Graduate Studies or visit the Graduate Assistantships webpage.

Yes, however to complete your application you need three professional references. You may utilize the recommendation form found on the Graduate Admissions page to submit your references. Please contact the Social Work Department if have any questions or concerns regarding gathering references. 

No. In order to qualify for advanced standing status an applicant must hold a Bachelor's of Social Work from a CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accredited program.

No. The Department of Social Work at Kutztown University encourages individuals with degrees from various fields of study to apply for the MSW program. Prerequisite coursework applies. Please visit the MSW Admissions page for more information or call the KU Department of Social Work.

The GRE or any other standardized testing is NOT required.

Yes. The Executive Schedule provides an opportunity for courses to be completed on Tuesday evenings and during the day on Saturday. For more information please visit the executive schedule page. Some courses are also available in an on-line format.

Please visit the graduate tuition and fee information page for more information.

The MSW program at Kutztown University recognizes that many students have life and work experiences that give them unique insight into helping people.  Therefore, the program welcomes student classroom contributions related to their experiences.  However, students should note that professional social work education provides a foundation of knowledge, values, and skills for social work practice.  It is this foundation that allows professional social work practice to occur.  This principle has been recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in its determination that no one can self-identify as a social worker without a degree from a CSWE-accredited program of social work education.  For these reasons, no academic credit will be accepted for professional work or life experience by the Kutztown Social Work Program.

For information on campus housing please visit the Housing & Residence Life webpage.

If an applicant currently holds a Bachelor's of Social Work from a CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accredited program they may apply for advanced standing consideration.  The advanced standing status allows students to complete the MSW (Master of Social Work) program in 39 credits over one calendar year (if attending full-time) or two calendar years (attending part-time).  

The Department of Social Work considers applications on a rolling basis. Suggested application deadlines are May 1 for summer admission and July 1 for fall admission.

Advanced standing status allows students to complete the MSW (Master of Social Work) program in 39 credits over one calendar year (if attending full-time) or two calendar years (attending part-time). In order to qualify for advanced standing status the applicant must hold a BSW from a CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accredited program.

Traditional status students may complete the program in 60 credits (if all prerequisite coursework is completed) over two years (if attending full-time).

Holders of a Bachelor's of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accredited program have already completed the liberal arts prerequisites. The transcripts of non-BSW holders will be evaluated as a part of the admissions process. If it is determined that you need any coursework it may be completed at a local community college, Kutztown University, or at any regionally accredited college or university.