7 Best Evening MSW Programs in NYC
Want to find evening MSW programs in NYC while keeping your day job? Social work continues to thrive as a career choice, with job opportunities expected to grow 18% through 2031.
New York’s educational landscape makes it possible to balance work and studies effectively. The state hosts 22 schools that offer Master of Social Work programs, including some of NYC’s finest MSW options. York College’s evening and weekend classes fit perfectly into your packed schedule. Students at Adelphi can qualify for scholarships up to $20,000, while other schools provide financial aid packages reaching $16,000.
These seven highly-rated evening MSW programs let you advance your social work career without giving up your current income. You can choose what works best – a 1-year advanced standing program, a traditional 2-year structure, or a flexible 4-year part-time path.
1. York College MSW Evening Program
CUNY York College has one of the most accommodating evening MSW programs that NYC professionals can attend while keeping their jobs. The program meets community needs head-on with options that work well for students who want to earn advanced social work credentials.
Evening Program structure
York College’s MSW program gives you three different study paths to match your goals and life situation:
- Full-time Advanced Standing Program (1 year) – For students with BSW degrees
- Traditional Full-time Program (2 years) – Standard master’s timeline with 62 credits
- Part-time Program (4 years) – Extended timeline for working professionals
Starting Fall 2024, the part-time option shows York’s steadfast dedication to helping working professionals. You can complete the required 62 credits over eight consecutive terms. This works especially when you have to keep your full-time job while studying.
Part-time students start their learning experience in fall semester with two generalist courses and practicum education during the first two terms. The school guarantees that part-time students will finish the generalist master’s program within four calendar years. You can plan your career growth with confidence because you know exactly when you’ll graduate.
Every York MSW student gets a solid liberal arts foundation in the generalist curriculum to prepare for advanced specialization in healthcare practice. This well-laid-out approach will give a complete skill set whatever program timeline you pick.
Fieldwork requirements
Fieldwork is the substance of York’s MSW education – social work’s ‘signature’ pedagogy. You need to complete a minimum of 900 practicum hours by the end of your studies. This hands-on experience merges coursework with real-life practice in a meaningful way.
A specialized-level social worker supervises your practicum work. Their mentorship helps you develop professional skills the right way. On top of that, you’ll join weekly practicum seminars on campus with faculty instructors. These sessions help you understand your experiences and apply social work principles to your practice.
York connects you with internships at prominent hospitals, healthcare providers, and agencies throughout New York City’s five boroughs. These placements let you show the nine social work competencies while working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Note that evening and weekend practicum placements aren’t guaranteed, even though the program tries hard to work around job schedules. Educational goals come first when considering non-traditional placements, though some approved sites do offer night or weekend hours.
Flexibility and scheduling
Juggling work, education, and personal life can be tough. York makes it easier with a flexible schedule. You’ll attend in-person classes once weekly plus one Saturday monthly, with other coursework available online. This gives you the perfect mix of face-to-face learning and remote convenience.
Evening classes let you keep your day job. You’ll need 2-3 days for practicum placement, and you can do coursework and practicum on the same day. This smart scheduling works around the real-life demands of working professionals.
Twelve credits make you a full-time student at York. The program helps you think over how to balance MSW requirements with personal and work commitments. This supportive approach sets York apart from other evening MSW programs in NYC.
York College delivers a well-laid-out, flexible MSW program with evening and weekend options that working professionals need. Multiple program timelines, hybrid learning formats, and detailed fieldwork experiences give you the support to grow your social work career while keeping your current job.
2. Wurzweiler School of Social Work (Yeshiva University)
The Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University has been shaping social work education since 1957. It ranks among NYC’s finest MSW programs for working professionals. Students from around the world choose this program because it offers evening classes and ranks among the nation’s top MSW programs.
Class options
The school knows you need to balance work and education. Classes run throughout the day – mornings, afternoons, evenings, and even Sundays. This setup lets you keep your job while earning your advanced degree.
You can choose from three learning platforms that fit your schedule:
- In-person classes at the Wilf Campus in uptown New York City
- Live Virtual Classroom for remote learning
- Asynchronous online program for self-paced study
The Live Virtual Classroom works great for evening students. You can join classes from home through Zoom, ask questions, and take part in lectures just like a regular classroom. Evening class times eliminate your commute after work.
The program lets you study full-time or part-time. Part-time students usually take one course per term, spending about 15-20 hours on coursework each week. You could finish your degree in five years, and you can switch between full-time and part-time as your schedule changes.
Specializations and CASAC credential
The program offers three advanced practice methods:
- Clinical practice for one-on-one work with individuals and families
- Group work with specialized techniques for facilitating healing in group settings
- Community practice focusing on advocacy, policy development, and leadership skills
You can choose from seven specialized areas of study. The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) credential comes at no extra cost with your MSW. U.S. News ranks this credential #14 among the 2025 Best Jobs, which boosts your career prospects.
The CASAC program tackles the growing opioid epidemic and substance dependence issues. You’ll qualify for both LMSW and CASAC-T credentials when you graduate. In the last two years, 32 students earned both qualifications.
Getting your CASAC requires:
- Field placements with substance use disordered clients
- Three specialized elective courses in addictions
- Coursework in psycho-social pathology and advanced practice
Addiction specialists will see a 19% job growth by 2033. Your CASAC certification opens doors to work in medication-assisted treatment programs, inpatient detoxification centers, and residential treatment facilities.
Field placement support
Field experience is vital to your MSW education at Wurzweiler. The Practicum Education Department places over 300 MSW students each year. They partner with more than 600 practicum sites across the Greater New York Area, U.S., Canada, and Israel.
You’ll complete 1,200 hours of practicum over four semesters under licensed social workers. First-year students must complete at least 600 hours during the academic year, typically 21 hours weekly.
Placements happen in various settings:
- Hospitals and mental health treatment centers
- Child welfare agencies and family services
- Gerontology support programs
- School-based services
- Substance abuse treatment facilities
Your practicum builds skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation, and termination. You’ll apply classroom knowledge while learning professional ethics in client interactions. Weekly meetings with your social work practicum instructor help develop self-reflection and therapeutic presence.
First-year students learn foundation practice skills. Second-year placements focus on your chosen concentration. CASAC and Gerontology students work in agencies serving their specialty populations.
The Practicum Education Office helps find your perfect placement. You’ll also have a faculty advisor throughout your studies. They’ll help you master both academic requirements and field experiences.
3. Adelphi University MSW Part-Time Program
Adelphi University makes its MSW program available to everyone. The program is one of the most flexible evening MSW programs NYC professionals can find. Students can choose from multiple locations across New York state and innovative scheduling options that work around their jobs without compromising educational quality.
Evening and weekend schedule
The heart of Adelphi’s educational philosophy centers on availability. You can earn your degree through evening and weekend classes while keeping your day job in the part-time MSW program. This flexibility applies to all Adelphi locations, including Long Island, Hudson Valley, and the New York City area, with online options too.
Course sequencing and requirements stay similar whether you study full-time or part-time. This approach will give a consistent quality education at your own pace.
You must complete the program within four years and meet residency requirements by taking 9 or more credits for two successive semesters. This well-laid-out timeline helps you plan your educational experience with certainty while fitting your work schedule.
Students in the part-time program usually take 6-8 credits each semester – about 2-3 courses at a time. This creates an ideal balance for professionals who need to manage multiple responsibilities. Evening and weekend classes mean you can advance your career without leaving your current job.
Field education and practicum
Field education serves as the foundation of Adelphi’s graduate social work program. You’ll get great hands-on experience in over 1,000 health, mental health, and social service agencies throughout the New York region. This extensive network helps arrange placements that match your career interests and location priorities.
MSW students must complete at least 900 hours in a site-based practicum. On top of that, you need to earn 25 professional development hours each academic year through approved field education workshops and take part in the School’s annual social action initiative.
The practicum follows a specific timeline. Most students start their agency practicum in September and continue through the January intersession and spring semester until May. Field instructors carefully assess your progress to help you become skilled at advanced social work practice.
Many agencies need weekday, daytime availability for practica, but evening opportunities exist. If you work in a human services agency now, you might use your current work assignments for practicum requirements – a huge plus for working professionals.
You’ll complete a practicum readiness orientation module and work with the practicum education department to find the right matches before placement. Once placed, you’ll involve yourself in various practice opportunities and conduct face-to-face interviews with clients individually and in groups.
Adelphi MSW scholarships and financial aid
Financial support matches the program’s scheduling flexibility. Each admitted master’s degree student could receive a scholarship up to $20,000. Advanced Standing MSW students might qualify for scholarships up to $10,000.
Scholarship amounts vary based on enrollment:
- Students taking 6-8 credits per semester can receive up to $2,222 per semester
- Students with 9 or more credits per semester might qualify for up to $5,000 per semester
Several fellowship opportunities provide extra financial support:
The IDEATE Fellowship gives second-year MSW students specialized training in primary care or behavioral health settings, with a $12,500 stipend for the one-year fellowship.
Students interested in working with older adults can apply for the Goidel Gerontological Social Work Fellowship, which offers stipends between $2,000-$10,000.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starts your financial aid process. This single form lets you apply for institutional grants, state, and federal aid.
Online MSW students get an extra 30% tuition reduction compared to in-person programs. These scholarships, fellowships, and tuition discounts make Adelphi one of the most budget-friendly evening MSW programs in NYC. You can advance your education without breaking the bank.
4. Fordham University MSW at Lincoln Center
Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus is one of the nation’s best social work graduate schools. The campus offers exceptional evening MSW programs that working professionals love. Right in Manhattan’s heart, students get top-tier education with the schedule flexibility they need.
Evening course availability
Working professionals face unique challenges when pursuing higher education. That’s why Fordham offers face-to-face classes during evenings and weekends at their Lincoln Center location. You can advance your social work education without giving up your day job.
The program fits your schedule with these options:
- Traditional on-campus classes in the evening
- Weekend courses when you need extra flexibility
- Hybrid learning that blends online and in-person classes
Many programs limit evening classes, but Fordham’s curriculum works around your schedule. The Lincoln Center campus buzzes with energy as professionals come together to make real changes in people’s lives, families, and communities.
You can choose from several study paths:
- Full-time traditional MSW (two years)
- Part-time options (3-4 years)
- Advanced standing options if you have a BSW
Balancing work and school becomes easier with Fordham’s evening courses. Classes start after regular business hours, so you can head straight from work to class.
Fieldwork and practicum structure
Field education is the foundation of Fordham’s MSW program. Students must complete 900 hours of internship experience. This hands-on training builds the practical skills you need to succeed.
The fieldwork includes:
- Time commitment: 15-21 weekly hours at your placement from September through May
- Schedule requirements: Regular business hours (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) in blocks of at least four consecutive hours
- Supervision: Individual clinical supervision with an MSW field instructor each week
- Evaluation: Regular assessment based on nine social work competencies
Your fieldwork happens in two phases:
Generalist field placement: Students learn how organizational systems, social policy, regulatory standards, and community needs shape service delivery. This phase needs 450 hours.
Specialist/Advanced field placement: Students tackle more complex client systems and concentrated practice modalities. Traditional students complete 500 hours in this phase[174].
Field placement hours run during business hours only – no evenings after 5pm or weekends. Fordham partners with thousands of agencies across the tri-state area, creating placement opportunities that match your career goals.
Fordham MSW part-time completion timeline
Students can finish Fordham’s part-time MSW program in three to four years. This timeline lets you keep your job while advancing your career.
The part-time program follows this pattern:
- First year: Two classes each semester (no fieldwork)
- Second year: Classes plus generalist field placement
- Later years: Advanced classes and specialist fieldwork
Students complete 62 credits of generalist and advanced direct-practice coursework. Summer sessions run from mid-May to mid-July, helping you finish faster if you choose.
Part-time students start their field placements later than full-time students. Once fieldwork begins, you’ll spend 15-21 hours weekly at your placement site.
The curriculum matches the full-time program’s quality – it just takes longer to finish. Graduates can take their state’s licensure exam.
Fordham’s part-time MSW stands out among NYC’s evening programs. The school’s prestigious ranking and extensive supervised field placements throughout the New York metro area make it an excellent choice.
5. Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work
The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College ranks among the best MSW programs in New York City. The school’s excellent reputation and specialized tracks attract many working professionals who want advanced credentials, even though dedicated evening options are limited.
Class structure
Hunter College offers fewer evening and weekend course options compared to other institutions with complete part-time evening programs. Their admissions office states: “There is no part-time or extended program, and our programs cannot be completed on weekends and evenings. There are limited courses for the OYR program on Saturdays”.
Hunter provides several program formats that suit different student needs:
- Two-Year Full-Time Program: Classes meet two days weekly with three days of field placement
- One-Year Residency (OYR) Program: This program suits social service workers with at least two years of full-time experience
- Accelerated Full-Time Program: Students complete an intensive 18-month timeline
- Advanced Standing Program: Recent BSW graduates can opt for this 36-credit option
The OYR Program helps working professionals the most. Students can keep their jobs while pursuing their MSW. The first year focuses on academic coursework without field placement. The second year includes field practice at your workplace.
Specializations and tracks
Students choose from three practice method concentrations that build their professional identity:
- Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups: Students learn agency-based clinical work using a biopsychosocial viewpoint with evidence-based therapeutic interventions
- Community Organizing, Planning and Development: Students learn to mobilize communities through advocacy and reform
- Organizational Management & Leadership: Students develop skills to take supervisory and administrative positions in social service agencies
Hunter also offers seven specialized fields of practice that line up with universal human rights:
- Aging
- Child Welfare: Children, Youth, and Families
- Global Social Work and Practice with Immigrants and Refugees
- Health
- Mental Health
- School Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Sexuality and Gender
Students must submit a Field of Practice Specialization Form before graduation (April 15 for May graduates, July 15 for September graduates, December 15 for January graduates).
Field education hours
Field education is the basis of Hunter’s MSW program. Students spend 14 hours weekly (two days) during the academic year, totaling 900 hours over two semesters. This hands-on experience happens during standard business hours (9am-5pm weekdays), which creates challenges if you have a job.
Field placement activities include:
- Direct contact with individuals, families, groups or communities
- Weekly individual or group supervision
- Staff meetings and case conferences
- Service trainings and seminars
OYR students who use their workplace for field practice must complete 900 hours over one academic year (two semesters). This splits into 14 hours of new learning weekly plus 14 hours of regular work. The “new learning” part must differ from your usual tasks and needs a different supervisor.
OYR students without a workplace internship must spend 28 hours weekly at a non-employment placement, still totaling 900 hours.
A Practicum Instructor with an MSW degree oversees field placements. They meet with students for at least one hour (preferably 1.5 hours) of supervision each week. Students develop and show core social work competencies needed for professional practice.
Hunter College remains one of NYC’s top MSW programs. Its high academic standards and thorough field education make up for the limited evening options.
6. Lehman College MSW Program
Lehman College’s Advanced Generalist MSW curriculum shapes future social work leaders in urban settings. The Bronx-based program teaches you to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. You’ll also gain skills in supervision, administration, research, and policy making.
Part-time options
Working professionals will appreciate how Lehman schedules MSW classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Classes start at 4 or 5 pm and wrap up by 9 pm. Remote sessions stick to these regular evening time slots to keep your schedule predictable.
The program lets you choose from several tracks:
- Track A: 2-Year Full-Time Program with classes two evenings weekly
- Track C: 1-Year Advanced Standing Program for BSW graduates
- Track D: 3-Year Extended Program designed for working professionals
Track D is popular among NYC’s evening MSW programs. You can maintain part-time status during the first two years, making it perfect for working professionals.
Fieldwork and practicum expectations
Your MSW experience at Lehman includes vital field education with requirements based on your track:
Track A (full-time) students spend 21 hours (three full days) weekly in fieldwork. This adds up to 600 hours each academic year. Track D (extended) students complete 15 hours (two full days) weekly. They also total 600 hours yearly but continue from September through late June.
Your placement includes weekly individual supervision for at least one hour. You’ll need to prepare two process recordings each week. The first week starts with an educational plan that outlines your learning objectives. This plan serves as a shared document between you and your field instructor.
Lehman MSW program duration and flexibility
Each track at Lehman offers a different path to your degree:
Track A follows the traditional two-year full-time MSW structure. Track D takes a more gradual approach. You start with part-time classes in year one, move to fewer classes plus fieldwork in year two, and finish with full-time status in the final year.
Students complete similar educational requirements with different scheduling options. After graduation, you’ll meet all educational requirements to take New York State’s licensing exam for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW).
Your track choice is final – program policies don’t allow changes during enrollment. Take time to review your work-life balance before deciding on your preferred timeline.
7. Touro University MSW Program
Touro University Graduate School of Social Work provides customizable evening MSW programs that NYC working professionals need. The program blends classroom learning with ground experience to prepare graduates for urban social work challenges.
Evening and weekend class schedule
The program’s approach to social work education prioritizes flexibility. Evening and weekend classes with online options accommodate busy schedules effectively. Students select from several completion timelines:
- 16-month accelerated program
- Traditional 2-year sequence
- Extended 3-year or 4-year plans
Working professionals can maintain their jobs while earning advanced credentials. The traditional program lets students complete almost half their coursework online.
Clinical specializations
Students choose from three clinical specializations that boost career opportunities:
- Aging Education Fellowship: The growing geriatric social work field needs professionals as baby boomers age
- Social Work in Schools: Students become vital bridges between schools, families, and communities
- Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health: NY State Office of Mental Health partnership serves clients with serious conditions
Field education and support
Students gain practical experience through field education that reinforces theoretical knowledge. Clinical internships require 600 hours annually at carefully selected locations. Weekly supervision and detailed support from practicum instructors guide students throughout their placement. Weekly practicum schedules at many agencies need at least one weekday during regular business hours (9-5).
Find Your Evening Program Today
You need to think over your professional goals, schedule limits, and finances when picking the right evening MSW program. New York City has many flexible options that working professionals can use to grow their social work careers while keeping their current jobs.
These programs each have their own strengths. York College runs a flexible hybrid format that needs minimal face-to-face time. Wurzweiler School offers a free CASAC credential. Adelphi gives substantial financial help with scholarships up to $20,000. Fordham combines top academic rankings with evening courses of all types.
Field education is vital in these programs, with students needing 900 hours of supervised practice. Finding evening and weekend placements can be tough, but schools work hard to help working students. They do this through creative scheduling or letting students train at their workplace.
Your time to finish depends on which path you take. BSW holders can complete the program in just one year with advanced standing. Traditional part-time programs might take up to four years. This lets you pick a pace that works with your job, studies, and personal life.
Career options improve with specialization choices. You can focus on addiction counseling, gerontology, school social work, or clinical practice. These areas line up with what employers want. On top of that, an 18% job growth forecast through 2031 shows social work is worth investing your time and money.
Without doubt, getting an MSW while working full-time is challenging. All the same, these seven programs show you can advance your social work education while keeping your career. The money and effort you put into any of these evening MSW programs today will lead to better job options, higher pay, and a chance to help communities throughout New York City and beyond.