With a master of social work (MSW) and either a master of education (MEd) or doctor of philosophy (PhD) in human sexuality studies, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader.
In our dual degree social work and human sexuality studies graduate programs, you will take the inside track to a future as an educator, clinician, therapist, and 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). In both programs, students can follow either the sex education or sex therapy tracks.
In addition to working collaboratively with community educators, teachers, therapists, clinicians, and writers, you will also be trained in social justice education, research methodologies, curriculum development, clinical research, teaching strategies, assessment and intervention, and culturally appropriate program design.
You'll gain hands-on practice experience in either educational or clinical settings, depending on your program track. Field experience is accompanied by a practicum course through which you will receive supervision from a faculty member. Field placements are located where you live, and students who live more than two hours away from campus can attend their practicum class through video conferencing.
Through a practicum placement and accompanying supervision, you will develop the skills and aptitudes to excel in the field of human sexuality. In the PhD program, a rigorous research-oriented program will prepare you to conduct and disseminate research, and to connect that research to practice.
View the academic catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements:
Pursue a powerful yet flexible dual degree to fit your busy schedule. You’ll complete your MSW 100% online while completing your MEd in Human Sexuality Studies through a blend of online and campus-based courses offered in our unique weekend format.
Please refer to the MSW program page for state licensure information.
You may submit one online application and set of supporting documents following the admissions criteria for your CHSS degree program 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.” For your autobiographical and professional and personal goals statements, please follow the prompts found on page 4 of the online application.
Please visit the master's of social work program page for more information about requirements specific to social work.
You may submit one online application and set of supporting documents following the admissions criteria for your CHSS degree program 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.” For your autobiographical and professional and personal goals statements, please follow the prompts found on page 4 of the online application.
Please visit the master's of social work program page for more information about requirements specific to social work.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year for a fall semester start.
With dual social work and human sexuality studies graduate degrees from Widener, you will develop the skills and expertise to excel as a sexuality educator and social worker.
Most of your human sexuality classes take place on specified weekends only, so you will know in advance when you are required on campus. Because of this format, students commute from around the Philadelphia area (and beyond) and are able to keep their current jobs.
Note: This does not apply to MSW courses, which can be taken on campus or online. Learn more about the flexibility of our dual MSW/MEd program.
Thanks to our highly trained faculty and staff who use current educational philosophies and methodologies, you will receive an education that emphasizes affective learning and cutting-edge strategies.
If you are interested in becoming certified by the American Association and Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, our curriculum puts you on the right track to meeting the requirements for certification.
"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 have been a therapist working with LGBTQ children, youth, and families for the last 20 years. I went into this work to raise the voices of individuals who are far too often silenced.
In 2014, I founded the Gender & Sexuality Development Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to have a way for Transgender and Gender Expansive children, youth, and their families to receive multidisciplinary care. In supporting these wonderful families, it became clear that there needs to be many more therapists who can provide support. My motivation in building this training program is to have more therapists in the community who can provide this great care.
"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."
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.
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...
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.
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