Social Work at Dominican University New York
Dominican University New York’s School of Social Work lights the way for students who want to change lives. The program, which earned Council on Social Work Education accreditation in 1979, helps develop professional social workers who deepen their commitment to positive social change.
Students learn to practice globally with a family-first approach that supports human rights, social justice, and economic equality. The curriculum teaches them to serve marginalized populations and boost human and community well-being.
Dominican’s approach draws from the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition that cherishes truth and compassionate service. The program aims to lead globally through education based on asking questions, ethical involvement, and dedication to social change.
Students who pick Dominican University join a community that challenges and supports them. High standards and personal attention help prepare them for meaningful careers in social work.
The school’s graduates now work in nursing homes, hospitals, mental health services, community action agencies, children and youth services, schools, and family service agencies. Many alumni have earned advanced standing spots at prominent graduate schools like Columbia University, Fordham University, New York University, and the University of Chicago.
CSWE’s Baccalaureate Educational Policy Statement guides this rigorous curriculum that blends classroom knowledge with field experience. Students get a great way to get essential professional knowledge, skills, and values while they explore if social work matches their career goals.
The core curriculum matches the content and expectations of a master’s program’s first year. This gives students accelerated preparation for this challenging yet rewarding profession.
Social work programs offered at Dominican University New York
Dominican University New York’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program paves the way to a career in social work. The program, 44 years old and fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, prepares you as a generalist practitioner to work with systems of all sizes.
Students can complete the Social Work Core—45 credits—in just two years through the Day Social Work Program. The curriculum meets the CSWE Baccalaureate Educational Policy Statement’s rigorous standards and combines classroom learning with field experience to develop professional skills.
BSW graduates qualify to work in various settings under both public and private organizations:
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Mental health and addiction services
- Children and youth services
- Domestic violence programs
- Criminal justice agencies
- Schools and educational institutions
- Family service agencies
The curriculum’s structure lets you meet requirements for both a Social Science degree and Social Work degree until your senior year’s second semester. You can explore different options while working toward your career goals.
Dominican University also runs a Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in social work jobs from 2024 to 2034—much faster than average. An MSW degree opens doors to leadership positions in the field.
The MSW program’s specialized tracks include school social work. Students learn to support students, families, and school personnel while fostering academic and social success in educational settings.
Social work majors must complete certification requirements during their senior year field education to graduate from the BSW program. These credentials boost employment prospects and graduate school placements.
Online program options
Dominican University New York’s educational philosophy puts flexibility first, especially for working professionals pursuing social work careers. Students can choose from hybrid and online degree options that deliver the complete Dominican experience while fitting into their busy schedules.
These CSWE-accredited social work programs give you credentials that employers value nationwide. Advanced standing options help you earn your degree faster, which speeds up your professional development without compromising educational quality.
Students can easily balance their personal obligations, professional commitments, and educational goals through well-designed online course delivery methods. This setup acknowledges that students need educational options that fit their complex lives rather than forcing them to follow rigid class schedules.
The online and hybrid options maintain the same high standards as traditional programs while offering:
- Flexible scheduling that accommodates working professionals
- Advanced standing pathways for qualified students
- Full access to Dominican’s resources and community
- Career-focused curriculum with strong return on investment
The career-focused nature of these programs helps you develop skills you can use right away in your profession. Your education is a major investment of time and resources, which is why these programs will give a substantial return through career advancement opportunities.
All the same, the online format maintains the education quality and community connection. Dominican University shows its steadfast dedication to Sinsinawa Dominican traditions even in digital learning spaces. The environment remains both challenging and supportive whatever the delivery method.
The university’s flexible learning options help more students access quality social work education. This expanded reach allows graduates to serve communities in need across wider geographical areas.
Admissions
Dominican University New York has a well-laid-out admission process that ensures student readiness for social work programs. Students must first gain university admission through the admissions office before they can join the social work program.
The social work major path unfolds in planned stages for undergraduate students. Students can choose social work as their concentration in freshman year and receive faculty guidance. The program formally accepts students in their junior year based on these requirements:
- Interview with social work faculty
- Formal application prior to junior field work placement
- Minimum grade of “C” in all social work core courses
- Overall GPA of 2.3 by the end of junior year
Graduate social work program applicants need to meet these requirements:
- Completed application
- Personal statement and resume
- Official transcripts showing a baccalaureate degree
- Minimum 2.75 GPA for general admissions (3.0 for advanced standing)
- Two recommendation letters (at least one academic, one professional)
- Prerequisite course in statistics
Students can transfer up to 70 credits from two-year institutions or 90 credits from four-year institutions, but they must complete at least 30 credits at Dominican University.
Tuition
The financial commitment for social work education at Dominican University New York deserves a closer look.
The total yearly cost comes to about $54,160 when you add food, housing, and other expenses. Students can tap into several financial support options:
- The United Health Foundation provides renewable $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing health care, social work, and psychology degrees
- HRSA distributes nearly $650,000 yearly in scholarships to MSW students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Family income plays a key role in determining the actual cost. The net price ranges from $20,285 for lower-income families to $25,243 for households earning above $110,000. This pricing structure makes quality social work education accessible to students from a variety of economic backgrounds.
Other information
A social work degree from Dominican University New York creates exciting career opportunities in public service sectors. You can build a rewarding career in government social services and help improve community welfare.
The university believes in hands-on learning through extensive practicum programs. Students looking to gain global viewpoints can join 10-week international practicum placements in countries including:
- Mexico (Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes)
- South Africa (James House and Mohau Center)
- Ecuador (Universidad Estatal de Milagro)
- India (Amar Kutir Society for Rural Development)
- Indonesia (The Cisarua Learning Center)
These international programs help you understand how local and global events affect service users. You’ll get hands-on training to address social needs while working with communities.
Social work majors need to complete a New York State mandated child abuse certification before graduation. This certification makes you more attractive to employers and graduate schools that often require this training.
Dominican University’s Social Work Program upholds high standards that arrange with both the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).