Full-Time Enrollment
Students who enter the MSW Program and who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a CSWE-BOA accredited social work program can complete all course and field education requirements in two years of full-time enrollment, taking 15 credits in the fall and spring semesters of each of the two academic years.* Full-time students who are granted full advanced standing credits upon admission can complete all MSW degree requirements in either 12 months (fall, spring, and summer semesters) or 16 months (fall, spring, and fall semesters); please visit the Advanced Standing webpage for more information. There is a four-year time limit for completing MSW degree requirements.
*Although the MSW Program defines 15 credits as full-time enrollment, the University of Pittsburgh defines full-time enrollment status as registration for a minimum of 9 to a maximum of 15 credits in the fall and spring terms of each academic year.
Part-Time Enrollment
The MSW Program can be completed on a part-time basis. Part-time students need to enroll in at least six (6) credits each semester. They must be prepared to take some courses during the day and will have to make accommodations and be flexible in scheduling field instruction.
Part-time students who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a CSWE-BOA accredited social work program can complete all courses and field education requirements for the degree in 10 consecutive (i.e., fall, spring, summer) semesters. Part-time students who are granted full advanced standing credits upon admission can complete all MSW degree requirements in six (6) consecutive semesters; please visit the Advanced Standing webpage for more information. Part-time students must complete all MSW degree requirements in four years.
Advanced Standing Enrollment
Students who, within the past seven academic calendar years, have received a social work degree from a CSWE Board of Accreditation-accredited undergraduate program may be eligible for advanced standing. Effective for the fall 2021 admitted class those granted advanced standing during the admission process can receive up to 15 academic credits and six field education credits. Full-time students who have advanced standing can graduate in 12 months (fall, spring, summer) or 16 months (fall, spring, fall). Students who have advanced standing are allowed to pursue their MSW degree on a part-time basis, but must complete all of the requirements for the MSW degree in four years.
Interested in learning how to apply for admission to the MSW Program?