Online MSW Programs in New York

New York features a total of 25 universities that offer a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) program. 23 of these programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and two are candidates for accreditation. Students who wish to enroll in a MSW program can choose among the many options offered at the various universities, such as online, on-campus, and hybrid attendance.

There is often an advanced standing format or accelerated curriculum available for qualifying students to complete their degree faster.

Below is a list of the CSWE-accredited MSW programs in New York:

• Adelphi University (accredited)
• Alliance University (accredited)
• Binghamton University (accredited)
• College at Brockport (accredited)
• College of Saint Rose (accredited)
• College of Staten Island (accredited)
• Columbia University (accredited)
• Daemen College (accredited)
• Fordham University (accredited)
• Hunter College (accredited)
• Keuka College (accredited) 
• Lehman College (accredited)
• Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative (accredited)
• Nazareth College of Rochester (accredited)
• New York University (accredited)
• Roberts Wesleyan College (accredited)
• State University of New York at Stony Brook (accredited)
• Syracuse University (accredited)
• Touro University (accredited)
• University at Albany (accredited)
• University at Buffalo (accredited)
• Yeshiva University (accredited)
• York College (accredited)
• Utica University (candidate for accreditation)
• St. Joseph’s University of New York (candidate for accreditation) 

Why Should You Get an Online Masters of Social Work in New York? 

The CSWE-accredited online MSW programs in New York will prepare you to take the appropriate exam in order to become a licensed social worker. By attending an MSW program, students will also gain the knowledge needed to practice clinical social work, which includes mental health services such as the diagnosis and treatment of various psychological conditions.

New York’s large population requires the employment of many different types of social workers. Individuals who choose to attend a MSW program and graduate into a social work career in New York will have the chance to enjoy the many different areas to live, from more suburban neighborhoods to city living.

Additionally, there are many organizations in New York that employ social workers, such as hospitals, social service agencies, mental health clinics, and more. 

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in New York

New York social work programs offers students a vibrant culture as a state with one of the highest populations in the US.

As a result, there is a lot for an individual to take part in, from enjoying the variety of different foods, to nightlife, and more. Also, New York has some of the highest average pay for social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Attending a MSW program in New York is an essential step for becoming a masters-level social worker or licensed clinical social worker, both of which positions receive higher pay depending on a few factors. 

Each university’s MSW program requires the completion of an application, which has specific requirements that applicants must fulfill. 

Although there may be some slight differences, the application for each university’s MSW program is generally very similar.

The requirements typically include: 

• Obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. (The advanced study program requires that one must have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work.) 
• Transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the applicant’s undergraduate work.
• Three letters of recommendation, usually from a previous professor and/or employer. 
• A professional resume. 
• A statement of purpose (the promopt is usually given by the university)
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. This is only required by some institutions. 

Below is an overview of several MSW programs in New York. 

The College of Saint Rose 

The CSWE-accredited social work program at The College of Saint Rose offers classes in the daytime, evening, and weekend, along with some online offerings to accomodate the varying schedules of different students.

Students will complete 62 credits in two years of full-time study, or four years in a part-time program. Those who choose to enroll in classes in the summer may be able to shorten the length of time it takes to complete the program. The program features a 12:1 student-faculty ratio to allow students to receive plenty of one-on-one support from their professors. 

College of Staten Island, CUNY 

The MSW program at College of Staten Island prepares students for the social work licensing exam as well as the LCSW exam after finishing clinical supervision hours. The program has 60 credits in total, which students can complete in 2-4 years depending on if they are attending full-time or part-time.

Students can take part in a specialization in disability studies, where they will learn how to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals through access to resources. 

Long Island University Brooklyn  

Long Island University collaborates with the LIU Post campus to provide their generalist-practice MSW program. The School of Social Work offers full-time, advanced-standing, and part-time program options. The full-time option involves the completion of 60 credits in two years.

The Advanced Standing program requires students to complete 33 credits in about one year of full-time study. The 60-unit part-time option can be completed in three or four years. 

The concentrations in the MSW program include: 

• Child & Family Welfare
• Forensic Social Work 
• Gerontology (with tracks in Long Term Care Administration or Senior Community Service)
• Nonprofit Management
• Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors

Students will also complete a 1,000 hour internship over the course of two years. 

Nazareth University 

The Master of Social Work program at Nazareth University offers a standard, full-time and a part-time program. Both of these require the completion of 60 credits. There is also a 36-unit advanced standing program that is available to those who have their bachelor’s degree in social work.

Classes take place at the university campus, located in Rochester, New York. There are also hybrid and evening class options. The program gives students the opportunity to complete their field internships abroad if desired.

The school features seven specialization options, including: 

• Play Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health
• School Social Work
• Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism
• Early Intervention

Online MSW Programs in New York

Attending online MSW programs in New York offers many benefits for students who need a flexible option. Individuals who are already employed full-time in a social services agency or elsewhere, as well as those with many other responsiblities, can enjoy being able to complete coursework on their own time and in a location of their choice. Below is an overview of universities in New York that offer an MSW program online. 

Adelphi University  

Adelphi University offers their master’s of social work degree program in a part-time or advanced study format. These options are also available on campus. The online program is 64 credit-hours that can be completed in three years. It includes live and asynchornous classes, and students will also attend a learning residency twice a year. Students in the online program will receive assistance with finding a field placement in their area.

Online advanced standing students can complete the degree program in 15 months, and it will begin in the summer. There is a Health Across the Life specialization option as well. Those who are employed with a social services agency may be able to enroll in the MSW for Human Service Professionals track that allows them to only complete one field placement at their place of work. 

Columbia University 

There are many options available to students who want to enroll in the online MSW program at Columbia University, including six program pathways, seven fields of practice focuses, and four specializations. Students typically choose one field of practice and one specialization regardless of what track they are enrolled in. The Two-Year pathway requires the completion of 60 credits and 1,200 field education hours.

The Advanced Standing pathway requires the completion of 33 credits and 600 field education hours. The Part-Time to Full-Time pathway requires the completion of 60 credits and 1,200 field education hours. The One-Year Residency for Workng Professionals pathway requires the completion of 60 credits and 900 field education hours.

The pathway for Transfers requires the completion of 30 units, as long as the student previously completed 30 at their last university, and 600 field education hours. The Part-Time pathway requires the completion of 60 credits and 1200 hours of field education hours in three to four years. 

The specializations at Columbia include: 

• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming
• Policy Practice
• Leadership, Managment, and Entrepreneurship for Social Justice 

Fordham University 

The online MSW program at Fordham University offers traditional and advanced standing study options. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited university qualify for the advanced standing program and can complete the 31 credits online in 8-16 months depending on if they are attending full-time or part-time.

The traditional program involves the completion of 62 credits in 16 months of full-time attendance, or 24-32 months of part-time attendance. Students will begin the program by taking generalist courses and completing field-work that introduces them to graduate-level opportunities.

The second year (solo year for advanced-standing students) involves students completing specialist fieldwork on a micro or macro level. All students will complete a field advising seminor for each year they are enrolled. 

Yeshiva University 

The Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University offers a flexible online program that provides students with the knowledge needed to enter into a professional social work practice. Students must complete 60 credit hours of coursework, and full-time students can do so in as few as 2.5 years.

There is also an advanced standing program for qualifying students that involves the completion of 30 credit hours, and students in this proram can complete it in 1.5 years. Students can also enroll in classes on a part-time basis, and will complete the degree in five years. The university allows students to switch between full-time and part-time course loads as they go through the program.

There is also additional coursework available to those who want to earn the Gerontology and Palliative Care certificate or Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Credentialing. 

CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in New York

When researching MSW programs in New York, it is beneficial to prioritize universities with social work programs that have been accredted by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is the sole accrediting institution responsible for analyzing and awarding accreditation to schools that provide social work programs in the United States. The role of the CSWE is to develop and maintain high-quality standards for those programs.

This ensures that the students enrolling in the programs will be properly prepared for their licensing exams and future careers by receiving accurate and up-to-date information. 

There are 23 CSWE-accredited universities in New York that offer a MSW program. Below is an overview of some of these programs. 

University at Albany 

UA’s MSW program educates students in advanced social work through a generalist curriculum in their first year by teaching foundational skills and knowledge, followed by a second year where students choose between a macro or micro concentration.

This version of the program is 60 units that can be completed in two years of full-time study. There is also a part-time option that can be completed in four years, where fieldwork is done in the second and fourth year two days a week. Students can prepare for the MSW program by enrolli g in the non-degree option that allows them to get a headstart on coursework. Qualifying students can also enroll in the advanced standing program.

Specializations offered include Aging and Mental Health. The school also offers students the chance to enroll in a combined MSW/PhD social work program. 

Daemen University 

Daemen University’s CSWE-accredited MSW program offers two degree formats: on campus and online. The traditional MSW program requires the completion of 60 credits and can be completed in two years, while the advanced standing program requires 30-33 credits.

In order to enroll in the traditional program, an applicant should have an overall GPA of 2.7 or higher. The advanced standing program requires that an applicant has an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and 3.2 or higher in courses relevant to the social work major. The School of Scoal Work offers the opportunity for a 30 percent tuition discount. 

Binghamton University

The MSW program at Bingham University offers a full-time, part-time, and advanced standing curriculum. The full-time program involves taking 16 credits per semester for a total of four semesters, or two total years. The part-time program is in a hybrid format and allows students to complete the program in 3.5 years if they complete six to seven credits per semester, which includes summer.

The advanced standing program is intended for students who have completed a bachelor’s of social work from a CSWE-accredited institution within seven years from when they begin the MSW program.

Advanced standing program applicants are given the opportunity to apply up to 29 credits of coursework to the MSW program if they received a B or higher in those courses and demonstrate that the courses were comparable.

Students will also gain professional hands-on experience through 1,000+ hours of a field internship placement where they will apply what they learned in the classroom to real-life situations. 

Stony Brook University 

At Stony Brook University, enrollees in the MSW program can choose between the full-time, part-time, or advanced standing programs. The standard program is about 71 units and can be completed in two years, while the advanced standing program is about 33 units.

The part-time program, which can be completed in three to four years requires students to complete at least six credits per semester and up to nine credits. 

There are three specializations offered at Stony Brook, including:

• Community, Policy, and Political Social Action
• Families, Youth, and Transition to Adulthood
• Integrated Health: Physical, Psychological, and Social Well Being

Advanced Standing MSW Programs in New York

A MSW advanced standing program is an excellent way for you to graduate within a faster timeline than the standard, two-year program. To qualify, along with the normal program application, social work masters programs in New York require applicants to have already earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution within a certain amount of years, which is often set by the institution.

There is often a higher GPA required for admission to the advanced standing program as opposed to the standard program. Below is an overview of some New York universities that offer an advanced standing MSW program. 

Keuka College  

Keuka College is a private, nonprofit university offering a MSW program that includes a traditional, online, and advanced standing program.  The program educates students on how to provide effective psychotherapy and social services to various clients, including families, individuals, and groups.

Students will participate in 500 hours of a clinical field residency to prepare them for their career. The advanced standing program allows students to complete the program in one academic year. There is also a part-time advanced standing program that takes 20 months to complete.

This program is hybrid, as it involves some classes on the main campus and some online. The full-time traditional program format can be completed in 20-31 months of full-time or part-time study. 

Syracuse University 

The social work MSW program at Syracuse University educates students to become professionals who help individuals and families in their community. There are two advanced concentrations offered: Advanced Clinical Practice or Social Work Practice. Students become prepared for the coursework in these concentrations through a foundational generalist curriculum.

The 60-unit,  standard MSW program can be completed in two years, while the 30-unit advanced standing program allows students to complete the program in 10 months. In this program, students will also complete an internship that is a minimum of 500 hours.

The School of Social Work also offers students the chance to take a 12-day trip to Europe to learn how they handle social problems. 

New York University

The MSW degree program at New York University offers part-time and full-time pathways. The full-time pathway can be completed in two years and is 65 units. The part-time pathway is 32 months. There is also a 65-unit, 16-month accelerated option or a 32-unit advanced standing program.

New York University also allows students the option to complete the MSW program in China. Another option is a 32-month, 65-unit program that is designed to accommodate working professionals. Additionally, there is an extended, three-to-four-year program. Online coursework is also available. Fieldwork internships range from 600-1200 hours depending on the program. 

Students of all pathways will begin with a generalist practice curriculum in their first year, and move on to a specialized practice curriculum in the second year. The school also offers a dual-degree program where a student can earn a degree in child development, public health, law, or public administration along with their social work degree. 

University of Buffalo 

There are two program pathways offered in the MSW program at University of Buffalo: traditional and advanced standing, both of which take place on campus. The traditional program is for students with any undergraduate major. It is 60 credits that can be completed in two years if the student attends full-time, and three years for part-time.

This program includes 900 total hours of a field placement: 420 hours in the first year, and 480 in the second. The advanced standing program is for students who have earned a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s in social work. It requires 35 credits that can be completed in one full-time year, or one and a half years of part-time study. In this program pathway, students will complete one field placement of 480 hours. 

How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York 

The requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in each state may differ slightly. It’s important to be familiar with each step to earn your license in a timely manner. The steps to become an LCSW in New York are as follows:

1. Earn a master’s degree in social work. 

During the program, alongside other classes, you will complete 12 credits in clinical coursework. You will also complete field experience work. To enroll in a MSW program, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree. This can be in anything, but it is beneficial to prepare by taking relevant courses in psychology, sociology, and human development. Individuals who earn their bachelor’s degree in social work may be able to enroll in the advanced standing program, which allows one to complete the MSW program in half the time. 

• Learn More: Online LCSW Degree

2. Apply to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). 

After graduation, you will continue to prepare for your license by practicing three years of social work under the supervision of a LCSW or board-certified psychiatrist. To do this in New You, you must receive permission from the social work board by applying to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). 

3. Complete your postgraduate, supervised experience. 

Once you receive permission from the board to become a LMSW, you will spend 2,000 hours gaining experience by providing services to clients. The services will include assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients through psychotherapeutic methods. You and your supervisor will meet for at least 100 hours during this time for guidance. 

4. Submit the LCSW license application. 

Upon the completion of your clinical experience hours, you will submit an application for LCSW licensure to the board along with a $294 fee. Along with the application, you will also submit a certification of professional education form and an experience certification form. 

5. Take the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) exam. 

After submitting the LCSW application, you will register for and take the 170-question ASWB clinical exam. The exam is four hours and the questions are multiple choice. The scores will be sent to the ASWB automatically. 

6. Receive your social work license. 

After you have passed the exam, you will receive your clinical social work license, and will be able to independently practice in New York. 

Does New York have Social Work License Reciprocity? 

New York offers social work license reciprocity for LCSWs if they meet certain conditions. The LCSW must have at least 10 years of practice within the last 15 years prior to applying. Their social work licensure must have initially been issued by the individual fulfilling similar requirements to those in New York, such as clinical coursework in the degree program, having taken the exam, and having post-degree clinical experience.

The New York State Education Department has the full details of how to apply for reciprocity.  It’s important to note that, while New York offers reciprocity to LCSW’s,, they do not offer it to non-clinical licensed social workers who have a master’s degree (LMSWs) 

How Long Does it Take to Earn a MSW in New York? 

Becoming an MSW in New York can take 8-11 years. This is because it takes approximately four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, which is required to enroll in a social work master’s program. Those who have a BSW from an accredited institution can enroll in an advanced-standing MSW program, which usually takes one year to complete, while the standard program takes about two years.

Those who are attending an MSW program part-time may take up to four years to earn the degree. Then, it takes about three years to fulfill the clinical supervised experience hours that the state requires to take the clinical exam. 

MSW Salary in New York 

If you want to become a social worker or advance your career with a MSW degree, you may be wondering what your salary might look like. Each state differs in what they generally pay their social workers on average. The pay can even vary based on the organization of employment or location in the state. However, below is a review of what to generally expect for a New York MSW salary. 

Average Salary for Social Workers in New York 

The salary for social workers in New York varies depending on what area of practice they are in. According to O*Net Online, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make a median annual wage of $51,240. Healthcare social workers make a median wage of $60,280 annually. Child, Family, and School Social Worker’s median wage is $50,820 annually. All other social workers make a median wage of $61,420 annually. 

How Much Does an MSW Make in New York? 

The average salary for a MSW in New York is $82,697 annually. Those with a master’s degree typically make a higher salary than social workers with a bachelor’s degree. This is because MSWs have more training and knowledge, and some with their license are qualified to perform complex services like mental health care. Some MSWs may also qualify to manage social service or mental health organizations. 

Tips for Increasing Salary Potential 

To increase your salary as a social worker, there are several strategies you might try to employ.

These can include: 

• Education: Earning a higher degree, such as a master’s or PhD, is one way you may be able to increase your earning potential. Individuals with advanced degrees are typically in more demand, and it will allow you to go into a job that has a higher wage, or negotiate for a promotion at your place of employment. 
• Experience: Your wage may increase as you gain social work experience over the years. Experience can help you discuss a raise with a supervisor. Some organizations automatically give raises for every year you work there. More experience may also mean that you are more qualified to perform a job with a higher wage. 
• Location in New York: Some areas in the state may pay social workers more than other areas. Long Island, Manhattan, Poughkeepsie, and Queens are some of the cities that pay the highest wage to New York social workers. 
• Area of Practice: Not every area of practice where a social worker may be employed is the same. Certain specialties pay higher than others. Some of the highest paying careers in social work are therapists, those who work for corporate or other organizations doing policy analysis, or those who are in the medical field. 
• Learn More: LCSW Salary Guide

Social Work Job Outlook in New York 

According to O*Net Online, the job outlook for Child, Family, and School Social Workers is 8-10%. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work and Healthcare Social Work jobs are projected to grow 11% or higher over the next decade.

The job outlook for each of these social worker categories shows that the career is expected to grow faster or much faster than other job occupations. 

What is the Typical Cost of a MSW in New York

The cost of a New York MSW program can depend on multiple factors. These factors can include type of attendance (full-time, part-time, online, and/or on-campus), program format (standard or advanced-standing), if the university is public or private, and more. The average cost for a MSW degree program in New York, taking private and public universities into account, is approximately $34,289.

There may also be other costs that need to be paid beyond the tuition. Below is an example of the tuition at some of the universities in New York that offer an MSW program. 

• The Long Island University Brooklyn: $81,120
• College of Staten Island, CUNY: $22,180
• Columbia University: $26,752
• Fordham University: $32,395
• University of Albany: $17,242
• New York University: $20,272
• Syracuse University: $60,340

MSW Scholarships and Grants 

When it comes to funding your education to attend an MSW program, you might feel overwhelmed. Luckily, there are resources out there to help you obtain financial assistance. This can come in various ways, including grants and scholarships.

One option to explore, once you have chosen a university, is the scholarships that individual universities may offer to their social work students.

To learn more about what might be available to you, searching on the School of Social Work section of the university you want to attend will likely provide you with helpful information. You might also consider emailing or visiting the appropriate department of the school, such as financial aid,  to see what they say is available. 

Another option for funding your education is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This tool is the top provider of financial assistance to college students in the country. This application must be filled out every year that you are in school to make the most out of the financial aid you may be eligible for. The FAFSA determines what loans and grants you may be eligible for based on multiple factors such as your family size and income. 

Finally, another good option to explore are websites that feature scholarship opportunities where you can filter the options based on the type degree you are receiving, amount of money, requirements, and more. These websites include:

• Scholarships.com
• CollegeScholarships.org
• College Consensus