Messiah University MSW

Messiah University, a nationally ranked private Christian institution, sits in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, just outside the state capital of Harrisburg. S.R. Smith’s bold vision gave birth to this university over a century ago. The institution has remained important to education through generations of growth and development.

The motto “Christ Preeminent” shapes every student’s experience at Messiah. Christian principles pervade academic programs, campus culture, and values naturally. The university blends challenging academics with Christian faith principles in all disciplines effectively.

Students interested in social work will find Messiah’s educational approach rooted in professional excellence and spiritual growth. The Social Work Department helps students understand how faith shapes their practice. This thoughtful blend sets Messiah apart from other programs. Students develop professional skills while growing spiritually in this unique environment.

Messiah’s social work education focuses on these essential elements:

• Faith Integration – Students incorporate Christian principles into their understanding of social work theory and practice
• Competency-Based Learning – The curriculum builds skills needed for professional practice
• Field Education – Ground application in real settings prepares students for their careers
• Community Engagement – Service-learning connects classroom knowledge with community needs

The university shapes servant leaders who blend professional expertise with a reconciling spirit. Alumni success stories prove Messiah’s ability to prepare students for meaningful careers and service-oriented lives.

Students find a vibrant community at Messiah with chances to connect with like-minded peers or explore new viewpoints. This supportive setting helps them recognize and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime.

Messiah’s dedication to social justice, well-being, and ethical practice matches the core values of social work perfectly. Students learn from accomplished faculty who bring practical insights to the classroom in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Master of Social Work program carries forward Messiah’s tradition of academic excellence. Graduates learn to tackle complex social issues and create lasting positive change in communities of all sizes.

Programs offered

Messiah University offers detailed social work education at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can choose programs that match their educational goals. Each program helps develop skilled, ethical practitioners who are grounded in Christian principles.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gets students ready for entry-level social work positions. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has given this program national accreditation. Students complete over 600 hours of field experience with multiple agencies during their studies. The program combines classroom learning with real-world practice to prepare graduates who work well in human service settings of all types. Students start with Introduction to Social Work, which blends classroom learning with community service. This foundation grows stronger each semester as courses include hands-on field work.

Messiah’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program stands out with these key features:

• Advanced generalist specialization with three optional interdisciplinary focus areas: health, mental health, and leadership in organizations
• Flexible program options:
  • Traditional standing: 61 credits for students with any bachelor’s degree
  • Advanced standing: 30 credits for students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution

The MSW program runs completely online, making it perfect for working professionals. Students learn in supportive cohorts and get help choosing their field placements. The program fits different schedules well. Advanced standing students finish in one year full-time or two years part-time. Traditional standing students usually complete it in two years full-time or three to four years part-time.

Students learn versatile skills that work in settings of all types through the advanced generalist approach. This training helps graduates work at multiple levels: micro (individuals and families), mezzo (groups and organizations), and macro (communities and policy). They also learn systems thinking, advocacy, social justice, and how to work across disciplines.

The Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation has granted candidacy status to Messiah University’s MSW program. This status shows the program is moving toward quality standards and has shown dedication to meeting educational policy and accreditation standards, though it hasn’t yet shown full compliance.

Both programs show how Messiah combines faith with professional practice. Graduates serve diverse populations while keeping strong ethical principles.

About the online program

Messiah University’s online Master of Social Work program combines academic excellence with schedule flexibility. Students develop versatile skills through this advanced generalist program that apply to micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. The detailed approach gives you the tools to serve with both competence and compassion in a variety of settings.

Schedule flexibility serves as the success of this program. Students can complete their degree without relocating or changing their current jobs. The program works well for working professionals through its adaptable structure while maintaining Messiah’s tradition of individual-specific attention.

Students progress through courses with a consistent group of peers in a supportive cohort model. This setup promotes strong professional relationships and builds a reliable support system throughout your educational trip. Your educational background determines the completion timeframes:

• Advanced standing students (those with a BSW): Complete the program in one year full-time or two years part-time
• Traditional standing students (those with any bachelor’s degree): Finish in two years full-time or three to four years part-time

Field education remains essential to the MSW experience even in the online format. Students benefit from field placements selected together that line up with their career goals. These hands-on experiences help apply classroom knowledge in ground settings under qualified supervision.

Faculty members bring years of professional experience to their teaching and share ground insights that enhance student learning. Small class sizes ensure students receive individual support throughout their studies. This personal attention helps guide them through complex concepts while developing their professional identity.

The program’s mission focuses on preparing skilled and ethical advanced social work practitioners within the Christian faith context. Professional standards blend naturally with values of service, justice, and reconciliation in the curriculum. The program prepares students for professional social work licensing, creating paths to advanced practice opportunities.

The degree remains available to qualified candidates worldwide since international students can complete it remotely from outside the United States. This global reach supports the program’s aim to prepare practitioners who can serve communities both locally and globally.

Accreditation

Quality markers in social work education programs rely heavily on accreditation. Your educational experience, career prospects, and licensure eligibility at Messiah University’s social work programs depend directly on their accreditation status.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Messiah University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This nationally recognized accreditation shows the program meets or surpasses quality education standards. The Department completed a successful re-accreditation process, which proves its dedication to these high standards.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program has reached candidacy status for CSWE’s Board of Accreditation (BOA) accreditation. This marks a key milestone in the program’s development. The peer review process confirms substantial progress toward meeting quality standards. The program shows commitment to Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), though it hasn’t yet fully complied with all requirements.

This status affects prospective MSW students in specific ways. Students who join candidacy programs in the fall (or later) of the academic year will be recognized as CSWE-accredited program graduates retroactively—if the program achieves initial accreditation. The initial accreditation takes about three years, and candidacy status doesn’t guarantee final accreditation.

CSWE-accredited programs give you several key advantages:

• Quality education that meets professional standards
• Better career opportunities with employers requiring CSWE-accredited degrees
• Advanced standing eligibility in graduate programs (for BSW graduates)
• Easier path to professional licensure in most states

Messiah University’s BSW graduates can get advanced standing status in accredited MSW programs. This means you’ll complete your Master’s degree in just one year—saving considerable time and money. The program’s CSWE accreditation makes this possible.

The accreditation gives you confidence in the program’s quality and graduate competence. Messiah University’s social work programs line up with its commitment to educational excellence, which multiple accrediting bodies have recognized.

The MSW program’s progress toward full CSWE accreditation should factor into your educational planning. These social work programs offer a unique preparation pathway for future licensed social work professionals, combining Christian values with strong academic credentials.

Admission Requirements

You just need to meet specific criteria to qualify for the Messiah University MSW program. These criteria change based on your educational background. The program assesses your academic preparation, professional potential, and how well you line up with program values.

Messiah University has two admission pathways for the MSW program. Advanced standing (BSW holders) students must show:

• Completion of a CSWE-accredited BSW degree
• Minimum 0 cumulative GPA (lower GPAs are reviewed case-by-case)
• Grade of B or better in all social work courses
• Submission of your final field practicum evaluation

Traditional standing applicants (non-BSW holders) must have:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (lower GPAs get individual review)
• Completion of nine credits in behavioral science courses with grade C or better

Both pathways share common application requirements. Your first step is submitting the Messiah University Graduate Admissions Application form. You must also send official transcripts directly from your previous institutions. The program asks for a 300-500 word statement of purpose that outlines your preparation for graduate work, reasons for applying, professional goals, and an area of social work practice you’re passionate about.

Reference requirements vary between pathways. Advanced standing applicants need one professional or academic reference. Traditional standing applicants must submit two. Each applicant should include a resume or CV that highlights relevant volunteer and internship experiences.

Qualified applicants get invitations for faculty interviews through Zoom after document review. These conversations help assess your readiness for the program’s academic rigor and field placement demands.

International students should know that Messiah cannot offer F-1 student visas because of the program’s online format. Notwithstanding that, they can complete the degree remotely from outside the United States.

Messiah might offer conditional acceptance if your application shows promise but doesn’t fully meet requirements. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA during your first nine credits to continue in the program under these conditions. This approach shows Messiah’s steadfast dedication to finding candidates who can succeed in their Christian MSW program.

Tuition

The cost of your MSW degree is one of the most important factors in planning your education. Messiah University’s MSW program has a clear pricing structure with great discounts for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The standard graduate tuition rate at Messiah University stands at $800 per credit hour. The MSW program offers excellent financial benefits to students. Every MSW student gets a 25% tuition discount right now. Messiah alumni get an extra 10% off, which brings their total savings to 35%.

These combined discounts mean Messiah graduates pay just $520 per credit instead of $800. Your total program cost comes to $31,720 for traditional standing students (61 credits) and $15,600 for advanced standing students with a Messiah BSW (30 credits).

Students from other schools pay $600 per credit hour after the standard 25% discount. So your total program cost would be $36,600 for traditional standing or $18,000 for advanced standing with a BSW from another accredited institution.

Messiah University uses a “no-fee tuition” model. You won’t find any hidden charges for labs, courses, services, or technology. This helps you plan your finances better.

Books aren’t included in the base cost. We enroll new students in the Slingshot Book Program automatically. This program delivers your required texts before classes start. You can adjust your priorities within this program, and rental books are set as the default choice to help you save money.

Here are other costs to think over:

• Health insurance ($3,144.72 for 2025-2026)
• Pre-registration deposit ($200 non-refundable)
• Optional tuition insurance through GradGuard

You can choose flexible payment plans with 3-month or 4-month options for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Payment options include eCheck/ACH (no fee) or credit/debit cards (2.95% processing charge).

Messiah’s Cost and Aid webpage is a great way to get detailed information about payment options and refunds.

Additional Information

Messiah University’s support services go well beyond academic preparation to boost your MSW experience. The Graduate Student Benevolence Fund is a vital resource that helps students during crisis or hardship. Students can get assistance with basic needs like food, housing, medical care, or transportation. The funds go directly into your student financial account after approval.

Your career growth gets a significant boost from Messiah’s Career and Professional Development Center, both during studies and after graduation. Students receive individual-specific career coaching, help with resumes and cover letters, interview prep, and exclusive job opportunities through the Handshake portal. Recent success stories show impressive results – 95% of 2024 graduates found jobs or enrolled in graduate schools within 6-9 months after graduation.

Messiah’s faith-based approach gives online students access to spiritual growth opportunities. Students can join worship services, connect with community pastors, and participate in graduate Bible studies. While on-campus MSW students have direct access, online students can get similar support through graduate student services.

Messiah’s licensing guidance helps shape your post-graduation plans. Pennsylvania LBSW licensure becomes available right after graduation, and you can explore MSW programs through the CSWE List of Accredited Programs. A simple online form connects you with department faculty to get recommendation letters for jobs or additional education.