Millersville & Shippensburg University’s Joint MSW Degree

Two distinguished Pennsylvania institutions with rich educational histories power the collaborative Master of Social Work program. Millersville University, which opened its doors in 1855 as Pennsylvania’s first Normal School, brings 165+ years of educational excellence to this partnership. The university’s suburban 250-acre campus maintains a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 to promote tailored learning experiences. Millersville’s student population totals 6,975, with 1,152 graduate students.

Shippensburg University started its journey in 1871 and became Pennsylvania’s first teachers’ college. The university sits on a 210-acre rural campus with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Shippensburg serves 5,161 students, including 790 in graduate programs. These universities are vital components of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

The joint MSW program uses both institutions’ academic strengths and resources effectively. Students get the benefit of expertise and mentorship from faculty at both universities. This partnership will give a complete educational experience that combines views and extensive knowledge in social work.

Academic excellence remains a priority at both institutions through important accreditations. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools accredits Millersville, while the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Shippensburg. The joint MSW program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and its accreditation was reaffirmed through February 2030.

The program’s design accommodates different student priorities and learning styles. Students can choose flexible scheduling options, whether they study full-time or work while advancing their careers. Multiple pathways lead to degree completion through traditional campus classes, teleconferencing, and web-based activities.

The program benefits from both institutions‘ valuable community connections. PennWest’s MSW program, though separate, expresses the strong need for social work education in Pennsylvania by offering “strong local, regional, and national networks of internship partners”. Students in the Millersville-Shippensburg program enjoy similar advantages through extensive community connections across central Pennsylvania.

Programs offered

The joint MSW program between Millersville and Shippensburg universities provides educational pathways that match different student needs. Students can choose between two program tracks based on their academic background.

The Regular Standing track needs completion of 60 credits for students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work. This complete program has foundation courses, advanced practice courses, and 900 hours of supervised field placement. The Advanced Standing option requires just 36 credits and welcomes students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last eight years. Students in this accelerated track focus on advanced practice courses with 600 hours of supervised field placement.

Both schools have designed the program with working professionals in mind. Students can pick from these format options:

• Face-to-face program: Evening classes are offered
• Online program: Classes meet synchronously in evenings or asynchronously

Students get similar curriculum content taught by qualified faculty from both schools. Field placements are available near the student’s location, which lets them gain practical experience without traveling far.

The curriculum uses an advanced generalist approach to prepare graduates for work in human service settings effectively. Regular Standing program has:

• 39 credits of required coursework
• 12 credits of field practicum
• 9 credits of electives

The Advanced Standing program features:

• 18 credits of required coursework (including a summer “bridge” course)
• 6 credits of field practicum
• 12 credits of electives

Both tracks prepare students to work in practice areas of all types:

• Aging/healthcare
• Child welfare
• Family services
• Addictions
• Mental health/clinical practices
• Homelessness
• Disabilities

Students can complete the Regular Program in two, three, or four years. The Advanced Standing Program takes one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). Year-round operations and summer courses help students make steady progress toward their degree whatever pace they choose.

This flexible yet thorough program structure allows Millersville and Shippensburg to make social work education available throughout South-Central Pennsylvania that fits diverse student needs and career goals.

About the online program

The joint online MSW program from Millersville and Shippensburg puts working professionals’ priorities first. Students can begin their journey in the first MSW Summer term of 2026. This program makes advanced social work education available to students throughout Pennsylvania.

Students learn through innovative technology that delivers a complete social work education. The program helps them gain knowledge, skills, and values through different teaching methods. Evening sessions happen in real-time, and students can also learn at their own pace. This lets them choose what works best with their schedule and learning style.

The program’s most important strength comes from combining both universities’ expertise. Faculty members from both Millersville and Shippensburg teach all courses. Students get the same high-quality education whether they study online or in person.

The program offers great timing options to fit students’ lives:

• Regular Standing students complete 60 credits in two, three, or four years
• Advanced Standing students finish 36 credits in one or two years

Quality remains the program’s top focus. Students do their practical training in their local areas. There’s no need to move or travel far for field experience.

This Pennsylvania online MSW program delivers both easy access and academic excellence. Students with unusual work hours or family responsibilities benefit from self-paced courses. Yes, it is possible for students from all regions of Pennsylvania to get quality social work education without location limits.

The program supports distance learning while building a strong community spirit. Students should apply by April 15, 2026, to join the Summer 2026 group. Fall entry applications are due in late August.

This online MSW program shows how Pennsylvania’s social work education has adapted to today’s student needs. It combines flexible schedules, local training opportunities, and shared teaching approaches to create an effective learning experience.

Curriculum

Students in Pennsylvania who want to advance their social work credentials will benefit from more than convenience with the joint MSW program. Millersville and Shippensburg Universities have teamed up to create an unmatched educational experience. Their graduates are ready for career opportunities in the region and beyond.

The program focuses on putting theory into practice. Regular Standing students complete 900 hours of field placement, while Advanced Standing students need 600 hours. These supervised experiences happen in human service settings of all types. Students can match their placements with their career goals.

Quality social work education starts with a credible program. Students looking at online MSW programs in Pennsylvania should think over these key factors:

• Knowing how to prepare graduates for licensure exams
• The institutions’ reputation offering the degree
• Professional organizations’ recognition
• Official program’s accreditation status

Working professionals get more than academic knowledge from this degree. They build lasting connections with faculty, peers, and field placement sites. This network becomes a great way to get career opportunities after graduation. The connections spread throughout central Pennsylvania and provide access to professional development resources.

The program’s all-encompassing approach helps students become versatile professionals. Graduates learn skills that work in clinical practice, community organization, policy development, and administration. This broad training lets them adapt easily to new career paths and changing job markets.

Students should learn about a program’s accreditation status before choosing from MSW programs in PA. Accreditation shows that a program meets the educational standards that are the foundations of professional practice.

Accreditation

CSWE accreditation is a vital measure of quality in social work education that shapes program recognition and graduate career prospects. The Millersville-Shippensburg joint MSW program has earned and managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This proves it meets national standards set by experts in the field.

Accreditation History:

The program started its accreditation journey by carefully designing according to CSWE guidelines. The program reached several key milestones:

• January 2007: Awarded candidacy status (the first major step in the accreditation process)
• February 2008: Granted second year of candidacy and began the two-year self-study process
• February 2010: Earned full CSWE accreditation, retroactively covering students who entered the program in Fall 2006
• 2014: Accreditation reaffirmed through 2022
• June 2022: Most recent reaffirmation extends accreditation through February 2030

This steady accreditation record shows the program’s steadfast dedication to high educational standards. Students who graduated from this program since Fall 2006 have received degrees from a fully accredited MSW program.

The accreditation status matters greatly to prospective social workers in Pennsylvania. Of course, practitioners must graduate from a CSWE-accredited social work MSW program to qualify for licensure in Pennsylvania. This requirement makes accreditation a vital factor when comparing online MSW programs in Pennsylvania or reviewing various MSW programs in PA.

CSWE standards ensure accreditation covers all approved program locations and delivery methods. The face-to-face and online formats of the Millersville-Shippensburg program share the same accreditation. CSWE reviews programs against quality standards regularly to ensure continuous improvement.

The joint program stands out as the only MSW program in Central Pennsylvania that belongs to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. This status, combined with its long-standing CSWE accreditation, makes the program a respected choice among MSW programs Pennsylvania offers to future social work professionals.

Admission Requirements

The path to enrollment in one of Pennsylvania’s premier online MSW programs starts with understanding what the Millersville-Shippensburg joint program requires. Your academic background will determine which program track best suits your needs.

The Regular Standing Program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. You’ll need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. Students who attended multiple schools should note that all grades count toward their overall GPA calculation.

The Advanced Standing Program comes with specific requirements. Students need a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program earned in the last eight years. The program requires an overall GPA of 2.8 and a social work major GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

The application package must include:

• Three professional references (at least one from faculty and one from a current/recent employer or supervisor)
• Current resume
• Written personal statement that describes your journey toward social work, career goals, experiences with diversity, and reasons for seeking admission

Advanced Standing candidates must provide an extra reference from their undergraduate BSW program’s chair or director. These candidates should also submit a special Advanced Standing form with their application materials.

The joint Millersville-Shippensburg program stands out among other msw programs in pa because it doesn’t require GRE scores.

Students who fall slightly short of these requirements can meet with the MSW Director to review their application. This personal approach shows the program’s dedication to finding candidates whose professional and personal qualities align with effective social work practice.

The program reviews applications on a rolling basis until all spots fill up. Early submission gives applicants an advantage.

This detailed evaluation helps msw programs Pennsylvania institutions select students who demonstrate both academic excellence and personal qualities needed to succeed in social work.

Tuition

The Millersville-Shippensburg joint MSW program stands out as one of the most cost-effective options among Pennsylvania’s educational offerings. Students who want to explore online MSW programs Pennsylvania need to understand the total costs before making their choice.

Millersville University charges Pennsylvania residents $534 per credit for graduate tuition. Additional technology and academic support fees bring the total to $633 per credit. Students from outside the state pay $625 per credit, with fees totaling $739 per credit. Shippensburg University charges similar tuition of $534 per credit for state residents. The fee structure differs slightly – students pay $704 per credit for face-to-face classes or $665 per credit for online courses.

This program delivers great value compared to other MSW programs in PA:

• Temple University: $1,105-$1,148 per credit (PA residents), $1,518-$1,577 (out-of-state), or $1,138 (online)
• West Chester University: $1,704 per credit (West Chester campus) or $1,530 per credit (Philadelphia campus)
• Widener University: Total program cost of $55,860 for Regular Standing and $35,280 for Advanced Standing students
• More expensive private options include Bryn Mawr ($5,420 per credit) and UPenn ($6,978 per credit)

Your total program cost depends on your chosen track. Regular Standing students need 60 credits to graduate, while Advanced Standing students complete 36 credits. This difference creates substantial savings in total investment.

Several elements can impact your final expenses. Both universities participate in federal financial aid programs. The program’s position within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education reflects its steadfast dedication to quality education at reasonable rates.

Students exploring various MSW programs Pennsylvania should note that some schools charge different rates for on-campus versus online formats. Other institutions keep their pricing consistent whatever the delivery method.

Additional Information

Graduates of this joint MSW program have excellent career prospects beyond their academic preparation. The degree lets them work in human service programs and agencies of all sizes in advanced clinical or administrative roles. The job market looks promising. Employment should grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032—much faster than the average 2.8% growth rate across other jobs.

Social workers earn a median annual salary of $63,770 as of May 2023. Their income can increase by a lot with specialized credentials. Medical Health Services Managers can earn up to $134,440 per year.

The program’s academic policies allow students to receive or transfer up to nine credit hours from other regionally accredited schools before admission. Credits older than five years at the time of admission won’t qualify. The program doesn’t give academic credit for life or work experience.

Students get detailed support during their educational trip. The university gives online learners access to digital library collections filled with books, professional resources, and periodicals. The IT Help Desk’s technical support will give a smooth experience with the student portal. Students can find their professor’s information, syllabi, assignments, and join collaborative chats there.

The university’s school code (003325) helps you submit information for financial aid.