Top Social Work Schools in New York (CSWE-Accredited Guide)

Finding the best colleges for social work in New York means discovering a state packed with outstanding educational opportunities and career prospects. New York boasts almost 30 CSWE-accredited MSW programs, giving you many prestigious choices to shape your social work career.

The numbers speak for themselves – New York’s social work programs awarded 7,962 MSW degrees in the 2020-21 academic year. The state ranks second highest in pay for child, family, and school social workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You’ll find excellent options like Adelphi University with its BSW, MSW, and PhD programs, and the nationally ranked Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. This guide will help you find your path, with CSWE-accredited MSW programs averaging $20,454 in tuition.

Adelphi University

Adelphi University ranks among New York’s best social work schools and provides detailed education options. The School of Social Work has built its reputation by offering flexible programs and substantial scholarship opportunities.

Program Offerings at Adelphi

Students can choose from several pathways at Adelphi. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program needs 61 credits to complete. BSW graduates can finish the Advanced Standing MSW option in just 15 months with 31 credits. The university also offers PhD programs for students aiming for leadership roles in social work. Students can access education at four campus locations across New York state – Garden City, Brooklyn, Hauppauge, and Hudson Valley.

Concentrations

Students looking to specialize their social work education at Adelphi can pick from these concentration areas:

• Mental health
• Substance abuse
• Trauma
• Human services management and organizational leadership

These specializations help students prepare for specific career paths in social work.

Online MSW Availability

The Online Master of Social Work program gives students great flexibility. Students can complete most coursework on their own schedule, with live Thursday evening sessions (6:30-9:50 p.m. ET) each week. Students must attend two online residencies yearly. Regular MSW online students graduate in three years, while Advanced Standing students can finish in 15 months.

Dual Degree Options

The 4+1 programs let students earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years instead of six. On top of that, the university has a specialized Bilingual School Social Work program that combines an MSW with certification in bilingual school social work.

Application Deadlines

Students applying to the main campus program should submit by November 1, 2025 for fall admission and March 1, 2026 for spring admission. The online MSW program starts in fall, spring, and summer (Advanced Standing only).

University at Albany

The University at Albany has a Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program that meets the Council on Social Work Education’s accreditation standards. Students can complete this 60-credit sequence in two years and become eligible to take the New York State LMSW licensing exam right after graduation.

Program Offerings at University at Albany

The MSW program helps students become skilled professionals with strong clinical practice and leadership abilities. You’ll learn how to assess human behavior, apply practice theories, work with clients from different backgrounds, and use evidence-based practices. The program teaches supervision skills and ways to grow professionally throughout your career.

Concentrations

Students follow the Advanced Generalist track, which gives them a complete preparation to work in social work settings of all types. The curriculum has sections on:

• Professional development and ethical practice
• Critical assessment of practice theories
• Evidence-based intervention methods
• Leadership skills for complex practice situations

Online MSW Availability

Working professionals can choose a fully online MSW program option. This part-time program combines self-paced coursework with scheduled evening sessions. Students starting in Fall 2025 will begin with two foundation courses: Social Justice and Social Work, and Human Behavior and the Social Environment.

Dual Degree Options at University at Albany

The university offers several innovative dual degree options:

• MSW/PhD: A joint program that reduces the standard 96 credits to 84 credits for exceptional students
• MSW/MA in Criminal Justice: Students can earn both degrees in 72 credits, combining criminal justice policy with human services expertise
• MSW/MPH: A 93-credit program that brings together social welfare with health policy and management

Application Deadlines for University at Albany

Applications for all graduate social work programs must reach by January 31 at 11:59 PM. The university starts reviewing applications in February and usually sends responses within 3-4 weeks after submission. Students should apply early to get the best chance.

University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo stands out as a prestigious choice for social work programs in New York. The school’s curriculum focuses on trauma-informed care and human rights. Students can choose from several paths at this CSWE-accredited institution to reach their educational goals.

Program Offerings at University at Buffalo

Students can pursue either Traditional or Advanced Standing MSW programs at University at Buffalo. The Traditional MSW needs 60 credits and takes 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time to finish. Working professionals find the part-time option helpful to balance their career and studies. The BA/MSW joint degree lets qualified students earn both degrees in 5 years instead of 6. Students spend 3 years on undergraduate work and 2 years on graduate studies.

Concentrations

Buffalo doesn’t have formal concentrations, but students can customize their advanced-year coursework to study specific populations and issues. The program works well for students interested in clinical social work licensing (LCSW) since it provides the required 12 clinical course credits. A unique framework emerges as the curriculum blends trauma-informed and human rights points of view throughout all programs.

Online MSW Availability

Buffalo’s fully online MSW program holds CSWE accreditation and requires no campus visits. Students complete this part-time option in 3 years. The courses mix virtual live sessions with self-paced learning. Foundation courses usually schedule live sessions during weeknight evenings. Students must complete field practicums in-person at local organizations, with a minimum of 15 daytime hours each week.

Dual Degree Options

University at Buffalo’s dual degree programs give students exciting opportunities:

• MBA/MSW: Students learn to apply business management skills to social work
• MPH/MSW: This program brings public health insights into social work practice
• JD/MSW: Students combine legal knowledge with social work expertise
• MSW/PhD: Academic career preparation includes a $23,000 annual stipend

These dual programs need fewer total credits than separate degrees while keeping all core requirements intact.

Fordham University

Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service ranks among the top 8% of social work programs nationwide. This century-old institution stands out as an excellent choice for future social workers looking to study in New York’s competitive academic environment.

Program Offerings at Fordham University

Students need 62 credits to complete their MSW at Fordham. The program splits into 48 credits of coursework and 14 credits of fieldwork experience. The curriculum starts with a 31-credit Generalist Phase and moves into a 31-credit Specialist Phase. Students with previous social work education can choose the Advanced Standing option to graduate in nine months and save over $30,000. The university’s on-campus students can earn specialized practice certificates in Health and Crisis & Resilience. Students can complete their coursework in just one day per week, with both full-time and part-time options available.

Concentrations

After completing foundation courses, students can tailor their studies in four advanced practice areas:

• Individuals and Families: Direct service provision that considers clients’ environment and overall well-being
• Organizations and Communities: Skills needed to work with communities and organizations of all types
• Evaluation: Research methods and evidence-based practice understanding
• Policy Practice and Advocacy: System management, policy creation, and funding acquisition skills

The curriculum equips graduates to work in micro, macro, and mezzo environments.

Online MSW Availability at Fordham University

The online MSW program combines weekly live sessions with professors and classmates with self-paced content. Students can start their journey three times a year (fall, spring, summer), with each term divided into two eight-week sessions. The program requires at least 15 hours of weekly fieldwork at placement sites in students’ local communities. Traditional and advanced standing paths are available online, with advanced standing students potentially finishing in eight months of full-time study.

Application Deadlines

Spring on-campus and hybrid programs have a priority deadline of November 1 and final deadline of December 1. Online program deadlines for spring differ slightly – November 1 for full-time students and December 1 for part-time. Summer admission (online only) deadlines fall on February 1 for full-time and March 1 for part-time students. Fall applicants should submit their materials by February 1 (priority) or April 1 (final) across all campuses. Fordham currently accepts applications on a rolling basis while spaces last.

New York University (NYU)

The NYU Silver School of Social Work has educated over 20,000 leaders in every area of the profession since its founding in 1960. NYU Silver stands as one of NYC’s premier social work schools that blends clinical excellence with a steadfast dedication to social justice.

Program Offerings at NYU

NYU Silver School provides a complete range of degree options. Their MSW program delivers outstanding training in clinical social work practice with a curriculum that brings a global point of view. Students learn to connect theory with practice while studying research and policy. The BS in social work program teaches students how to make human connections, solve problems, and support positive change. Licensed social workers can pursue the DSW program that prepares them for leadership roles in academic and agency settings through an executive-style format. The PhD program gives students rigorous methodological and statistical research training they need for careers as independent researchers and educators.

Concentrations

Students at NYU Silver can choose from several specialized paths:

• Child & Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention Institute
• School Social Work Training Academy
• Evidence-Based Practice Specialization
• Social Work Practice in Higher Education
• Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders Specialization
• Zelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

MSW students have more flexibility than most programs since they don’t need to pick a formal concentration track. Students can shape their education through elective options and practicum placements after they complete foundational courses.

Dual Degree Options

NYU’s dual degree options give students a chance to gain expertise across disciplines:

The MSW/JD program with NYU School of Law helps graduates support clients better within complex legal systems. The program combines 71 credits of law coursework with 52 credits of social work courses. Students can earn both social work and public health degrees through the MSW/MPH three-year program that takes a global approach. The MSW/MPA option with the Wagner School lets students complete both degrees in two years with strategic course planning.

Application Deadlines

DSW program admits new students in fall only. December 1 marks the priority application deadline, while regular applications continue until March 1. Students should apply early because seats are limited and qualified applicants might end up on a waitlist.

Syracuse University

The School of Social Work at Syracuse University started a mission that puts human dignity first, with special focus on vulnerable populations. This 66-year-old CSWE-accredited institution shapes compassionate professionals who work toward social, economic, and environmental justice.

Program Offerings at Syracuse University

Students can choose between undergraduate and graduate social work education paths at Syracuse. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSSW) program needs 120 credits and prepares students to work in settings of all types. The Master of Social Work (MSW) combines 60 credits of classroom learning with field instruction over two academic years. Syracuse graduates show exceptional performance on licensing exams with an 84.1% first-time pass rate on the Association of Social Work Boards examination for 2025 – one of the highest in New York State.

Concentrations

MSW students pick from two distinct concentrations after finishing their 24-credit foundation curriculum:

• Advanced Clinical Practice: This track shapes future clinicians who provide mental health services with a trauma-informed focus. Students complete 36 credits of specialized coursework to prepare for LCSW licensure.
• Advanced Integrated Practice: Students learn direct practice and leadership skills for complex human service organizations. The program blends micro, mezzo, and macro levels of intervention.

Online MSW Availability

The online MSW program welcomed its first students in May 2021. Students can earn their degree while they work through this part-time format that uses both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The curriculum combines state-of-the-art digital tools with core social work competencies. Students complete field placements in their local community through Syracuse’s placement team and their extensive professional network.

Certificates of Advanced Study

Syracuse’s Certificates of Advanced Study (CAS) are a great way to get specialized skills. While not all certificates focus on social work, several complement the field:

• Addiction Studies (12 credits, online)
• Conflict and Collaboration (12 credits, online/campus/hybrid)
• Health Services Administration and Policy (12 credits, on-campus)

Students with a bachelor’s degree can pursue these certificates alone or along with their graduate programs.

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare stands out among New York’s social work programs with its human rights-based approach to education and practice. This philosophy shapes both undergraduate and graduate programs and prepares students to promote positive change in a variety of settings.

Program Offerings at Stony Brook University

Students at Stony Brook can choose from several paths to get their social work education. The BSW program combines classroom learning with hands-on field experience to develop critical thinking and culturally responsive practice. Students in the MSW program learn advanced social work skills they can apply as direct service providers, policy analysts, or program evaluators. BSW graduates can take advantage of modified advanced standing options that help them complete their degree faster.

Concentrations

Second-year MSW students must choose one of three specialized areas:

• Community, Policy, and Political Social Action (CPPSA)
• Families, Youth, and Transition to Adulthood (FYT)
• Integrated Health: Physical, Psychological, and Social Well Being (IH)

These specializations combine advanced coursework with field placements to give students deep expertise in specific practice areas. Graduates can showcase their specialized knowledge on their resumes when they finish the program.

Dual Degree Options

Stony Brook’s dual degree programs are a great way to get specialized expertise. The MSW/MPH program teaches professionals to tackle social issues affecting health while they learn to analyze data rigorously. The MSW/MA program creates innovative leaders who understand both social work and compassionate care through medical humanities and bioethics. Students can also pursue an MSW/JD through a partnership with Touro College to get both degrees in four years rather than five.

Roberts Wesleyan University

Roberts Wesleyan University’s Master of Social Work program produces skilled clinical social workers. Their graduates show remarkable exam success rates that exceed state and national averages for LMSW and LCSW examinations.

Program Offerings at Roberts Wesleyan

Students can choose between two educational paths at Roberts Wesleyan. The Standard Program needs 60 credits to complete and takes 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time. The Advanced Standing Program requires 38 credits and BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can finish it in just 11 months full-time. Each class has fewer than 20 students, which creates a tailored learning experience.

Concentrations

The program offers two specialized concentrations for students:

• Mental Health: Students learn advanced practice with adults in mental health settings. The focus lies on assessment, case formulation, and treatment planning.
• Child and Family Services: This concentration tackles issues affecting children, adolescents, and families. Students study trauma, developmental issues, and family dynamics.

Online MSW Availability

Working professionals can access the MSW program completely online through synchronized classes scheduled in late afternoons and evenings. Students who prefer face-to-face learning can join optional in-person clinical course sections on Saturdays.

Application Deadlines

The university follows rolling admissions. Students can apply by these deadlines: December 1 for Early Entrance (January start), April 1 for Advanced Standing (May start), and July 1 for Standard Program (August start).

Binghamton University

Binghamton University stands among New York’s finest colleges for social work education. Their Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam first-time pass rates are exceptional. The university proudly celebrates two decades of developing social work leaders (2003-2023) with its CSWE-accredited programs.

Program Offerings at Binghamton University

Students can choose from several MSW pathways that shape effective change agents in social work. The comprehensive 64-credit curriculum splits evenly between generalist practice and advanced generalist practice, allocating 32 credits to each. Students gain practical experience through partnerships with over 200 organizations across neighboring counties. The university’s impressive dual degree options include MSW/MPA, MSW/MS in Spanish, and MSW/MS in Student Affairs Administration.

Concentrations

The university’s Advanced Generalist concentration serves as the foundation for all students. Students learn to become critically conscious practitioners who can address social justice-related privileges and oppressions effectively. The program combines research with client wisdom, helping students develop intervention skills based on ecological systems, developmental, trauma recovery, and behavioral theories.

Online MSW Availability at Binghamton University

New York state recognizes Binghamton’s online MSW program as one of its top offerings. The program features:

• Completely asynchronous coursework
• Full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options
• No campus visits required
• Same faculty as on-campus programs
• Regular interaction with faculty, advisers, and cohort peers

Daemen University

Daemen University’s Master of Social Work program has achieved something remarkable—100% of job seekers have secured employment at or before graduation in the last four years. This CSWE-accredited program stands out among New York’s social work programs due to its employment success and specialized curriculum.

Program Offerings at Daemen University

Students can choose between two MSW paths at Daemen. The first is a full-time, two-year, 60-credit curriculum that welcomes students from various undergraduate backgrounds. The second is a one-year, 30-33 credit advanced standing option available to qualified BSW graduates. The program offers a valuable financial benefit—graduate students get a 30% tuition discount. Working professionals can easily attend classes scheduled during afternoons and evenings through hybrid formats.

Concentrations

Children and families are the program’s primary focus. Students start their first year by learning generalist skills through courses about working with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities. The second year advances to clinical practice where students learn assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions. Field experience is essential—students complete 450 hours at the foundation level and 500 hours in advanced clinical practice.

Online MSW Availability

The online MSW follows the same format as traditional classes but delivers content in eight-week segments. Students take two courses at once. The program maintains its hands-on approach even online. Students spend 18-20 hours weekly in field placements under licensed professionals in their local communities. The curriculum prepares graduates thoroughly for Association of Social Work Boards examinations.

CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College stands out as a leader in New York’s social work education. The college shapes future leaders who thrive in metropolitan environments while staying true to social justice principles.

Program Offerings at Lehman College

Students at Lehman College can choose from BSW and MSW programs with full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. The Master of Social Work program needs 65 credits with several flexible paths. Students can complete the program through a 2-year full-time option (Track A), a 34-credit Advanced Standing track for BSW graduates (Track C), or a 3-year extended format (Track D). Classes meet twice weekly in the evenings. Students spend three full days (21 hours) each week in fieldwork. The college also offers hybrid courses and weekend classes. Spanish-speaking students benefit from a unique Dual-Language English-Spanish Practicum Seminar that prepares them to work with Spanish-speaking communities.

Concentrations

Lehman’s program focuses on an Advanced Urban Generalist concentration. This path gives students the skills they need in direct practice, administration, supervision, research, and policy development. Graduates become adaptable professionals ready to help diverse communities and tackle complex social issues in urban settings.

Application Deadlines

Students interested in Fall MSW admission should apply by February 1. This deadline applies to all tracks. Applications must include personal statements, three recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. The college rarely allows admission deferrals. Students who can’t attend after acceptance need to submit a new application the following year.

Nazareth College

Nazareth College stands out as one of New York’s best colleges for social work. Their Class of 2024 achieved an impressive 98% employment rate within six months after graduation. The program shapes ethical practitioners who champion human rights and social justice through collaborative learning.

Program Offerings at Nazareth College

Students can choose between two MSW paths based on their educational background:

• 36-credit Advanced Standing Program: Students with CSWE-accredited BSW degrees complete this program in three semesters full-time (summer, fall, spring)
• 60-credit Standard Program: Students without social work degrees can finish this program full-time in four semesters or part-time over three years plus three summers

The curriculum shapes practitioners who champion “diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging” using ecological systems approaches. Students also get a free state-licensure preparation workshop, which helps explain the program’s excellent job placement rates.

Online MSW Availability

Students enjoy flexibility in how they complete their MSW at Nazareth. They can choose:

• In-person classes
• Online instruction
• Hybrid formats that blend both approaches

Working professionals can take evening classes at the main campus. Students near Watertown attend classes at Jefferson Community College, thanks to a 10-year old satellite program. Every student must complete field placements – Advanced Standing students need 500 hours while Standard Program students complete 900 hours.

Touro College

Touro College’s Graduate School of Social Work stands out among NYC’s social work schools with its focus on clinical training for underserved populations. The program blends detailed coursework with field experiences in various settings to help graduates make meaningful changes in their communities.

Program Offerings at Touro College

Students need 65 credits to complete the MSW curriculum at Touro, with timeframes ranging from 16 months (accelerated) to four years. The journey begins with foundation courses that examine the person-in-environment viewpoint and progresses to specialized therapeutic approaches. These include cognitive-behavioral treatment, couples therapy, and group work. Students gain expertise with specific groups such as military veterans, recovering addicts, or the elderly. Field education takes place in agency settings where students learn to evaluate client situations and help them access needed services under professional guidance.

Online MSW Availability

The fully online MSW program at Touro provides remarkable flexibility and ranks among the few CSWE-accredited programs offering this option. Students engage through discussion boards, video content, and live sessions with instructors and peers. The program features innovative AI avatars to help develop practical skills. To cite an instance, see how students practice lethality assessments with simulated suicidal clients. Online students complete their field education hours through internships in their local communities, working directly with clients just like traditional students.

Hunter College (CUNY)

Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work (CUNY) helps students build rewarding careers in social services. Students can choose from several programs that match their specific needs.

Program Offerings at Hunter College

Students pursuing an MSW at Hunter College have multiple pathways. The Two-Year Full-Time Program consists of 60 credits with classes two days a week and field placements three days a week. Working professionals can join the One-Year Residency Program that lets them complete field requirements at their current workplace in the second year. Recent BSW graduates can finish their degree in three semesters with 36 credits through the Advanced Standing program. Hunter also features an Accelerated 18-Month Program designed for high-achieving students ready to take on intensive coursework. The college’s partnership with Bank Street College creates a unique dual master’s degree focused on helping children from birth to age 3.

Concentrations

Students at Hunter must choose one of three Practice Methods as their foundation. The Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups program teaches agency-based clinical work using biopsychosocial approaches. Students learn neighborhood and citywide advocacy skills through the Community Organizing track. The Organizational Management & Leadership path gives future supervisors and executives essential administration skills. Students can also specialize in specific Fields of Practice such as Aging, Child Welfare, Global Social Work, Health, Mental Health, and School Social Work.

Complete List of CSWE-Accredited Social Work Schools in NY

Get Started

New York State without doubt provides exceptional educational paths for aspiring social workers at every level. These CSWE-accredited institutions offer remarkable diversity in program structures, specializations, and delivery formats that match different career goals and life circumstances. Students can choose full-time immersion, part-time flexibility, or advanced standing options while maintaining rigorous educational standards.

Each program’s specialized concentrations help you build expertise in areas that match your professional interests—from clinical practice and mental health to community organizing and policy development. Many schools’ dual degree options boost your marketability in related fields like law, public health, and business administration.

Most schools now offer high-quality online programs that match their on-campus counterparts’ academic standards. These flexible options make social work education available to people with demanding work schedules or family responsibilities.

These institutions’ field placement opportunities connect classroom learning with ground practice. Students gain professional competencies and build networks within their chosen specialization through this hands-on experience.

When choosing a program that fits your goals, review factors beyond rankings—like location, cost, available concentrations, and scheduling options. Each school’s unique strengths prepare graduates who excel in practice settings of all types throughout New York and beyond.

Becoming a social worker needs careful planning. Any of these respected programs will give you the knowledge, skills, and values to create meaningful change in communities that need your expertise. Today’s choice shapes your educational experience and the lives of countless people you’ll serve in your career.