MSW programs in New York City are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact in your community. Whether you aspire to work for a local health clinic, a government agency, or a non-profit organization, these programs can help you achieve your goals.
This guide outlines the top online and on-campus MSW programs available in New York City, examines the various types of MSW programs, and provides essential information to aid in your search for a reputable program. These accredited programs can help you obtain state licensure as a social worker or pursue other related professional opportunities, regardless of whether you have prior experience in the field of social work or come from a different background.
Learn more about MSW programs in New York below and find the one that’s right for you.
Best MSW Programs in NYC for 2024
To assist with your school search, we have highlighted three of the top MSW programs in New York City. We evaluated these programs based on established selection criteria, including CSWE accreditation, curriculum flexibility, and student support services. Explore the following information to discover more about the outstanding schools offering master’s in social work programs in NYC for 2024, and gain insight into what to expect from a highly-ranked program.
1
New York University
New York University’s Silver School of Social Work offers a range of MSW degree pathways for students with varying levels of education and experience. It prepares aspiring professionals for social justice work and emphasizes direct practice roles that improve psycho-social functioning for groups and individuals. Each degree path builds core competency in case management, client evaluation, assessment and intervention, and human development. Course offerings include social work practice, human behavior in the social environment, and social science research methods.
Total required credits vary depending on the course of study, but each program includes up to 1,200 hours of hands-on field experience. Most students receive placements at one of NYU’s 500+ affiliates in the greater metropolitan area. The Silver School of Social Work does not offer online delivery but extends six different program pathways and two distinct specializations, making it one of the best MSW programs in NYC.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
Specializations:
- Generalist Practice
- Specialized Practice
Program Options:
- Two-Year
- 16-Month Accelerated
- Advanced Standing
- Extended
- 32-Month
- Dual Degree Options
2
Fordham University
The 66-credit Master of Social Work program at Fordham University offers a future-focused curriculum that includes classroom instruction and supervised fieldwork experience. Fordham’s social work programs in NYC use an array of delivery methods to accommodate different preferences and learning styles. The curriculum focuses on theory and ethics and covers topics like cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma theory, policy practice, and palliative social work. It also holds accreditation with the CSWE and equips graduates for integrated practice in government agencies, nonprofits, and other treatment centers.
In addition to coursework, students complete fieldwork components that offer a blend of generalist and specialized practice scenarios, anticipating future employment and exposing students to multiple treatment modalities. Most students complete at least 15 hours each week, and some integrate work-study opportunities with fieldwork. Fordham scholarship and financial aid opportunities include a special fellowship for those focusing on palliative care-related professions.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Hybrid
Specializations:
- Generalist
Program Options:
- Traditional
- Advanced Standing
- Full-Time
- Part-Time
3
York College / CUNY
CUNY York College’s fully-accredited MSW program includes evening and weekend options to fit the busy lives of working professionals. It requires 62 credits that most traditional students complete in two years. The curriculum looks at advocacy, social welfare policy, social work research methods, and disparities in urban health. A culminating fieldwork component integrates knowledge and evidence-based practice in clinics, community centers, schools, and hospitals.
CUNY accommodates most outside work schedules and, in some instances, incorporates them into fieldwork. The fieldwork experience itself includes hands-on, supervised work in an applied setting augmented by a weekly seminar with colleagues and faculty instructors. CUNY also provides student support services that include financial aid and licensure preparation. Additionally, aspiring professionals can establish peer networks through CUNY’s MSW leadership club and its Chi Sigma honor society.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
Specializations:
- Generalist Track
- Specialized Track
Program Options:
- Traditional
- Advanced standing
- Full-time
Types of MSW Social Work Programs in New York City
Traditional MSW Programs in New York City
Traditional MSW programs are designed for students without prior background or experience in the field of social work. These programs accept students from a variety of disciplines, and while a bachelor’s degree is required, it does not have to be in social work. This pathway requires more time to complete as it involves additional training to build foundational knowledge. Most students graduate within 2-3 years after completing a full sequence of courses and fieldwork requirements.
Traditional MSW Programs in New York City Worth a Look
Lehman College (Campus)
Touro College (Online and Campus)
No-GRE MSW Programs in New York City
To make entrance requirements more flexible – and admission itself more accessible – these programs do not require GRE results. They provide the same path to licensure and graduation as other programs, using similar curriculum offerings and the same levels of rigor. They are no less prestigious than other social work programs in NYC and hold the same accreditation and state-approval status. No-GRE programs are widely available and typically publicized on program or department websites.
Accredited No-GRE MSW Programs in NYC Worth a Look
Adelphi University (Online)
Stony Brook University (Campus)
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in New York City
Advanced standing MSW programs are designed for students who have already earned a BSW degree or have some background in social work. These programs recognize previous training and experience, and require fewer courses as a result. Students spend less time learning social work basics and instead focus their studies on specialized areas of practice. Most students graduate within 1-2 years and are fully eligible for licensure, with additional competency in areas like cultural diversity and interdisciplinary inquiry.
Accredited Advanced Standing MSW Programs in NYC Worth a Look
New York University (Campus)
Long Island University, Brooklyn (Campus)
Part-Time MSW Programs in New York City
While most of the pathways discussed above expect full-time study, these offerings recognize that isn’t always possible. Part-time MSW programs in NYC provide a path to completion ideal for busy learners and working professionals who may otherwise have trouble balancing work, school, and life. They achieve the same learning outcomes and offer the same opportunities as other pathways, but students move through requirements at a slower pace, which extends their timeline for graduation.
Accredited Part-Time MSW Programs in NYC Worth a Look
Molloy College (Campus)
Adelphi University (Online and Campus)
A Closer Look at Online MSW Programs in New York City
Students attending online MSW programs complete a hybrid course of study. This means requirements include both in-person and virtual learning experiences. Most programs deliver coursework online using some combination of synchronous or asynchronous tools. Some augment coursework with face-to-face meetings where students can network with faculty and peers.
Programs usually pivot to in-person requirements near the end of study for supervised fieldwork, which allows students to synthesize learning in applied settings ahead of licensure. Fieldwork placements occur in the greater NYC area or within students’ home communities.
Ready to start your online MSW program search in NYC? Our ranking of top-rated programs below features colleges with CSWE accreditation, quality instruction, and flexible scheduling.
Best Online MSW Programs in NYC for 2024
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Bronx, New York
Fordham University's Online Master of Social Work offers a curriculum that is future-focused and teaches advanced integrated practice spanning various populations and contexts. After learning social work concepts, students complete extensive fieldwork training in or near their communities. After completing this fully online program, graduates are prepared to sit for licensure in their state. Students choose from two programs options: Advanced Standing Online MSW or Traditional Online MSW. The advanced option is for candidates who have a BSW or have completed the first year of a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years. The plan of study includes 31 credits and may be completed in as few as eight months full time or 16 months part time. The traditional option is available to students with a bachelor's degree other than a BSW. The plan of study includes 62 credits and may be completed in as few as 16 months full time or 24-32 months part time.
Program Highlights:
Online Master of Social Work
- Credits: 31-62
- Length: 8-32 months
- Cost: $1,045/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CSWE
2
New York, New York
One of the oldest social work programs in the world, Columbia University's Online MS in Social Work allows students unparalleled access to rigorous training, innovative teaching, and proven methods. Coursework combines research and clinical practice and offers a multitude of perspectives to solve complex social justice problems. In addition to traditional coursework, students will complete a practicum to gain real-world experience. The program is structured to accept students with all levels of experience — from recent graduates to career changers to social work professionals who want to expand their education. The program offers six pathways to graduation, allowing students to choose the best option for their schedule and commitments: Two-Year, Advanced Standing, Part-Time to Full-Time, One-Year Residency for Working Professionals, Transfer, or Part-Time. The program offers 11 method specializations and fields of practice that students can choose to focus on, based on what their career goals are post-graduation.
Program Highlights:
Online MS in Social Work Program
- Credits: 33-60
- Length: 1-4 years
- Cost: $11,124-$27,822/semester
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CSWE
3
New York, New York
Yeshiva University's Online Master of Social Work offers students a curriculum built on the three pillars: cultural responsiveness, social justice, and human transformation. The program is delivered fully online, with an experienced faculty of renowned practitioners and researchers. The student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1. Graduates are prepared to navigate modern obstacles and complex systems while focusing on helping their clients and communities heal. In addition to the robust coursework, students complete 30 hours of supervised fieldwork. Students choose an optional Gerontology and Palliative Care Embedded Certification or the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Credentialing. Traditional MSW students complete 60 credit hours, with full-time students completing their degree in as few as 2.5 years. Advanced Standing students complete 30 credit hours, completing their degree in as few as 1.5 years. A part-time option is also available.
Program Highlights:
Online Master of Social Work
- Credits: 30-60
- Length: 1.5-2.5 years
- Cost: $1,138/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CSWE
FAQs About Online MSW Programs in New York City
Can I complete my MSW program in New York City completely online?
You can finish all coursework completely online. However, because social work is an applied practice, you’ll need to complete components like supervised fieldwork face-to-face. Fortunately, MSW programs in NYC offer a variety of online options. Yeshiva University, for example, lets students choose between an asynchronous learning experience accessible anytime or a virtual classroom with real-time instruction.
How do fieldwork requirements work for online MSW programs in New York City?
Fieldwork requirements for these programs are face-to-face. Most programs extend opportunities with key partners like social service centers, hospitals, and mental health facilities in the greater NYC area. However, some programs cast the net even wider and work with individual students to determine a placement that meets their needs in terms of specialization and geographical location. Columbia University adopts this approach by keeping over 300 affiliates across the globe along with more than double that in the NYC metro area.
Will earning my MSW online in New York City be cheaper and faster than a traditional program?
In most cases, yes, but it depends on your circumstances. Enrolling full-time and taking advantage of available online options puts you in a good position to complete coursework faster than with a traditional program. In terms of expense, most online MSW programs in NYC charge similar tuition rates as traditional offerings, but you can cut costs in other ways like transportation and campus-based fees.
Can I enroll in an online MSW program in New York City if I live out-of-state? Will it fulfill licensing requirements in my state?
This depends on the program and the state in which you reside or plan to practice, so check with potential programs directly. First, verify that the program holds proper accreditation with organizations like the CSWE. Accreditation does not ensure licensure reciprocity, but it helps narrow your choices. Second, check with your state’s licensure board to make sure the program meets its requirements. The Association of Social Work Boards provides this information.
Social Work Licensing Requirements in NYC
After graduation, you must complete state licensure requirements before you can practice as a credentialed professional. The New York Office of the Professions establishes these requirements, which ensure compliance with state rules and regulations, and sets guidelines for renewal and continuing education. For more information on social work licensing requirements in NYC, see our state-by-state social work licensure guide.
Job Demand for MSW Grads in New York
NYC social work graduates are in very high demand. The positive job growth for each profession indicated below correlates with – and significantly extends – broader trends in social work nationwide. In each case, social work professionals in NYC stand to benefit from increases significantly exceeding the national growth rate of 4% for all occupations.
According to BLS, New York employs more healthcare social workers than any other state. The Empire State also ranks among the top five states for high levels of employment in child, family, and school social work, mental health and substance abuse social work, and all other social work-related positions. For each occupation, the greater NYC region consistently ranks among the top metropolitan areas for employment.
| Employment in 2018 | Projected Employment in 2028 | Growth Rate | Average Annual Openings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 31,300 | 37,160 | 18.7% | 3,930 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 15,130 | 19,470 | 28.7% | 2,120 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 12,640 | 16,410 | 29.8% | 1,800 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 6,410 | 7,200 | 12.3% | 740 |
Source: Projections Central
Earnings for Social Workers in New York City
Social work not only pays higher than other fields – the median annual for all occupations is currently $41,950, according to BLS – it also offers room for advancement with seasoned social workers in the 90th percentile enjoying significant pay increases. Additionally, with a median annual wage of $51,760 nationwide, social workers in NYC earn nearly 20% more than those working in other regions.
| Median Hourly Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $41,730 | $61,520 | $105,240 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $40,980 | $61,810 | $95,560 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $42,490 | $65,250 | $101,290 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $53,610 | $75,000 | $99,010 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020, New York-Newark-Jersey City Metropolitan Statistical Area
Social Work Student and Professional Resources in New York City
National Association of Black Social Workers (New York City Chapter)
The NYC chapter of NABSW promotes the advancement and equitable representation of Black professionals in social work. It accomplishes this mission by crafting position papers, hosting collaborative events, aggregating recent news, and sponsoring publications.
National Association of Social Workers (New York City Chapter)
The NASW advances professionalism in social work through advocacy and policy initiatives. The NYC chapter, one of the largest affiliates nationwide, supports local social workers by sponsoring networking events and maintaining an active job board.
New York Department of Social Services
An arm of the state government, this entity often employs licensed social workers in the NYC region. It manages several state-run social welfare programs that new and experienced professionals often turn to when offering assistance.
New York Office of the Professions – Social Work
This state-based agency authorizes new social workers for practice. It outlines the licensure process, provides resources for continuing education, and sets ethical guidelines for professional conduct. It also provides tools for licensure verification.
New York State Society for Clinical Social Work
This organization offers resources for clinical social workers in NYC and throughout the state. It forms committees that extend mentorship programs and community bulletin boards, connects qualified clinicians with clients, and publishes a regular newsletter.
