Bradford Campus FAQ

The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford offers a specialization in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups, with a focus in Children, Youth, and Families. 

A new cohort of accepted students may start every two years, completing six credits per semester for 10 consecutive semesters. Students may complete the MSW in three and a half years. Geared towards working professionals, classes are held in the evenings at Pitt's campus in Bradford, Pa. The Pitt-Bradford MSW program shares the same academic goals, standards and requirements as the program at the Pittsburgh campus.

Students are eligible for a 15% tuition discount if they meet the following conditions:

  • Students must be employed by either a non-profit or social service agency as a full-time employee for no fewer than 35 hours per week and work directly in a capacity with individuals, families, groups or communities.
  • Students are not eligible for the discount if they are already receiving either tuition remission or reimbursement from Pitt or their employer.
  • Verification of employment must be provided by a signed letter on agency letterhead stationary by either the CEO or human services manager/director verifying the student's employment, weekly hours worked and job title.

A bachelor's degree (minimum overall QPA of 3.0) from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants must be able to show that they have acquired a liberal arts base during their undergraduate (or undergraduate and graduate) studies and must have completed one undergraduate course in descriptive statistics.

The application process is completed online

Admission to the program is set up on a cohort basis. Instead of admitting students every term, we admit students as a group. Cohorts are admitted approximately every 24 months.

No. Students lacking a BSW or a BASW will acquire equivalent preparation through completion of generalist course work and practicum. Individuals with degrees from accredited undergraduate social work programs are eligible for advanced standing. The number of advanced-standing credits to be granted will be determined as part of the admission process.

The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford offers a specialization in Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups, with a focus in Children, Youth, and Families. Prospective students interested in other Direct Practice areas of special focus such as mental health and gerontology, or in the Community, Organization, and Social Action (COSA) specialization should apply to the Pittsburgh program.

The five generalist courses are: Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Generalist Foundations of Social Work Practice, Social Work Research, Social Welfare, and Foundations of Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations.

The MSW degree requires completion of a minimum of 60 credits. The program consists of 42 credits of course work and 18 credits of practicum placement.

Once admitted, students can complete the degree in 10 terms, provided that all admission prerequisites are met. Students who hold BSW or BASW degrees may be able to complete the degree in eight terms, depending on the number of advanced standing credits granted.

The Pitt-Bradford MSW program has a full-time regional program director who works at the campus. This person provides academic advising, practicum liaison coverage, and community outreach, and reports directly to the MSW program director. The regional program director is available to assist all prospective and current students with their professional development goals.

The MSW program requires two distinct practicum placements for students who enter without a BSW or BASW degree. Students with advanced standing complete one practicum placement. The regional program director works individually with each student to arrange practicum placements based on their professional goals and geographic location. Numerous practicum placement sites are available in the Twin Tiers region. 

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Therefore, students completing the MSW degree are eligible to take the examination to become a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania and other states.

Stephanie Eckstrom, MSW Regional Program Director
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
233A Swarts Hall
300 Campus Drive
Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701
(814) 362-7527
E-mail:sae102@pitt.edu