7 Best Asynchronous MSW Programs in New York

The good news is this: You don’t have to choose between your current job and your educational goals. Not everyone can just quit working and go to school full time. Now, 100% asynchronous MSW programs exist in New York to provide the flexibility you need as you can work and manage a school schedule at the same time.

Licensed clinical social workers in New York are in short supply, especially in community mental health and school-based services. So, if you are able to successfully finish your program, you can enter into this career. With asynchronous programs, you go online, but you don’t have to attend class at any particular time. You can log in when it’s convenient for you to attend.

Our guide looks at seven of the best asynchronous programs we have to offer here in New York so you can be set up for success without having to quit your current job.

1. University at Buffalo SUNY – Online MSW Program

The School of Social Work at University at Buffalo stands out among other online programs with a national ranking of #24 overall and #13 among public universities. You can complete the online MSW without any time on campus. This makes it available for working professionals throughout New York State and beyond.

The program integrates a trauma-informed and human rights point of view throughout the curriculum. This offers a distinctive lens for policy and practice work. You can choose between two tracks: Traditional Standing for students with a bachelor’s in any field, or Advanced Standing for those holding a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

Courses incorporate both synchronous virtual live sessions and asynchronous independent components. This structure provides some flexibility while you maintain connection with faculty and peers. Practicum requirements total 900 hours for Traditional Standing students. These divide into a 420-hour foundation practicum and a 480-hour advanced year practicum. These placements occur at organizations near your home location. UB’s field placement staff works to match you with appropriate agency sites.

Students hired at social service agencies may qualify for an employment-based practicum option. One important thing to think over: accepted applicants living 50 or more miles from the Buffalo campus receive priority for online program seats. Those within commuting distance are encouraged to apply to on-campus options. Limited online capacity is the reason.

Tuition and Total Cost

The tuition rates for UB’s online MSW program differ substantially based on residency status:

The application fee stands at $100 for the online program. These rates apply to matriculated MSW students taking all coursework online. You’ll be charged the full on-campus rate for all courses that semester if you register for a seated or hybrid course.

Out-of-state students who establish permanent residence in New York may apply for resident status and get the in-state rate for the remainder of their program. Budget for indirect costs beyond tuition. These include housing, food, books, supplies, transportation and technology requirements.

Program Duration and Completion Timeline

The Traditional Standing online MSW requires 60 credit hours completed over 3 years on a part-time basis. Full-time enrollment is not available for the online format. Advanced Standing students complete 35 credit hours over 1.5 years and start in the spring semester.

Practicum placements require a minimum of 15 hours per week during weekday daytime working hours. Each practicum spans two semesters. You should not plan to relocate during your studies due to the time commitment and consistency required for these experiences.

The Traditional Standing program admits students for fall semester only. Advanced Standing begins in spring. Application deadlines fall substantially earlier for online programs compared to on-campus options.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

UB’s MSW program has managed to keep CSWE accreditation since 1934. Reaccreditation occurs every eight years. This accreditation will give the curriculum alignment with social work competencies necessary for professional practice. It may help you qualify for employment or licensure requiring a CSWE-accredited degree.

The program offers the 12 required clinical course credits needed to work toward that objective if your goal has obtaining clinical social work licensure (LCSW). You can personalize your advanced-year coursework to focus on populations and issues that align with your career interests.

The New York State Education Department has officially registered the program. This positions graduates to pursue licensure in the state. UB provides a credential recognized by employers and licensing boards as the top-ranked SUNY or CUNY social work program.

Admission Requirements

Traditional Standing applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution. You must complete a minimum of 24 undergraduate liberal arts credits, structured as follows:

• 6 credits in social or behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science)
• 6 credits in arts or humanities (e.g., history, English, foreign languages, philosophy, ethnic/gender studies)
• 12 credits from any combination of the above or natural sciences/mathematics

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred. You’ll need to complete a 3-credit human biology course before you begin the advanced year curriculum if not fulfilled at application.

The application process requires three professional references who can assess your potential for graduate-level academic work and the social work profession. You must upload transcripts from all previous institutions and submit an application essay. The $100 application fee is also required. All components must arrive by the deadline, including recommendations.

Advanced Standing applicants must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the last six years. A minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in social work coursework is required. GRE scores are not required for either track.

2. Binghamton University – Asynchronous MSW Program

Binghamton University delivers its MSW through an exclusively online asynchronous format. You control when and where you complete coursework. The program trains social workers in an empowering and inclusive environment with a focus on advanced generalist practice. This curriculum prepares you for diverse career paths, from direct service provision to policy making and program administration.

The asynchronous course structure lets you complete weekly modules at your own pace without fixed login times. You’ll interact with faculty, advisers, and cohort peers through the online platform designed to encourage collaboration. The same faculty teaching on-campus courses lead the online sections. This will give similar quality across formats.

Field instruction forms a pivotal component of your education. You gain more than 1,000 hours of professional experience through two field placements. Binghamton maintains partnerships with over 200 organizations, offices, and agencies in the Southern Tier and surrounding counties. You can pursue placements arranged with your interests near your home location.

The program concludes with a capstone project. You work as part of a team to integrate and apply social work knowledge, ethics, values, and skills in a complex case study. This experience demonstrates your mastery of CSWE-determined competencies and practice behaviors needed for advanced generalist practice.

Binghamton ranks among the best programs in New York state for first-time pass rates on the ASWB exam at the LMSW level. OnlineU named the program one of the top MSW options in New York state.

Tuition and Total Cost

Tuition rates vary based on residency status.

Binghamton’s annual in-state graduate tuition of $11,310 runs 58% less than the average at private universities. Various funding opportunities exist. These include teaching and research positions, Binghamton fellowships, and external funding sources. These options provide ways to reduce costs while you gain valuable professional experience.

Program Duration and Completion Timeline

Part-time students complete the MSW in 3.5 years. They take 6 or 7 credits each semester including summer sessions. The program requires 64 total credits divided between generalist practice (32 credits) and advanced generalist practice (32 credits).

Your first year covers foundational courses. These include Scientific Inquiry with Social Systems, Generalist Social Work Practice, Diversity and Oppression, Psychopathology and Pharmacology, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment. Field instruction begins in your second fall semester and continues through four placement periods.

Advanced year coursework focuses on practice with specific client systems: individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. You also complete electives and evaluation of social work practice coursework. The curriculum spans fall, spring, and summer terms to accommodate working professionals.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. This accreditation will give you assurance that the curriculum meets professional standards and qualifies you for licensure pathways.

New York State Education Department requires master’s degree social workers to pass the ASWB master’s level examination to get an LMSW license. You must graduate from a CSWE-accredited MSW program and provide proof of graduation before you schedule the exam.

You satisfy the educational requirements for advanced practice licensure in New York when you complete Binghamton’s MSW program. The program may also meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states, but you should review specific state requirements on your own.

Admission Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This can be over your entire undergraduate career, during your last 60 semester credits, or in a graduate degree. The program requires a minimum of 24 undergraduate credit hours in liberal arts and sciences.

Geographic eligibility varies by program format. You can reside anywhere in the United States if you have the exclusively online part-time MSW. Full-time online applicants must reside 50 miles or more from Binghamton. Students living within 100 miles qualify for the in-person program.

Your application must include official transcripts. You need a personal statement that follows provided guidelines, a résumé showing paid or volunteer human services experience, and two letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess your graduate study potential. You also need a completed Social Work Contract after you review the NASW Code of Ethics. GRE scores are not required.

The program reviews applications on a rolling basis rather than after a set deadline. You get an earlier admission decision when you submit earlier. The program starts in fall.

3. Roberts Wesleyan University – 100% Online MSW

Roberts Wesleyan University is the first Christian college in the nation to receive CSWE accreditation for an MSW program. The 100% online format operates through synchronous course delivery. Classes are scheduled during late afternoons and evenings to accommodate working professionals. This scheduling provides flexibility for those managing career commitments, though the program is not asynchronous.

You can select between two specialized concentrations: Mental Health or Child and Family Services. The curriculum integrates a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural point of view throughout your studies. This gives you a detailed framework to understand client systems. The program has a unique group work class and supports students interested in community and macro-level social work. This goes beyond traditional clinical preparation.

Roberts emphasizes service at multiple levels. Past student experiences include providing Thanksgiving meals to individuals facing homelessness and lobbying trips to Albany and Washington DC for policy changes. Students also have cross-cultural learning opportunities in different countries. The program’s graduates exceed both state and national averages for LMSW and LCSW exam pass rates. This shows strong academic preparation.

Advanced Standing tracks are available if you earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the past 5 years. This extends to 8 years with documented post-BSW social work experience. New York residents may qualify for the CPT program, which covers tuition and education-related expenses.

Tuition and Total Cost

Roberts charges $825 per credit hour for the academic year. The total program cost varies by a lot based on your track:

These figures represent tuition only and exclude fees. Roberts offers a 25% tuition discount for benefit-eligible employees, spouses, and dependents of corporate partners. This means your actual costs could drop to $36,225 for the Standard Program or $22,942.50 for Advanced Standing if your employer maintains a partnership with Roberts.

Alumni receive an additional 10% tuition discount when they return for graduate study. Payment plans and financial aid options exist to make the program more available.

Program Duration and Completion Timeline

The Standard Program requires 60 credits completed over 24 months as a full-time student or 48 months part-time. Advanced Standing students complete 38 credits in 11 months full-time or 22 months part-time.

Standard Program students can begin in August or January. Advanced Standing admits start in May or January. Both tracks operate on rolling admissions. This allows you to apply when ready rather than wait for fixed deadlines.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

Roberts’ MSW program first received CSWE accreditation in 1996 and has maintained this credential for nearly three decades. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation also accredits the program.

A degree from Roberts satisfies the educational requirements for both LMSW and LCSW licensure in New York State. The university has made program-specific determinations regarding whether its Social Work programs meet educational requirements for licensure in other U.S. states and territories where it enrolls students.

Admission Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution for the Standard Program. Your cumulative GPA must be 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 during your last 60 completed credit hours. Prerequisite courses include Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, English Composition, and 9-12 credits of Humanities such as English or History.

Advanced Standing applicants must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with an overall GPA of at least 3.0. Your BSW must have been completed within five years of enrollment. This extends to eight years with post-BSW social work experience. Both tracks require recommendations and an autobiography that shows readiness for graduate-level social work education.

4. Columbia University – Online MSSW Program

Columbia’s Master of Science in Social Work represents one of the oldest and most esteemed MSSW programs in the world. The online option delivers the same rigorous curriculum taught by Columbia faculty, though note that most classes follow a synchronous format rather than fully asynchronous delivery. This structure requires attendance at scheduled virtual sessions, which accommodate working professionals through evening or flexible time slots.

You can choose from 6 degree pathways that have Advanced Standing for qualified BSW holders. The curriculum offers 4 method specializations and 7 fields of practice. This allows you to tailor your education to specific career objectives. Columbia’s PROP framework (Power, Race, Oppression, and Privilege) shapes how you learn to understand and respond to forces that affect individuals, communities, and systems.

Field education occurs through practicum placements available across the United States. Students fulfill their practicum hours at agencies in their nearest metropolitan area, with opportunities to work at one of Columbia’s sixteen research centers and programs. Nearly all graduates secure employment (96%) or pursue further education (2%) within one year. Social workers with a master’s degree earn 25% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Columbia graduates command a median salary 8% higher than social workers overall.

Tuition and Total Cost

The application fee stands at $75. Waivers are available for veterans, AmeriCorps and Peace Corps alumni, and individuals experiencing financial hardship. Columbia’s Board of Trustees will determine specific tuition rates every summer. Financial aid options exist to support students in managing program costs.

Program Duration and Completion Timeline

The Two-Year pathway divides into a Generalist Year focused on research, direct practice, and policy. This is followed by a Specialized Year where you select your method and field of practice. Advanced Standing students complete a summer intensive before entering their Specialized Year. Your BSW must come from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last five years to qualify.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

Columbia’s program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and meets educational requirements for LMSW application in most states. Columbia’s pass rates for the ASWB master’s examination and clinical examinations exceed the national average by a wide margin. The degree provides the education and practicum hours needed for licensure, though you must fulfill additional state-specific requirements where you plan to practice.

Admission Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution that demonstrates capacity for graduate-level study. The program requires no GRE scores. Your application has transcripts from every institution attended, a resume, 2-3 essay responses, and 2 recommendation letters. At least one academic reference is required if you earned your degree within the past five years. Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores of 100 or higher, IELTS Band of 7.0 or higher, or Duolingo scores of 130 or higher.

Fall admission deadlines have a priority date of December 1st, second deadline of February 15th, and final deadline of April 1st. Rolling admissions apply for part-time pathways.

5. Fordham University – Fully Online MSW

Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service earned recognition as one of the nation’s Best Schools for Social Work. The online MSW combines synchronous weekly sessions with asynchronous course content. You get structured interaction with professors and classmates while pacing independent learning on your schedule.

Two pathways accommodate different educational backgrounds. Traditional students complete 62 credits of generalist and advanced direct-practice coursework over 16 months full-time or 24 to 32 months part-time. Advanced Standing candidates holding a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years complete 31 credits in as few as 8 months full-time or 16 months part-time.

Field education spans both a generalist phase and specialist phase. You spend 50 to 60% of time in direct client contact in a variety of settings like schools, nonprofits, or government agencies. Specialist field work allows you to choose between micro practice (individual, family, or group therapy) or macro practice (research projects, political participation, program evaluation). Field placements require a minimum of 15 hours per week.

Fordham provides substantial support throughout your program. You receive guidance from an admissions counselor, academic adviser, placement specialist, field adviser, student services adviser, career services specialists, and 24/7 technical support.

Tuition and Total Cost

Tuition runs $1,098 per credit. The application fee is $60. Total costs by term for the online Traditional MSW program:

Fees include general fees, technology access, field placement insurance, and a one-time Tevera fee in Term 1. Advanced Standing students save over $30,000 by completing fewer credits.

Program Duration and Completion Timeline

The program welcomes new students three times annually in fall, spring, and summer. Each term has two eight-week sessions. Traditional students take two courses per eight-week session and complete the program in as few as four terms. Advanced Standing students finish in two terms.

Application deadlines for Fall close April 1, while Summer part-time applications are due March 1.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The program holds Council on Social Work Education accreditation. New York State Board of Regents’ Office of the Professions approved the degree for education leading to LMSW licensure by examination. The curriculum meets licensure requirements in all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

Admission Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution plus 18 undergraduate liberal arts credits. The application requires a personal statement, transcripts, one recommendation letter, current resume, and $60 application fee. International applicants must reside in the United States during enrollment. English proficiency testing applies if your undergraduate degree was not taught in English. GRE scores are not required.

6. Yeshiva University Wurzweiler – Online MSW

Wurzweiler School of Social Work offers three different learning platforms within its online MSW: coursework that is asynchronous and self-paced, live virtual classes with up-to-the-minute interaction, or a hybrid that combines both approaches. This flexibility sets it apart among MSW programs New York institutions provide. The school has prepared social workers for over 60 years, ranked among the top 100 Best Schools for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report in 2025.

The curriculum emphasizes cultural responsiveness, social justice and human transformation. You complete coursework in 8-week terms with six terms per year. This gives you multiple entry points in January, May or September. The program has The Heights, a multi-student simulation that provides hands-on experience in ground social work scenarios. Small class sizes ensure individual attention from dedicated faculty advisors.

You can pursue optional focus areas: Gerontology and Palliative Care Embedded Certification or the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) path. Field training totals 1,200 hours of supervised practicum experience and is completed through partnerships with placement sites nationwide.

Tuition and Total Cost

Tuition runs $1,250.00 per credit hour for the academic year. With 60 total credits required, your program cost reaches $75,000 before fees. Add a $50.00 application fee, $135.00 program registration and $150.00 graduation fee. All new online MSW students receive a degree completion scholarship up to 10% without additional paperwork.

Program Duration and Completion Timeline

Traditional students complete 60 credit hours over 2 years full-time. Part-time students finish in about 5 years and take one course with 15-20 hours of weekly work. You can switch between full-time and part-time status as your schedule changes. Advanced Standing candidates holding a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program complete 30 credit hours in about 1.5 years.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

Wurzweiler maintains accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, the only national accrediting body that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes. This accreditation ensures the program meets licensure requirements in all 50 states, Canada and Israel.

Admission Requirements

You need a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale[323], though provisional admission may be granted with lower scores. Your application requires a 500-word personal statement, one letter of recommendation from an academic or professional reference, official transcripts and the $50.00 application fee. Online applicants must provide a short essay that acknowledges their plan to succeed in asynchronous coursework. Advanced Standing requires a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the last 5 years with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

7. Adelphi University – Part-Time Online MSW

Adelphi’s School of Social Work provides an online MSW that blends weekly synchronous sessions with asynchronous coursework. You attend live virtual classes on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:50 PM ET and complete additional work on your schedule. The program requires participation in two online residencies each year. This creates structured touchpoints with faculty and peers.

Students complete 900 hours of supervised field practicum. Adelphi arranges these through partnerships with over 1,000 human service agencies throughout the New York metropolitan region. Adelphi has held CSWE accreditation since 1951, and U.S. News & World Report ranks the program among the top 5% in the nation. More than 90% of graduates secure employment within one year of graduation.

The MSW for Professional Advancement & Workforce Development track serves human services professionals with at least two years of related experience. This track allows employment-based field placements.

Tuition and Total Cost

The school considers all admitted students for scholarships up to $20,000 for standard track or $10,000 for Advanced Standing. The application fee is $60.

Program Duration and Completion Timeline

Part-time students complete 61 credits over three years across eight to nine semesters. You take 6 to 10 credit hours per semester. Courses span 8 to 15 weeks depending on the term. Advanced Standing students holding a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program finish in 15 months. They start in summer only.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The program’s CSWE accreditation qualifies graduates to apply for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure. Adelphi integrates exam preparation throughout coursework and offers dedicated prep courses that draw on prior New York state exam questions. You can take practice exams with immediate feedback.

Admission Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applications require official transcripts, a personal essay, two letters of recommendation (professional or academic), a resume, and the $60 application fee. Paid or volunteer human services experience is preferred. GRE scores are not required. Advanced Standing applicants must have earned their BSW within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program.

Find Your Program Today

Choosing from seven very strong MSW programs may seem overwhelming at first, but each option serves different needs and circumstances, including budgets. Your ideal program depends on your preferred learning style, budget constraints, time availability, career goals, but also what programs you can get into.

Binghamton and Yeshiva offer fully asynchronous options if you are looking for total flexibility. Columbia and Fordham have nationally recognized degrees that appeal to those seeking a prestigious credential. Budget-conscious students will find SUNY schools provide excellent value. Roberts and Adelphi offer unique specializations.

Look at both tuition costs and program duration against your specific situation. Even if the programs are asynchronous, it’s still no easy task to balance work and school, so you’ll probably want to be done as soon as you can.