Molloy University Social Work Programs
Molloy University lies in the heart of Long Island, New York. This private Catholic university builds on the Dominican tradition with a strong focus on academic excellence and community service. The university’s principles of intellectual development, ethical leadership, and social responsibility match perfectly with social work education.
Small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentors make Molloy University stand out in the academic world. Students receive personal attention throughout their educational trip. Social work students find this environment valuable as they develop clinical skills and professional abilities with close guidance.
Molloy’s reputation reaches far beyond its campus. The university ranks among top regional universities in the Northeast, showing its commitment to quality education and student success. It also earns praise for creating paths to social mobility, making quality education available to students from all backgrounds who want to pursue social work careers.
The social work program’s faculty members bring their real-life experience to the classroom. Instructors share knowledge from their professional practice, research, and community work to boost your learning. Many professors stay active in clinical settings, which keeps course content up-to-date with current field practices and new social issues.
Molloy encourages a supportive community where students grow both personally and professionally. Service learning opportunities give students hands-on experience before their formal fieldwork begins. Students can work with local organizations that address urgent social needs, from mental health services to community advocacy.
The university’s location offers great advantages to social work students. Being close to diverse communities in Long Island and New York City creates exceptional opportunities for fieldwork. Students can work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations of all sizes.
Social work programs offered
Molloy University provides detailed social work education pathways that prepare you for licensure and clinical practice. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program serves as the foundation of professional social work education. Its curriculum helps students develop generalist practice skills through intensive coursework and supervised field experience.
Students must complete 49 credits of major coursework and 12 credits of related requirements. The senior year includes 400 hours of supervised practice with people from different backgrounds throughout Long Island. This hands-on experience lets you apply your classroom knowledge in ground settings. MSW supervisors guide you while you demonstrate competency in nine areas set by the Council on Social Work Education.
Molloy has built mutually beneficial alliances with prominent organizations. These include Northwell Health System, Family and Children’s Association, Catholic Health System, local school districts, Diocese Of Rockville Center, and Department of Social Services. These connections create valuable learning experiences in generalist social work practice.
The university’s collaboration with Fordham University creates a chance to earn both BSW and MSW degrees in just five years. Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service ranks eleventh among social work programs nationally according to U.S. News and World Report.
Key features of the MSW program include:
- 1,200 hours of supervised fieldwork experience
- Full-time, part-time, and advanced standing paths for flexible study
- Classes available at Molloy’s campus, Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, or online
- Focus areas in clinical practice, research, and leadership
This joint program has served Long Island students for over 20 years. The traditional two-campus model started in 1997, and the hybrid option began in 2014. Graduates gain professional competencies needed for various roles – from clinical social work to community advocacy, substance abuse counseling, and more.
Online program options
Molloy University makes quality social work education more accessible through flexible online and hybrid learning options. The Fordham/Molloy Hybrid MSW Option lets you take face-to-face classes at Molloy University’s campus while completing your remaining coursework through Fordham’s Online MSW Option. Long Island residents can now earn a prestigious Fordham MSW degree without regular trips to Manhattan.
Molloy’s online learning comes in three different formats that fit your schedule and priorities:
- Online Asynchronous: All course content is delivered online with no required virtual or instructional site meetings
- Online Mixed: Online course delivery combines scheduled virtual meetings with asynchronous learning activities
- Online Synchronous: Online content delivery includes scheduled virtual meetings for all class sessions
Molloy’s distance education approach helps you balance educational growth with life responsibilities. Students can start their programs in fall or spring.
Quality education matters at Molloy University. They maintain membership with Quality Matters, Inc., a global nonprofit organization that leads quality assurance initiatives in online and digital teaching environments. The Office of Blended and Online Learning supports both students and faculty throughout their educational experience.
The hybrid MSW option has helped Long Island students since 2014. Students can access advanced social work degrees more easily now. The program offers day, evening, weekend, and online classes. You can pursue clinical licensure whatever your work or family commitments are.
Admissions
Molloy University’s social work programs uphold high academic standards in their admission process. Students entering the undergraduate BSW program must have a 2.7 cumulative GPA before admission. The program director requires a completed application and essay from all prospective students.
Students looking to pursue graduate studies through the Fordham/Molloy partnership need a 3.0 GPA. Additional requirements include a resume, official transcripts, one recommendation letter, and a personal statement. Applications go through Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service website – just select the on-campus option.
Molloy BSW graduates get special perks when they apply to Fordham’s MSW program. These students receive:
- Eligibility for advanced standing status
- Waived application fee
- No personal statement requirement
- Special scholarship opportunities
BSW students need a minimum 3.0 GPA in their social work courses to get these benefits. They must submit their Fordham GSS online application by February 1st of their senior year.
Each department has different graduate program deadlines. Social work programs typically follow Fordham’s timeline, so early applications are needed for fall enrollment. Students must pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit through their application portal after acceptance.
Tuition
Planning your finances carefully is essential when investing in a social work education at Molloy University. The full-time undergraduate tuition for 2025-2026 academic year stands at $39,630. Students pursuing MSW degrees through Fordham/Molloy collaboration will pay $1,510 per credit. Doctoral students face a higher rate at $1,695 per credit.
Students living on campus should plan for total annual costs of $59,980, which includes room and board. Commuter students can expect to pay around $41,380. Your chosen major and course selections will determine any additional program-specific fees.
Molloy provides flexible payment options to help students manage their education costs. You can spread your payments over five monthly installments each semester, with due dates on the 25th of every month. Students who pay through cash, check, or ACH electronic payments receive better rates than those using credit cards.
Molloy takes pride in making education accessible to students. The university has provided over $30 million in merit and need-based financial aid to 90% of undergraduate students. Academic achievers can receive annual scholarships between $3,000 and $16,000. Students who show dedication to community service can qualify for special scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year.
Other information
The Career Center helps students during their academic years and after they graduate. Students can get help with resumes, practice interviews, and job training. They also gain access to networking opportunities. Molloy’s career platform, Handshake, connects students with potential employers and helps them find internships and jobs.
Graduates automatically become part of Molloy’s Alumni Association that connects over 28,000 living alumni. Members can use the fitness center, library, campus computers, and buy discounted event tickets.
Students planning to get licensed will find that Molloy’s programs meet New York State’s requirements for social work licensure. Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers can take continuing education courses at Molloy to complete their 36 hours of approved continuing education needed every three years.
The social work program helps develop practitioners who work as change agents. These professionals challenge social, racial, economic, and environmental injustice. This approach shows Molloy’s dedication to education that addresses problems at local, regional, and global levels effectively.