If you’re exploring MSW programs in New York, it’s important to understand how program options, online formats, field education, and licensure fit together. This guide breaks down the state’s offerings and what prospective students should know as they move from MSW education toward social work licensure.
| Total MSW Programs | 28 |
| Online MSW Programs | 19 |
| CSWE-Accredited Programs | 24 |
| Programs Offering Advanced Standing | 24 |
MSW Programs in New York at a Glance
| Institution | CSWE-Accredited | Online Option | Advanced Standing Option |
| Adelphi University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Binghamton University, State University of New York | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| College of Staten Island | Yes | No | Yes |
| Columbia University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daemen University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fordham University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hunter College, City University of New York | Yes | No | Yes |
| Iona University | No | No | Yes |
| Keuka College | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lehman College, City University of New York | Yes | No | Yes |
| Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative | Yes | No | Yes |
| Marist University | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nazareth University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New York University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Roberts Wesleyan University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Siena University | No | No | Yes |
| St. Bonaventure University | No | Yes | Yes |
| St. Joseph’s University of New York | Yes | No | No |
| State University of New York at Plattsburgh | Yes | Yes | No |
| State University of New York at Stony Brook | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SUNY Brockport | Yes | No | Yes |
| Syracuse University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touro University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| University at Albany, State University of New York | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| University at Buffalo, State University of New York | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Utica University | Yes | Yes | No |
| Yeshiva University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| York College, City University of New York | Yes | No | No |
Key Program Considerations
When comparing Master of Social Work programs in New York, consider how each option fits your academic background, career goals, schedule, and budget. Program structure, field education, licensure preparation, and total cost can all affect overall fit.
Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students considering distance learning can also review CSWE-accredited online MSW programs when comparing accredited options.
Program Types and Timelines: Compare traditional MSW programs with advanced standing options. Advanced standing is an accelerated pathway for eligible students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited program.
Program Format: New York programs may be offered on campus, online, or in hybrid formats. Compare scheduling, residency requirements, synchronous or asynchronous coursework, and whether the format works with your employment and other responsibilities.
Curriculum and Specializations: Review required coursework, electives, concentrations, and specialization options. Comparing foundational and elective MSW courses can help you understand how programs combine generalist preparation with more focused areas of study.
Field Education: Field placements provide supervised, hands-on experience and are a central part of MSW education. An MSW field placement requirements guide can help you compare placement expectations, scheduling, geographic availability, and school support.
Licensure Pathways: If you plan to become an LCSW, review how each program’s curriculum and field education fit New York’s licensure pathway. Verify current state requirements for education, supervised experience, and examinations as part of your program comparison.
Career Goals and Program Fit: Consider whether a program supports your intended area of practice, such as clinical social work, healthcare, child and family services, school social work, community practice, policy, or administration. Reviewing New York social work programs can also help you compare options across the state.
Admissions Requirements: Compare prerequisites, GPA expectations, application materials, references, and any experience requirements. An MSW admissions requirements guide can provide additional context as you evaluate application standards.
Student Support and Flexibility: Look at advising, career services, academic support, field placement assistance, part-time enrollment options, and policies for students balancing school with employment or caregiving responsibilities.
Cost and Financial Aid: Tuition varies widely by institution type and program structure. See the section below for a breakdown of graduate tuition trends in New York and how to interpret them when comparing MSW programs.
MSW Cost Considerations in New York
Program costs can be presented in different ways, so comparing schools requires more than looking at a single tuition figure.
- Check how tuition is calculated. Schools may publish tuition per credit, per semester, per academic year, or as an estimated total program cost. Confirm the number of required credits before comparing programs.
- Consider the full cost of attendance. In addition to tuition, account for mandatory fees, textbooks, technology expenses, transportation, field placement costs, and possible reductions in work hours while completing coursework or internships.
- Factor in program length. Advanced standing students generally complete fewer credits than students in traditional MSW programs, which can reduce total tuition and related expenses.
- Compare public and private institutions carefully. Public universities may charge different rates for New York residents and nonresidents, while private institutions generally use their own tuition structures. Scholarships, grants, and institutional aid can substantially affect what a student ultimately pays.
- Focus on total and net cost. Compare estimated program-wide expenses and available financial aid rather than assuming the school with the lowest published tuition will also have the lowest final cost.
Average Annual Graduate Tuition and Required Fees (2024-2025)
| Location | Public Graduate | Private Graduate |
| US | $12,116 | $21,110 |
| New York | $12,208 | $28,134 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), most recent available data as of 2026.
Some of the Top Online MSW Programs in New York
The programs listed below represent some of the notable MSW options in New York, with differences in format, curriculum, and institutional setting that prospective students may want to consider. This list is not exhaustive, so students may also want to explore additional programs to identify options that align with their educational and professional goals.
| Columbia University | |
| Program Name | Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) – Online |
| CSWE-Accredited | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes (100% online coursework) |
| Advance Standing Option | Yes |
| Program Pathways | Two-Year; Advanced Standing; Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended); One-Year Residency for Working Professionals (Reduced Residency); Transfer; Part-Time |
| Program Length | 2 years for the standard full-time pathway; 1 year for advanced standing; 3–4 years for the extended pathway; up to 4 years for reduced residency |
| Specializations | Method options include Advanced Clinical Practice; Integrated Practice and Programming; Policy Practice; and Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship for Social Justice |
| Practicum | Regional practicum placements are arranged for online students; the standard two-year pathway includes practicum three days per week |
| About the University | Columbia University is a private research university located in New York City. Founded in 1754, it is an Ivy League institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a broad range of disciplines. |
| New York University | |
| Program Name | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
| CSWE-Accredited | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes (available to residents of California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Oklahoma) |
| Advance Standing Option | Yes |
| Program Pathways | Two-Year, Accelerated, Advanced Standing, Shanghai-New York, Extended, 32-Month, and Hybrid options |
| Program Focus | Clinical social work practice with a social justice perspective |
| Practicum Requirements | Most pathways require 15 hours per week in practicum; online students complete placements in their local area |
| Specialization | Clinical Social Work Practice; additional focused learning opportunities are available in areas such as child welfare, school social work, evidence-based practice, substance use, and palliative care |
| About the University | New York University is a private research university based in New York City. It operates a large global network and offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a wide range of disciplines. |
| University at Buffalo | |
| Program Name | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
| CSWE-Accredited | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes (part-time, fully online pathway available) |
| Advance Standing Option | Yes |
| Credit Requirements | 60 credits (traditional) |
| Program Length | 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time for the traditional program; advanced standing pathway also available |
| Fieldwork Requirements | 900 total practicum hours: 420 foundation hours and 480 advanced-year hours |
| Program Focus | Trauma-informed, human rights–oriented social work with options to tailor advanced coursework, including clinical preparation |
| About the University | The University at Buffalo is a public research university in Buffalo, New York, and part of the State University of New York system. It is a large comprehensive institution with a strong emphasis on research and professional education. |
| Fordham University | |
| Program Name | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
| CSWE-Accredited | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes (fully online and hybrid options available) |
| Advance Standing Option | Yes |
| Program Length | 2 years full-time; 9 months to 1 year for advanced standing; 3–4 years part-time |
| Program Format | On-campus, online, and hybrid; on-campus coursework can be completed in one day per week |
| Field Education | Supervised field placements are available through agencies across the New York metropolitan and tri-state area |
| Program Focus | Advanced integrated practice across micro, mezzo, and macro settings, with optional specialized practice certificates in Health or Crisis and Resilience for on-campus students |
| About the University | Fordham University is a private Jesuit university in New York City with campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx, along with additional locations in the region. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a broad range of fields. |
| University at Albany, SUNY | |
| Program Name | Master of Social Work in Social Work |
| CSWE-Accredited | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes (part-time, asynchronous online option) |
| Advance Standing Option | Yes |
| Credit Requirements | 60 credits (standard); advanced standing provides up to 21 credits toward the degree |
| Program Length | About 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time; 3 years online; 12 consecutive months for advanced standing |
| Fieldwork Requirements | Two 500-hour practicum experiences, typically completed two days per week over two semesters each |
| Specialization Opportunities | Aging through the Internships in Aging Project; mental health through the Albany Internships in Mental Health program |
| About the University | The University at Albany is a public research university located in Albany, New York, and is part of the State University of New York system. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a broad range of fields. |
| Syracuse University | |
| Program Name | Online Master of Social Work (MSW) |
| CSWE-Accredited | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes |
| Advance Standing Option | Yes |
| Credit Requirements | 60 credits (traditional); 36 credits (advanced standing) |
| Program Length | As few as 36 months for the traditional pathway; as few as 20 months for advanced standing |
| Fieldwork Requirements | 900 total hours: 400-hour foundational internship and 500-hour concentration internship |
| Tuition | $1,226 per credit; approximately $73,560 total for the 60-credit traditional program and $44,136 for the 36-credit advanced standing program |
| About the University | Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across a broad range of fields. |
| Adelphi University | |
| Program Name | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
| CSWE-Accredited | Yes |
| Online Options | Yes (coursework can be completed 100% online) |
| Advance Standing Option | Yes |
| Program Format | Online or on campus; the online program includes live online sessions and two online residencies |
| Program Focus | Generalist social work practice followed by advanced direct practice with individuals, small groups, families, and couples |
| Practicum Network | Affiliated with more than 1,000 human service agencies in the New York metropolitan region |
| Admissions Testing | GRE not required |
| About the University | Adelphi University is a private university located in Garden City, New York. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a range of disciplines and has a longstanding presence on Long Island. |
Understanding Online MSW Programs in New York
Online MSW programs in New York can vary in how coursework is delivered, how often students are expected to participate in live classes, and how field education is arranged. Understanding these differences can help prospective students evaluate how an online format may fit their schedules, learning preferences, and field placement needs.
What Does “100% Online” Mean?
For an MSW program, “100% online” generally refers to how academic coursework is delivered. Students may be able to complete classes without regularly traveling to campus, but that does not necessarily mean every part of the degree can be completed remotely.
MSW students still complete field education, which typically involves supervised, in-person experience in an approved social work setting. Prospective students in New York should review how each program defines “online” and whether it includes any campus visits, live class requirements, or other in-person components.
Didactic Coursework vs. Field Education
Didactic coursework refers to the academic portion of an MSW program, including classes in areas such as social work theory, policy, research, practice methods, and human behavior. In an online program, this coursework may be completed through virtual classes, recorded lectures, readings, discussions, and other online learning activities.
Field education is different. It gives students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in a supervised practice setting. Even when MSW coursework is delivered online, field education generally takes place in person at an approved agency or organization.
Online vs. Hybrid Programs
Online and hybrid MSW programs differ mainly in how much of the academic coursework requires students to be physically present on campus. An online program may deliver most or all didactic coursework virtually, while a hybrid program combines online learning with scheduled in-person classes or other campus-based activities.
Because programs may use these terms differently, prospective students in New York should review each program’s format carefully. In particular, it can be helpful to confirm whether campus visits are required and how often any in-person components occur.
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning
Online MSW coursework may be delivered synchronously, asynchronously, or through a combination of both formats. Synchronous courses require students to participate in class activities at scheduled times, such as live virtual lectures or discussions.
Asynchronous courses allow students to complete much of their coursework on their own schedules within established deadlines. Prospective students in New York should review each program’s expectations to understand how often live participation is required and how the course format may fit with work, family, or other responsibilities.
Field Placement Logistics
Field placement logistics can be an important consideration for students in online MSW programs. Although coursework may be completed remotely, field education typically requires students to complete supervised practice hours at an approved organization.
The process for identifying and approving field sites can vary by program. Prospective students in New York should review how a program supports field placement, what responsibilities students may have in securing a site, and whether placement options are available within a practical commuting distance.
What to Expect
Online MSW programs can require substantial time for coursework, class participation, assignments, and field education. While online delivery may offer flexibility in where students complete their academic work, students still need to meet program deadlines, participation expectations, and field education requirements.
Prospective students in New York should review each program’s structure carefully, including its course format, scheduling expectations, and approach to field education, so they understand how the program is organized before enrolling.
FAQ: MSW Programs and Social Work Licensure in New York
Can I complete an MSW program fully online in New York?
Some MSW programs may offer academic coursework entirely online, but students should distinguish online coursework from field education. Field education is part of the MSW curriculum and generally involves supervised experience in an approved social work setting.
Prospective students should review each program’s delivery format, field placement expectations, and any required campus visits or live sessions. Students planning to pursue licensure in New York should also confirm that their education meets the requirements of the New York State Education Department. New York licenses social workers at the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) levels, with separate requirements applying to each credential.
What is the difference between field education and supervised clinical experience?
Field education is completed as part of an MSW program and gives students supervised practice experience while they are still earning the degree. In New York, a qualifying distance-learning program is responsible for placing students in an appropriate supervised internship setting.
Supervised clinical experience for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure is different because it occurs after the qualifying MSW education. New York requires this experience to involve diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning under qualified supervision. Experience completed in New York generally must be obtained while the applicant is licensed as an LMSW or holds a limited permit, subject to limited exceptions.
In short, field education is part of earning the MSW, while supervised clinical experience is a separate post-degree component of the LCSW licensure process.
How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in New York?
The timeline depends on which New York social work license a person is pursuing. New York licenses social workers at the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) levels, and the requirements differ between the two.
For LCSW licensure, New York requires at least three years, or 36 months, of post-MSW supervised clinical experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning. Current regulations require at least 2,000 client contact hours during that period, and the experience generally must be completed within no more than six years. Applicants must also satisfy the state’s education and examination requirements.
Because the time needed to complete an MSW and meet post-degree requirements varies, there is no single timeline that applies to every applicant.
Where can I find official licensing requirements in New York?
Official social work licensing requirements are published by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions. NYSED provides separate requirements for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials, including education, examination, supervised experience, and application requirements.
Because licensing laws and procedures can change, prospective applicants should use the Office of the Professions website as the primary source for current requirements.