SUNY Plattsburgh Social Work Programs

SUNY Plattsburgh is a prominent public institution in the State University of New York system that delivers quality education with a personal touch. The campus sits in New York State’s northeastern corner, next to the beautiful Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. This scenic location creates the perfect backdrop for your college experience.

Since 1889, SUNY Plattsburgh has grown into a detailed college that serves about 5,000 students in all disciplines. Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship make this institution special. Students benefit from a student-to-faculty ratio that creates opportunities for individual attention and builds meaningful academic relationships.

The college provides more than 60 degree programs in various study fields. Its social work programs have earned recognition for excellence and accreditation. Students from the United States and more than 70 countries create a rich multicultural learning environment on campus.

Campus life includes over 100 student organizations, competitive NCAA Division III athletics, and plenty of recreational activities. These opportunities help students develop leadership skills and build professional networks they’ll need as future social workers.

SUNY Plattsburgh’s academic quality and value have earned significant recognition. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides regional accreditation, while specific programs, including social work, maintain specialized accreditations that align with industry standards.

Modern facilities fill the campus. Students have access to specialized labs, a full-service library, wellness center, and tech-enabled classrooms that support their learning. The college’s strong alumni network and career services are a great way to get professional connections during the transition from classroom to practice.

Social work students at SUNY Plattsburgh get the perfect mix of demanding academic work and hands-on field experience in a supportive community. This combination prepares them for meaningful careers that tackle society’s biggest challenges.

Social work programs offered

SUNY Plattsburgh has detailed social work education programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels that prepare you for professional practice in a variety of settings. Their social work programs are known for their rigorous curriculum and professional accreditations.

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program helps you become a generalist professional in environments like social services, healthcare, mental health, developmental disabilities, education, aging, youth services, and addiction treatment. This program, fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), takes place during your junior and senior years. You’ll experience a mix of classroom learning and agency-based field internships under professional supervision. Your graduation will earn you BSW recognition within the profession and eligibility for membership in the National Association of Social Workers.

Students looking to advance their education can join SUNY Plattsburgh’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The program creates clinical practitioners through both generalist and specialized knowledge in health and well-being. You’ll get the skills needed to participate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities as an agent of change. The MSW program puts emphasis on justice, respect for diversity, and ethical decision-making in practice.

The MSW curriculum needs 60 credits total and covers:

• Social welfare policy
• Interventions
• Field practicums
• Research methods
• Program evaluation
• Capstone seminar

Students with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program qualify for advanced standing and need only 30 credits instead of the full 60.

The field experience is extensive – you’ll complete at least 950 hours of fieldwork in settings that match your career interests. This breaks down to about 450 hours in the first year and 500 hours in the second year.

Both programs help you appreciate human diversity and work with people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds while learning about international aspects of human well-being. These programs will develop your skills in relationship building, community participation, social action, and cultural humility.

Online program options

SUNY Plattsburgh helps students balance their professional and personal responsibilities through online social work programs. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work program offers a fully accredited transfer completion option with 100% online coursework and in-person fieldwork. You can complete your degree while keeping up with other commitments.

The online BSW program offers several advantages:

• Flexible, web-based learning schedule that adapts to your study plan
• Dedicated field and academic advisors to guide you through curriculum and opportunities
• Supervised, hands-on fieldwork experience in a variety of organizations
• Quick transfer of previously earned credits

The program’s quality shows in its recognition. SUNY Plattsburgh’s online bachelor’s programs as 2023 Best Online Programs.

The Master of Social Work takes a different approach with its hybrid model. Students can complete many classes online, though some courses need in-person attendance on campus. This structure brings together convenience and valuable face-to-face learning experiences.

Both programs include in-person fieldwork components. MSW students must complete at least 950 hours of fieldwork at facilities that match their career goals. These placements happen at community-based organizations, health centers, and agencies that focus on policy, politics, and advocacy.

The online coursework combines asynchronous formats with no set login times and synchronous elements that need real-time participation. While much of the learning happens online, SUNY Plattsburgh’s social work programs maintain the same high standards as their on-campus versions, with similar faculty teaching both formats.

Admissions

SUNY Plattsburgh’s social work programs welcome applications from both current students and transfer students who meet specific educational requirements.

The Master of Social Work program sets high admission standards. Qualified candidates need:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Evidence of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose explaining your interest in the program
• Attendance at a virtual interview, if requested

Students pursuing the MSW Advanced Standing option must have:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
• Proof of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• A virtual interview may be required

The MSW program’s priority deadline falls on January 9. Applications received after this date undergo review on a rolling basis until available spots are filled.

SUNY Plattsburgh accepts applications on a rolling basis for most programs. Undergraduate applicants should submit their applications by December 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester to receive priority consideration.

Tuition

SUNY Plattsburgh offers social work education with clear costs and multiple financial aid options. NY resident undergraduates pay $3,535 per semester in tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year, while non-residents pay $8,490. The MSW program costs are higher, with NY residents paying $6,540 per semester and non-residents $11,325.

Students should plan for these extra costs:

• Mandatory fees: $1,022 per semester for on-campus students
• Housing and food: approximately $9,040 per semester for those living on campus
• Books and supplies: estimated at $930 annually

NY resident MSW students who live on campus pay $28,496 yearly, while non-residents pay $38,066. SUNY Plattsburgh provides several ways to help students manage these costs.

Students can attend tuition-free through the NYS Excelsior Scholarship that covers remaining tuition after other grants and scholarships. Graduate students can get assistantships with 50-100% tuition waivers at NY resident rates and yearly stipends from $3,000 to $9,900. Students can also earn up to $12,000 yearly through the Graduate Fellowship Program by working part-time in positions that align with their academic goals.

Students taking online-only classes benefit from special tuition rates and lower mandatory fees of $530 per semester.

Other information

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Career Development Center goes above and beyond academics with its team of four full-time and two part-time professionals. Students can access job interviews, resume preparation, career counseling, and interview workshops. The center’s job fairs, employer recruitment events, and dedicated job bank will give a significant boost to your career prospects.

The Cardinal Career Grant program helps students gain practical experience through unpaid internships and applied learning opportunities. This 8-year-old program, supported by both SUNY and the Plattsburgh College Foundation, provides grants between $500 and $2,250 based on eligibility and experience type. Students can apply monthly, and opportunities in public service and nonprofit sectors receive priority consideration.

The social work department’s core team includes Dr. Donna Van Alst, who specializes in child welfare systems reform, disaster recovery, and infant mental health. Dr. Janet Acker brings over 30 years of expertise in social work education and clinical practice to the department.

The program’s quality shows in its accreditation status. The B.S.W. program’s CSWE accreditation runs until 2029, while the M.S.W. program maintains its accreditation through 2033. These credentials ensure your degree meets professional standards across the country.

Social work students achieve remarkable success after graduation, with 95% gaining acceptance to graduate schools throughout the United States and Canada. This impressive placement rate demonstrates how well the program prepares students for advanced professional practice.