Top 4 Online MSW Programs New York State Offers in 2024

Do you have strong empathy, enjoy working with people, and want to help others? Social work is an ideal career path for you! You can drive positive change for underserved populations with an online master’s in social work (MSW).

Distance learning brings the classroom to you. It makes earning a competitive degree more accessible. The social work field is no exception. If you are considering online MSW programs, NY features a surplus of quality options.

You can help your community in countless ways as a licensed social worker. Possible work settings include community centers, schools, mental health clinics, and correctional facilities. Types of social work include aging, child welfare, healthcare, and developmental disabilities. This profession is rapidly growing, meaning organizations need your help.

Today, you will learn about the online MSW programs New York students trust. This article also introduces you to the best social work schools in NYC.

Article Navigation: Types of NY Online MSW Programs | Top Schools | Accreditation | Licensing | Admission | Is Getting an MSW Worth It?

Types of Online MSW Programs in New York

First, congratulations on taking an important first step to becoming a social worker. Thorough research is the second step. Before applying, you must understand the types of online social work programs in New York. Let’s delve into the most popular choices:

Online Master in Social Work

Certain social work jobs like behavioral management aide or community development worker don’t require a license. Still, you can’t access the best-paying jobs without one. To qualify for licensure, a master’s degree in social work (MSW) is the minimum education requirement.

Typical MSW programs in NYS combine to teach soft and hard skills to its students. You learn to solve complex problems, communicate with patients, and provide social service. You can expect around 60 advanced credits to complete a degree. All online classes may feature live lectures or asynchronous.

Students complete field education to gain hands-on experience. This bridges theory into practice in live settings. Most full-time students finish in four semesters.

Coursework includes Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Recovery Theory, and Advocacy for Mental Health. An MSW is an attractive option for students from any background as long as they show dedication towards the field. Graduates can fulfill the education requirements needed for licensure with this degree type.

Online MSW Advanced Standing Programs

In addition, there are online MSW programs New York State offers to students with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). These are called advanced standing programs. Their plan of study is often more rigorous compared to traditional MSWs. Similarly, curriculums immediately jump to advanced-level coursework. This skips any repetitive concepts or introductory lessons. As a result, you build your existing skills quickly. You learn with other driven peers from social work backgrounds. This can lead to inspiring work, collaboration, and team building.

They typically are an accelerated 30-unit program. You graduate in half the time as regular standing MSWs. Field practicums are a pillar of advanced standing degrees. Programs can help students find field placement sites close to home. Admission requirements typically include a BSW from a CSWE-accredited university. Clinical Case Evaluation and Program Evaluation in Social Services are example courses. Advanced standing programs can meet educational requirements for licensure.

Online MSW Program Specializations

Many social work schools throughout New York allow students to design a study plan based on skills they wish to strengthen. You improve how to be of service to specific populations. Potential skill areas include social work administration, forensic social work, or children, family, and couples. Choosing a specialization allows you to narrow your training in certain focus areas. Your research, classes, and Specialization programs are often the same caliber of difficulty as advanced standing degrees. If you want specializations in your online MSW programs, NY has you covered. Specialization programs can meet educational requirements for licensure.

Top 4 Online MSW Programs New York

Here is our selection of online MSW programs NY students recommend. Each degree is from an accredited institution, has fully online coursework, and will give you the right tools to move forward in a new career as a mental healthcare provider. You can choose a traditional or advanced standing degree for all schools on our list. Each program boasts high employment rates for recent graduates.

1. Utica University

   Degree: Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $775 per credit hour
   Accreditation: MSCHE, CSWE

   Utica University offers one of the best online MSW programs New York has to offer. The degree is completely online. You have full control over your study schedule. Graduates support their community with roles like substance abuse counselor or social worker. You can earn a degree in as little as eight semesters.

   There are 60 advanced credits in this degree. It’s one of the most robust New York state MSW programs available. All coursework emphasizes social justice. Graduates will be empowered to serve marginalized communities. Absorb knowledge from teachers with extensive social work experience. Small class sizes make it easier to build long-lasting bonds with fellow students.

   All graduate students participate in multiple seminars to collaborate with peers and learn from expert guest speakers. Although the master’s degree doesn’t have a residency, students will complete 900 hours of fieldwork. This experiential learning is in-person. There is a comprehensive exam at the end of the program to earn a degree.

   Candidates with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) can apply for an online master’s in social work with advanced standing. You can graduate from the 30 credit program in only 12 to 16 months. Coursework focuses on trauma or addiction recovery. The program is a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE). You complete 500 in-depth fieldwork hours. Students gain advanced skills in research, intervention, and ethical behavior.

   Graduate students benefit from the fieldwork they receive this MSW in New York. Utica offers cutting-edge practical experiences in real-world settings. You choose a physical setting close to home to complete your assignment.

   Fieldwork builds confidence in assessment, intervention planning, and engagement. These are fundamental skills needed to succeed in clinical settings. Mentorship is the cornerstone of fieldwork. For every seven hours you operate in the field, you will receive 90 minutes of direct supervision.
   Students have a team-sized support network while earning a degree. Faculty, support staff, success coach, a Field Coordinator, and the Director of Field Education all ensure you reach your fullest potential.

   It’s one of the top online MSW programs New York students recommend because coursework prepares you for state licensure. The curriculum may also be a stepping stone for licensure in other states, but you must conduct further research beforehand.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work
   Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing

    

2. Fordham University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $1,045 per credit hour
   Accreditation: HLC, CSWE

   Fordham University Graduate School has one of the top-ranked online MSW programs in NY. Students develop a breadth of knowledge in social work to prepare for future licensure in their state. There are two online study pathways available: A traditional plan or an advanced standing plan. Each option adheres to guidelines established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Either option lets you design your educational pathway with either an in-person, online, or hybrid delivery format.

   Both degree choices provide a strong foundation in ethics and theory. Students learn about organizational leadership, advocacy, and perform clinical practice. All coursework is available online. Students gain practical experience through extensive in-person fieldwork. Fordham has partnerships with over 12,000 agencies to help you find a placement. It is one of the top schools of social work in New York City to focus on building your clinical skills. To earn a degree, you must complete 950 hours of field education in many real-world environments like schools and hospitals.

   The traditional learning pathway is for students with bachelor’s degrees different from a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). The program features 62 credits. There is a generalist and specialist phase of the msw degree program. This ensures students build their skills with the best foundation.

   You learn about human rights, history, and social justice. Full-time students can earn their master’s in 16 months. A part-time study option is available. Traditional pathway students spend around half of their studies in direct client contact.

   The advanced standing study plan is for candidates who already have a BSW. You take 31 credits of advanced coursework. It includes direct practice to build skills and confidence. Graduate students can earn their credentials in eight to sixteen months. It is possible to study part-time. Advanced status students receive additional supervision. This provides opportunities for mentorship and growth.

   Students with a passion for law have a unique opportunity. Fordham offers a dual MSW/Juris Doctor (JD) dual degree. You can become a stronger advocate for clients and expand career outcomes. Coursework equips students for careers like a lawyer. Qualified applicants can complete the dual degree in just four years.

   The versatility of all degree options makes Fordham one of the top choice in our list of New York online MSW programs. Experienced professors, robust student services, and innovative classes make this a destination for aspiring social workers.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work
   Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing

    

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $1,834 per credit hour (part-time), $1335 – $2,480 per credit hour (full-time)
   Accreditation: MSCHE, CSWE

   Columbia University proudly has 125 years of developing future advocates for children and families in need. It offers some of the most respected online MSW programs in New York City. Students can choose between six engaging educational pathways, including an advanced standing online master’s degree.

   Two-year, part-time, full-time, and reduced residency are other learning pathways available. Besides earning a quality education, graduates have resumes that stand above the competition. Almost 100 percent of graduates find jobs as social work professionals within one year of finishing Columbia’s program.

   The School of Social Work is one of the most complete MSW schools NYC offers. Prospective students decide between four method specializations, including Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) and Policy Practice (POL). In addition, students can choose between seven fields of practice like Aging, and Contemporary Social Issues. Skilled academic advisors and faculty provide guidance as students decide their ideal pathway.

   All programs have the most synchronous online classes. There are social work programs in New York that encourage peer engagement. Challenging curriculums push students to perform at high levels. Teachers have proven methodologies to help you grow. Field education ensures you apply core social work competencies. You learn about prevention strategies and assessment based treatment planning in real clinical settings. Columbia has fieldwork partners across the country. All programs prepare students to sit for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam.

   In 2022, 90 percent of Columbia students passed the exam to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW). This was 27 percent more than the national average. Eighty-six percent of Columbia students passed the clinical exam needed to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The numbers don’t lie: Columbia develops professionals with an edge over many of their peers.

   The advanced standing program has one start date each year, during the summer semester. Students complete 33 units of immersive online courses. Experiential learning is an essential element of the program. Twelve academic units involve practical experiences. Likewise, you receive 600 invaluable practicum hours during the master’s.

   Throughout these experiences, you get placed in actual sites to work with patients in need. Students participate in multiple seminars to learn from industry experts and interact with peers. There is one intensive summer term held in person. Columbia’s commitment to developing your social work practice makes it one of the best MSW programs in NYC.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing

    

4. Adelphi University

   Degree(s): Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $975 per credit hour
   Accreditation: MSCHE, CSWE

   Adelphi University offers a diverse collection of MSW programs in NYS. Flexibility is the cornerstone of the institution. This allows you to make a difference in your community in a variety of ways. Its programs are accessible to all kinds of distance learners. Children and Families and Health Across the Life Course are two of four specializations available to add extra value to your resume. Adelphi University’s online master graduates report a 90 percent job-placement rate within one year. All curriculums equip students with the necessary expertise to sit for state licensure exams in every state.

   Students complete 64 advanced credits to earn their degree. Coursework is fully remote, with both live and asynchronous course offerings. Twice each year, students build skills and learn in a community setting during intensive residencies. These are completed online and give students networking and relationship-building opportunities. An intensive practicum is part of the program. Adelphi partners with over 1,000 organizations around New York to match you with the best agency. You can gain experience in schools, veteran’s programs, nursing homes, and much more. Committed staff ensure you are placed with an agency that matches your long-term goals.

   Adelphi has New York MSW programs with generous scholarships to reduce education costs. For instance, all students automatically qualify for a special scholarship to cut tuition by $20,000.

   Advanced standing students qualify for a scholarship to save $10,000 on tuition. In addition, the advanced standing online program has accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This distinction makes the program an elite MSW in New York. It includes 32 credits and only takes four semesters to complete. You earn a degree in less time and for half the cost of Adelphi’s traditional master’s in social work. Alongside coursework, students complete different fieldwork experiences in live settings. This helps you grow in your practice as a future social worker.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work/Advanced Standing

Online MSW Accreditation

As you research online MSW programs, New York schools from our list share one trait in common. They have regional accreditation. Accreditation is the best indicator of a program’s quality. It proves you learned the correct information and skills to be a competent professional. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) are example accrediting bodies. These organizations thoroughly evaluate schools based on strict criteria for quality. Accreditation instills confidence in employers and students. Also, you can transfer credits from one accredited school to another.

Individual programs can have accreditation. Programmatic accreditation is a second layer of quality assurance. It means the curriculum you study, student outcomes, and academic resources meet the best standards. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the premier accrediting authority for MSWs. A program with CSWE accreditation ensures graduates develop cultural competence, empathy, and respect toward different populations. Numerous New York State MSW programs have CSWE accreditation.

After graduating from online MSW programs, NYC and NY state graduates must obtain a license. Licensure is necessary to practice as a social worker in the United States. In essence, licensure is an authorization from a state to perform social worker duties. Review your state’s licensure criteria because all jurisdictions are unique. You can learn more about statewide requirements on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website.

There is a specialized exam to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed master social worker (LMSW) in New York. The ASWB administers the exam. To qualify for the exam, all LCSW and LMSW candidates need a master’s in social work accredited by the CSWE.

Additionally, candidates need three years (2,000 hours) of supervised clinical practice to qualify for the LCSW exam. NY licenses don’t expire, but you must maintain the registration every three years. Also, licensees must complete 36 hours of continuing education courses every three years.

Licensed social workers can pivot to new roles in the field thanks to certifications. These credentials do not replace a BSW or MSW. Instead, certifications offer specialized expertise to supplement your educational and professional background. They also add weight to your resume. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has an immense catalog of specialty credentials. Examples include certifications for Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) and Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM).

Certification & Licensing for Social Workers

After graduating from online MSW programs, NYC and NY state graduates must obtain a license. Licensure is necessary to practice as a social worker in the United States. In essence, licensure is an authorization from a state to perform social worker duties. Review your state’s licensure criteria because all jurisdictions are unique. You can learn more about statewide requirements on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website.

There is a specialized exam to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed master social worker (LMSW) in New York. The ASWB administers the exam. To qualify for the exam, all LCSW and LMSW candidates need a master’s in social work accredited by the CSWE.

Additionally, candidates need three years (2,000 hours) of supervised clinical practice to qualify for the LCSW exam. NY licenses don’t expire, but you must maintain the registration every three years. Also, licensees must satisfy 36 continuing education (CE) credit hours every three years.

Licensed social workers can pivot to new roles in the field thanks to certifications. These credentials do not replace a BSW or MSW. Instead, certifications offer specialized expertise to supplement your educational and professional background. They also add weight to your resume. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has an immense catalog of specialty credentials. Examples include certifications for Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G) and Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM).

Admission Requirements for an Online MSW in New York

Although admission requirements vary between social work degree programs, New York schools uniformly require a bachelor’s degree. Your degree must be from a regionally accredited school. In addition, most programs require academic transcripts, a written personal statement, a current resume, and recommendation letters. While traditional MSWs accept candidates from different educational disciplines, advanced standing programs are stricter. They only accept applicants with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). Similarly, advanced standing programs may only admit students with a degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Understand admission requirements early while researching programs.

Are Online MSW Programs in NY Worth it?

MSW programs in NYC and throughout the state open doors to many fulfilling careers. These jobs pay well and are in high demand.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earned a median year salary of $58,380 in 2023. The workforce has a projected seven percent increase over ten years. Social workers with the most experience earned approximately $94,910, and entry-level practitioners made around $38,400.

Since social work has numerous branches, social worker salaries vary as well.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Densely populated states like California, New York, and Texas hire most of these workers. On the other hand, those looking for top salaries should explore Washington DC, New York, and New Jersey, where median salaries range from $74-$76k.

Healthcare Social Workers

New York, California, and Texas had the most job openings for healthcare social workers. However, California, Washington DC, and New Jersey had the best salaries, averaging between $82k-$93k.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

California, New York, and Ohio (5,790) have the highest hiring rate for these jobs. For the best salaries, however, head to New York, California, and Connecticut, where average salaries start between $78-$92k.

All Other Social Workers

California, Florida, and Minnesota had the most employment. Meanwhile, Washington DC, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island had the best salaries, averaging between $93-94k.

Start Your Online MSW in New York Today!

As you consider MSW programs, NY schools can be an excellent return on your investment. There is a strong demand for social workers in New York. For example, in 2023, the state ranked first for healthcare social worker hires. Salaries are competitive. Being able to help people can bring high job satisfaction.

You now have a list of respected schools to become a steward for change in your community. Many institutions on our list feature MSW programs with accreditation. Also, earning a degree has never been more convenient than now. All coursework is online with flexible class schedules. You can build foundational knowledge with a traditional degree or harness profound expertise with an advanced standing option. You can do either without leaving home. New York MSW programs will prepare you for the job placement of your dreams. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!