NYU Social Work Programs
Manhattan’s heart houses New York University, a leading private research institution. NYU started in 1831 and has grown into a global academic powerhouse with a unique urban character that shapes how students learn. Students get exceptional opportunities to work with diverse communities throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
The Silver School of Social Work, 63 years old, leads NYU’s social work education programs. Students can choose from several MSW programs in New York City that prepare them for modern social work challenges. These programs stand out because they turn New York City into both a classroom and testing ground for hands-on experience.
NYU’s social work programs thrive through partnerships with more than 600 community organizations, healthcare facilities, and social service agencies across the metropolitan area. Students find diverse field placements that complement their classroom learning. These strategic collaborations help the school tackle pressing social issues in urban communities effectively.
The Silver School combines evidence-based practice with social justice principles. Students learn both theory and practical skills to become effective practitioners. NYU faculty members bring years of field experience with their academic credentials and give students a clear picture of the challenges social workers face today.
The Silver School of Social Work certificate programs help current students and working professionals develop expertise in specific areas. Students can customize their educational journey based on their career goals.
NYU’s reputation and prime location make it an attractive choice for students seeking an MSW in New York. The school’s dedication to new ideas in social work education draws students from across the United States and worldwide.
Social work programs offered
The Silver School of Social Work provides degree programs that prepare students for social work practice at different levels. The Bachelor of Science (BS) program gives students the generalist practice skills through a 64 credit major and 64 credits of Liberal Arts Core classes. Students learn to make human connections, solve problems, and advocate while working in a variety of communities.
Students looking to advance their careers can pursue the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which combines rigorous training with professional development. The program takes a social justice point of view and teaches students how to tackle complex social issues. Students have flexible options – they can study full-time, part-time, or complete an accelerated 16-Month program. The school also partners with other NYU schools to offer four dual-degree programs in child development, public health, law, and public administration.
Licensed professionals aiming for leadership roles can pursue the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program in Clinical Social Work in academic and agency settings. This practice-oriented doctoral program consists of 19 courses over three years.
MSW students can improve their skills through specialized training. The school offers six Specializations: Child & Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention, School Social Work, Evidence-Based Practice, Social Work Practice in Higher Education, Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders, and Palliative and End-of-Life Care. These programs include focused practicum placements and seminars without adding extra credits or time.
Practical experience is key in all programs. Starting Fall 2024, Two-Year, Extended, and 32-Month MSW students will complete 900 practicum hours (450 hours each academic year), down from 1,200 hours previously. Students get hands-on experience at one of NYU’s 600+ partner agencies where they apply classroom learning.
The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited both BS and MSW programs, ensuring graduates are ready for professional practice and licensing exams.
Online program options
NYU Silver’s digital learning options give prospective social workers the flexibility they need. The Hybrid MSW program is perfect for professionals already working in social services. Students start with six fully online courses in generalist studies, then move to a mix of virtual and in-person classes at the New York City campus. They can finish this part-time program in three years or eight semesters.
The ONRAMP program lets people explore social work without committing to a full degree. Students take two basic courses back-to-back—Human Behavior in the Social Environment I and II—one evening each week. Plus, ONRAMP students pay 25% less than the regular in-person non-matriculated rate.
NYU Silver also offers many online certificate programs to help with continuing education. Programs run between 14-70 hours and students can choose between live or self-paced formats. Popular online certificates include:
- Trauma Informed Clinical Practice (asynchronous)
- Executive Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations (live online)
- Sports Social Work (live online)
- Crisis Counseling (live online)
- Restorative Justice (live online)
Licensed social workers and mental health counselors can earn NYSED and ASWB/ACE accreditation through all post-master’s programs. These online options make NYU’s social work education available to professionals who want to advance their careers without putting them on hold.
Admissions
NYU Silver School of Social Work’s application process strikes a balance between high standards and accessibility. Candidates need to submit an online application with a $60 nonrefundable fee. Faculty members on the committee will assess complete applications within four to six weeks.
Essential application components include:
- Completed online application
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (12+ credits)
- Three letters of recommendation (from professors, employers, or supervisors)
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Additional pathway-specific requirements
The MSW program does not require GRE scores. Students seeking Fall 2026 admission should note two key deadlines. The priority deadline is January 9, 2026, while the regular deadline falls on February 6, 2026. These dates apply to two-year, two-year Shanghai, advanced standing, transfer, 32-month, and dual degree pathways. International students and those seeking scholarships should pay special attention to the priority deadline.
Transfer students must complete their first-year coursework at another CSWE-accredited school with B grades or higher. The admissions committee looks at each candidate’s academic record, ability to conceptualize, writing skills, social work knowledge, emotional maturity, and steadfast dedication to social work values.
Tuition
Getting an MSW degree needs smart financial planning. NYU Silver School of Social Work will charge $1,718 per credit in the 2025-2026 academic year. Students must also pay non-returnable registration fees – $572 for the first point and $79 for each extra point.
Program costs differ based on your chosen pathway. The Two-Year program runs about $60,287 yearly with 33 points total. Other yearly program costs include Advanced Standing at $58,490 for 32 points and the 16-Month Accelerated at $60,287. The Extended program costs $33,825 for the first year with 18 points, while the 32-Month program costs $46,404 for the first year with 25 points.
Students should plan for extra expenses that add up to around $43,179 each year. These costs cover housing ($24,414), food ($6,676), books ($1,540), transportation ($2,366), personal needs ($3,084), and health insurance ($5,099).
NYU offers flexible payment options. Students can choose a deferred payment plan that lets them pay 50% upfront and the rest later in the semester. The Nelnet semester plan splits the cost into four monthly payments.
NYU provides several ways to help with costs. The City Year National Service Scholars program gives eligible students at least $21,000 total ($10,500 per year) toward tuition. Students who complete the FAFSA may also qualify for financial aid packages.
New York State helps graduates who work in critical human service areas by offering tuition remission up to $26,000.
Other information
NYU Silver School of Social Work helps professionals grow through lifelong learning opportunities beyond regular degree programs. NYU graduates, now nearly half-a-million strong, get benefits like global discounts, lifetime NYU email addresses, and online resource access.
Licensed professionals can boost their practice through compelling continuing education programs at the school. Programs range from 14-70 hour post-master’s certificates to specialized webinars that tackle urgent social issues. Research-informed approaches are the foundations of the curriculum that meets strict accreditation standards from NYSED, ASWB/ACE, and other professional bodies. Popular certificates include Trauma Informed Clinical Practice, Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Organizational Leadership.
Students can study abroad in London, Glasgow, and Buenos Aires. These hands-on programs help them get into different social welfare systems and anti-oppressive practices in various cultures.
The Office of Career Design & Social Work Readiness makes career development a top priority. Students get skills-based workshops in practice classes, one-on-one career coaching, and access to the school’s vast professional network. This dedicated support helps graduates build meaningful careers that match their values and long-term goals effectively.