Industry Growth
Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 9% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
Dual Degree Program
Social Work (MSW) & Human Sexuality Studies (MEd or PhD)
With a master of social work (MSW) and either a master of education (MEd) or doctor of philosophy (PhD) in human sexuality studies, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to empower clients and become a leader in your industry and community.
At a Glance
Click to OpenOffered as
Social Work MSW & Human Sexuality MEd
Social Work MSW & Human Sexuality PhD
Format
Hybrid or
100% Online
Hybrid MSW/MEd
Credits: 98
Avg. Completion Time: 3 Years
Online MSW/MEd
Credits: 98
Avg. Completion Time: 3 Years
PhD/MSW
Credits: 138
Avg. Completion Time: 6 Years
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Dual Social Work & Human Sexuality Studies Programs
In our dual degree social work and human sexuality studies graduate programs, you'll gain essential training for a fulfilling future as an educator, clinician, therapist, and/or sexuality professional. There are two dual degree programs: a master of education and master of social work (MEd/MSW) and a doctor of philosophy and master of social work (PhD/MSW).
This program combines live (synchronous) and independent (asynchronous) coursework to provide flexibility to students working full time. Starting Fall 2025, all human sexuality courses will be offered 100% online, and social work can be completed on campus or 100% online.
Experience a social work education rooted in a trauma-informed, clinical model dedicated to centering social justice while you pursue a specialization in sex education or sex therapy. Working collaboratively with community educators, teachers, therapists, clinicians, and writers, you'll develop skills in areas including:
- Research methodologies
- Curriculum development & teaching strategies
- Clinical research
- Social justice education
- Assessment and intervention
- Culturally-appropriate program design
Through hands-on learning experiences, you'll apply your expertise to clients in meaningful, supervised educational or clinical settings. Most of our classes are scheduled on weekends and evenings with working adults in mind, and field experiences are located where you live.
With this rigorous, research-oriented education grounded in trauma-informed best practices, you'll graduate prepared to break barriers in the fields of social work and human sexuality study.
Widener's Center for Social Work Education is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In our program, you'll apply theory and practical knowledge learned in the classroom in two field placement settings designed to master the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) core competencies.
Social Work (MSW) & Human Sexuality Studies (MEd or PhD) Degree Options & Curricula
Widener University's MSW degree program is offered both fully online and also in person on our Chester, PA campus located just outside of Philadelphia. Determine whether online or in-person is best for you.
The joint MSW/MEd programs will prepare you as a professional social worker to teach, consult, conduct research, and give counsel and therapy in a variety of settings on complex issues of human sexuality.
You'll take courses in both programs concurrently as you hone skills as a social worker and expand your sexualities knowledge. Human sexuality studies courses are offered online and social work courses are offered on campus or online. Specializations are available in either sex education or sex therapy, depending on your experience, interests, and goals.
View the academic catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements:
The joint MSW/MEd programs will prepare you as a professional social worker to teach, consult, conduct research, and give counsel and therapy in a variety of settings on complex issues of human sexuality.
You’ll complete your courses 100% online in both programs concurrently as you hone skills as a social worker and expand your sexualities knowledge, specializing in sex therapy.
Our program prepares social workers who are comfortable discussing sexuality in their social work practice to also be qualified to work in areas that focus explicitly on sexuality, such as human trafficking, individuals with a history of sexual abuse, and gender or sexual identity issues.
The joint PhD/MSW program will prepare you as a professional social worker to teach, consult, conduct research, and give counsel and therapy in a variety of settings on complex issues of human sexuality.
You'll take courses in both programs concurrently as you hone skills as a social worker and expand your sexualities knowledge. Specializations are available in either sex education or sex therapy, depending on your experience, interests, and goals.
After three years of coursework and internships, you'll earn your MSW. Then, complete two years of post-MSW coursework in human sexuality studies and one year of dissertation preparation and defense are required for completion of the joint program.
View the academic catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the Loading...
Outcomes, Licensures, & Certifications
MSW Program Mission
The mission of Widener’s master of social work program is to prepare culturally competent social workers who:
- Are dedicated to the attainment of social and economic justice for the betterment of poor, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families, groups, and communities
- Demonstrate care and compassion for clients from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds
- Hold an unwavering belief in client strengths, client empowerment, and the importance of the helping relationship
The department also strives to use self-reflection and critical thinking in creating purposeful interventions informed by theory and evidence through:
- Creating a supportive and nurturing academic environment that integrates dynamic classroom instruction and scientific inquiry with real-world learning
- Having diverse faculty members whose social work practice, research, and community service experiences inform their teaching and inspire our students
- Having students and faculty engage in community-based research and community partnerships that strengthen disadvantaged individuals, families, organizations, and communities while contributing to the knowledge base of the profession.
MSW Program Outcomes
All Council on Social Work Education programs measure and report student learning outcomes. Students are assessed on their mastery of the competencies that comprise the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. These competencies are dimensions of social work practice that all social workers are expected to master during their professional training. A measurement benchmark is set by the social work programs for each competency. An assessment score at or above that benchmark is considered by the program to represent mastery of that particular competency.
Our curriculum puts you on the right track to meeting the requirements for certification by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Widener University is an AASECT-approved continuing education provider for human sexuality studies. Earning certification from AASECT is an essential milestone in your professional journey, validating that you have met rigorous training and experiential requirements. AASECT provides certification for sexuality educators, sexuality counselors, sex therapists, and supervisors. For healthcare and human service professionals, certification is widely recognized as a fundamental prerequisite for practice.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Human Sexuality Studies & Social Work Professionals
Why Study Human Sexuality and Social Work at Widener?
Experience a Client-First, Trauma-Informed Social Work Education
At Widener, you'll embrace a client-first, trauma-informed education that will prepare you with the skills necessary to provide care and compassion for clients from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds and hold an unwavering belief in client strengths and empowerment.
You'll graduate as a trauma-informed social work professional prepared to effectively intervene using a trauma-informed lens and advocate for universal human rights. Equipped with the understanding that trauma is often the preceding cause of mental health challenges, substance abuse, illness, inability to maintain employment, and other social-emotional issues, you'll apply your knowledge to help individuals, families, and communities.
Learn Beyond the Classroom
Our education emphasizes practical experience, so both online and on-campus students will complete a practicum requirement that applies your classroom knowledge to real-world clients. We'll help you find the best placement to fit your career goals and personal needs, and a faculty member will supervise and mentor you throughout your placement.
In addition to your field education, the Center for Human Sexuality Studies operates the Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative (ISRC), where you can assist in applying research to shape innovation in sexuality education. As for Social Work Counseling Services (SWCS), we've got three clinics where you can help provide quality counseling services and resources to the local community.
Connect With Committed & Engaged Faculty
Here, you'll find welcoming faculty mentors committed to equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. Our faculty are highly-skilled practitioners and educators who can be found influencing policy, conducting de-stigmatizing sexuality research, and performing at our latest drag brunch. They're passionate about your personal success and provide mentorship, feedback, and support during your studies and even after graduation.
Expand & Strengthen Your Professional Network
In addition to fostering relationships with faculty mentors, you'll build bonds with driven classmates and accomplished alumni by attending events, joining discussions, and participating in various clubs and organizations, including Gamma Eta Rho - A National Honor Society in Human Sexuality, Human Sexuality Education Student Organization, the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), Phi Alpha ΦΑ - National Social Work Honor Society, and more.
Student Stories
Master of Social Work Program Highlights
Our Faculty
"My approach to teaching is best described as embracing an existentialist and social reconstructivist perspective, emphasizing respect for what each student brings to the classroom and students’ responsibility for their own learning. In my teaching at Widener, these methods have resulted in positive outcomes as measured by student course evaluations and verbal feedback."
"I strive to create an engaging, dynamic, and responsive learning environment. By encouraging self-reflection and co-created learning spaces, I aim for students to finish the course with confidence in the material, a sense of leadership in their own learning, and an understanding of the link between their work and social justice."
Recent News
Health Care Meets Holistic Care
With the addition of occupational therapy, social work, and clinical psychology services, the Chester Community Clinic provides a one-stop-shop resource for clients and engages students in an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning environment designed to treat clients holistically.
Professor Brent Satterly Publishes Sexuality Concepts for Social Workers Book
Brent A. Satterly, a professor in Widener University's Department of Social Work, has co-authored and co-edited the second edition of “Sexuality Concepts for Social Workers.” This updated edition...
Students and Faculty Highlight Their Commitment to High-Impact Practices
Widener students and faculty shared their experiences with high-impact practices, including service learning activities, research with faculty, internships and co-ops, study abroad, and senior projects.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- GPA of 3.0 or higher at the bachelor’s level
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Complete the Widener online application
- $35 application fee
- Resume
- Personal Statement - Social Work
- Personal Statement - Human Sexuality
- Professional Goals Statement - Human Sexuality
- Three letters of recommendation: two academic and one professional/volunteer
- Official transcripts from all completed undergraduate and graduate programs
- Personal or group interview (scheduled after receipt and review of completed application)
You may submit one online application and set of supporting documents following the admissions criteria for both the Center for Human Sexuality Studies and the Center for Social Work Education. On the online application, choose the interdisciplinary program option for your “primary program” under your “area of study.”
Please visit the master's of social work program page for more information about requirements specific to social work.
- GPA of 3.5 or higher at the bachelor’s level
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Complete the Widener online application
- Resume
- $35 application fee
- Personal Statement - Social Work
- Professional Goals & Personal Statement - Human Sexuality
- Writing Sample
- Three letters of recommendation: two academic and one professional/volunteer
- Official transcripts from all completed undergraduate and graduate programs
- Personal or group interview (scheduled after receipt and review of completed application)
You may submit one online application and set of supporting documents following the admissions criteria for both the Center for Human Sexuality Studies and the Center for Social Work Education. On the online application, choose the interdisciplinary program option for your “primary program” under your “area of study.”
Please visit the master's of social work program page for more information about requirements specific to social work.
Please apply by March 25 for matriculation in the fall semester.
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Center for Human Sexuality Studies
-
501 E 13th Street
- 610-499-1378
- humansexuality@widener.edu
Pamela J. Lannutti
Professor and Director, Center for Human Sexuality Studies
-
501 E. 13th Street
Room 104 - (610) 499-4282
- pjlannutti@widener.edu