About NYSWEC – New York Social Work Education Center

Social work education in New York involves navigating CSWE accreditation, understanding the differences between BSW and MSW programs, figuring out which license level you need, and completing field placement hours. NYSWEC exists to make this process straightforward.

We break down New York’s social work licensing structure – LMSW versus LCSW, what each requires, and how long the process actually takes. We explain the educational requirements set by the New York State Education Department, including which programs meet their standards and how to verify a school’s accreditation status. We cover the supervision requirements for each license level, how to document your hours correctly, and what to expect from the licensing exams.

Our site also addresses the practical realities of social work education. We compare MSW programs across New York State, looking at factors like cost, clinical vs. macro focuses, field placement support, and whether online or hybrid formats are available. We explain advanced standing options for BSW graduates and help you understand which specializations are offered at different schools.

Field education is a major component of any social work degree, and we provide guidance on securing quality placements, working effectively with your field supervisor, and meeting the 900-1200 hour requirements that most programs mandate. We also cover post-graduation steps like applying for licensure, finding supervision for your LCSW hours, and understanding continuing education requirements to maintain your license.

Patricia Rodriguez manages all content for NYSWEC. She spent years as an enrollment specialist helping prospective students navigate social work programs across New York. Through countless conversations with applicants, she developed an in-depth understanding of what people need to know when choosing a program and planning their path to licensure. She saw the same confusion arise repeatedly about accreditation, licensing requirements, and program differences. NYSWEC is her way of providing clear, accessible answers to those recurring questions.

James Sullivan handles partnerships with social work programs throughout New York. He comes from a family of social workers and saw firsthand the impact his sister made working in child welfare. James evaluates programs based on their accreditation status, student support services, and field placement networks. He connects NYSWEC visitors with programs that have strong track records of preparing students for licensure and employment in New York’s competitive social work job market.