From Albany to New York City, there are several cities with universities that offer MSW programs. Many of these programs offer varying options of concentrations to fine-tune your future practice. All of the below MSW programs in New York are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offer advanced standing enrollment opportunities for those who have already earned their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Learn more about selecting an MSW program to pursue a career in social work as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York.

Prospective social work students can choose from a range of degree programs throughout the state. From prestigious schools in New York City to flexible programs in upstate New York, choices give candidates the option to stay local or move to a different part of the state to pursue their degree online and off. They may have to complete perquisites and/or send in recommendations and GRE test scores in order to gain acceptance to a program.

The skills students learn in social work school include organizational theory and leadership. They may choose to focus on specific topics like addiction, child welfare and geriatrics, among others, as well as earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate at social work programs in New York.

You may want to pursue an online degree in social work because it’s much more flexible than on-campus learning. To complete supervised clinical training, your school may require you to live within a certain distance of the school’s physical location, so keep that in mind when you apply. Some social work programs may let you work in your state; it all depends on the college’s requirements.

A CSWE-accredited university with a Master of Social Work program in New York will offer you the skills you need to become a social worker in New York. You will also do the required clinical training and prepare for your ASWB test.

With an online MSW program, students may take classes at certain times of the week; for instance, some schools may host classes in the evenings on weeknights so that students working full-time jobs can also participate. These flexible social work programs may allow you to complete your MSW coursework from anywhere, but you’ll still be expected to complete clinical hours in person to ensure you can earn your licensure.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

University of Southern California

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW@USC is the online Master of Social Work from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. USC offers virtual and in-person field education, and students focus on adults, youth or social change.

•  Minimum completion time: 16 months
• Online classes taught by USC faculty 
• Virtual field training to build skills and confidence

Request more info from USC.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

Baylor University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Complete the Master of Social Work online program at Baylor University in as few as 12 months. Serve populations in Texas and around the world while ethically integrating faith and social work practice. No GRE required.

• Address injustice from a strengths-based perspective
• Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
• Serve as a trusted resource for clients, no matter their personal background
• Complete the MSW online program in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Baylor University.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

• CSWE-accredited
• No GRE requirement
• Complete in as few as one and a half years

Request more info from Case Western Reserve University.

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Learn more about MSW Programs:

If you are pursuing an advanced standing program at any of the above New York universities, you will likely need to have already completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree accredited by the CSWE. 

Similar to other graduate degree programs, some of these MSW programs in New York may require letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, human services experience, official transcripts, and a minimum GPA. Be sure to check with your preferred NY university above for more information on their MSW program.

Some MSW programs in New York offer specializations or concentrations which focus on one or more facets of social work. Whether you choose a specialization or not, there will likely be a foundational year, or foundational curriculum for traditional students. Requirements for traditional programs may include specific coursework in: 

If you choose to specialize your MSW degree, you may expect coursework in your second year to be centered on that topic with field internships. Curriculum will vary amongst the New York MSW programs, so be sure to check with your preferred university for more information.

What can I do with an MSW degree in NY?

As of May 2019, there are more than 60,000 social workers in New York. This includes child, family, and school social workers; healthcare social workers; mental health and substance abuse social workers and all others, as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition there are also 2,750 post-secondary social work teachers, or professors of social work.

By earning an MSW degree in New York you may prepare for licensure as an LMSW or to become an LCSW. In 2019, the CSWE reports that New York accounted for 12% of all MSW students (PDF, 1.4 MB), the highest of all states and had the highest number of graduates across the country with 12.6%.

MSW degree graduates in New York may pursue social work careers as a school social worker in the New York State Education Department (NYSED), a military social worker at one of the military bases in New York or pursue the Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative . Learn more on how to become a social worker and various opportunities for you. Learn more about how to become a social worker in New York or you may check out more on social work licensure.

Information on this page was updated in November 2020.