Long Island University Social Work Programs
Long Island University is a prominent educational institution with a proud heritage of academic excellence. Since 1926, the university has grown into a detailed educational center with multiple campuses in the New York metropolitan area. Students benefit from diverse academic programs that connect theory with practical skills.
Two main residential campuses serve the university’s community – LIU Post in Brookville and LIU Brooklyn in downtown Brooklyn. Each campus creates its own atmosphere while maintaining the university’s high educational standards. LIU Post’s campus spans 307 acres of beautiful greenery on Long Island’s Gold Coast. Students enjoy a traditional college setting with modern facilities. The LIU Brooklyn campus provides an urban learning experience in one of New York City’s most dynamic boroughs.
The university’s educational philosophy centers on combining rigorous academics with ground experience. This approach helps students in professional fields like social work where practical experience builds competence. Strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare facilities, and social service agencies create opportunities for student fieldwork and professional connections throughout the region.
The university’s faculty consists of accomplished scholars, researchers, and practitioners who bring their exceptional experience to the classroom. Their expertise benefits social work students through firsthand knowledge from years of professional practice. The university also provides detailed student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and personal development resources.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has granted regional accreditation to Long Island University. This ensures the university’s programs meet quality standards. The university’s specialized programs, including social work, maintain accreditation from professional organizations to prepare graduates for licensure and practice.
Social work programs offered
Long Island University provides detailed social work education at multiple degree levels to prepare you for different roles in the field. Students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to become competent practitioners.
The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program at the Brooklyn campus needs completion of 120 credits, with 47 credits dedicated to social work courses. Students build on a strong liberal arts foundation with specialized social work courses. LIU Post’s curriculum has policy, practice, human development, social systems behavior, and research courses. Students must complete a 400-hour internship during their senior year. So, graduates develop strong clinical, advocacy, and administrative skills they can use in various settings.
The university’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program operates through collaboration between LIU Brooklyn and LIU Post campuses. This CSWE-accredited program starts with foundation areas such as policy, practice, human behavior, research, diversity, professional values, and social justice promotion. Students then advance to deeper concepts in psychosocial assessment, administrative theory, and diversity-sensitive practice.
The MSW program’s specialized concentration options stand out. Students can choose from five concentration areas after finishing foundation coursework: Child and Family Welfare, Forensic Social Work, Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors, Gerontology, and Nonprofit Management. Each concentration targets knowledge for specific career paths. To name just one example, the Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors concentration meets educational requirements for the CASAC credential.
Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program can qualify for the Advanced Standing option offering up to one full year of credit toward the MSW degree. This 33-credit program has SWK 614 (3 credits) and all second-year courses (30 credits). The program builds on undergraduate foundations without repeating material.
Field experience remains essential in all programs. Students apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings from schools and shelters to counseling centers and social service agencies.
Online program options
Long Island University pioneers flexible social work education. LIU doesn’t offer fully online social work programs but provides hybrid and flexible learning options that fit your schedule and professional commitments.
The Master of Social Work program offers exceptional scheduling flexibility. Students can start their program in spring through the “Spring Start” option instead of waiting for fall intake. Students take two classes in spring and two more in summer. These classes meet during weekday evenings or weekends based on student needs. After completing these four courses, students easily join the regular fall cohort.
LIU understands that fixed completion timelines don’t work for everyone. The Brooklyn MSW program’s customizable completion paths span two, three, or four years. This approach lets you balance educational goals with work and personal responsibilities while maintaining academic quality.
The DSW program features hybrid learning elements at the doctoral level. This accelerated 45-credit program combines in-person instruction with online components, and classes meet one evening weekly on the Brooklyn campus. Students can complete the program within two years, including two summer intensive sessions.
LIU’s social work education thrives on collaboration. The MSW program operates between LIU Brooklyn and LIU Post campuses, and students can complete their degree at either location. This dual-campus structure offers convenience while giving access to both urban and suburban resources.
While nearby Adelphi University provides fully online MSW options, LIU maintains some in-person components to preserve the interactive learning experience that social work education needs.
Admissions
Long Island University’s social work programs have different admission requirements based on degree level. The MSW program accepts applications until August 15 for regular admission and June 1 for advanced standing. Some campus locations set earlier deadlines – March 15 for regular applications and March 1 for advanced standing.
The MSW program requirements are:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (exceptions might be possible)
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (4-5 pages)
- Current resume
Students from other countries need a TOEFL score of at least 79 (Internet-based) or IELTS of 6.5.
Advanced standing admission needs a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. This 33-credit pathway has SWK 614 (3 credits) and all second-year courses (30 credits).
The BSSW program asks freshmen to have a minimum high school average of 80 and rank in the upper half of their class. Transfer students should complete at least 24 college credits with a 2.75 minimum GPA.
Academic performance remains significant after admission. BSSW students must maintain a 2.75 GPA in major courses.
Tuition
Planning your finances carefully makes sense when you invest in a social work degree at Long Island University. The school sets different tuition rates based on your degree level and program choice.
MSW students pay $1,407 per credit, while the Doctorate of Social Work program costs $1,662 per credit. The undergraduate social work program comes with yearly tuition of $41,052 for full-time students taking 24-36 credits. Part-time students pay $1,281 per credit. Students must also pay a full-time university fee of $2,074.
The good news is that social work students have access to several funding options. The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program gives $650,000 each year to full-time MSW students who need financial help. Students can receive up to $30,000 per academic year spread across summer, fall, and spring terms. The Long Island Mental Health Professional Expansion Project offers another great option – it covers tuition for eligible students in the 60-credit MSW program with just a $500 yearly fee.
Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to unlock more financial support options. New York residents get extra benefits through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Enhanced Tuition Award program. You can access both through your FAFSA application.
Other information
LIU goes beyond classroom learning to give social work students a great way to get career support. Your path to success starts in your first year with career workshops, resume help, and job fairs. LIU Hudson helps students prepare for interviews and builds professional connections that lead to field placements and career growth.
Social work graduates can find jobs in many different settings. They work in adoption agencies, crisis centers, hospitals, mental health clinics, rehab facilities, and schools. The U.S. Department of Labor shows strong job prospects and growth potential for qualified social workers.
Our faculty’s real-life experience makes your education even better. Professor Jessica Rosenberg’s work as former Assistant Director of NYC’s NASW chapter helped pass New York State’s social work licensing law. Professor Elissa Giffords brings her expertise to Nassau County Executive’s Task Force on Family Violence and leads the Advisory Council’s Executive Committee.
LIU’s active alumni network connects over 280,000 professionals worldwide. Graduates get library access and can join continuing education programs through Hutton House Lecture Enrichment Program. They also receive professional discount programs. These connections help bridge the gap between classroom learning and licensed practice.