Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in New York
As the demand for skilled professionals in social work continues to grow, prospective students in New York are presented with a multitude of opportunities to pursue advanced degrees in the discipline. Master of Social Work (MSW) programs across the state offer a comprehensive blend of academic rigor and practical training, preparing individuals for impactful careers in various social service settings.
From bustling urban centers to serene rural communities, New York’s MSW programs cater to diverse interests and career goals. They provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of human behavior, social systems, and community advocacy. In this article, we explore the landscape of MSW programs in New York, highlighting key features, program offerings, and the unique advantages of pursuing an MSW degree in the Empire State.
2026 Best MSW Programs in New York
Yeshiva University
New York, NY - Private 4-year - yu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's online Master of Social Work program stands out for its innovative, flexible approach to social work education. Emphasizing cultural responsiveness and social justice, the CSWE-accredited curriculum enables working professionals to pursue advanced studies without disrupting their careers. The program offers unique advantages including no GRE requirement, advanced standing for BSW graduates, and comprehensive practicum opportunities. Students can complete coursework asynchronously, with full and part-time options that accommodate diverse learning needs. Optional certificates in Gerontology and CASAC credentialing enhance professional development, making this program particularly attractive for those seeking versatile social work training.
- 100% online and asynchronous
- CSWE accredited program
- No GRE required
- Advanced standing for BSW holders
- Full and part-time options
- Practicum with premium partners
- Optional CASAC credentialing
- Optional Gerontology certificate
- 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Priority app deadline: Feb 21
Master's - Master of Social Work (Gerontology and Palliative Care)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's Gerontology and Palliative Care MSW concentration provides specialized training for social workers dedicated to serving aging populations and addressing end-of-life care needs. This CSWE-accredited online program combines comprehensive clinical training with targeted coursework in gerontological social work. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows up to 12 credit transfers, no GRE requirement, and advanced standing for BSW holders. The program's practicum partnerships and optional gerontology certification prepare graduates to become compassionate, skilled professionals in elder care settings, healthcare facilities, and community support organizations.
- 100% Online Asynchronous Program
- CSWE Accredited
- No GRE Required
- Advanced Standing for BSW Holders
- Practicum with Premium Partners
- Full and Part-time Options
- Transfer up to 12 Credits
- Optional CASAC Credentialing
- Gerontology Certification Available
- 15:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Master's - Master of Social Work (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC))
Online Learning - Visit Website
Yeshiva University's MSW program with Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) concentration offers a robust pathway for professionals seeking specialized addiction counseling expertise. The fully online, asynchronous curriculum emphasizes evidence-based interventions, social justice, and comprehensive substance abuse treatment strategies. Students gain advanced clinical skills through engaging coursework and premium practicum opportunities. With CSWE accreditation, no GRE requirement, and flexible full/part-time options, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in addiction counseling, mental health services, and community intervention programs.
- 100% online asynchronous program
- CSWE accredited MSW
- No GRE required
- Advanced standing available
- Full and part-time options
- Multiple track options
- Global practicum opportunities
- Priority application deadline Feb 21
- Final application deadline May 1
- Summer 2025 term starts May 12
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY - Private 4-year - adelphi.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's online Master of Social Work program delivers a comprehensive educational experience for professionals seeking transformative social work careers. The CSWE-accredited curriculum provides flexible part-time learning completed within three years, allowing students to maintain personal and professional commitments. With a remarkable 90% post-graduation employment rate, the program emphasizes versatile skill development across healthcare, social justice, and diverse population care. Advanced standing options and virtual residency sessions enhance learning opportunities, while the program's extensive network of over 1,000 practicum affiliates ensures robust practical training. No GRE is required, making the program accessible to motivated students.
- CSWE-Accredited Online MSW
- 64 Total Credit Program
- Part-Time Completion Option
- No GRE Required
- Health Specialization Available
- 90% Employment Rate
- Virtual Residencies Twice Yearly
- Advanced Standing Option
- 1000+ Practicum Affiliates
- Multiple Career Path Options
Master's - Master of Social Work (Health Across the Life Course)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's MSW concentration in Health Across the Life Course offers an innovative online pathway for aspiring healthcare social work professionals. The program's 64-credit curriculum integrates comprehensive theoretical knowledge with practical training, preparing students for dynamic roles in evolving healthcare landscapes. Projected job market growth of 7% by 2032 underscores the program's strategic relevance. Students benefit from CSWE accreditation, flexible part-time scheduling, and advanced standing opportunities. With no GRE requirement and virtual residency sessions, the program accommodates working professionals seeking meaningful career transitions in health-focused social work practice.
- 100% Online Degree Option
- 64 Total Credit Program
- Part-Time 3-Year Format
- No GRE Required
- Health Specialization Available
- 90% Employment Rate
- Advanced Standing Option
- Virtual Residency Sessions
- Over 1000 Practicum Affiliates
- CSWE-Accredited Program
Master's - Master of Social Work (Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Trauma in Context)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Adelphi University's MSW concentration in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Trauma provides a robust educational framework for professionals targeting complex psychological intervention domains. The fully online, 64-credit program emphasizes comprehensive training in mental health service delivery, substance abuse treatment, and trauma-informed care. Students engage with expert faculty through a CSWE-accredited curriculum designed for working professionals and career changers. The program's flexible three-year format, combined with extensive practicum opportunities across diverse settings, ensures graduates are well-prepared for licensure and high-demand roles in mental health and community services.
- 100% Online Degree
- 64 Credits, 3-Year Part-Time
- CSWE-Accredited Program
- No GRE Required
- 90% Employment Rate
- Health Specialization Option
- 1000+ Practicum Affiliates
- Virtual Residencies Twice Yearly
- Licensure Exam Preparation
Molloy University
Rockville Centre, NY - Private 4-year - molloy.edu
Master's - Fordham/Molloy MSW Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Fordham/Molloy MSW Program offers a comprehensive graduate pathway for aspiring social work professionals, combining flexible hybrid learning with rigorous academic training. Students benefit from collaborative educational approaches, gaining 1,200 hours of supervised fieldwork across clinical practice, research, and leadership concentrations. CSWE-accredited and designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes social justice and ethical practice. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, with advanced standing available for BSW graduates. The curriculum integrates face-to-face and online learning, preparing students to address complex social challenges with advanced professional competencies.
- Fordham-Molloy Collaborative MSW
- 1,200 Hours Supervised Fieldwork
- Flexible Learning Options
- Face-to-Face and Online Paths
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- Advanced Standing for BSW
- Clinical Practice Concentration
- Research Concentration Option
- Leadership Concentration Available
- CSWE Accredited Program
Master's - Fordham/Molloy MSW Program (Clinical Practice)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing specifically on Clinical Practice, the Fordham/Molloy MSW Program provides an intensive, practice-oriented curriculum designed to develop advanced clinical skills. Students engage in 1,200 hours of supervised fieldwork, learning evidence-based interventions and therapeutic techniques. The hybrid program accommodates working professionals through flexible learning paths, emphasizing social justice and ethical clinical practice. With CSWE accreditation and multiple study options, including part-time and full-time tracks, students can specialize in clinical social work while maintaining professional commitments. Advanced standing opportunities and scholarship options enhance program accessibility.
- Partnership with Fordham University
- 1,200 hours supervised fieldwork
- Flexible learning paths
- Online and hybrid options
- CSWE accredited program
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Multiple concentration options
- Part-time and full-time study
- Advanced standing for BSW graduates
- Scholarship opportunities available
Master's - Fordham/Molloy MSW Program (Research)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Research-focused MSW track through Fordham/Molloy offers a robust academic experience for social work professionals seeking advanced methodological training. Emphasizing empirical investigation and evidence-based practice, the program provides comprehensive research skill development across 1,200 supervised fieldwork hours. Designed with flexibility for working professionals, the hybrid curriculum integrates face-to-face and online learning modalities. CSWE-accredited and supporting part-time and full-time study, the program prepares students to conduct meaningful social research, analyze complex social phenomena, and contribute to innovative solutions in community-centered interventions.
- Collaborative Fordham/Molloy MSW
- 1,200 hours supervised fieldwork
- Face-to-face and online options
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Part-time and full-time tracks
- Advanced standing available
- CSWE accredited program
- Concentrations: clinical, research
- Multiple scholarship opportunities
- Flexible study plans
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - hunter.cuny.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hunter College's Silberman School of Social Work delivers a comprehensive MSW program targeting emerging social service professionals. Featuring multiple enrollment pathways including two-year traditional, one-year residency, and accelerated tracks, students gain advanced practice skills through distinguished faculty mentorship. The program emphasizes practical field education, ensuring graduates are prepared to navigate complex social challenges. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and robust learning experiences in the heart of New York City. While no specific concentration is highlighted, the program offers flexibility for diverse career trajectories in social work.
- Multiple enrollment track options
- Over 1,200 master's students
- State-of-the-art facility
- Distinguished full-time faculty
- Comprehensive field practice education
- Two-year full-time option available
- One-year residency track
- Accelerated program option
- Located in New York City
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW) (Clinical Practice)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hunter College's MSW Clinical Practice concentration provides specialized training for social work professionals seeking advanced therapeutic skills. The program prepares students to develop sophisticated clinical interventions, diagnostic understanding, and compassionate client engagement strategies. Students explore evidence-based practices in mental health, trauma-informed care, and psychodynamic approaches. Clinical practice coursework integrates practical fieldwork experiences, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, critical thinking, and advanced clinical assessment techniques across diverse population groups.
- Multiple program format options
- Over 1,200 master's students
- State-of-the-art facility
- Two-year full-time option
- One-year residency available
- Accelerated program track
- Dual-degree MSW/MSEd possible
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW) (Organizational Management & Leadership)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hunter College's Organizational Management & Leadership MSW concentration equips students with advanced administrative skills for social service leadership roles. The program develops strategic management capabilities, organizational design understanding, and policy implementation expertise. Students learn comprehensive approaches to nonprofit management, program development, and systemic change strategies. Curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical leadership skills, preparing graduates to effectively navigate complex social service organizations. The concentration emphasizes innovative problem-solving, resource management, and transformative leadership approaches within social work and community development contexts.
- Multiple MSW program formats
- Over 1,200 master's students
- Two-year full-time option
- One-year residency available
- Accelerated program track
- PhD option with CUNY Graduate Center
- Distinguished full-time faculty
- Leading field practice educators
- Located in New York City
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY - Public 4-Year - stonybrook.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook University's MSW program in Advanced Social Work Practice delivers a robust two-year curriculum emphasizing comprehensive professional development. With a generalist foundation in the first year and specialized advanced practice in the second, students explore intricate social service dynamics. The program uniquely integrates interdisciplinary resources from the Health Sciences Center, enabling students to cultivate sophisticated intervention strategies. Designed with flexibility, the program accommodates full-time, part-time, and advanced standing tracks, preparing graduates for diverse social work roles and professional licensing examinations like LMSW and LCSW.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Three specialization areas
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing Program available
- Practicum education integrated
- Prepares for LMSW/LCSW exams
- Interdisciplinary learning environment
- Dual degree options available
- Generalist foundation year
- Advanced practice curriculum
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Focused on Children, Youth, and Families, Stony Brook's MSW concentration provides intensive training in advanced social work practice. The curriculum strategically combines theoretical frameworks with practical field experiences across varied community settings. Students develop targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, gaining comprehensive skills in child welfare, family systems, and developmental psychology. The program's rigorous approach prepares graduates for nuanced professional roles in healthcare, social services, and policy development, with clear pathways to LMSW and LCSW licensing examinations.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Three specialization areas
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing Program available
- Practicum education included
- Prepares for LMSW/LCSW exams
- Generalist foundation year
- Interdisciplinary resources
- Advanced curriculum second year
- Dual degree opportunities
Master's - Social Work, MSW
Campus Based - Visit Website
Stony Brook's Health and Mental Health MSW concentration offers a sophisticated professional pathway for aspiring clinical social workers. The two-year curriculum meticulously balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing complex mental health interventions and healthcare systems navigation. Students benefit from practicum experiences in diverse community agencies, developing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic competencies. With full-time and part-time options, including an Advanced Standing track, the program prepares graduates for comprehensive professional practice and successful completion of LMSW and LCSW licensing examinations.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing available
- Three specialization areas
- Prepares for LMSW/LCSW exams
- Generalist foundation first year
- Practicum in community agencies
- 36 total credit program
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences resources
- Flexible course scheduling
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in New York
New York Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
To become a social worker, you’ll need to enter into an MSW program – most likely a traditional one. These programs are geared toward students who don’t have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). You’ll need to commit two years and complete 60 credits (give or take). Here is a typical list of admissions requirements that are typical of MSW programs:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
New York Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you happen to have a BSW and a 3.5 (or higher) GPA, you’ll be eligible to apply to advance-standing MSW programs, a fast-tracked option that allows you to complete your MSW in as little as one year. To apply, you’ll need the admissions requirements above. Take a look at some of these well-known New York advanced-standing MSW programs:
- New York University – visit site
- State University of New York – visit site
- Adelphi University – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
New York MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Because of its mix of urban and rural areas, the State of New York’s MSW tuition costs range widely. For New York residents attending state colleges, you can expect to pay a total of $29,260 for your graduate program. If you’re looking to attend an Ivy League school such as Columbia University, you’ll pay much more. Check out the full range of MSW tuition in New York below:
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| New York University | $450 (Resident) $1,000 (Non-resident) | 65 | $29,260 (Resident) $65,000 (Non-resident) |
| Columbia University | $1,855 (Campus) $1,735.73 (Online) | 60 | $111,288 (Campus) $104,144 (Online) |
| Central University of New York | $620 (Resident) $1,112 (Non-resident) | 62 | $32,440 (Resident) $68,944 (Non-resident) |
2026 Affordable MSW Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Mount Saint Vincent |
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| St. Joseph's University-New York |
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| Iona University |
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Are Online MSW Programs in New York as Good as Campus-Based?
While the face-to-face interaction of in-person programs is still a big draw for many, the flexibility and convenience of online MSW programs are a significant advantage. Rest assured that online programs offer the same comprehensive curriculum as traditional, on-campus programs. Compare the pros and cons below to find out which program delivery method is ideal for you.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in New York
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
To become licensed, you’ll need to make sure your MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), regardless of whether it’s an online program or not.
Learn more about Social Work Degree options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your New York Social Work License
Getting licensed as a social worker is one of the main benefits of graduating from an MSW program. New York, like other states, has its own criteria for licensure. Learn the steps to get licensed in New York in our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in New York