York College Social Work Programs
York College is a standout institution in the City University of New York (CUNY) system. It delivers excellent education in many disciplines, with social work being one of its strengths. Students looking to build careers in social service and community support find an ideal home at its campus in Jamaica, Queens. Modern facilities on campus help students learn effectively.
The college believes in combining academic excellence with hands-on training. Students benefit from the college’s strong ties with local community organizations. These connections give social work students chances to practice what they learn in real-life settings before they graduate.
York College’s student community mirrors New York City’s cultural mix. This creates an enriching environment where future social workers learn about working with clients from different cultural backgrounds – a crucial skill today. Experienced professors bring their years of field knowledge to the classroom and share real stories with students.
The college library offers carefully selected resources for social work research. Students can access specialized databases and current publications about social policy, intervention methods, and case management. Dedicated academic advisors help students plan their coursework to line up with their career goals in social work.
Students who want to become Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) will find York College’s programs meet New York State’s certification standards. The coursework combines essential theory with specialized training to prepare graduates for their professional challenges.
York College builds a supportive environment where students create professional networks that last throughout their careers. Department events, talks by working social workers, and student projects help build meaningful connections in the field.
Social work programs offered
York College’s social work department runs two CSWE-accredited programs that create strong educational paths. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program has been accredited since 1985. It prepares students for entry-level generalist practice with strong liberal arts foundations. Students learn to serve urban populations of all types while developing their professional knowledge, skills, and values.
York College also has the first and only Master of Social Work degree program in Queens County, New York. The program earned its accreditation in 2021, making it the newest MSW program in the CUNY system. It features a unique healthcare specialization designed to train healthcare-focused social work practitioners for underserved urban communities.
Students can choose from three MSW educational tracks:
- Advanced Standing – A one-year accelerated option for students with recent CSWE-accredited undergraduate social work degrees from the last five years
- Two-Year Generalist – A traditional path where students from non-social work backgrounds complete 62 credits in two calendar years
- Four-Year Part-time Generalist – A flexible option to complete 62 credits over four years of part-time study
The MSW program uses hybrid synchronous learning formats that blend in-person and virtual experiences. Students come to campus one day each week and one Saturday monthly, while completing other coursework online. Working professionals can take advantage of evening and weekend scheduling options.
Students get hands-on experience through internships with leading healthcare providers in all five boroughs of New York City. The program also helps prepare for the LMSW exam through coursework and a graduate boot camp. This preparation is vital since York’s MSW program is qualifying for LMSW licensure with the New York State Education Department.
Online program options
York College has expanded its MSW program with a flexible part-time option starting Fall 2024. This addition shows the college’s steadfast dedication to making higher education more accessible.
The core of York’s online program lies in its innovative Hybrid Synchronous learning model. Students attend in-person classes once weekly and one Saturday monthly, while completing the remaining coursework virtually. This well-laid-out approach creates an ideal balance between face-to-face interaction and remote study convenience.
Working professionals will find York College’s program schedule particularly appealing. Evening in-person courses let students keep their day jobs while pursuing advanced education. The program needs 2-3 days for practicum placement, which students can often schedule alongside their coursework to maximize efficiency.
York College’s social work students can choose between two campus options:
- Traditional Face-to-Face Format – Complete immersion in classroom learning
- Hybrid Synchronous (evenings and weekends) – Blended approach with both in-person and virtual components
The MSW program hosts regular virtual information sessions where future students can connect with admissions specialists, faculty members, and program directors. These sessions are a great way to get detailed information about program content, admission requirements, and York College’s social work education’s culturally diverse environment.
York College has positioned itself as an adaptable choice for aspiring social work professionals in Queens and beyond through these flexible learning pathways.
Admissions
York College offers social work programs with well-laid-out admission criteria at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Students seeking admission to the Bachelor of Science program must submit their documents each semester. The program requires York College matriculation, 45 completed credits, and a 2.7 or higher cumulative GPA. Students need to complete SCWK 101 and earn a grade of “C” or higher in all social work courses. Application deadlines are July 31 for fall semester and January 31 for spring semester.
The Master of Social Work program sets high standards with specific requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Personal statement outlining career goals
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation from instructors or employers
- Group interview
- Official transcripts
Advanced Standing candidates should have completed their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years. They must have managed to keep a 3.0 overall GPA with 3.2 in social work courses and provide their senior practicum evaluation.
International students must provide additional documents, including TOEFL scores (minimum 61 on IBT), or equivalent scores on IELTS, PTEA, or Duolingo.
York’s program stands out because it doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores. Students can submit their applications through SocialWorkCAS with a $75 non-refundable fee to York College and $45 to SocialWorkCAS.
Tuition
Students need careful planning to finance their social work education at York College. Full-time New York State residents pay $7,315 per semester for the Master of Social Work program, while part-time students pay $620 per credit. Students from outside New York State pay a higher rate of $1,000 per credit.
Mandatory fees apply to all students, whatever their residency status. Full-time students need to pay a total package of $213.60. This covers association fees ($72.15), technology fees ($125.00), consolidated services ($15.00), and university student government fees ($1.45). The fees drop to $131.10 for part-time students.
New students should also factor in some one-time costs. These include a $75 York College application fee, $45 for SocialWorkCAS, and a $250 commitment deposit that counts toward first semester charges.
York College makes paying these costs flexible. Students can choose interest-free payment plans through Nelnet with a $25 signup fee, make online payments through CUNYfirst, or use traditional payment methods like cash, checks, or money orders. Students with Apple devices can use ApplePay.
Social work students have access to dedicated scholarships. These programs are a great way to get financial support, especially when you have most social work positions paying under $70,000 yearly.
Other information
York College goes beyond classroom learning to help social work students get their LMSW certification. Students can access complete support through centers that provide specialized services. These include disability support, counseling, and tutoring programs.
Social work students learn everything in nine key areas the Council on Social Work Education requires. These range from ethical conduct to evaluating practice methods. Students can visit the Social Work Department in room AC-3A11 from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.
MSW students must complete a minimum of 900 supervised field hours as part of their hands-on training, which many call social work’s “signature pedagogy”. New practicum instructors need to finish a required 14-week Seminar in Field Education (SIFI) certification course.
Students can find internships and career development resources through York’s Career Services. Regular career expos happen on campus, and the department tracks students’ professional growth opportunities.
York gives students specialized resources and training to prepare for the LMSW exam. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides extra support with study groups, online materials, and test prep courses.