Social workers are important for the wellbeing of individuals and communities. In the state of New York, social workers fulfill a variety of needs for the population of over eight million people. Due to the diverse needs within the state, social workers of all levels are necessary.
Those who wish to enter the career field and are searching for social work programs in New York have many options, as the state features 23 master’s in social work degree programs, with 12 of those programs offering fully online options.
Additionally, New York also has 33 bachelor’s in social work degree programs, and approximately five universities that offer a PhD or DSW degree. All of these social work schools in NY are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Types of Social Worker Degrees in New York
If you want to become a social worker, you must first earn a social work degree. The amount of time that this takes will depend on what type of NYC social work program you wish to attend and what kind of social worker you want to be. Earning a higher degree has the benefits of possibly increasing your starting salary, but it is also likely to involve longer schooling. Keep reading to learn more about the different social work degrees in New York.
Bachelors in Social Work (BSW)
A NYC social work bachelor’s degree involves studying a number of subjects and usually taking part in an internship over the course of about four years of full-time attendance to prepare for the important job of entering the social work field. Earning this degree is a great first step for those who want to begin their social work career, go on to pursue their master’s degree and license, or both. There are many bachelor’s degree social work programs in New York, including:
Daemen University
Daemen University in New York offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work that focuses on helping students learn skills within important social work competencies as related to diversity and differences.
These skills include critical thinking, ability to research, ability to practice policy, and the ability to advocate for social, environmental, and economic justice. This NY social work bachelor’s degree program involves field-based learning, extracurriculars, and research in addition to on-campus classes.
To gain real-world experience, students participate in a 420 hour internship. The curriculum at Daemen University teaches students about social welfare policies, human behavior, social work ethics, and more. All content is intended to prepare students to become confident and competent in the practice of social work.
Long Island University
LIU University offers a Bachelors of Science in Social Work degree that is intended to prepare students for a career in social work and/or for continuing their education and earning a social work master’s degree. This program teaches students the foundations of social work including courses that are related to policy, social systems, human behavior, and social work practice.
The program boasts small class sizes for a more engaging learning environment. In student’s junior and senior years, they have the opportunity to learn by practicing directly in the field in environments such as schools, counseling centers, social service agencies, and homeless shelters. The goal of LIU is to prepare students to enter the field as knowledgeable professionals.
Masters in Social Work (MSW)
A master’s degree in social work is meant for individuals who want to gain a higher level of skills than a bachelor’s degree, be a more competitive job candidate, and/or earn their license to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). An LCSW has the benefit of being able to provide diagnostic and therapeutic mental health care.
A master’s degree usually takes around 2-3 years of time and is followed by a certain number of hours of work experience if one is looking to become licensed. While many people choose to go into social work to help others, having a master’s degree also has the benefit of higher average pay than someone with a bachelor’s degree. New York has both on-campus and online social work master’s degree programs, including:
New York University
NYU provides research-informed clinical social work training from the perspective of social justice. Students will benefit from small class sizes at NYU, with a maximum of 15-25 students in most courses. NYU offers full time and part time options through which students can earn their master’s in social work degree. Students in this MSW program at NYU learn about how to work with at-risk populations with a focus on social and economic justice. Additionally, the program educates students on emerging areas within the field of social work, such as palliative care and integrated health.
Columbia University
CU in NYC offers an online master’s in social work program alongside an on-campus program. The university also offers the option of a full-time program or an extended part-time program. Additionally, there is a program of reduced residency for students that have significant professional experience. CU teaches core coursework such as social work research, social welfare policy, advocacy in social work practice, and more. The goal of Columbia University is to create graduates that will be able to improve the lives of citizens in the community of New York and elsewhere.
Doctors in Social Work (DSW)
A DSW degree is an advanced educational pursuit for social work professionals who wish to expand their knowledge in such a way that gives them the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world of social work. This degree is a way for students to receive advanced training within a specific social work practice area.
Typically, students who are pursuing a DSW tend to focus on administration and clinical social work. However, there are other specializations that a student might focus on, such as social work policy, clinical expertise, medical social work, and more. The difference between this degree and a PhD is that someone with a DSW is more likely to work directly within social service roles such as a social work administrator or community service manager. New York features programs that offer DSW degrees, including:
University at Buffalo
This Doctorate of Social Work in Social Welfare program through UB is part time and offered online. The university’s goal is to aim the program at social workers who are experienced and want to advance their career. Students of the DSW program will learn how to apply “implementation science” in order to address gaps that come when research of social work methods translates into concrete practice.
The UB DSW program boasts incorporating their strengths of trauma-informed and human rights perspectives into their programs. Because the program is featured online, it utilizes the latest innovative technology. The total length of the program is about seven semesters (three years) of part time work, which equates to 39 credits.
Yeshiva University
The DSW program offered at Yeshiva University is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education for the advancement of professional clinical social workers. The program is intended to prepare students to work as educators in clinical social work, scholarly clinicians, or other kinds of social service agency leaders.
This program teaches and reviews historical, current, and emerging knowledge of clinical theories to provide students with the best information in areas of social work. This DSW program at YU is offered either part-time or full-time.
Ph.D. in Social Work
A PhD in social work program in NY is intended for students who want to gain knowledge in social work to the extent that they are able to become involved in academia and research.
Additionally, PhD graduates may be able to positively help the world of social work with their studies, improving the quality of the practice and helping the field stay up-to-date as the world changes and social needs evolve. Some PhD candidates may also go on to teach future social workers in universities. There are several Ph.D. programs in social work in New York, including:
Fordham University
The PhD program through FU prepares students to become scholars who are able to contribute to the study, research, and education of social work in such a way that influences the policy and practice of the field overall. The program at FU offers students the chance to collaborate with other researchers and the opportunity to teach in the master’s of social work program. The PhD program consists of 48 credits and can be completed in four years. The four years involve two years of coursework followed by completing a dissertation and exam requirements to conclude the other two years.
University of Albany
The PhD program at UA helps students learn advanced social work theory, methods of research, and strategies to analyze data within a specific area of interest as they prepare to become academic educators or practitioners. The courses through this PhD program are rigorous and include data analysis and statistics alongside theory and policy lessons. The degree program takes about 36 credits in addition to the completion of a dissertation and essay requirement. The school allows up to eight years to complete all requirements.
CSWE Accredited Programs in New York
Accreditation is important to look for in a university when you are deciding to pursue a degree at a social work school in NY. There are many accredited social work programs available in the state. Checking to make sure that the program you choose is accredited is one step towards ensuring that the degree you are pursuing will help you be successful both when attending school and after graduation. The reasons for attending an accredited institution have been outlined here.
What is CSWE Accreditation?
Accreditation provided by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a way of ensuring that educational programs have met a certain standard of education. This standard is set by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (COA), which consists of a board of directors that have a history of professional work within the social work field. The COA is the sole accreditation agency within the US for social work education.
Why is CSWE Accreditation Important?
CSWE accreditation establishes certain expectations of quality that social work programs must meet to obtain an accredited status, which makes their school more appealing, as students want to attend accredited schools due to a desire to receive high quality education.
The CSWE as an organization values quality education, and as a whole, members work together to elevate and innovate social work for the present and future. Students who attend a NYC CSWE accredited program can be assured that the program has met the standards established to properly prepare them for working as a social worker and to take any applicable licensure exam that they may need.
List of All CSWE Accredited Degrees in New York
Online Social Work Programs in New York
The option to obtain a degree in social work online is ideal for many students. New York has several universities that have flexible online programs available for individuals who need or want that option. These social work degree programs in NYC are offered at the master’s and doctoral degree level. The best social work programs with an online degree option include:
- Columbia University (MSW)
- Fordham University (MSW)
- Keuka College (MSW)
- Adelphi University (MSW)
- University at Buffalo (MSW and DSW)
Learn more about online social work master’s degree option.
What Are the Benefits of an Online Social Work Degree?
Attending an online social work degree program has multiple benefits for students, particularly for those who already have a full-time social work job and want to advance their career, as well as those who may have a family or other obligations that make attending a classroom full-time more difficult. The online option lets students go at a flexible pace that is more suited to their preferences. Additionally, students who already have a social work job can attend school to earn a degree that might allow them to get a raise, promotion, or other career benefit without needing to quit their current social work job.
Social Work Licensure in New York
There are two main paths to becoming a licensed social worker in New York. While the paths are very similar, each credential has a slightly different title.
The path to becoming a licensed master social worker (LMSW) involves obtaining a master’s degree. If you wish to receive a master’s degree in a similar field instead for the role of an LMSW, the New York State Education Department may approve that as well. Other steps towards becoming an LMSW involve the completion of at least 900 hours of fieldwork as well as passing the master’s exam given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and any additional training.
Similarly, becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York involves earning a master’s degree. The main difference is that a LCSW will be able to practice clinical mental health services without the supervision of a licensed practitioner above them once they have received their own license, as a LMSW requires. Therefore, an LCSW must take clinical classes within their program that teach them how to assess, treat and diagnose clients. The licensure for an LCSW also requires that candidates undergo three years of experience. The candidate must also take the ASWB clinical exam.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York
In order to obtain a social work license in New York, there are several steps you must follow to fulfill the requirements. Most individuals who pursue their license do so to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The steps to become an LCSW in New York are as follows:
- Complete three years of supervised experience.
This step must be completed before submitting the application for licensure after graduating with your master’s degree. In order to fulfill this requirement, you must work under the supervision of a licensed professional (which can include a LCSW, certified psychiatrist, or licensed psychologist) for three years. To do this, you should submit a supervised experience plan to the board. Once approved, you may begin earning your clinical experience hours. This experience should involve working with clients to provide assessments, diagnoses, and psychotherapeutic services. Within the three years of experience, at least 2,000 hours should be working directly with clients. Additionally, you must spend at least 100 hours meeting with your supervisor for face-to-face supervision.
- Submit the LCSW application for licensure.
The LCSW license application can be submitted once you have completed your supervised experience as outlined above. If you want to continue to practice under the supervision of your licensed supervisor, you have the opportunity to submit a limited permit application. Additionally, this step also requires that you submit a certification of experience form to verify that you have completed your clinical experience hours, along with a certification of professional education form. The fee to submit the license application and certificate of education and experience forms is $294, with an additional $70 fee for the limited permit application.
- Take the ASWB clinical exam.
Once you have submitted the application for licensure, you will then receive permission to register for the exam. This exam costs $260 and is about 4 hours with 170 multiple-choice questions. About two weeks after you take the exam, your scores will then be sent to the Association of Social Work Board for scoring purposes.
- Receive your license.
Once you pass the clinical exam, the ASWB will issue you a license so that you may begin to practice as a New York LCSW.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in New York?
When looking at how long it takes to become an LCSW, you must consider the length of the master’s degree program in addition to any extra requirements, such as the clinical supervised work experience hours that are needed. The length of time to receive a degree also depends on where you are at in your educational journey.
If you are starting without any degree whatsoever, it may take you up to 7 years to receive your master’s degree and 3 additional years for required clinical experience, totaling up to 10 years to become licensed. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field that allows you to enter a social work masters degree program right away, it may take you 2-3 years to earn the MSW degree alongside 3 years of work experience for a total of 6 years to become licensed.
Does New York Have Social Work Licensure Reciprocity
New York has reciprocity for licensed clinical social workers. If you are already certified in another state as an LCSW, you must have completed at least 10 years of practice within the last 15 years. If you meet these requirements, you are qualified to apply for endorsement of licensure in the state of New York. Endorsement is another term for reciprocity, and these terms mean that you have the ability to earn a license in another state based on the license you already hold that is in a different state.
Social Work Salary & Job Outlook in New York
The average salary for social workers can vary depending on a number of factors. This can include the number of years they have been practicing, any certificates they have, and how much education they have obtained as well. It can also depend on where someone lives, even within their own state, or what kind of organization they work for. That being said, social workers are a job that is needed in many states and counties. In New York, the average salary listed in job postings for social workers is 21% higher than the salaries in nationwide job postings.
Social Work Salary in New York
The average salary for a social worker in New York ranges between $44,000-$83,000. This average ranges so widely because of the variety of jobs available that require different levels of education and are offered through different organizations. For example, a social worker employed through a government agency will receive a salary that is much different than a social worker that is employed through a private non-profit organization.
BSW Average Salary in New York
The average salary for a social worker with a bachelor’s degree ranges between $59,364-$74,092. A social worker with this level of education may be considered a “generalist social worker”, meaning that they use a wide range of methods to help families with prevention and intervention strategies. A social worker at this level is usually just entering into the social work field, and does not provide clinical therapeutic mental health services. Regardless, they still provide important services to better the lives of families.
MSW Average Salary in New York
The average salary for a social worker with a masters degree in New York ranges between $74,739-$91,263. The overall average base salary is $82,736. Someone who earns a master’s degree in social work may do so to earn a promotion and increase their average salary as well as take on more job responsibilities. Those with a master’s degree also have more of an opportunity to take on a supervisory role.
LCSW Average Salary in New York
The average salary for a licensed clinical social worker in New York ranges between $84,818 and $102,176. The overall average base salary is about $92,944. An LCSW also has their master’s degree, but the difference between this role and a non-clinical social worker with a master’s degree is that an LCSW can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. This skill adds value to organizations looking for social workers
DSW Average Salary in New York
The average salary for someone with a DSW degree can vary depending on what career they pursue. Someone with a doctor in social work degree might work as an administrator for a non-profit, social services, or a medical clinic. The average salary for this career in New York is about $117,971. They also might work as a community service manager, of which the average salary in New York is about $86,462. Individuals with a DSW may also choose to continue practicing clinical social work directly with clients, which has an average salary of about $92,944. Conversely, individuals with a PhD in social work make about $75,932 on average in New York.
Social Worker Job Outlook in New York
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work employment is projected to grow 9% between 2021-2031 overall, which is faster than average for all occupations. The BLS also states that about 74,700 job openings on average are projected each year over the next 10 years. These job openings are likely to result from individuals in the workforce retiring or changing occupations.
Popular Social Work Careers in New York
New York is a diverse state, and as such, the population that lives there has many different needs. This leads to the need for many different types of social workers to help solve community issues. Social work careers that may have high demand in New York include:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Counselors, and Behavioral Health Professionals.
Clinical mental health professionals with the ability to assess and treat mental health conditions are valuable in a state like New York with a large, diverse population. Counselors and therapists, such as LCSWs, can help better the lives of individuals, families, children, and couples through the use of specific strategies.
- Substance Use Counselor.
This type of social worker is helpful to work with individuals who struggle with substance use disorders. Social workers in this career need strong organizational and documentation skills as well as the ability to problem solve. Those who struggle with substance use issues are often impacted in many areas of life, and a substance use counselor can assist them with recovery and help them with their goals.
- Case Manager.
A case manager is a title that can apply to many social work jobs. It is a career that is in high demand, as many organizations need social workers to help keep track of their clients and their client’s goals and needs. A case manager may work with clients to interview them to determine their needs and provide them with resources that will help them meet those needs.
What is the Typical Cost of a Social Work Program in New York
The typical cost of social work programs in New York depends on the university. However, an example of the general cost of a degree program is as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work cost per unit: Approximately $1,100 for in-state residents.
- Master’s degree in social work cost per unit: Approximately $1,527 for in-state residents.
- Doctorate degree in social work cost per unit: Approximately $970-1200 for in-state residents and $1,211 for out-of-state residents.
Social Work Scholarships
There are many scholarships offered to social work students. Examples of these scholarships and other financial assistance options for social workers are listed below.
- The Arc New York offers scholarships each year to individuals pursuing careers that are related to fields related to intellectual or developmental disabilities. This may include social workers in many ways.
- New York State Licensed Social Work Forgiveness Program. This program is intended to increase the number of individuals pursuing a social work license by assisting them with the cost of school via loan forgiveness. Applicants must be a resident of New York state and have resided in the state for 12 months before applying for the program.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the main source of financial aid for social work students. This application determines how much financial aid you are eligible for based on factors such as your income and household size. The application may help you receive aid such as grants or federal loans. This application is vital to how many students pay for college.
Key Social Work Areas in New York
Because New York has a large population with a variety of environments and diversity, areas that social workers can address vary greatly. In fact, 22% of the population in New York was born outside of the United States. The main issues that the community faces in New York include income disparity and substance abuse. About 15 percent of the population lives under the poverty line.
Additionally, New York has the largest income gap among its citizens in the United States as of 2022. In regards to substance use, drug overdoses have been a continuing crisis over the years, particularly with opioid use. Social workers may be helpful with these issues as they study the root cause of these problems in their educational programs. The intent of social work is to focus on solutions while working with clients.
Social workers at the bachelors degree level can help clients navigate their way through social service agencies and advocate for their needs, which can help them access sorely needed resources like rent and food assistance.
Social workers who have a master’s degree and are licensed can address trauma that families experience and work with clients to meet goals.
Social workers at a doctorate level can go as far as changing policy and educating future social workers on new social issues as they arise. New York has many reasons to use social workers, and they perform a very important job.
Schools in New York Offering Masters in Social Work Programs
Adelphi University
(Garden City, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $27,870 Tuition Cost
- $12,548 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Buffalo State SUNY
(Buffalo, NY)
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $5,570 Tuition Cost
- $820 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Columbia University in the City of New York
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Social Psychology
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $45,028 Tuition Cost
- $36,083 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Cornell University
(Ithaca, NY)
- Masters in Housing and Human Development
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $43,185 Tuition Cost
- $33,006 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Social Psychology
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,430 Tuition Cost
- Urban Campus Setting
CUNY Hunter College
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Social Psychology
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,430 Tuition Cost
- $4,619 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
CUNY Lehman College
(Bronx, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,430 Tuition Cost
- $4,999 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
CUNY Queens College
(Flushing, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,430 Tuition Cost
- $5,821 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Fordham University
(Bronx, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $41,000 Tuition Cost
- $18,676 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Long Island University-Brentwood Campus
(Brentwood, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $31,202 Tuition Cost
- Suburban Campus Setting
Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus
(Brooklyn, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $31,168 Tuition Cost
- $10,460 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Long Island University-C W Post Campus
(Brookville, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $31,202 Tuition Cost
- $15,078 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Long Island University-Rockland Campus
(Orangeburg, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- Suburban Campus Setting
Long Island University-Westchester Campus
(Purchase, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- Suburban Campus Setting
Mercy College
(Dobbs Ferry, NY)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $16,996 Tuition Cost
- $6,393 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Nazareth College
(Rochester, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $27,090 Tuition Cost
- $11,949 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
New York University
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Social Psychology
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $40,878 Tuition Cost
- $17,672 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(Troy, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $43,350 Tuition Cost
- $20,300 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Roberts Wesleyan College
(Rochester, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $25,350 Tuition Cost
- $13,304 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Rochester Institute of Technology
(Rochester, NY)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $32,784 Tuition Cost
- $14,305 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Saint Joseph’s College-New York
(Brooklyn, NY)
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $19,500 Tuition Cost
- $8,392 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Sarah Lawrence College
(Bronxville, NY)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- $45,900 Tuition Cost
- $29,206 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Stony Brook University
(Stony Brook, NY)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,570 Tuition Cost
- $2,327 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
SUNY at Albany
(Albany, NY)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,570 Tuition Cost
- $2,052 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
SUNY at Binghamton
(Vestal, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $5,570 Tuition Cost
- $1,769 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
SUNY College at Brockport
(Brockport, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,570 Tuition Cost
- $3,230 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
SUNY College at Oswego
(Oswego, NY)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- $5,570 Tuition Cost
- $3,109 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Syracuse University
(Syracuse, NY)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $37,610 Tuition Cost
- $23,013 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Teachers College at Columbia University
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Social Psychology
- Urban Campus Setting
The College of New Rochelle
(New Rochelle, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $29,330 Tuition Cost
- $8,474 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
The New School
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $37,538 Tuition Cost
- $12,040 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Touro College
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $14,550 Tuition Cost
- $3,600 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University at Buffalo
(Buffalo, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,570 Tuition Cost
- $5,608 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Yeshiva University
(New York, NY)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $35,500 Tuition Cost
- $23,878 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting