Degrees
APR 17, 2024

Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in New York (NY) in 2024 – Online & On-Campus

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Master’s in Social Work (MSW) programs offer a comprehensive education that combines theoretical work with practical skills. New York has a lot of colleges and universities that offer social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

There are at least 20 MSW programs New York that academic institutions boast (Council on Social Work Education, n.d.). These prepare students for impactful careers in addressing social issues and promoting societal well-being. The social sciences programs also emphasize the development of critical thinking, cultural competence, and ethical practice to help students tackle the challenges of being a social worker.

With a focus on experiential learning, MSW programs in New York provide opportunities for internships and field placements. This lets students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. That said, our research experts collected detailed information about the diverse MSW programs in NYC to help aspiring social workers make a difference in people’s lives.

MSW Programs in New York Table of Contents

How to Become a Social Worker in New York
How long does it take to complete MSW programs in New York?
What is the cost of MSW programs in New York?
New York Schools Offering Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in New York
What can I do with an MSW degree in New York?

How to Become a Social Worker in New York

The New York Office of the Professions issues licenses for clinical social workers (LCSW) and master social workers (LMSW). The differences between the two are their scope of practice and the level of clinical training they have.

LMSW is an entry-level social work license that requires a master’s degree in social work. They have completed the necessary coursework and supervised fieldwork hours to obtain their license. On the other hand, LCSW is an advanced-level license that requires additional clinical experience and supervision beyond the master’s level. They have fulfilled the requirements for LMSW and have gained a specific number of professionally-supervised postgraduate clinical hours.

LMSWs are trained to provide a range of social work services like case management, advocacy, and counseling under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. Meanwhile, LCSWs are authorized to engage in independent clinical practice, diagnose mental health disorders, and provide psychotherapy services to clients. In this way, they can become a mental health counselor.

Despite the differences, LMSWs and LCSWs have slight similarities when it comes to becoming licensed social workers. Earning their license also allows social workers to work in various industries within New York.

Becoming an LMSW in New York

Complete a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Complete any CSWE-accredited MSW programs in New York.
Pass the Master’s Social Work licensure exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.
Complete the child abuse identification and reporting coursework.
Apply to the New York Office of the Professions.

Becoming an LCSW in New York

Complete a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Complete any CSWE-accredited MSW programs in New York with a minimum of 12 semester hours of clinical coursework.
Complete at least three years of supervised clinical work after graduation.
Pass the Clinical Social Work licensure exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.
Complete the child abuse identification and reporting coursework.
Apply to the New York Office of the Professions.

How long does it take to complete MSW programs New York?

Aspiring social workers must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree to kickstart their career. They also need to pursue the best MSW programs New York offers. MSW programs in NYC often take two to three years to complete.

Meanwhile, students with transferable credits and prior social work experience are eligible for advanced standing. This will allow them to complete their New York MSW programs within 12 months.

Depending on the social work career path that students want to take, they will need to complete coursework in child abuse identification and reporting and have at least 12 semester hours in supervised clinical work. They may also need at least three years of supervised work experience after completing their postgraduate degree to be a licensed social worker in New York.

What is the cost of an MSW program in New York?

The cost of completing traditional or online MSW programs in New York will vary considerably based on the college or university and its location. Tuition for public social work schools in NYC can cost $10,940 for in-state students and $28,240 for out-of-state students (CollegeBoard, 2022). On the other hand, private academic institutions can charge around $39,400 per academic year.

For students who prefer online learning, the tuition for public social work schools in NY can cost $21,190 (in-state) and $34,072 (out-of-state) (CollegeBoard, 2023). Private colleges in New York for social work can charge an average of $33,800 per academic year.

Online Learning

In-campus Learning

Public In-state

$21,190

$10,940

Public Out-of-state

$34,072

$28,240

Private

$33,800

$39,400

*Values are estimates

While the cost of MSW programs New York offers can be expensive, plenty of social work scholarships are available to qualified students. Some merit-based scholarships can grant students $2,000 to $5,000 per school year. There are also need-based scholarships that award as much as $30,000 per school year to eligible students.

For aspiring social workers who belong to a specific demographic group or are pursuing particular specializations, they can consider applying for the following scholarships:

National Association of Social Workers Association Scholarship
CSWE Minority Fellowship Program
CSWE Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund
CSWE Substance Use Disorders Scholars Program

New York Schools Offering Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs

For students wondering how to get a degree in social work, Research.com’s review experts pulled data from credible sources to create a list of colleges and universities offering MSW programs in New York. The following social worker schools in NY were measured based on their academic rating, enrollment rate, affordability, and other key metrics.

1. College of Staten Island

Taking a Master of Social Work at the College of Staten Island allows students to specialize in social work practice for people with disabilities. This program will teach them how to employ transformative practices to address the needs of people with disabilities. These include fostering human and community well-being and promoting economic and social justice for people with disabilities.

Program Length: One to four years
Tracks/concentrations: Clinical and macro-practices in disability studies
Cost per Credit: $855
Required Credits to Graduate: 32 to 60 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

2. Long Island University Brooklyn

Dedicated to providing first-rate education in the health professions, the Master of Social Work program at Long Island University Brooklyn is designed to train students to become effective and competent social workers. As one of the top-quality MSW programs New York can provide, it educates students on the history, purpose, and philosophy of social work and how to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. This includes working with a diverse population of clients in and out of New York City.

Program Length: Two to four years
Tracks/concentrations: Alcohol and substance abuse, child and family welfare, forensic social work, gerontology, and non-profit management
Cost per Credit: $1,352
Required Credits to Graduate: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

3. Nazareth College of Rochester

Graduate students can learn how to become competent and ethical social workers when they complete a Master of Social Work program from Nazareth College of Rochester. The program also allows students to delve into various specializations while learning to respect cultural diversity and advocate for social justice. Ultimately, students will develop their leadership and collaborative skills through integrative and interprofessional practice.

Program Length: One to four years
Tracks/concentrations: Family and community practice, interdisciplinary health care
Cost per Credit: $1,075
Required Credits to Graduate: 36 60 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

4. Syracuse University

Taking a Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University allows students to land leadership roles in human services management and policy making. Otherwise, they can use the advanced degree to gain credentials to practice in a clinical mental health setting. This program also teaches students how to advance social justice and human rights and take part in policy and research-informed practices.

Program Length: Two to four years
Tracks/concentrations: Advanced integrated practice, advanced clinical practice
Cost per Credit: $1,803
Required Credits to Graduate: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

5. Yeshiva University

As a leader in social work education, Yeshiva University offers some of the best MSW programs New York can present. Their Master of Social Work Degree is ideal for students wanting to improve the quality of living of every social service participant. They boast over 600 placement sites in the Greater New York Area and all over the United States, Canada, and Israel, ensuring students will get the hands-on social work experience they are looking for.

Program Length: One to four years
Tracks/concentrations: The aging population, mental illness, and returning and retired veterans
Cost per Credit: $1,138
Required Credits to Graduate: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in New York

More than 50% of accredited MSW programs New York colleges and universities offer are available through online learning (Council on Social Work Education, n.d.). Completing any MSW online programs NY allows students to earn the same qualifications as those who pursue in-campus MSW programs.

However, they must enroll in their New York MSW programs from esteemed colleges and universities. This is because hiring managers are more concerned about where students acquired their degrees than how (FutureLearn, 2021). In line with this, our researchers created a list of the best MSW programs in NYC that students can take online.

1. Adelphi University

Graduate students can leverage their online Master of Social Work from Adelphi University to become qualified social workers and make a difference in people and communities. The program combines theoretical study and real-world training, preparing students for a rewarding career. What sets the university’s online MSW program apart is that students can personalize their degree path to learn how healthcare practices relate to social work.

Program Length: Three years
Tracks/concentrations: Human services management, mental health, organization leadership, substance abuse, and trauma
Cost per Credit: $905
Required Credits to Graduate: 64 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

2. Columbia University

As one of the most esteemed MSW programs in New York can boast, the online MS in Social Work program from Columbia University leads social work education and research. The program provides students access to rigorous training, innovative teaching, and proven methods to lead people and society forward. They will learn the most pressing social welfare issues, encouraging students to promote social justice across all sectors and strata of society.

Program Length: Three to four years
Tracks/concentrations: Aging, contemporary social issues, disabilities, family, international social welfare, mental health, school-based and school-linked services, services to immigrants and refugees, and youth and children services
Cost per Credit: $1,425
Required Credits to Graduate: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

3. Fordham University

The online Master of Social Work degree that Fordham University offers is a future-focused program. The first part of their curriculum focuses on the foundations of social work concepts, while the second part delves into advanced integrated practice courses. The great thing about this online MSW program is that students can create their curriculum to acquire the skills necessary to achieve their career goals.

Program Length: Two to three years
Tracks/concentrations: Crisis and resilience, health services
Cost per Credit: $1,045
Required Credits to Graduate: 31 to 62 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

4. Touro University

Featuring a comprehensive classroom curriculum and varied fieldwork experiences, the online Master of Social Work from Touro University provides in-depth training in clinical social work. It exposes students to an array of communities and cultures, including the underserved population of New York City. Hence, graduates are prepared to make a tangible difference in people and communities.

Program Length: Two to four years
Tracks/concentrations: Child welfare practice, creative arts and healing, credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor (CASAC), gerontology and palliative care, school social work practice, social work practice with the military, and trauma-informed practice
Cost per Credit: $820
Required Credits to Graduate: 65 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

5. University of Buffalo (SUNY)

Students who want to specialize in trauma-informed and human rights perspectives of social work can enroll in the online Master of Social Work program at the University of Buffalo. This program teaches students about the history and evolution of the field, social welfare policies, and human behavior and development. It is also designed for them to learn how to facilitate integrative and complex analyses to understand trauma and uphold human rights.

Program Length: Three years
Tracks/concentrations: Trauma
Cost per Credit: $706 (resident), $815 (non-resident)
Required Credits to Graduate: 60 credits
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education

What can I do with an MSW degree in New York?

Some students might ask, “What can I do with a degree in human services?" The answer is landing fulfilling and well-paying community and social service jobs.

Completing an on-campus or online social work program NYC allows students to start a meaningful career in one of the top-paying states. A New York-based child, family, and school social worker can earn an average of $70,690 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Meanwhile, other types of social workers can earn as much as $78,540 per year.

Aside from earning four times the federal minimum wage, completing accredited New York MSW programs allows graduates to push for social change and empower vulnerable populations. This includes ensuring that people receive the social welfare benefits that they are entitled to.

Get the Best MSW Programs New York Can Offer

Pursuing a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) in New York can open doors to a fulfilling career. With its diverse range of accredited programs, New York offers students the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to address social issues and promote positive change in communities.

Even though a college education can be expensive, there are cheap MSW programs accredited by CSWE. This means that the programs possess faculty expertise, a high-quality curriculum, and field placement opportunities. Financial aid options, scholarships, and assistantships may also be available to help make the pursuit of an MSW more affordable.

By researching and comparing the different MSW programs New York can provide, prospective students can find programs that align with their career goals, interests, and financial circumstances. Considering these factors, students can decide about the MSW program that best fits their needs and aspirations.

Maybe you’re interested to know other paths in this field? For instance, knowing how much military social worker salary is today may interest you. You can also investigate the opportunities of becoming a child welfare social worker.

Or, go for state-specific programs like finding out how to get a social work license in Massachusetts.

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