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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

Offered as

• Social Work MSW & Human Sexuality MEd
• Social Work MSW & Human Sexuality PhD

Format

• Hybrid or 100% Online

Credits and Completion Time

• Hybrid MSW/MEd: 98 credits, 3 years
• Online MSW/MEd: 98 credits, 3 years
• PhD/MSW: 138 credits, 6 years

College/School

• College of Health & Human Services

Affiliation

• Center for Human Sexuality Studies
• Center for Social Work Education

Campus Location

• Chester, PA

Program Overview

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.

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.

Social Work (MSW) & Human Sexuality Studies (MEd or PhD) Degree Options & Curricula

Hybrid MSW/MEd

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:

• MSW/MEd - Education Track
• MSW/MEd - Clinical Track

Online MSW/MEd

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.

PhD/MSW

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 MSW/PhD

Outcomes, Licensures, & Certifications

MSW Program Mission & Outcomes

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.

MSW Licensure by State

All determinations are accurate as of August 5, 2024, and are reviewed annually.

State Licensing Board Educational Requirements

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• DC
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky

Program DOES NOT Meet State Licensing Board Educational Requirements

• California
• New Mexico
• New York

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists Certification

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

Potential Careers

• Clinical social worker or supervisor
• Medical social worker
• Trauma-informed sex therapist/sexologist
• Sexual health educator
• Children and family services worker
• Policy advocate
• Sexual wellness non-profit leader

Work Settings

• Children and youth services
• Individual and family services
• Schools and educational facilities
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Mental health facilities
• Addiction and recovery facilities

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.

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.

Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

MEd/MSW Admissions Requirements

• 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)

PhD/MSW Admissions Requirements

• 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)

Application Deadlines

Please apply by March 25 for matriculation in the fall semester.

Transfer to Widener

Widener University's Center for Social Work Education accepts up to 9 credits from a non-MSW graduate program. If transferring from another MSW program, a credit evaluation will determine how many credits will be accepted.

International Admissions

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

Applying for Aid as a Graduate Student

Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "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. Our school code is .

In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:

• Must demonstrate financial need
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Paths to Savings

• 85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
• Graduate Assistantships
• Widener Scholarships
• Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
• 20% Discount for Widener Alumni (some restrictions apply)