Binghamton Social Work Programs
Binghamton University’s Department of Social Work stands out as a premier institution for those seeking to make a difference in people’s lives. With its MSW graduates achieving the second highest passage rates for the LCSW exam out of 25 MSW programs in 2020, the department has established itself as a leader in social work education.
Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), both the undergraduate and graduate programs at Binghamton offer exceptional value through affordable tuition, rigorous academics, and substantial practical experience.
The department is currently celebrating a significant milestone—20 years of educating social work leaders from 2003 to 2023. Throughout these two decades, Binghamton has maintained its commitment to preparing social workers for autonomous, knowledge-based practice within an integrated community of scholars, practitioners, and learners.
What truly sets Binghamton’s social work programs apart is their focus on practical skills development. Students learn effective strategies to advocate for social justice and create positive change. Moreover, the department’s numerous collaborations with local agencies provide valuable opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world community settings.
The curriculum is specifically designed to help you acquire a comprehensive knowledge base and skillset to address the needs of:
- Individuals and families
- Groups and organizations
- Communities with diverse needs
For BSW graduates looking to advance their education, the Advanced Standing option allows them to earn an MSW in just one year rather than the traditional two-year course. Furthermore, Binghamton consistently produces graduates who are among the highest achieving on New York’s Social Work licensure exams.
Consequently, Binghamton University has positioned itself as an ideal choice for aspiring social workers seeking quality education that translates directly to career success.
Social work programs offered
Binghamton helps students build their careers in social work through multiple pathways that align with different career goals and needs. Students can choose from complete degree options at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree prepares students for generalist practice at the undergraduate level. Students need to complete 126 credits with 52 credits dedicated to upper-division major requirements. These requirements cover generalist practice, social welfare policy, human behavior, and field instruction. The BSW program’s curriculum connects practice, policy, and research while building a strong foundation in social work’s values and ethics.
Binghamton’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program adapts to students’ schedules and career goals through several formats:
- Full-time MSW program (2 years)
- Part-time MSW program
- Fully online MSW options (both full-time and part-time)
Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program can take advantage of the Advanced Standing MSW option. This accelerated path lets students complete their master’s degree faster and comes in full-time, part-time, and online formats.
The university’s dual degree options stand out by letting students earn two master’s degrees in just three years. These programs partner with the Department of Spanish, Department of Public Administration, or Department of Student Affairs Administration.
The online MSW program’s flexibility makes it perfect for busy professionals. Students can complete weekly modules at their own pace through asynchronous courses. The program maintains strong connections between faculty, advisers, and fellow students in each cohort.
Each MSW option follows the same robust curriculum with a generalist year and an advanced generalist year. Students get the same high-quality education whatever path they choose, which has helped Binghamton become one of New York’s best MSW programs for 2024.
Online program options
Binghamton’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program helps students balance their education with life commitments. Students can complete their coursework anywhere, anytime – a flexibility that traditional programs don’t offer.
Binghamton gives students three online pathways to choose from:
- Full-time Online MSW program
- Part-time Online MSW program
- Advanced Standing Online MSW options (for students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs)
The program’s asynchronous course format lets students work through weekly modules at their own speed. While the coursework offers flexibility, students still get valuable interactions with experienced faculty, dedicated advisers, and supportive peers in their cohort.
These online programs, launched just last year, match their on-campus counterparts in academic rigor and follow similar study plans through a virtual format. Each program starts in fall semester with full CSWE accreditation, which ensures the degree meets industry standards.
Binghamton’s online MSW programs is ranked as one of the best in New York for 2024. Students graduate with extensive hands-on training thanks to over 1,000 hours of professional experience through field placements across practice areas.
Binghamton graduates consistently achieve some of New York’s highest pass rates on Social Work licensure exams. This track record shows why choosing Binghamton’s online MSW program leads to career-ready professionals who succeed right after graduation.
Admissions
Students who want to join Binghamton’s social work programs must meet academic standards and complete several application steps. The BSW program accepts applications in spring semester of sophomore year when students can only start in fall.
BSW admission requirements include:
- Minimum 56 earned credits with 52 in Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Recommended 3.0 GPA
- Resume and personal statement
- Group or individual interview
Students need to complete Introduction to Social Work Practice before applying. They must also finish at least two of these courses: General Psychology, Introduction to Statistics, Introduction to Sociology, and Human Biology.
MSW admission requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Personal statement and resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Signed Social Work Contract
Programs accept applications until they reach capacity. Students who submit applications early have better chances. The online MSW program has specific residency requirements. Full-time online students must live at least 50 miles from campus. Part-time online students can live anywhere in the United States.
The department looks at each student’s maturity, emotional stability, interpersonal skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication skills. These qualities are the foundations of ethical social work practice.
Tuition
Binghamton’s social work programs provide exceptional value when compared to private institutions. .
Master of Social Work students who are New York State residents pay $6,540 in tuition per semester for full-time study (12 credits) and $1,320 in fees, which adds up to $7,860. Out-of-state students’ full-time tuition costs $11,325 with the same fees, bringing their total to $12,560 per semester.
Students enrolled in the online-only MSW program benefit from a modified fee structure with lower campus-based charges. The program costs $7,125 for in-state online students and $8,435 for non-residents taking full-time study (12 credits).
Students can choose part-time options with costs that scale based on credit hours. A three-credit course costs $2,037.10 for residents and $3,234.10 for non-residents.
Students who file the FAFSA can access several financial aid options and need-based scholarships. Graduate students don’t need to report their parent’s income on FAFSA applications when asking for need-based aid.
Binghamton’s Net Price Calculator helps you estimate your personal costs before submitting your application. This tool will help you determine if Binghamton’s respected social work program aligns with your budget.
Other information
Graduates from Binghamton’s social work programs have bright career prospects. 89.3% find jobs or continue their education within six months of graduating. Binghamton MSW graduates earn $73,768 on average, which is a big deal as it means that they make more than the national average of $64,291.
Students complete their program with a team-based capstone project. They show their expertise in CSWE competencies by solving complex case studies. The program combines this experience with over 1,000 hours of field work at more than 200 partner organizations, which opens doors to many career paths.
Most graduates build careers in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and substance abuse treatment centers. They work as direct service providers or shape policy in these settings. Binghamton’s Residential Life program gives MSW students hands-on experience through Student Support Staff roles. These positions let them provide case management services to students living on campus.
Licensed professionals can keep growing at Binghamton. The university is an approved continuing education provider for LMSWs and LCSWs, which helps social workers build skills and connect with colleagues. Students can also earn credit through the Fleishman Center’s Academic Internship Program. The Student Affairs Internship Fund supports unpaid summer internships with up to $5,000.
Binghamton’s excellence shows in its consistent ranking as one of New York state’s top programs for LCSW and LMSW exam success rates.