New York MSW Degree Programs

Last updated January 15, 2024
New York MSW Degree Programs By Kassondra Glenn
Kassondra Glenn
Licensed Psychotherapist, MSW in Clinical Social Work/Psychotherapy (NYU)
School Program Admissions
Utica University Master of Social Work
Address Complex Mental Health and Social Issues with A Focus on Clinical Social Work.
Adelphi University Online Master of Social Work
Online flexibility and a personalized approach. Placements near you. No GRE.
Adelphi University CSWE Accredited MSW Program
Syracuse University Online Master of Social Work
No GRE required. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks.
Syracuse University CSWE Accredited MSW Program
i sponsored

Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

There are 22 university with an online MSW program in New York. All university offer online CSWE accredited programs for their Master of Social Work degree. Only California has more social workers than New York.

New York CSWE Accredited MSW Programs

22 different institutions provide a Master's degree in Social Work in New York that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This state offers the biggest variety of degrees based on college variation, and the bulk of these experiences are located in New York City and Albany. Plenty of specializations can be pursued throughout the state, including community development, mental health, and substance abuse evaluations.

Are there online MSW programs in New York?

Yes, there are colleges in New York with an online Master of Social Work degree program. Consider a featured online MSW program that is taking applicants right now, or move on to the list.

School Program Admissions
Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
Adelphi University Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
University of Kentucky Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
University of West Florida Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
Virginia Commonwealth University Online Master's in Social Work
Accredited
Website
i sponsored

Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

List of online MSW programs in New York that are CSWE accredited

School Program CSWE Accredited?
Adelphi University Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Columbia University Online MSW: Advanced Clinical Practice or Social Enterprise Administration
Fordham University Online MSW: Clinical and Community-Based Practice & Leadership
Touro College Master of Social Work (MSW)
University at Buffalo (State University of New York) Online MSW: Trauma-Informed and Human Rights Perspective
Yeshiva University Master of Social Work (MSW)

Finding a Campus and Online Based New York MSW Program

There are six different institutions that offer an online Master's degree in social work for further student flexibility. Examples include Fordham University, Touro College, and Columbia University, which are all based in New York City. These college have various requirements and availability with their online programs.

For example, Fordham University can be taken by anyone eligible in the United States with no campus visits required. If desired, this can be completed as a hybrid program with a blend of online and on-campus courses. Touro College is open to those that live in the New York metropolitan area and the northern section of New Jersey.

In depth review of online MSW programs in New York

Utica University Master of Social Work
Utica University (Online)

The curriculum is built to be a rigorous, yet flexible, clinical training, allowing you to maintain a comfortable work, life, and family balance while pursuing your academic and professional goals. As a graduate of the online MSW from Utica College you will be prepared to sit for the licensure exams in your home state.

Click for more information from the Utica University website.

Online
Pre-Candidacy for CSWE Accreditation
Master

Utica University Master of Social Work

Visit the Utica University admissions website securely. Click "Learn More" to securely visit the Utica University admissions website.

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Fordham University's Online Master of Social Work

The Graduate School of Social Service has a variety of ways to pursue the MSW, including online education, taking courses on campus in New York City, or a combination of both in a hybrid format. There is an opportunity to pursue the online format in the traditional method or with advanced standing. 66 credit hours are required in the traditional method and can be completed in as little as 16 months with full-time enrollment.

Advanced Standing Format

For advanced standing enrollment, students must have completed a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution. This can be completed in s little as eight months. Regardless of option, there is an ability to enroll part-time and complete the curriculum with flexibility in the schedule, and students should consider when some courses are only available during the school year.

Online Format

Most online courses will be distributed in a synchronous format where students will attend classes on a weekly basis and connect with faculty and other peers. Other coursework is completed in an asynchronous format, but deadlines must be met to keep pace. There is a dedicated advisor that will help with scheduling and field placement, and there is around-the-clock technical support for students that run into any issues when pursuing the degree.

Columbia University's Online MSW

The School of Social Work offers a fully online Master of Social Work that is available for all prospective students in the United States. Two specializations are available in the online format, one being Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities that offers skills in evaluating and diagnosing patients that are struggling with addictions or dealing with their disabilities.

Field placement is reviewed in a student's local area away from New York and approved. The first internship provides general experience while the second internship will be more focused on the specialization the student selects. Those that qualify for advanced standing will only pursue the latter internship as the curriculum is truncated with foundational courses waived.

Online Format

Courses are distributed through the Canvas learning management system and are in a synchronous format, requiring students to meet at a specific time. Students have the ability to talk with peers or faculty members through videoconferencing software and tools, requiring most of those pursuing the program with a microphone and webcam. There are no requirements to visit the New York City campus to complete the degree.

University at Buffalo's Online MSW

The School of Social Work offers a 60-credit traditional Master of Social Work program which can be shortened to 35 credit hours for those that are eligible for advanced academic standing. A computer with Windows 10 operating system is required, along with webcam, headset, and high-speed internet access. Prospective students should be proficient in using web browsers, email accounts, and word processing.

Admission Requirements

Application is the same for all tracks, with submission items being three letters of recommendation, transcripts, personal statement, and the application for a specific track with fee. Undergraduate prerequisites include a Bachelor's degree with at least 24 credit hours in liberal arts, a course in human biology, and at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA is recommended.

Program Formats

Courses are delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, meaning that some courses may require live attendance for lectures or they can be viewed on-demand. In all cases, specific assignments and exams must be completed by due dates set by the instructor. Examples of courses in the program include Social Welfare Policy and History, Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development, and Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights.

Field Requirements

There are two filed placements required in the traditional program, which combine for 900 total clock hours, and a minimum of 15 hours is needed per week. Both the foundational segment and specialization segment of the curriculum will require an internship to complete. Those with advanced standing will only need to complete the latter internship requirement.

Adelphi University's Online Master of Social Work

Students have the ability to complete this MSW program in an online or hybrid format through the College of Social Work. Regardless of option, students will need to attend on-campus residencies for up to four days twice per year at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. All residencies take place at the Long Island campus location.

A total of 64 credit hours are needed to complete the traditional format, which includes field experience for those looking at state licensure, and there is significantly less work required for those that qualify for advanced standing. Over 1,000 opportunities are available locally for students to gain admittance into field practice. These areas include various school districts, health care facilities, veteran programs, and treatment centers.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the program include obtaining a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university with some coursework in liberal arts and holding a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher from that prior experience. Those looking to gain academic standing must have an accredited BSW and should include two letters of recommendation. There are no Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) requirements in the application process.

Touro College's Hybrid Master of Social Work

The Graduate School of Social Work offers the MSW with a curriculum that requires 63 credit hours to complete. This can be accomplished in just two years with additional coursework in the summer months, but students can opt for part-time enrollment that expands up to four years. A flex option is available for students that want to take advantage of online and in-person classes in the same curriculum.

Program Formats

By utilizing the flex option, students will join physical courses once per week on Sunday at the Manhattan or Brooklyn campus. All other coursework is completed online, and limitations include the requirement of this being a five-semester program and the final semester being at the Manhattan location exclusively. Some courses will only be available on campus, and fieldwork must be accomplished at the location desired.

Program Tracks and Field Requirements

Examples of courses with online capability include various levels of the Human Behavior and Social Environment, and Social Welfare Policy and Service Delivery Systems. Both of these courses expand into advanced topics in the later stages of the curriculum. Over 1,000 hours of fieldwork will be split between the foundational and specialization years, with the latter gaining more emphasis in topics related to personal interest.

Specific areas of emphasis can be pursued in gerontology, military social work, and mental illness. Resources include courses held at night and the ability to pursue continuing education workshops to renew state licensure. While courses are flexible, field work must be completed during normal business hours within the internship.

Yeshiva University's Online MSW

This online Master of Social Work program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis through the Wurzweiler School of Social Works. Students can obtain the skills needed to work with various patients with the ability to complete coursework on their own own time. For those that have completed a Bachelor's degree in social work and hold high academic merit, there is a potential to achieve advanced standing and eliminate foundational work.

Field Requirements

60 total credit hours are needed for the full program, and that is divided in half for those with advanced standing. Field placement takes place in both years of the program with a foundational approach first, and then a specialized experience working with children and families, groups, and communities. It is the student's responsibility to find field placement in their own location and they must be approved by a faculty member.

Program Benefits

Features in the program include the ability to work with an advisor throughout the pursual of the degree to help customize the program to fit the student's needs. Students can begin the program in January, June, and September each year, and the schedule is separated into six different terms. There is an ability to customize course workload throughout the experience that best fits the student's needs.


Review of campus-based New York MSW programs

Adelphi University - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) - Garden City

Available on-campus or online with field placements in the student's location. Geared toward part-time studies to convenience those with other work and life obligations. Advanced standing option shortens study commitment to within a year. Requires the completion of an accredited BSW program with high academic merit. Preparation for roles in child welfare centers, mental health clinics, and schools. No GRE required in the application process.

College of Saint Rose - Master's Degree in Social Work - Albany

Degree provides increased job opportunities in social work and management duties. Curriculum geared toward students that may have a different discipline background. Specialization areas include working with clients suffering from addiction and community development. Course availability in day, night, or weekend sessions with some online opportunities. 98 percent graduating from the program have employment or seeking further education.

College of Staten Island CUNY - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Staten Island

Concentrations available in clinical or macro practice of disability studies. At least 60 credit hours needed to fulfill degree requirements. 1,200 total field hours required in the full format of the program. Admission takes place in the summer and fall semesters only. Application deadline set on February 15th with advanced standing admitted in the summer. Requires the completion of a prerequisite statistics course.

CUNY Graduate School and University Center - Master in Liberal Studies - New York

Full-time enrollment is only available on-campus with 62 total credit hours needed. Admission into the program only takes place in the fall semester. Advanced coursework includes social policy development, research methods, and mental disorder overview. Two electives in the final spring semester customize the program to a specific role. Provides direct exam preparation to become a licensed MSW worker in the state of New York.

CUNY Hunter College - Master in Social Work (MSW) - New York

Available with one to two years of full-time study on campus. Topics may include human behavior impact and lab sessions for social work practice. Unique residency program offered to students with two years of professional experience. Completed in one year with established work placement approval. Requires two recommendation letters and personal statement in application process.

CUNY Hunter College - Master in Social Work (MSW) - New York

Offers six different formats of MSW study, including dual enrollment with education. Accelerated program completed in 18 months with full-time study. Only specialization through accelerated format is clinical practice for individuals and groups. Advanced standing format offers alternative focus on community organization, planning, and development. Residency format offered to students with at least two years of work experience.

CUNY Lehman College - Masters in Social Work (MSW) - Bronx

2-year full time program requires 21 total hours of field experience each week. Part-time status requires three years of study with evening courses. Field experience takes place over the last two years with 600 total clock hours each. Advanced standing available and students only complete the second year of the program. Students must maintain at least a 2.7 GPA to stay in the program.

Daemen College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Amherst

Traditional campus format begins in September or online in October. Students take two courses in eight-week modules throughout their online education. 60 total credit hours needed for the full program. Courses distributed throughout the afternoon and evening hours to convenience work schedules. Graduates become consultants, program directors, counselors, and administrators in social work.

Hunter College, City University of New York - M.S.W. - New York

Main topics in the program include human behavior and social welfare policy. Many electives taken in the second year customize studies and potential practices. Many course levels are available in research methods and working with different groups. Students can choose to complete a one or two-year program. They may qualify for advanced standing or choose the accelerated 18-month program. The latter option is the full 60-credit hour program in five consecutive semesters.

Keuka College - Master of Social Work - Keuka Park

Main course topics include social welfare policy, psychopathology, and how to assess clients. Students may focus practice with military, substance abuse, group sessions, and more. Advanced standing requires 35 credit hours with average completion time at 11 months. Also available is the 20-month part-time option at other campus locations in New York. This program does provide the education necessary to pursue social work state licensure.

Lehman College, City University of New York - Social Work M.S.W. Program - Bronx

Four different tracks are available based on enrollment status and educational standing. Average completion time is between two to three years with evening coursework. 1,200 total field hours needed in the entire program over two years. Alternative part-time experience offers the field experience split across six total semesters. Advanced standing features evening courses and 600 total field hours. Admission requires at least 45 credit hours in liberal arts and a 3.0 GPA.

LIU Brooklyn - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) - Brooklyn

Concentration options include child/family welfare, forensics, gerontology, and substance abuse. There is also a nonprofit management option that focuses on administration and leadership. Students must complete the program with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and within five years. All field experience courses must have a B grade or higher earned. 1,000 total hours in field work needed, with 600 hours reserved for the specialization year.

Nazareth College - Master of Social Work (M.S.A.) - Rochester

Program available at the main Rochester campus, Auburn, or Watertown locations. There are hybrid opportunities at each location with online and on-campus coursework. Students may elect to study abroad at various international locations. Course topics include intervention methods, client assessment, and working with military veterans. Offers courses in the day and evening for scheduling flexibility. Academic standing available for students earning a CSWE-accredited degree within eight years.

New York University - Master of Social Work - New York

Offers many formats with full-time or part-time enrollment. International program experience with both enrollment options available in Shanghai. Advanced standing only requires 600 of the 900 total field hours in the full program. Students may dual-degree in disciplines such as criminal justice and public administration. 85 percent first-time pass rate for the licensed clinical examination for 2019 class. Features opportunity to take some courses without full admission.

Nyack College - Masters in Social Work - Nyack

63 credit hours or 33 credit hours with approved advanced standing. Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher with a CSWE-accredited BSW degree. Case reflection writing needed for the advanced standing application. Specializations available in clinical practice or leadership roles. 950 total hours needed in a field experience setting. Preparation for careers in mental health assessment and correctional services.

Roberts Wesleyan College - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) - Rochester

Available at the Rochester campus location only. Offers faith-based emphasis on social work practice and theory. Electives available include trauma, bereavement therapy, abuse and violence, and international settings. Completed in one to four years depending on enrollment and academic standing. Courses offered in the late afternoon and evening to convenience workers.

Stony Brook University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Stony Brook

Required foundational courses include social justice, social policy, and research and evaluation methods. Concentrations in community policy, youth guidance to adulthood, and integrated health. Focused studies are also offered at the Long Island and Manhattan campuses. Electives opportunity in conflict management and promoting healthy practice toward youth. Special topics provide a look into latest events and innovations in social work.

Binghamton University, State University of New York - Master's of Social Work (MSW) - Binghamton

Topics in the generalist year include human behavior, psychopathology, and diversity. Curriculum separated even with 16 credit hours needed across four semesters. Advanced standing eliminates the foundational year and up to 29 credit hours. To qualify, accredited undergraduate degree needed with B grades in social work courses. At least 1,000 field hours needed with at least 15 hours dedicated to each week. Dual degrees available in Spanish language, public administration, and student affairs.

College at Brockport, State University of New York - Masters in Social Work (MSW) - Brockport

Completed with 36 or 60 credit hours depending on courses waived with a BSW degree. Prior education must include a 3.0 GPA. Many courses offered in earlier or evening hours with field experience taking place. Students discover latest innovations in the field and using evidence-based decision making. Also offers standalone graduate certification in gerontology.

Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Syracuse

Both traditional format and advanced standing options available on-campus and online. Gaining an advanced standing designation provides a quicker way to complete the program. Offers specialization in military members, mental health, and family counseling. Practice focuses also feature advanced clinical or advanced integrated practice. Also offers dual-degree option with the marriage and family therapy discipline.

Touro College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - New York

Topics include social welfare, working in communities and with families, and research methods. Concentration options feature techniques in clinical work and intervention strategy. Flex scheduling option provides education at the Manhattan or Brooklyn locations. Courses take place on Sundays over five semesters with a short summer term. The final semester is only available at the Manhattan campus.

University at Albany, State University of New York - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Albany

Overview of micro and macro practice in the field and introduction to research. Concentrations offered in a clinical setting or within community development. Specializations also available in mental health and gerontology. Students complete 500 or 1,000 hours of field experience based on academic standing. Requires two days dedicated to an internship weekly. Careers at the macro level include operations director and policy strategist.

University at Buffalo, State University of New York - M.S.W. - Buffalo

Offers 60-credit hour traditional program or advanced standing option with 35 credit hours. Available online and geared toward students that live over 50 miles away from campus. Abbreviated version begins in summer semester and spans one academic year. Summer education focuses on research methods and an introductory seminar. May also take on a part-time basis across five semesters. Clinical course electives include crisis intervention, trauma theory, and intervention work.

Yeshiva University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - New York

Program available on-campus, online, or in a virtual environment with synchronous education. Online program offers more on-demand options for viewing lectures and doing coursework. Entry for traditional program is in the fall or spring semester. Joint studies with CASAC and leading to licensed work begins in spring and summer terms. Advanced practice options include clinical setting, group work, or community practice. May gain certification during studies emphasizing gerontology, school, trauma, and other various fields.

York College, City University of New York - MSW Program - Jamaica

Students begin the program in the fall on a full-time basis. Courses offered in the evening and weekend time frames with no online options. Application requirements include Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA and three reference letters. Group interview required in the application process. Must maintain 3.0 cumulative GPA to continue studies, and similar for all social work courses. Any course lower than a B grade considered not acceptable.

Social Work Careers, Licensures, and Salaries for Social Workers in New York

New York is one of the top states in the country in terms of social work employment. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employment is for the sectors of child, family, and school with over 29,000 workers. In general, there are over 56,000 workers recognized when factoring in health care, mental health, and substance abuse social workers.

Average Salary of a New York Social Worker

Only California has more employment in social work than New York. Salaries are fairly even across the board for state with social work positions between $60,000 to $63,000 as the annual mean estimate. This is generally above the national average, though New York City sees a slight salary boost for professionals in mental health work.

New York Social Work Licensure Requirements

There are two levels of certification that New York residents can achieve with a Master’s degree in social work. Becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) requires the completion of a CSWE-accredited program that had over 900 hours of field education. A required child abuse course is also needed prior to submitting an application, which can be taken at many locations across the state.

Clinical Examination Requirements

With the LMSW license in hand and three years of postgraduate clinical experience, individuals can then apply to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). At least 2,000 of these hours require direct client services. When attempting to gain either licensure, applicants must first complete and pass the corresponding exam through the Association of Social Work Boards.

Licensures from other states at the LCSW level are accepted if there have been at least 10 years of practice over the last 15 years. This is different for the LMSW, which does not accept licensure from other states unless similar requirements have been completed. Renewals take place every three years with 36 continuing education credit hours required.