Best MSW Programs in New York City
Want to find an MSW program in New York City that gets results? The numbers tell the story — NYC programs help graduates achieve up to 96% employment rates. NYU has an 84% first-time pass rate on the LMSW examination, well above the 73% North American average.
NYC’s MSW programs can work with almost any schedule or learning style. These programs offer flexible study options that make earning your degree easier. Take Fordham’s campus schedule with classes just one day per week, or CUNY York’s hybrid model that brings students to campus once weekly. You’ll find programs throughout Manhattan, Westchester, Long Island, and Stony Brook, so you can pick a location that cuts down your commute time while getting a great education.
This guide breaks down the 11 best MSW programs in the city. You’ll find options for full-time study, part-time programs that work around your job, or advanced standing tracks that build on your BSW. The information here will help you choose the right path to your social work career in New York.
1. New York University (NYU) Silver School of Social Work
NYU Silver School of Social Work is a top institution for aspiring social workers. It ranks #12 in U.S. News & World Report for Best Grad Schools for Social Work.
Key features
Clinical social work training through a social justice lens is at NYU Silver’s heart. Students learn in small, intimate environments—classes have a 25-student cap, and practice classes allow only 15 students. The results speak for themselves: 93% of MSW graduates find jobs or continue their education within six months.
The investment makes sense financially. MSW graduates from the class of 2024 started at $69,162—that’s $23,278 more than BSW graduates. This adds up to over $580,000 in extra earnings over a 25-year career.
Specializations
Many MSW programs in New York City require students to pick a concentration. NYU Silver, however, lets students explore their interests freely. Students can still get specialized training through these focused tracks:
- Child & Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention (CHAMP) Institute
- School Social Work Training Academy (partnership with NYC Public Schools)
- Evidence-Based Practice Specialization
- Social Work Practice in Higher Education
- Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders
- Zelda Foster Studies in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Students in these specializations can get stipends, scholarships, and mentorship from leaders in the field.
Fieldwork and practicum
NYU Silver now uses “practicum” instead of “field” because of the latter’s links to slavery and exploitation of immigrant laborers. This change shows the school’s commitment to equity.
The school works with over 600 health and social service agencies in New York and Shanghai to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Starting Fall 2024, practicum requirements have changed:
- Full-time students now work 15 hours weekly (down from 21)
- Two-Year/Extended students complete 900 practicum hours across two placements
- Advanced Standing students do 600 hours at one placement site
Accreditation and licensure
The program has full Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation and helps students prepare for licensing. Students do well on exams—84% pass the LMSW exam on their first try, beating the 73% North American average. The success continues with clinical licensing, where graduates achieve an 83% first-time LCSW exam pass rate, better than the 75% average.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit point costs $1,718 plus fees ($572 for first point, $79 for each additional point). Total costs depend on your path:
- Two-Year: $60,287 per year (33 points total)
- Advanced Standing: $58,490 (32 points total)
- Extended: $33,825 for first year (18 points)
Students should plan for about $43,179 in indirect costs over nine months, including housing, food, and transportation.
Best for
NYU Silver works best for students who want strong clinical training with a social justice focus. You can choose from eight different paths, plus four dual-degree options with other NYU schools in law, public health, public administration, and child development.
With strong job placement, high licensing pass rates, and a huge practicum network, NYU Silver is great for anyone looking to advance their clinical social work career in New York City.
2. Columbia University School of Social Work
The Columbia School of Social Work, a 125-year-old institution, has led social work education since 1898. The school combines academic theory with real-life practice to help communities locally and globally.
Key features
Columbia’s MSSW program has more degree options than any other social work school in the region. Students can choose the popular two-year full-time residential program or pick from several other options, including a nationwide online program. The curriculum strikes a perfect balance between core concepts and specialized focus. Students put their classroom learning to practice during their professional work. The program boasts remarkable career outcomes—nearly 98% of graduates find jobs or continue their education within a year after graduating.
Specializations
Second-year students choose one of these four practice methods:
- Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
- Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming
- Policy Practice
- Social Enterprise Administration
Students also pick from seven fields of practice to create their own learning path. The school partners with other Columbia University graduate schools to offer eight dual degree programs. Students can minor in Advocacy in the Criminal Legal System, International Social Welfare, or Social Welfare Policy.
Fieldwork and practicum
Students apply classroom theories to real client situations through the Social Work Practicum. Each program pathway has specific requirements:
- Traditional standing track needs 60 course credits and 1,200 hours of field practicum
- Reduced Residency track requires 900 hours (with two years of prior direct practice work)
- Advanced standing (BSW holders) complete 33 credit hours and 600 hours of field education
Students in the online MSSW program learn from Columbia faculty and complete their practicum at agencies near their home.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the program, which qualifies graduates to become licensed master-level social workers. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the university. State requirements vary, so students should check if they need extra coursework, practicum hours, or other qualifications.
Tuition and financial aid
Students who submit an eligible FAFSA application have a 90% chance of receiving institutional aid. Financial support includes:
- Institutional scholarships (need-based grants from $5,000 to $20,000 per year)
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 yearly)
- Federal Work-Study (limited spots)
- Graduate PLUS Loans or private educational loans
Best for
Students looking for a prestigious, research-backed education with strong job prospects will find Columbia ideal. The program works well for those exploring multiple career paths through its specialization options and dual degrees. The online option and nationwide practicum placements give students location flexibility without compromising quality. Columbia graduates typically earn 8% more than other social workers, making the program a smart choice for career growth.
3. Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
Ranked in the top 8% of social work programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service delivers an MSW curriculum that blends theory and ethics with future-ready skills.
Key features
The MSW program shines with its student-friendly schedule that lets you complete coursework in just one day per week—whether you choose full-time or part-time study. Students can pick from three campus locations: Manhattan, Westchester, and Long Island. New students start with a detailed foundational phase before advancing to specialized practice. This approach prepares them to work in micro, macro, and mezzo environments effectively.
Specializations
Students can stand out in the job market with two specialized practice certificates (SPCs):
- Specialized Practice Certificate in Health: Students learn to work in a variety of healthcare settings and develop advocacy skills while mastering modern healthcare systems
- Specialized Practice Certificate in Crisis & Resilience: Students learn to handle crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, and other traumatic events
Fieldwork and practicum
The MSW program requires 950 hours of fieldwork placement. Students complete 450 hours during the Foundation/Generalist phase and 500 hours in the Advanced/Specialist phase. Each placement needs 15-21 weekly hours, and experienced field instructors provide at least one hour of weekly supervision. The university partners with hundreds of agencies throughout the New York metropolitan and tri-state area.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits this program. New York State Board of Regents has approved Fordham’s MSW program for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure. The program meets licensing requirements in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories.
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition runs $1,098 per credit. Students pay about $69,376 including fees for the complete two-year program (62 credits). Advanced Standing students finish in nine months and save over $30,000. Students can access various scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships to reduce costs.
Best for
This program suits students who need scheduling flexibility without compromising on quality education. Working professionals can balance their career and studies thanks to the one-day-per-week format. Healthcare-focused students and those passionate about crisis response benefit from specialized certificates. Advanced standing students save time and money through the nine-month fast track option.
4. Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare
Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare is among New York’s MSW programs by combining top-tier education with excellent value. Forbes ranks it among the nation’s top 35 public universities.
Key features
The School of Social Welfare, now over 50 years old, offers a complete professional education at several levels. Students achieve remarkable success rates—95% for MSW students. About 90% of graduates land social work jobs, and 85% start working within three months after graduation. The MSW program gives students plenty of choices with full-time (two years), part-time (three years), and advanced standing options for BSW holders.
Specializations
Students in their second year choose from three specialized tracks:
- Community, Policy, and Political Social Action (CPPSA)
- Families, Youth, and Transition to Adulthood (FYT)
- Integrated Health: Physical, Psychological, and Social Well Being (IH)
Before 2017, students could pick from five focus areas: Health, Substance Abuse, Trauma, Social Work in Higher Education (Student-Community Development), and Community and Political Social Action.
Fieldwork and practicum
Students get hands-on experience through structured learning in ground settings. They must take practice courses while completing 33 weeks of practicum education. Regular MSW students spend 14 hours weekly (4 credits per term), while advanced standing students put in 21 hours weekly (6 credits per term). The school works with agencies in Nassau, Suffolk, and greater metropolitan New York.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the program since 1973. The New York State Education Department recognizes it for both LMSW and LCSW credentials. Students develop core practice behaviors at foundation and advanced levels that line up with CSWE’s nine core competencies.
Tuition and financial aid
New York residents will pay $11,310 in annual tuition plus $2,912 in fees. Out-of-state students pay $26,990 plus fees. Total yearly costs including housing, meals, books, and personal expenses reach $34,858 for in-state and $50,726 for out-of-state students. Eligible students might qualify for partial or full graduate tuition scholarships.
Best for
Budget-conscious students will find great value here—Stony Brook has the lowest tuition among Long Island and New York City’s social work programs. The program works especially well when you have interest in health sciences, thanks to its location within Stony Brook’s Health Sciences Center alongside medical, nursing, and other healthcare schools.
5. CUNY Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work
The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College welcomes over 1,200 master’s students to its nationally ranked MSW program. Students learn in a modern facility from distinguished faculty.
Key features
The MSW program at Silberman offers a 60-credit curriculum that builds competency in social justice, diversity, and ethical practice in metropolitan settings. Students love the school’s commitment to social justice advocacy and its well-rounded educational approach. The program lines up with core competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Each course helps students develop advanced-level skills.
Specializations
Students at Silberman choose one of three Practice Methods:
- Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups: You’ll learn to provide psychosocial care using a biopsychosocial approach
- Community Organizing: You’ll build skills to practice in communities and learn how to mobilize people and resources to tackle social problems
- Organizational Management and Leadership: You’ll prepare to take on management roles in social agencies
On top of that, students can pick specialized fields tied to human rights. These include aging, child welfare, global social work, health, mental health, criminal justice, school social work, and sexuality/gender.
Fieldwork and practicum
Field education is the cornerstone of social work training. Two-Year Program students complete two 600-hour practicums. One-Year Residency (OYR) students do one 900-hour practicum, while Advanced Standing students complete one 600-hour practicum. Field placements run during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 9-5) to match agency schedules.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits Silberman’s MSW programs. This means graduates can apply for licensure as master-level social workers.
Tuition and financial aid
New York State residents pay $14,630 per year for their MSW. Out-of-state students pay $30,000. Nine out of ten students who file eligible FAFSA applications get financial aid. The school gives scholarships to new and continuing students. These include the Amy Watkins Scholarship for community organization majors and special awards for health, mental health, gerontology, and child welfare.
Best for
Silberman works great if you want affordable, social justice-focused education. The school offers flexible scheduling through multiple formats: Two-Year Full-Time, Accelerated Full-Time, One-Year Residency, Accelerated One-Year Residency, and Advanced Standing. Alumni say it best: “The community I felt with both colleagues and faculty as a student were priceless. Maintaining those relationships years after graduation is simply a gift”. This shows how strong the program’s professional network really is.
6. Adelphi University School of Social Work
Adelphi University’s School of Social Work shows remarkable success with more than 90% of MSW program graduates finding jobs within a year after graduation.
Key features
The part-time MSW program at Adelphi blends theoretical study with real-life training. Students experience a curriculum that combines academic theory, online coursework, and direct instruction. The same experienced faculty who teach on-campus bring over 70 years of social work expertise to online learners. Students can choose from several paths – full-time, part-time, online, and advanced standing options.
Specializations
The degree follows a clear path that starts with Foundation Year curriculum and moves to Advanced Year curriculum. Students can shape their education by taking three elective courses worth 9 credit hours during their Advanced Year.
Fieldwork and practicum
Field education serves as the program’s cornerstone. Students learn to use classroom theory in agency settings. They work at human service agencies and interact with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Adelphi has partnerships with over 1,000 human service agencies across the New York metropolitan area. These include mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited this program since 1951. After graduation, students can apply to become Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW). Adelphi helps prepare students for exams by using questions from previous New York state tests. They weave exam preparation throughout the coursework.
Tuition and financial aid
Each credit costs $1,035. The 61-credit program totals $63,135, while the 31-credit Advanced Standing option costs $32,085. MSW students can receive scholarships up to $20,000. Advanced Standing students might qualify for up to $10,000 in scholarships.
Best for
This program works well if you have a busy professional and personal life but want to expand your knowledge while earning professional credentials. Recent college graduates, health service workers looking to advance, people returning to work, and career changers will find this program valuable.
7. Touro University Graduate School of Social Work
Touro University Graduate School of Social Work shapes clinical social workers through a program that honors Jewish social service traditions while serving the broader community with a steadfast dedication to underserved populations.
Key features
The MSW program delivers a 65-credit curriculum that students can complete in 16 months to four years, offering exceptional flexibility. Students choose between a traditional track with evening and weekend classes or a 100% online program. The program creates a family-like atmosphere with small class sizes and tailored attention that builds meaningful connections.
Specializations
The program features three specialized fellowship opportunities:
- Aging Education Fellowship: Students learn to serve elder-focused settings including nursing homes and elder abuse programs
- Social Work in Schools: Students develop skills that connect schools, families, and communities through behavior guidance and counseling services
- Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health: Through collaboration with New York State Office of Mental Health, students work with serious mental illnesses
Students who receive fellowships get tuition reduction and specialized certificates with their MSW degrees.
Fieldwork and practicum
The program requires over 1,000 hours of practicum in agency settings. Foundation year students learn client assessment and service connection. Advanced year students take on more independent clinical responsibilities. Full-time students complete 21 hours weekly for 30 weeks. Part-time students fulfill 15 hours weekly for 40 weeks. Each student receives weekly supervision and training from qualified field instructors.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program. Graduates can pursue social work licensure in all 50 states. Students get a free exam preparation course during their final year to support licensing preparation.
Tuition and financial aid
Current tuition costs $890 per credit with total program expenses around $57,850 plus fees. Students benefit from competitive tuition rates and financial aid packages that make education available. Fellowship programs provide extra financial support for specialized track students.
Best for
The program works best for students who value flexibility and tailored attention. Working professionals benefit from evening and weekend scheduling options, while the cooperative approach maintains educational quality. Students interested in elder care, school social work, or mental health practice thrive through specialized fellowships.
8. CUNY York College MSW Program
York College launched its Master of Social Work program in 2018. The program is Queens County’s first and only MSW program, bringing a unique healthcare focus to the CUNY system.
Key features
The program has seen remarkable growth with a 154% enrollment increase between 2018-2024. Students can pick from three flexible paths: 1-year Advanced Standing, 2-year Full-time, or 4-year Part-time options. The hybrid synchronous format blends weekly in-person sessions with one Saturday monthly meeting. This setup works great for professionals who need to balance their work and education.
Specializations
Students start with generalist practice in their first year and move into healthcare specialization during the advanced year. Healthcare became the specialized focus area because social workers make up the largest professional group in healthcare settings.
Fieldwork and practicum
The practicum, known as social work’s “signature pedagogy,” requires students to complete 900 hours before graduation. Students work in a variety of settings from hospitals to mental health agencies and community schools. Weekly on-campus seminars complement this hands-on experience and help students apply classroom learning to ground practice.
Accreditation and licensure
The program earned CSWE accreditation in 2018 and secured reaccreditation through February 2033 without conditions. York stands among all but one of these eleven MSW programs nationwide that adapted to the 2022 Educational Policy Accreditation Standards. Students who graduate qualify for LMSW licensure in New York State.
Tuition and financial aid
New York residents pay $7,315 per semester full-time, while part-time students pay $620 per credit. Out-of-state students pay $1,000 per credit. Full-time students’ mandatory fees amount to $213.60. Students who qualify can access Federal Work-Study and Direct Stafford Loans.
Best for
Students looking for an affordable MSW degree with healthcare specialization will find great value here. The program’s flexible schedule works well for professionals, making it a smart choice if you live in Queens County and want to advance your social work career.
9. Iona University MSW Program
Iona University offers a unique Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program. The program stands out with its focus on Interprofessional Collaborative Practice—a specialty you won’t find anywhere else in the tri-state area.
Key features
The MSSW program spans 60 credits and brings students together in cohorts with a convenient two-day campus schedule. Students spend their first semester building core knowledge before starting their practicum work. The program uses state-of-the-art virtual reality simulations to prepare students.
Iona specializations
The program centers on Interprofessional Collaborative Practice. Students learn to work with professionals from different disciplines. Students earn an Interprofessional Education Foundations micro-credential by completing a specialized four-module curriculum before graduation.
Fieldwork and practicum
A distinctive three-semester practicum model gives students 900 hours of hands-on experience. Students start with simulation training before moving into rotational experiences (Spring 1: 150 hours; Fall 2: 375 hours; Spring 2: 375 hours). Students gain real-life experience through mutually beneficial alliances with leading organizations like NewYork-Presbyterian.
Accreditation and licensure
The program prepares graduates for LMSW licensure in New York State and builds essential skills for future LCSW advancement. The curriculum matches the social work profession’s nine core competencies.
Tuition and financial aid
Credit costs range between $1,050 and $1,415 depending on specific health science programs. Students can access various funding options, including federal grants and work-study opportunities.
Best for
The program suits students who want team-based practice skills, healthcare system connections, and individual-specific experiences in small classes.
10. SUNY Albany School of Social Welfare
SUNY Albany’s School of Social Welfare offers a detailed MSW program that teaches students to handle social needs and champion social justice. The program is among New York’s valuable MSW options through its strong academic standards and hands-on training.
Key features
This two-year, 60-credit program gives you the skills to reduce social problems with a broader point of view on social needs. The program shows strong job placement results, as many graduates find positions in the Capital District and nearby areas.
Specializations
Students can choose between two concentration paths:
- Clinical Practice (with optional specializations in Aging or Mental Health)
- Macro Practice (with optional focus on Aging)
Fieldwork and practicum
Field education is essential to the program. Traditional students must complete 1,000 practicum hours split between two placements. Each placement requires 500 hours at an agency (two days weekly for two semesters) with supervision from experienced practitioners.
Accreditation and licensure
The program has full Council on Social Work Education accreditation. Students who graduate can take New York State LMSW licensure examinations.
Tuition and financial aid
New York residents will pay $6,540 per semester plus $1,299 in fees, which adds up to $15,678 yearly. Students from other states pay $11,670 per semester plus fees. Many financial aid options are available, including fellowships, assistantships, and tuition scholarships.
Best for
This program suits students who want affordable education with strong clinical or macro practice foundations. Albany’s location provides many field placement options throughout the Capital District region.
11. Marist College Online MSW Program
Marist College runs a fully online Master of Social Work program that focuses on trauma-informed care. The program gives students the skills to build stronger communities through compassionate practice.
Key features
The program combines theoretical approaches with evidence-based practice and shows how individual and systemic factors connect. Students learn directly from active social workers who bring their ground experience to the classroom. Students can choose between two paths—a 64-credit two-year program or a 32-credit advanced standing option for BSW graduates with a 3.0+ GPA.
Specializations
The program focuses exclusively on trauma-informed social work practice. Students learn about trauma effects through evidence-based approaches. The curriculum builds knowledge in trauma neuroscience while covering youth maltreatment, interpersonal traumas, and natural disasters. Graduates are ready to deliver care that promotes anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
Fieldwork and practicum
Each program track has different field experience requirements. Traditional students complete 1,100 hours, spending two days weekly in their first year and three days in their second year. Advanced standing students complete 650 hours with three days of weekly fieldwork. The practicum office helps students find placements in various settings, from child welfare to substance misuse.
Accreditation and licensure
Marist has reached candidacy status for Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. Students who join after this candidacy status will receive recognition as graduates from a CSWE-accredited program once initial accreditation comes through. Full accreditation is expected in 2027.
Tuition and financial aid
Students receive merit scholarships automatically based on their prior GPA, without extra paperwork. The Corporate & Organizational Partnerships offer a 25% tuition reduction. Students can also access federal student loans, payment plans, and tuition deferment options.
Best for
This program works best for students who want specialized trauma-informed practice education in a flexible online format. Graduates can help communities affected by traumatic events through compassionate, inclusive services and advocacy.
Choose Your NYC MSW Program
Your choice of MSW program will affect your entire career path. New York City offers 11 outstanding options that cater to different educational needs and career goals.
NYU Silver boasts a 93% employment rate. Columbia provides extensive specialization options. Fordham lets you attend classes just one day per week. These are just some ways NYC opens doors for future social workers. Students looking for value without compromising quality should check out Stony Brook and CUNY York.
Fieldwork is the heart of MSW education. Each school partners with hundreds of placement sites throughout the metro area. Students get hands-on experience that builds on their classroom learning. You can focus your studies on specific areas like healthcare, trauma-informed care, community organizing or clinical practice.
Money matters are without doubt a vital part of choosing a school. The good news is that every institution offers help with tuition. Merit scholarships, need-based grants, and specialized fellowships help reduce educational costs. BSW holders can cut both time and money by up to 50% through advanced standing options.
The right MSW program comes down to what works best for you. Think over the location, schedule flexibility, specializations, and costs as you decide. Any accredited NYC program you pick will give you the skills and credentials you need. You’ll be ready to make your mark in social work.