Transform the world at a top-ranked School of Social Work!
Nationally Ranked and Close To Home
Applications for Fall 2024 are being accepted now.
Join US!
Pitt School of Social Work is one of the top-ranked social work programs in the country. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at UPJ campus is an in-person, part-time program that prepares students to engage in empirically supported and culturally competent advanced social work practice. It offers a specialization in direct practice with individuals, families, and small groups, with a certificate in mental health.
Students with a BSW/BASW are granted advanced standing during the admission process and can receive up to 15 academic credits. The number of advanced standing credits granted depends on the comparability of the student’s undergraduate courses to this Program’s generalist courses and on the grades they earned in those undergraduate courses (i.e., must be a “B” grade or higher).
The Pitt-Johnstown MSW program shares the same academic goals, standards, and requirements as the program at the Pittsburgh campus. Our curriculum prepares students to successfully take the licensure exam.
A new cohort of accepted students may start every two years, completing six credits per semester(2 classes or 1 class and practicum work) for 10 consecutive semesters. (Total credits:42 class + 18 practicum work) Students may complete the MSW in three and a half years. Classes are taught by full-time and part-time faculty in the evenings at Pitt's campus in Johnstown, PA.
Click on the part-time course schedule which is perfect for the recent grad or the working professional. Our cohort model and 15:1 student /faculty ratio ensure that our students receive the absolute most out of their education. Our students cultivate professional and personal networks that continue long after graduation. We also offer a 2-year program for students who would like to attend full-time beginning their second year and can travel to Oakland campus for one course in the spring term.
You are welcome to visit a class or our campus at any time.
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 stationery by either the CEO or human services manager/director verifying the student's employment, weekly hours worked, and job title.
Pitt2Pitt
To qualify for a Pitt2Pitt Scholarship, you need to be a graduating University of Pittsburgh senior or alumni as described in the program-specific requirements, apply to the program, and be admitted. Qualifying part-time students (minimum 4.5 credits) can receive $1,250/term scholarship.
You can apply to the program through the Pittsburgh campus admissions process link. Applications will be accepted Oct. 1, 2023 to June 30,2024 for the 2024-25 academic year. To apply you will need to provide:
• The online MSW application form/ GradCas
• Electronically signed field education document (included in the application)
• 3-5 page double-spaced typed personal statement
• Official and sealed copies of transcripts for all colleges/universities attended
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Copy of resume
Prepare for licensure with a university that has one of the highest pass rates for LSW in the nation for first-time test-takers.
Let's chat at your convenience.
See our Pitt-Johnstown MSW Program Brochure
Contact:
Misha Zorich,MSW,MDiv
MSW Regional Program Director, Pitt-Johnstown MSW Program
maz49@pitt.edu
Maggie Borodach
Administrative Assistant
149B Biddle Hall
450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904
(814) 269-7008
meb264@pitt.edu
Words from our Alumni
The MSW program at Pitt-Johnstown offered me an opportunity for growth both professionally and personally. The small class size is ideal for making personal connections with your professors and colleagues that last beyond your years in the program. I’m grateful for my experiences in the MSW program and would recommend it to anyone looking to move forward in a career in social work.
Class of 2013
Erika B. Brosig, LCSW, CTTS, DAAETS
Clinical Director, Victim Services, Inc
Cambria County SART Coordinator
The MSW program at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown gave me the opportunity to achieve a master's degree while continuing to work full-time and raise a family. Since graduating in 2009, the program remains an important part of my life, as I have now become part of the faculty as an adjunct instructor. This program is vital to the mental health community because it maintains our local pool of clinicians and fosters greater access to care for those seeking treatment.
Class of 2009
Tanya Kvarta,LSW
Executive Director, Behavioral Health of Cambria County
The MSW program at Pitt-Johnstown provided me with the flexibility to both maintain my career and begin my family while pursuing graduate education. The coursework and field placements led to success in clinical licensure, my profession as a therapist, and opportunities to give back to the social work community.
Class of 2009
Shawna Kosakowski,LSW
Outpatient Therapist
I have had so many wonderful opportunities to advance my career thanks to my master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. I obtained a Director of Social Work position at Torrance State Hospital where I did my internship and currently work as the Director of the Sexual Responsibility and Treatment Program at Torrance, a one-of-a-kind program in the Nation! I would never have had these opportunities without my degree. I felt well prepared to tackle the challenges of both of these positions because of all that I learned thanks to all the dedicated professors and staff from the University of Pittsburgh. I would highly recommend this amazing program to increase your career opportunities and help to change people’s lives like you never thought possible.
Class of 2001
Bobbi Lawrence, LSW
Executive Director
PA Sexual Responsibility and Treatment Program | Torrance State Hospital
The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social
Work Education. Therefore, students completing the MSW
degree are eligible to take the examination to become a
licensed social worker in Pennsylvania and other states.