St. Joseph’s University New York Social Work Programs
St. Joseph’s University New York (SJNY) gives passionate professionals the skills to support change and advance social justice through its Master of Social Work program. The Long Island campus offers this program with a flexible structure and strong foundation in clinical practice.
The MSW program at SJNY is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation confirms the program’s quality and helps you meet licensure requirements.
The program’s mission matches the university’s broader goals to provide value-oriented education with an emphasis on social responsibility. The curriculum embodies the historical principles of the Sisters of St. Joseph and focuses on inclusivity, justice, and compassionate service to communities.
SJNY’s program stands out because of its flexibility. Students can choose between full-time and part-time options with classes that run during days, evenings, weekends, and online. Working professionals can advance their careers without disrupting their current commitments.
Students get hands-on experience through two field internships. These placements offer real-life training that enhances academic coursework and helps build professional connections before graduation.
SJNY has partnered with the Audacia Foundation to offer eligible students a fully funded MSW program through the New York State Department of Health’s Career Pathways Training Program. This program covers tuition, books, and fees in exchange for a three-year commitment to work in healthcare or mental health organizations that serve uninsured or Medicaid-reliant communities.
Social workers have strong job prospects, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7% growth from 2023 to 2033. SJNY graduates work in a variety of settings including school districts, private practices, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse treatment facilities, and public sector organizations.
Social work programs offered at St. Joseph’s New York
St. Joseph’s University New York offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program that equips students with generalist and specialized clinical skills. Students learn about social justice, diversity, poverty elimination, and ways to enable communities at local and global levels.
The program values every individual’s worth and dignity, using a strengths-based approach that considers people in their environment. You’ll develop critical thinking abilities through liberal arts-based learning and study different prevention and intervention methods.
Clinical Practice specialization comes in the second half of the program, building on your foundational skills. Students work in clinical settings and must show expertise in nine core social work areas. The specialization needs 12 additional credits from elective courses to complete.
The program has several innovative features that make it easier to become a social worker:
- Many paid practicum options instead of unpaid clinical work
- Flexible online learning that fits your schedule
- Cost savings through mission and alumni discounts
While 900 hours of clinical experience are needed, St. Joseph’s helps you find paid opportunities instead of unpaid work. You can also join ACESJU (Alliance for Catholic Education at SJU), a 2-year residential program at Catholic education and social service sites. This option includes reduced tuition, housing, and monthly stipend.
You’ll take courses in ethics, diversity, and theory while doing hands-on community activism and social justice work.
Online program options
St. Joseph’s University New York Social Work Program puts flexibility first. The program offers detailed online options that fit perfectly with busy professionals’ lives. You can complete the MSW program through asynchronous online learning that works with your schedule instead of disrupting your life.
Students can choose from various digital learning options. The fully online courses cover everything in social work from ethics to diversity and theory. These courses work alongside hands-on fieldwork to create a balanced education that blends theory with practice.
This program stands out among other MSW programs in New York because of its adaptable approach to education. The digital platform stays available whenever you need it – early mornings, late evenings, or weekends. You can access it from your computer, tablet, or laptop. Working professionals find this flexibility valuable as they juggle career demands with their studies.
SJNY understands that students succeed when learning fits their real-life situations. The program provides hybrid classes that combine online and in-person learning. Students get the best of both worlds. This approach helps you develop both tech skills and people skills needed for modern social work.
The online portions match the high academic standards of traditional classroom teaching. Faculty members create engaging digital experiences that encourage critical thinking and professional growth. This well-laid-out online structure helps you learn to tackle complex social issues while keeping a healthy life-work balance.
Admissions
The St. Joseph’s University New York MSW Program has a simple application process. You need to submit an application with a non-refundable $25 fee and send official transcripts from all your previous schools. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution. The program typically wants a 3.0 GPA, but some sources say they accept 2.75.
First, you should get three professional letters of recommendation. These need to come from people who’ve seen your work in professional settings. The program wants you to have at least one year of experience in human services or social work.
Second, there’s good news – you don’t need to take the GRE for admission, which makes the process easier. But you must show proof that you’re immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella if you were born after January 1, 1957.
If you’re applying for Advanced Standing, you’ll need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last six years. You must have a 3.0 GPA minimum and “B-” or better grades in all Social Work courses. On top of that, one recommendation letter must come from your BSW program director or field practice director.
Once you submit everything, the admissions department will set up an interview with you. They review applications on a rolling basis, so you can start in fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Tuition
You need to understand tuition costs before making decisions about your education. The MSW program at St. Joseph’s University New York costs $22,860 annually with extra fees of about $418. Part-time students pay $1,270 per credit hour.
SJNY stands out as one of the most affordable private schools in the region. The university makes education accessible through various financial options.
MSW students who work at non-profit organizations can get up to 25% off their tuition. This discount shows SJNY’s support for service field professionals.
Your family’s income affects the total cost. Students whose families earn less than $30,000 per year pay around $12,644. Those from families making over $110,000 pay about $21,226.
The average net price after financial aid comes to $17,141, which is much lower than the initial price. This amount covers books, supplies ($1,000 yearly), and possible off-campus living expenses.
Graduate students at SJNY pay $39,778 in total yearly costs. This amount stays well below the national average of $54,501 for private institutions.
Other information
St. Joseph’s University New York Social Work Program provides extensive support services beyond just academics. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which verifies its quality standards. On top of that, it has earned NYS Education Department’s approval as a licensure qualifying program in New York state.
You’ll get instructions to set up your St. Joseph’s University Student Portal and email account after acceptance. These give you access to vital university resources. Your journey begins with an orientation that introduces academic services, student life opportunities, and support systems before classes start.
This program stands out among other MSW programs in New York with its innovative zero textbook cost policy. The Open Education movement champions this approach by breaking down financial barriers to knowledge. Students can get educational materials whatever their economic background.
The program replaces traditional unpaid practicum with paid clinical experiences. This forward-thinking policy recognizes the financial challenges students face while completing their required 900 clinical hours.