Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) Online MSW Program (formerly Edinboro University)
Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) — formed in 2022 through the integration of Edinboro University, California University of Pennsylvania, and Clarion University — offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program through its Department of Social Work, Sociology, and Human Services in the College of Health Sciences and Human Services. The program is 100% asynchronous, with no specific days or times students must attend in-person or virtual sessions, and no residency requirements. Students are not required to visit any campus at any time, though they are welcome to do so. Field internships are completed in the community where the student resides.
The PennWest MSW curriculum is grounded in a trauma-informed lens, integrating trauma-informed principles throughout all coursework and field education. The program prepares students for ethical, competent, and self-regulating advanced generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Both the Regular Standing and Advanced Standing programs are available in full-time and part-time formats, with classes offered year-round in fall, spring, and summer terms. An optional winter session is also available for select courses.
PennWest’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
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Learn More: Interview with Dr. Elaine Rinfrette – MSW Program Director at PennWest
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Program Overview
- Department: Department of Social Work, Sociology, and Human Services, College of Health Sciences and Human Services
- Degree Types: Regular Standing (60 credit hours); Advanced Standing (33 credit hours)
- Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice with a Trauma-Informed Focus
- Program Structure: 100% online with local field placements (no campus visits required)
- Instruction Methods: 100% asynchronous; no required live sessions; classes offered in fall, spring, summer, and optional winter terms
- International Applicants (both tracks): In addition to all standard requirements, international applicants must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation with GPA (WES or Silny preferred; any NACES member accepted), proof of English proficiency (waived for applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree with English as the medium of instruction), passport, and a financial affidavit (may be submitted after admission).
Program Information – Regular Standing Students
The Regular Standing program is designed for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field (not social work) from a regionally accredited institution. The 60-credit curriculum includes foundation coursework in generalist practice followed by advanced practice and specialized electives, all integrated with a trauma-informed framework.
Core Curriculum includes (17 courses total):
- Foundation courses: Introduction to Trauma-Informed Field Practice; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Diversity, Equity & Anti-Oppressive Practice; Social Work Practice with Individuals; Social Work Practice with Families and Groups; Social Work Practice with Organizations & Communities; Foundations in Social Work Policy Practice; Social Work Research; and Foundation Social Work Field (6 credits)
- Advanced courses: Differential Assessment & Psychopathology; Advanced Social Work Policy Practice; Trauma-Informed Practice Evaluation; and Advanced Social Work Field I and II (6 credits each)
- Electives: 3 Advanced Social Work Practice electives chosen from: Social Work Administration; Trauma Theory & Interventions; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Social Work Practice in Substance Use & Addictive Disorders; Social Work Practice in Mental Health; Social Work Practice in Justice Systems; Social Work Practice with Children and Youth; and Special Topics in Social Work
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 900 hours minimum — Foundation placement: 300 hours (one semester); Advanced placement: 600 hours (two consecutive semesters, 300 hours each). A minimum of 16 hours per week is required; 20–22 hours per week is recommended. Students are responsible for locating their own field placement site; the Field Office provides support and approval.
- Number of Credits Required: 60 credit hours
Program Length
- Full-time: Approximately 2 years (6 terms)
- Part-time: Approximately 3 years (9 terms)
- Fall/Spring-only plan also available (designed primarily for Child Welfare Education Leadership students)
- Students must complete all degree requirements within 6 years
- Start Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, including a minimum of 21 term hours distributed within a liberal arts curriculum
- Official transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA of 3.0 (applicants below 3.0 who meet all other requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Professional resume
- Two professional or educational references who can attest to readiness for graduate study and advanced social work practice
- Personal statement (3–4 double-spaced pages) addressing: why you chose social work; your ability to value perspectives of diverse populations; how academic, professional, personal, and volunteer experiences have prepared you for graduate study; and your motivation to apply to PennWest
- GRE: Not required
- Transfer credit: Up to 18 equivalent graduate course credits may be transferred; only practice course credits from CSWE-accredited or candidacy programs accepted; credits over 10 years old require additional review
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
The Advanced Standing program is designed for applicants who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution completed within the previous 10 years. Students are credited for 300 hours of supervised practice from their BSW and complete only the Advanced field placement. Advanced Standing students cannot also transfer in graduate credits.
Core Curriculum includes (9 courses total):
- Required courses: Introduction to Trauma-Informed Field Practice; Differential Assessment & Psychopathology; Advanced Social Work Policy Practice; Trauma-Informed Practice Evaluation; and Advanced Social Work Field I and II (6 credits each)
- Electives: 3 Advanced Social Work Practice electives (same options as Regular Standing)
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 600 hours minimum — Advanced placement only, completed over two consecutive semesters (300 hours each). Minimum 16 hours per week required.
- Number of Credits Required: 33 credit hours
Program Length
- Full-time: Approximately 1 year (3 terms, including summer)
- Part-time: Approximately 1.5–2 years (5 terms)
- Students must complete all degree requirements within 6 years
- Start Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admission Requirements
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the previous 10 years (applicants with a BSW conferred more than 10 years prior may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Official transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Professional resume
- Two professional or educational references — applicants are strongly encouraged to submit references from their undergraduate field educator, faculty, or supervisor
- Personal statement (same requirements as Regular Standing)
- GRE: Not required
Pennsylvania Western University’s (formerly Edinboro University) MSW program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.
If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.