Syracuse University Social Work Programs
Syracuse University began its story in 1870 as a private research institution in the heart of New York State. The university blends academic excellence with groundbreaking research and community involvement. Students who want to become social work professionals will find an ideal environment here.
The beautiful 721-acre campus sits in Syracuse, New York. Modern learning spaces complement the historic architecture to create an inspiring educational setting. Syracuse ranks among the top 60 research universities nationwide and holds membership in the Association of American Universities. This shows the university’s dedication to knowledge advancement in all fields.
Students learn by doing at Syracuse University. The hands-on approach includes internships, community projects, and research that add depth to classroom learning. Social work students benefit greatly from this method because it helps them apply theories and methods to real-life situations.
A diverse group of 22,000 students creates a dynamic community that enhances everyone’s education. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you get personal attention and guidance throughout your college experience.
Social work students thrive in Syracuse’s supportive environment. The university partners with many community organizations, healthcare facilities, and social service agencies in New York State and beyond. These connections help students find fieldwork placements and job opportunities after they graduate.
Syracuse University’s alumni network spans the globe with over 250,000 members. Social work graduates tap into these professional connections that span industries and regions. Strong professional relationships and mentoring opportunities help shape successful careers in social work.
The university values different views and inclusive practices. This matters deeply in social work education where students must understand and work with people from many backgrounds and communities.
Social work programs offered
Syracuse University began its social work education journey in 1930 with undergraduate courses through the Department of Sociology and College of Home Economics. The program earned accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in 1957.
The School of Social Work provides two degree programs. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) is a 120-credit program that prepares students to work in social work settings of all types. Students learn ecological systems theory to understand how people and their environments affect each other. The program builds on five core areas: social welfare policy, human behavior in social environments, research methodology, social work practice, and field experience. Students complete their degree with valuable hands-on experience through a 500-hour practicum at a human services agency.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program requires 60 credits, which students usually complete in two academic years. The curriculum includes 24 foundation credits and 36 advanced concentration credits. Students can choose between two license-eligible specializations:
- Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) – Students become mental health clinicians who use evidence-informed, relationally-focused interventions.
- Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP) – Students prepare for leadership roles and direct practice in complex human service organizations.
Students at both levels gain real-world experience through intensive field work. The master’s program fits different schedules with flexible options: full-time or part-time on-campus study, or part-time online study. Students with undergraduate social work degrees can take the Advanced Standing program, which is available in all formats.
Students learn to advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice while developing self-awareness and cultural competence. MSW graduates can take the Association of Social Work Boards licensing examination after completing the program.
Syracuse has built strong community ties over the last several years. The university launched the Youth Development Center in 1958 with Ford Foundation support and developed specialized concentrations in the 1980s and 2015.
Online program options
Syracuse University provides a detailed digital learning experience through its online Master of Social Work program. Students can balance their professional commitments with academic goals through a digital-first design that combines remote flexibility with live collaboration opportunities.
The online MSW program comes with Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks. Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work can choose the Traditional track. Those with undergraduate social work degrees can opt for the Advanced Standing option, which they might complete in 24 months.
The program’s design puts flexibility first. Part-time students can ease into field practice with fully remote coursework in their first year. Each term follows a 15-week structure – 14 weeks of instruction and one week of examinations for all online MSW students.
Syracuse’s approach stands out with its flexible scheduling. Students can attend live classes at different times throughout the week. They also get recordings of their attended classes to review the material at their own pace.
Advanced technology creates an immersive learning environment. A full-service mobile app gives students access to all coursework, live sessions, and recordings. The platform includes features like dark mode to reduce eye strain, adjustable video speeds, closed captioning, and options to stream content on larger screens.
Field experience plays a vital role in the online program. Traditional track students must complete 900 total hours across multiple placements. Advanced Standing students need 500 concentration fieldwork hours at one placement site. Online students can complete their first 200 foundational fieldwork hours through virtual placement, which helps them transition into practice smoothly.
The CSWE-accredited program prepares graduates to take the Association of Social Work Boards licensing examination and pursue professional licensure.
Admissions
Syracuse University’s social work programs have different admission requirements based on degree level and program type. Students applying to the on-campus MSW program should submit applications by January 15 for fall semester entry. The online program is more flexible and welcomes students three times a year – January, May, and August.
BSSW program candidates must complete at least 12 Syracuse University credit hours with a minimum 2.8 GPA. MSW program applicants should aim for a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Application materials typically include:
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
- Personal essay (600-800 words) describing professional goals and experiences
- Three letters of recommendation (academic references strongly encouraged)
- Updated resume
- No GRE requirement
Advanced Standing MSW candidates need a bachelor’s degree in social work. Their recommendations must come from specific sources: a practice instructor, a field supervisor or coordinator, and any academic or professional reference.
Students from other countries need to prove their English language skills. They can do this through TOEFL (minimum score of 96), IELTS (7), or Duolingo (130) tests.
The university accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. Students can transfer up to 66 credits from two-year colleges and 90 credits from four-year institutions.
Tuition
Syracuse University’s social work education costs vary based on program level. MSW program students pay $1,196 per credit hour for the academic year. Students need $71,760 for the complete 60-credit MSW program. The 36-credit Advanced Standing track has a total cost of $43,056.
Students can reduce these costs through multiple financial aid options. The Genovese Scholars Program gives significant tuition scholarships throughout the MSW program. The Caring Gene Pathways Training Program pays full tuition and fees for students who plan to work in New York state.
Federal assistance programs are available to students through Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and the Federal Work-Study program. New York’s Tuition Assistance Program helps state residents. Syracuse also provides grants based on financial need.
Students looking for payment options can use the Monthly Payment Plan with a $75 annual application fee. New students have the choice to lock in current rates through the Prepaid Tuition Plan.
Syracuse University’s education shows strong value over time. Social work graduates start with an average salary of $49,000, which makes their educational investment worthwhile.
The university reviews and updates tuition rates yearly, so students should check current costs when they apply.
Other information
Syracuse University’s social work programs provide unique advantages to develop your career. The School of Social Work joined the School of Education in July 2025. This move will strengthen the bond between programs that share a dedication to inclusive teaching methods and community partnerships.
Syracuse graduates consistently achieve career success. They boast an impressive 89% career outcome rate within six months of graduation. Many alumni work at leading companies like Amazon, Deloitte, and IBM. Graduates in all disciplines earn an average starting salary of $63,394.
The “Forever Orange” alumni network supports careers throughout life with regional events, alumni clubs, and mentoring programs. New students can tap into this valuable network through programs like Alumni Connections and Ask Orange Alumni.
Students gain rich experiences through the Barbara Richman Mirken New York City Social Work Immersion Trip and study abroad programs at Syracuse University Abroad. The Social Workers United (SWU) student organization helps students learn more through social justice, advocacy, and civic engagement projects.
Students can access support services that include mental health care at the Barnes Center, financial help through the Syracuse Responds Fund, and aid from the Hendricks Chapel Student Opportunity Fund.