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Become a Social Worker in New York
From big cities like New York City, Albany and Buffalo to smaller towns and rural areas throughout the state, New York is home to diverse communities with unique needs for social work support. Social workers across New York support children and families, patients in health care settings, and people facing mental health or substance use challenges.1
If you want to become a social worker in New York, this career guide will help you navigate everything from licensing requirements to scholarships you may qualify for, so you can pursue a new career with confidence.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
A top ranked private institution for veterans by the Military Times, Syracuse University offers a CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program that does not require GRE scores to apply. Students can choose to concentrate their degrees in integrated practice or clinical practice. Learn more.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- No GRE required
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
New York has two social work licenses: licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Both require qualifying graduate social work education, but their scopes of practice differ.
LMSWs can provide master-level social work services, but when providing clinical services such as diagnosis and psychotherapy, they must work under an appropriately qualified LCSW, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. LCSWs may provide clinical social work services independently, within their training and competence.
The steps below reflect New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements for each of these social work career pathways.2, 3
Before pursuing a master’s degree in social work, you must complete a bachelor’s degree. Your earned bachelor’s degree can be in most topics to meet admission requirements for graduate programs, although graduate social work admissions may have a preference for those focused in social work or a related subject. If you complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, you may be qualified for advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs.
Both LCSW and LMSW licenses require an acceptable master’s degree in social work (MSW) or an education that the NYSED determines equivalent.
Qualifying pathways include a New York State-registered licensure-qualifying program, a CSWE-accredited program, or another program that NYSED determines substantially equivalent. These programs must include a curriculum covering social work values and ethics, diversity and social justice, human behavior, practice and research, and field education.
LCSW applicants also need at least 12 semester credit hours of acceptable clinical social work coursework addressing diagnosis and assessment, treatment, and practice with general and special populations. NYSED may accept qualifying clinical coursework completed after the MSW if needed to address a deficiency.2, 3
New York also sets minimum graduate-credit and field-education standards. For LCSW licensure, NYSED requires an MSW or equivalent graduate education with at least 60 semester credit hours (or the equivalent) and at least 900 clock hours of field practicum. Under Section 52.30, New York-registered LMSW-qualifying MSW programs also require at least 60 semester credit hours and 900 practicum hours. NYSED uses these measures when assessing substantially equivalent LMSW education.
A qualifying BSW may provide advanced-standing credit for no more than half of the program’s total semester credits, so advanced-standing students may have fewer new courses to complete after their BSW.2, 3, 4
In addition to these educational requirements, LMSW and LCSW applicants must document completion of NYSED-approved training in identifying and reporting child abuse and maltreatment, unless exempt under state rules.
Updated mandated-reporter training addressing bias, adverse childhood experiences and virtual interactions was due by April 1, 2025. A further update addressing child abuse or maltreatment involving children with intellectual or developmental disabilities is required by November 17, 2026, including for previously trained mandated reporters. Applicants and current licensees should confirm whether they need the updated course or an approved supplemental addendum.5
To apply for LMSW licensure, submit NYSED Form 1 and the $294 licensure/first-registration fee, have your school send Form 2 to verify your MSW, and wait for NYSED approval before registering for the ASWB Masters examination. LCSW applicants must also document their qualifying supervised clinical experience before NYSED will approve them for the ASWB Clinical examination; see the next step. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and meet NYSED’s good-moral-character requirement.2, 3
After earning the qualifying MSW, LCSW license applicants must complete at least 36 months of supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning, including at least 2,000 client-contact hours and 100 hours of in-person individual or group clinical supervision. The experience must be completed over at least three years and no more than six years, in an authorized setting under a supervisor who meets NYSED requirements (such as an LCSW, qualified licensed psychologist or psychiatrist). Most New York applicants gain this experience while licensed and registered as LMSWs. During your supervision period, you should have your supervisor maintain the hours and submit Form 4B to NYSED; you may seek advance review of a supervision plan using Form 6.3, 6
After completing your supervised experience, submit the LCSW application (Form 1, if not already filed), have your school verify the MSW on Form 2, and have each qualifying supervisor submit Form 4B. NYSED must approve your education and experience before you register for the ASWB Clinical examination. Passing the exam and meeting the remaining requirements complete the LCSW licensing pathway.3
Degree Pathways to Become a Social Worker in NY
New York has two types of social work licensure, and both require a master’s degree in social work. An MSW program with clinical coursework is required to become an LCSW in New York. Learn more about MSW programs in New York.
When comparing MSW programs, ask how the curriculum meets New York’s 60-semester-credit and 900-hour field practicum standards. Future LCSW applicants should also confirm that their program provides the required 12 semester credit hours of clinical coursework, or identify a qualifying way to complete them later.3, 4
- Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW): Several New York universities offer online MSW programs for future social workers.
- Advanced Standing MSW Program: If you’ve completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and want to pursue licensure in New York as a social worker, an advanced standing MSW program may take less time than a traditional program to complete.
- Online Clinical Social Work (LCSW) Program: For LCSW applicants in New York, a clinical MSW program may help meet coursework requirements.
- Online MSW with No GRE: A few MSW programs admit students without requiring the GRE; however, they may require a GPA and other criteria.
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW): A DSW degree is not required to obtain licensure in New York but may help LMSW and LCSWs pursue advanced social work roles such as professor of social work or become an administrator.
Social Work Licenses in New York
New York offers LMSW and LCSW licensure. NYSED may also issue a one-year, nonrenewable limited permit to an otherwise qualified applicant who has met all licensing requirements except the relevant examination. Permits require an authorized practice setting, supervision and an additional $70 fee; permit rules differ by license, and public school employment has separate credentialing rules. The requirements summarized below were checked against NYSED guidance in October 2026.2, 3
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) License
An LMSW may work in case management, community and organizational services, and other master-level social work roles. An LMSW does not need LCSW supervision for every nonclinical social work activity. However, an LMSW providing clinical services such as diagnosis and psychotherapy must work under an appropriately qualified LCSW, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, in a setting authorized to provide those services.2
- Education and Eligibility Requirements: Qualifying MSW or equivalent acceptable to NYSED; at least age 21; good moral character; approved child-abuse reporting training. In addition, NYSED-registered LMSW-qualifying MSW programs require at least 60 semester credits (or equivalent) and 900 field-practicum hours.2, 5, 4
- Exam: ASWB Masters examination after NYSED authorization.2
- Fees: $294 for initial licensure and first registration; $70 extra if applying for a limited permit.2
- License Endorsement: There is no automatic reciprocity or LMSW endorsement in New York. An out-of-state licensee may apply through the standard process if New York education, examination and other requirements are met.2
- License Renewal: Registration is generally renewed every three years; the current triennial registration and continuing-education fee is $224. Subject to the initial-licensure exemption and other NYSED rules, licensees must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education per three-year registration period, including three hours on appropriate professional boundaries.7, 8, 6
Learn more about the LMSW License.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License
An LCSW may provide clinical social work services independently within the licensee’s scope of practice. In most cases, applicants complete their qualifying New York clinical experience while licensed and registered as LMSWs; NYSED recognizes limited exceptions and evaluates out-of-state experience separately. New York no longer accepts applications for the former LCSW “R” psychotherapy privilege: effective January 1, 2023, that additional designation is no longer required under state Insurance Law.3, 9
- Education and Eligibility Requirements: Acceptable MSW or equivalent including at least 12 semester credit hours of clinical coursework; at least age 21; good moral character; approved child-abuse reporting training. For LCSW eligibility, NYSED requires at least 60 semester credits (or equivalent) of graduate social work education and 900 field-practicum hours; the 12 clinical credits may be included within the MSW.3, 5, 4
- Experience Requirements: At least 36 months of acceptable post-MSW clinical experience, including at least 2,000 supervised client-contact hours and 100 hours of in-person clinical supervision, completed within six years under a qualified supervisor in an authorized setting.3, 6
- Exam: ASWB Clinical examination; NYSED must first approve the qualifying education and supervised experience.3
- Fees: $294 for initial licensure and first registration; $70 extra if applying for a limited permit.3
- License Endorsement: An out-of-state clinical social worker may be eligible after at least 10 years of clinical practice in the 15 years before applying, provided the initial license was based on requirements comparable to New York’s and NYSED receives required verification.3
- License Renewal: Registration is generally renewed every three years; the current triennial registration and continuing-education fee is $224. Subject to the initial-licensure exemption and other NYSED rules, 36 approved continuing-education hours are required per three-year period, including three hours on professional boundaries.7, 8, 6
Learn more about how to become an LCSW.
Social Work Careers | Estimated Employment in New York | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
Child, family and school social workers | 30,170 | $65,100 |
Healthcare social workers | 20,440 | $73,070 |
Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 14,820 | $79,380 |
Social workers, all other | 2,470 | $84,010 |
Social work teachers, postsecondary | 1,840 | $98,700 |
The figures above are New York State occupational employment estimates and median annual wages from the May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) release. They describe occupations, not the number of people holding an LMSW or LCSW license. Data accessed October 15, 2026.1, 10, 11, 12, 13
Learn more about different social work salaries.
New York Social Work Scholarships and Financial Aid
Paying for an MSW may involve a combination of university scholarships, institutional grants, federal aid, and, for eligible working professionals, student loan forgiveness. You should always verify degree-level eligibility, current application windows, and service requirements directly with the program before relying on an award.14
The New York State Licensed Social Worker Loan Forgiveness Program supports eligible professionals who are already licensed and have worked at least 35 hours per week in a designated critical human service area during the calendar year before applying. Awards are generally $6,500 per year for up to four years, with a maximum of $26,000 or eligible outstanding debt, whichever is less. HESC currently lists a November 13, 2026 application deadline. This is post-licensure loan forgiveness, not a scholarship for beginning an MSW.15
For social work scholarships while completing an MSW, consult the financial-aid offices at your prospective schools and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation’s aid finder. Check carefully whether each award covers graduate social work specifically; some New York City education scholarships are limited to teaching, speech-language pathology, and other disciplines rather than MSW study.14, 16
The Arc New York’s James F. Reville Scholarship offers two scholarships of $3,000 each year to students accepted into or enrolled in a full-time program related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Students in a qualifying social work program may wish to check their eligibility. The Arc New York currently lists February 12, 2027 as the next deadline.17
Be sure to also check with your preferred university and state social work organizations below for additional financial assistance opportunities.
New York Social Work Organizations
As a social worker in New York, you can find colleagues and valuable resources through social work organizations in New York.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) New York State Chapter offers professional advocacy, education, and networking resources for social workers throughout the state. Visit the chapter to review current membership benefits, events and continuing-education opportunities.18
The New York State Society for Clinical Social Work provides professional development, advocacy and community for clinical social workers and others interested in clinical social work practice.19
The Association of Black Social Workers’ New York City Chapter supports professional development, community engagement and advocacy informed by the organization’s mission and professional values. Visit the chapter for current programs and membership information.20
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Program Type
Master's
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Delivery Mode
Online
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Program Type
Master's
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Delivery Mode
Online
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Program Type
Master's
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Delivery Mode
Online
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
FAQs
New York does not offer automatic licensure reciprocity for LMSWs. An LMSW licensed elsewhere may still qualify by submitting evidence that they meet New York’s education, examination and other requirements. NYSED must receive the necessary documentation from the appropriate schools, boards or other verifying organizations.2
New York has a separate LCSW endorsement pathway for applicants licensed as clinical social workers in another jurisdiction who have practiced for at least 10 of the preceding 15 years. NYSED also checks that the original clinical license was based on comparable education, post-MSW supervision and examination requirements. Approval is not automatic.3
Information last updated: October 2026