Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in New York (NY) – Online & On-Campus

From Albany to New York City, there are several cities with universities that offer MSW programs. Many of these programs offer varying options of concentrations to fine-tune your future practice. All of the below MSW programs in New York are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offer advanced standing enrollment opportunities for those who have already earned their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Learn more about selecting an MSW program to pursue a career in social work as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York.

Sponsored Online MSW Program

Fordham’s Master of Social Work—Delivered Online

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

Learn more about the Online Master of Social Work from Fordham University

Sponsored Online MSW Program

Syracuse University’s Online MSW—No GRE Required

Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. No GRE scores are required to apply, and the program offers Standard and Advanced Standing tracks.

Learn more about the Online Master of Social Work from Syracuse University

Social Work Degree Programs in New York

Prospective social work students can choose from a range of degree programs throughout the state. From prestigious schools in New York City to flexible programs in upstate New York, choices give candidates the option to stay local or move to a different part of the state to pursue their degree online and off. They may have to complete perquisites and/or send in recommendations and GRE test scores in order to gain acceptance to a program.

The skills students learn in social work school include organizational theory and leadership. They may choose to focus on specific topics like addiction, child welfare and geriatrics, among others, as well as earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate at social work programs in New York.

You may want to pursue an online degree in social work because it’s much more flexible than on-campus learning. To complete supervised clinical training, your school may require you to live within a certain distance of the school’s physical location, so keep that in mind when you apply. Some social work programs may let you work in your state; it all depends on the college’s requirements.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in New York

A CSWE-accredited university with a Master of Social Work program in New York will offer you the skills you need to become a social worker in New York. You will also do the required clinical training and prepare for your ASWB test.

Online MSW Programs in New York

UniversityCityConcentrationsProgram OptionsAdelphi UniversityGarden City, NY

• Bilingual School Social Work
• Trauma
• Substance Abuse
• Human Services Management
• Organizational Leadership

• Part time
• Advanced standing program

Columbia UniversityNew York, NY

• Advanced Clinical Social Work practice
• Policy Practice
• Social Enterprise Administration
• Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming

• Full time
• Part time
• Advanced standing program

Fordham University
Sponsored ProgramNew York, NY

• Individuals and Families
• Organizations and Community
• Evaluation
• Policy Practice and Advocacy

• Full time
• Part time
• Advanced standing program

Syracuse University
Sponsored ProgramSyracuse, NY

• Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP)
• Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP)

• Part time
• Advanced standing program

Touro CollegeNew York, NY

• Geriatrics
• Veterans
• Mental Illness

Full timeUniversity at Buffalo (State University of New York)Buffalo, NYTrauma-Informed and Human Rights Perspective

• Full time
• Part time
• Advanced standing program

Yeshiva UniversityNew York, NYClinical Practice with Individuals and Families, Group Work and Community Practice

• Full time
• Part time
• Advanced standing program

With an online MSW program, students may take classes at certain times of the week; for instance, some schools may host classes in the evenings on weeknights so that students working full-time jobs can also participate. These flexible social work programs may allow you to complete your MSW coursework from anywhere, but you’ll still be expected to complete clinical hours in person to ensure you can earn your licensure.

Learn more about MSW Programs:

Education Requirements

If you are pursuing an advanced standing program at any of the above New York universities, you will likely need to have already completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree accredited by the CSWE. 

Similar to other graduate degree programs, some of these MSW programs in New York may require letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, human services experience, official transcripts, and a minimum GPA. Be sure to check with your preferred NY university above for more information on their MSW program.

Curriculum

Some MSW programs in New York offer specializations or concentrations which focus on one or more facets of social work. Whether you choose a specialization or not, there will likely be a foundational year, or foundational curriculum for traditional students. Requirements for traditional programs may include specific coursework in: 

• Human Behavior Theory
• Social Work Theory
• Foundations of Social Work
• Social Policy
• Psychopathology
• Field Internships

If you choose to specialize your MSW degree, you may expect coursework in your second year to be centered on that topic with field internships. Curriculum will vary amongst the New York MSW programs, so be sure to check with your preferred university for more information.

FAQs

Which school has the best MSW program in New York (NY)?

All of the New York universities above have programs accredited by the CSWE as of November 2020. To determine which school has the best MSW program in NY is likely dependent on your own goals. If you want to become a school social worker, for example, you may want to pursue an MSW degree with a focus on school social work to help prepare you for appropriate licensure and certification.

What is the typical cost of an MSW program in NY?

The cost of an MSW program in NY will vary by university, type of program and type of enrollment. Be sure to check with your preferred program for more information. Regardless, each university with an MSW program in NY will have a financial aid office and likely opportunities to apply for social work scholarships, grants, and loans for financing your MSW degree.

Is it worth getting an MSW?

Earning a Master of Social Work degree is dependent on what your career goals are. If you are looking to earn licensure to practice as a social worker in New York, you will need to have completed an accredited MSW program. The projection of social work jobs is at 13% from 2019 to 2029, so there is a presumed need to fill those estimated 90,000+ roles.

How long does it take to become a social worker in New York?

Depending on your career pathway, your completed education may take up to five years, accounting for completing a BSW in four years and pursuing a one year advanced standing program. However, if you are pursuing an LCSW license and do not have an MSW, the time to become a social worker in New York may be longer for education requirements and postgraduate clinical experience hours required for licensure.

Information on this page was updated in November 2020.