Pennsylvania · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Pittsburgh, PA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (population 303,255) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 14 Pennsylvania programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Pennsylvania licensure.
Best MSW programs in Pittsburgh, PA
Accredited programs with a campus in Pittsburgh, PA, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Pittsburgh, PA National #21 Online #21
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA, PA · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · Online or On-Campus
8.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Pittsburgh has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Pittsburgh, PA; Johnstown, PA; Bradford, PA). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 7 dual-degree options and 5 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Pittsburgh, PA
Pennsylvania-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Pittsburgh, PA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh | 1919 | Yes | #21 |
| Bryn Mawr College | 1919 | Yes | #54 |
| Marywood University | 1969 | Yes | #61 |
| Temple University | 1969 | Yes | #80 |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University Collaborative | 2006 | Yes | #115 |
| Widener University | 1993 | Yes | #119 |
| Kutztown University | 2003 | Yes | #148 |
| Carlow University | 2017 | Yes | #160 |
| Pennsylvania Western University | 2000 | Yes | #190 |
| Slippery Rock University | 2020 | Yes | #204 |
| Alvernia University | 2019 | Yes | #235 |
| Lancaster Bible College | 2021 | Yes | #253 |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | 2021 | Yes | #270 |
| Eastern University | 2021 | No | #347 |
How much do social workers make in Pittsburgh, PA in 2026?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania sits within the Pittsburgh, PA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 6,780 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $87,800 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 2,810 | $60,430 | $46,580 – $83,280 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 580 | $47,100 | $38,710 – $60,800 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 3,120 | $49,800 | $38,350 – $88,150 |
| Social workers, all other | 270 | $87,800 | $51,200 – $118,000 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,930 | $74,170 | $48,400 – $122,520 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $49,800 versus $50,820 statewide in Pennsylvania and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Pennsylvania median.
Where do social workers work in Pittsburgh, PA in 2026?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania sits in Allegheny County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Allegheny County Department of Human Services
- UPMC (including Western Psychiatric Hospital) and Allegheny Health Network
- Pittsburgh Public Schools
- UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
- Pressley Ridge and other regional youth-services nonprofits
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Pittsburgh, PA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Pittsburgh, PA?
After an MSW from Pittsburgh, PA or anywhere, these are the Pennsylvania social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Pittsburgh, PA?
How much do social workers earn in Pittsburgh, PA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Pittsburgh, PA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Pennsylvania?
MSW programs in other Pennsylvania cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Pennsylvania license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.