Best MSW Programs in New York 2025: Online & Campus
As the demand for skilled professionals in social work continues to grow, prospective students in New York are presented with a multitude of opportunities to pursue advanced degrees in the discipline. Master of Social Work (MSW) programs across the state offer a comprehensive blend of academic rigor and practical training, preparing individuals for impactful careers in various social service settings.
From bustling urban centers to serene rural communities, New York’s MSW programs cater to diverse interests and career goals. They provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of human behavior, social systems, and community advocacy. In this article, we explore the landscape of MSW programs in New York, highlighting key features, program offerings, and the unique advantages of pursuing an MSW degree in the Empire State.
2025 Best MSW Programs in New York
Looking for the best MSW programs in New York? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked the top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs offer the tools you need. Check out our rankings to see which schools made the cut. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Yeshiva University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - yu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a transformative educational experience focused on cultural responsiveness, social justice, and human transformation. Designed for working professionals, the program provides a flexible, 100% online curriculum that prepares students to become impactful social workers. With no GRE requirement, advanced standing for BSW holders, and CSWE accreditation, students can complete coursework at their own pace while gaining hands-on experience through prestigious practicum opportunities.
- 100% online and asynchronous
- CSWE accredited program
- No GRE required
- Advanced standing for BSW holders
- Full and part-time options
- Practicum with premium partners
- Optional CASAC credentialing
- Optional Gerontology certificate
- 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Priority app deadline: Feb 21
- Final app deadline: May 1
- Next term starts: May 12
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Gerontology and Palliative Care - Online Learning - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work offers a transformative online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for passionate professionals seeking to create meaningful change. Rooted in cultural responsiveness, social justice, and human transformation, this CSWE-accredited program provides a flexible, comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for diverse social work careers. With no GRE required, full and part-time options, and the ability to transfer up to 12 credits, students can customize their educational journey while gaining hands-on experience through premium practicum partnerships.
- 100% Online Asynchronous Program
- CSWE Accredited
- No GRE Required
- Advanced Standing for BSW Holders
- Practicum with Premium Partners
- Full and Part-time Options
- Transfer up to 12 Credits
- Optional CASAC Credentialing
- Gerontology Certification Available
- 15:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) - Online Learning - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Wurzweiler School of Social Work offers a comprehensive online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for aspiring social workers seeking flexibility and transformative education. The 100% online and asynchronous program emphasizes cultural responsiveness, social justice, and human transformation. Students gain advanced clinical skills through engaging curriculum, hands-on field experiences, and practicum opportunities with premium partners. With CSWE accreditation, no GRE requirement, and options for advanced standing, students can complete coursework at their own pace while preparing for impactful careers in social work.
- 100% online asynchronous program
- CSWE accredited MSW
- No GRE required
- Advanced standing available
- Full and part-time options
- Multiple track options
- Global practicum opportunities
- Priority application deadline Feb 21
- Final application deadline May 1
- Summer 2025 term starts May 12
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY - Private 4-year - adelphi.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a transformative educational journey for passionate professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact. Designed for flexibility, the part-time program can be completed in three years, allowing students to balance personal and professional commitments. With a CSWE-accredited curriculum, students gain comprehensive skills in health care practice, social justice, and diverse population care. The program boasts impressive outcomes, with over 90% of graduates securing employment within a year, and provides unique opportunities for licensure preparation across various practice settings.
- CSWE-Accredited Online MSW
- 64 Total Credit Program
- Part-Time Completion Option
- No GRE Required
- Health Specialization Available
- 90% Employment Rate
- Virtual Residencies Twice Yearly
- Advanced Standing Option
- 1000+ Practicum Affiliates
- Multiple Career Path Options
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Health Across the Life Course - Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's Master of Social Work (MSW) provides a transformative pathway for aspiring social work professionals. This comprehensive online program equips students with advanced skills to make meaningful societal impacts across diverse healthcare and community settings. With a flexible part-time format spanning three years, students can balance academic pursuits with personal commitments. The CSWE-accredited curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training, preparing graduates for licensure and career advancement in a growing field projected to expand 7% by 2032.
- 100% Online Degree Option
- 64 Total Credit Program
- Part-Time 3-Year Format
- No GRE Required
- Health Specialization Available
- 90% Employment Rate
- Advanced Standing Option
- Virtual Residency Sessions
- Over 1000 Practicum Affiliates
- CSWE-Accredited Program
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Trauma in Context - Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's Online Master of Social Work (MSW) offers a comprehensive, flexible pathway for aspiring social work professionals. The program provides a robust 64-credit curriculum that can be completed part-time over three years, accommodating working professionals and career changers. Students benefit from CSWE-accreditation, expert faculty, and extensive practicum opportunities across diverse settings. With a specialization in Health Across the Life Course available, graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in healthcare, mental health, and community services. No GRE is required, and the program supports licensure preparation.
- 100% Online Degree
- 64 Credits, 3-Year Part-Time
- CSWE-Accredited Program
- No GRE Required
- 90% Employment Rate
- Health Specialization Option
- 1000+ Practicum Affiliates
- Virtual Residencies Twice Yearly
- Licensure Exam Preparation
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY - Public 4-Year - binghamton.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Binghamton University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program empowers students to become agents of social change. CSWE-accredited, the program offers comprehensive training in addressing complex social needs through full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options. Students gain over 1,000 hours of professional experience via field placements, preparing them for diverse careers in public, private, and non-profit sectors. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, practical skills, and advanced generalist practice, positioning graduates for impactful roles in community service, policy-making, and direct intervention.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Full-time, part-time options
- Advanced standing available
- 1,000+ hours field experience
- 200+ field placement partners
- Online and on-campus formats
- Capstone project requirement
- Generalist practice curriculum
- Social justice focus
- Diverse career preparation
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Binghamton University's Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides aspiring social workers with a comprehensive, flexible education designed to transform passionate individuals into skilled change agents. Students can choose between part-time and full-time tracks, gaining over 1,000 hours of professional experience through strategic field placements. The fully online, asynchronous curriculum allows working professionals and students to balance academic pursuits with personal commitments while receiving top-tier instruction from experienced faculty.
- CSWE-accredited online MSW
- Part-time and full-time options
- Advanced Standing available
- Fully online asynchronous format
- Over 1,000 field experience hours
- Top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report
- High ASWB exam pass rates
- Flexible weekly module completion
- Supportive faculty and cohort interaction
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY - Private 4-year - columbia.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Columbia University's Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) provides a transformative educational experience designed for change agents passionate about social justice. This comprehensive program offers flexible pathways for diverse learners, including working professionals and recent graduates. Students gain rigorous training from world-renowned faculty, engaging in cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices across clinical and macro-level social work domains. With six unique program options, including advanced standing and part-time tracks, students can customize their educational journey to match their professional goals and personal circumstances.
- 100% online coursework
- 6 different degree pathways
- 4 method specializations
- 7 fields of practice
- Practicum sites nationwide
- Synchronous class format
- World-class faculty research
- Social justice focused curriculum
- 96% employment rate
- 25% salary increase potential
Master's - Master of Science in Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbia University offers a comprehensive Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) designed for change agents passionate about social justice. This transformative program provides flexible learning pathways, cutting-edge research opportunities, and world-class education that prepares students to tackle complex societal challenges. With multiple enrollment options, students can customize their journey while gaining advanced skills in clinical practice, policy innovation, and community engagement. The program boasts high employment rates and competitive salaries, making it an exceptional choice for aspiring social work professionals.
- 100% online coursework
- 6 different degree pathways
- 4 method specializations
- 7 fields of practice
- Practicum sites nationwide
- 98% employment/education rate
- 25% higher median salary
- Synchronous majority classes
- Advanced research opportunities
- Social justice focused curriculum
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - Public 4-Year - stonybrook.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Social Work Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares advanced social work practitioners through a comprehensive two-year curriculum. The program offers a generalist foundation in the first year, followed by specialized advanced practice in the second year. Students can choose from three specializations and benefit from interdisciplinary resources at the Health Sciences Center. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in social services, qualifying for LMSW and LCSW licensing exams. The program provides flexible full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options for students with prior social work degrees.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Three specialization areas
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing Program available
- Practicum education integrated
- Prepares for LMSW/LCSW exams
- Interdisciplinary learning environment
- Dual degree options available
- Generalist foundation year
- Advanced practice curriculum
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Children, Youth, and Families - Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a comprehensive, advanced educational pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that combines foundational theoretical knowledge with practical field experiences across diverse practice settings. The program provides specialized training in advanced generalist social work practice, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in healthcare, community services, and policy development. Students can choose from three specialized concentrations, ensuring targeted skill development. The curriculum meets academic prerequisites for LMSW and LCSW licensing exams, offering students robust professional credentialing opportunities.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Three specialization areas
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing Program available
- Practicum education included
- Prepares for LMSW/LCSW exams
- Generalist foundation year
- Interdisciplinary resources
- Advanced curriculum second year
- Dual degree opportunities
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Health and Mental Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced professional practice through a comprehensive two-year curriculum. Students develop expertise in social work practice, research, and policy, with opportunities to specialize in three distinct areas. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, including an Advanced Standing track for qualified BSW graduates. Graduates are prepared to sit for LMSW and LCSW licensing exams, with practicum experiences in diverse community settings.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing available
- Three specialization areas
- Prepares for LMSW/LCSW exams
- Generalist foundation first year
- Practicum in community agencies
- 36 total credit program
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences resources
- Flexible course scheduling
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in New York
New York Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
To become a social worker, you’ll need to enter into an MSW program – most likely a traditional one. These programs are geared toward students who don’t have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). You’ll need to commit two years and complete 60 credits (give or take). Here is a typical list of admissions requirements that are typical of MSW programs:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
New York Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you happen to have a BSW and a 3.5 (or higher) GPA, you’ll be eligible to apply to advance-standing MSW programs, a fast-tracked option that allows you to complete your MSW in as little as one year. To apply, you’ll need the admissions requirements above. Take a look at some of these well-known New York advanced-standing MSW programs:
- New York University – visit site
- State University of New York – visit site
- Adelphi University – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
New York MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Because of its mix of urban and rural areas, the State of New York’s MSW tuition costs range widely. For New York residents attending state colleges, you can expect to pay a total of $29,260 for your graduate program. If you’re looking to attend an Ivy League school such as Columbia University, you’ll pay much more. Check out the full range of MSW tuition in New York below:
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| New York University | $450 (Resident) $1,000 (Non-resident) | 65 | $29,260 (Resident) $65,000 (Non-resident) |
| Columbia University | $1,855 (Campus) $1,735.73 (Online) | 60 | $111,288 (Campus) $104,144 (Online) |
| Central University of New York | $620 (Resident) $1,112 (Non-resident) | 62 | $32,440 (Resident) $68,944 (Non-resident) |
Are Online MSW Programs in New York as Good as Campus-Based?
While the face-to-face interaction of in-person programs is still a big draw for many, the flexibility and convenience of online MSW programs are a significant advantage. Rest assured that online programs offer the same comprehensive curriculum as traditional, on-campus programs. Compare the pros and cons below to find out which program delivery method is ideal for you.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in New York
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
To become licensed, you’ll need to make sure your MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), regardless of whether it’s an online program or not.
Learn more about Social Work Degree options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your New York Social Work License
Getting licensed as a social worker is one of the main benefits of graduating from an MSW program. New York, like other states, has its own criteria for licensure. Learn the steps to get licensed in New York in our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in New York
Brookville, NY
Long Island University
- Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS Licensure Requirements
- Extensive clinical training
- 1,500 supervised experience hours
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Clinical problem treatment
- Master's - Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- Meets NYS licensure requirements
- 1,500 supervised clinical hours
- Extensive clinical training
- Diverse therapeutic intervention focus
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Individual, couple, family therapy
- Solution-focused therapeutic approach
Hempstead, NY
Hofstra University
- Master's - Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 54-credit in-person degree
- No GRE required
- On-campus clinic internship
- NY state licensure preparation
- Fall, spring, summer sessions
- 22% job growth projected
- Practice-based courses offered
- Dedicated faculty guidance
New Rochelle, NY
Iona University
- Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy (MS)
Campus Based - Website
- Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
- Holistic systemic clinical training
- Prepares for national licensing
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Multicultural professional focus
- Professional mentorship approach
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Ethical practice emphasized
New York, NY
Yeshiva University
- Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Couples and family crisis counseling - Campus Based - Website
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hour program
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Four semester advanced track
- Extensive field placement network
- Multiple subspecialty options
- 100% employment rate
- Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours total
- In-person classes in NYC
- Fall semester start
- Pathway to LMFT licensure
- Extensive field placement options
- Four-semester advanced track
- 100% post-graduation employment
- Master's - M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Child and adolescent therapy - Campus Based - Website
- NYSED Licensure-qualifying program
- 60 credit hours full-time
- Fall semester start
- In-person NYC classes
- Extensive field placement options
- Path to becoming LMFT
- Multiple subspecialty tracks
- Career networking opportunities
Rochester, NY
University of Rochester
- Master's - MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit MS program
- COAMFTE Accredited program
- Fall semester start
- Two practicum sites
- Weekly individual supervision
- Clinical training in hospital setting
- Community-based clinical sites
- Applications accepted year-round
Syracuse, NY
Syracuse University
- Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Arts (M.A.) degree offered
- Residential and online program options
- Hands-on clinical training provided
- Couple and Family Therapy Center
- Faculty-supervised clinical practice
- Optional Certificates of Advanced Study
- Trauma-Informed Practice CAS available
- Child Therapy CAS available
- Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Online
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online master's degree
- 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
- 500-hour clinical practicum
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Over 50 years department history
- Social justice framework
- Prepares for state licensure
- Diverse career path options
