The demand for licensed social workers is surging in NYC and across the state. Earning a Master of Social Work can unlock rewarding roles and increase your salary as you navigate your social work career. However, finding the right MSW online program can feel overwhelming. This guide from OMD breaks down accredited online MSW options in NY, highlights high-demand social work specializations, covers costs and accreditation, and answers common questions. An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree… What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state… The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats… A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree… How much I can expect to earn after graduation, what national averages are, and what the overall outlook is for this field…
Spotlighting Reputable Online MSW Programs
New York State is home to several reputable universities that offer accredited MSW programs in an online or hybrid format. Below, we profile three popular NY-based schools with online MSW options. All the featured programs are CSWE-accredited and tailored for working students who need flexibility without sacrificing educational quality.
Columbia University – Online MSSW
Columbia University’s online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program delivers an Ivy League social work education in a flexible format. The online MSW mirrors Columbia’s on-campus curriculum, combining rigorous coursework with live online classes taught by Columbia faculty and local field placements.
Columbia’s MSW emphasizes evidence-based practice and social justice, preparing graduates to become leaders in clinical or community social work. There are advanced standing programs for BSW earners available if you want to graduate from an accelerated program.
Duration: About two years full-time or up to four years part-time (60 credits). Advanced standing takes around 12 months (33 credits)
Mode: Online coursework with weekly live classes (synchronous) and field internships in your local community (no campus residency)
Cost: About $1,938 per credit, totaling about $116K for 60 credits (tuition only).
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Résumé/CV detailing relevant work and volunteer experience
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Personal statement/essay
- For non-native English speakers: TOEFL (>=100) or IELTS (>=7.0)
Fordham University – Online MSW
Featuring an advanced integrated practice curriculum that blends clinical and community practice, the Fordham MSW program prepares graduates to work across diverse populations. Students complete extensive fieldwork in their local area, with guidance from Fordham’s placement team.
Two tracks are available: a traditional 62-credit MSW for students from any background, and a 31-credit advanced standing track for BSW graduates. Fordham’s program is known for its focus on ethics and social justice, and it prepares students to sit for licensing exams in New York upon graduation.
Duration: The traditional MSW can be completed in as few as 16 months full-time (accelerated) or 24–32 months part-time. Advanced standing students (31 credits) can finish in eight months full-time or about 16 months part-time
Mode: Fully online coursework with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
Cost: $1,076 per credit, which comes to roughly $66,700 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with at least 18 credits in liberal arts coursework
- Official undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts if applicable)
- One letter of recommendation
- Personal statement outlining your interest in social work and your fit with Fordham’s program
- Current résumé or CV highlighting human service experience
- For international applicants, proof of the ability to reside in the U.S. during the program and TOEFL/IELTS if prior degrees were not taught in English
University at Buffalo (SUNY) – Online MSW
The University at Buffalo offers a part-time online MSW program that is fully accredited by CSWE and requires no campus visits. UB’s online MSW delivers the same trauma-informed, human-rights–focused curriculum as its on-campus program.
Students progress through the program with a cohort, engaging in a combination of live virtual class sessions and self-paced coursework. Unique to Buffalo’s MSW is its emphasis on trauma-informed care across all practice settings. Field placements are completed in each student’s local community, with priority given to those over 50 miles from campus.
Duration: Three years (nine semesters), part-time for the traditional program (60 credits). An advanced standing option (35 credits) is available for BSW graduates, which takes about 18 months (5 semesters) part-time
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $711 per credit (NY residents), $820 per credit (out-of-state) for online part-time. The estimated total tuition is about $42,660 (in-state) or $49,200 (out-of-state), plus fees.
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of ~3.0
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement addressing your interest in social work and any experiences that have prepared you for graduate study
- Résumé of relevant work/volunteer experience
- For Advanced Standing: a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last 6 years and a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate social work coursework
Top MSW Fields of Study for Graduates
New York’s diverse communities and robust human services sector offer MSW graduates a wide range of career paths. Below are five of the top fields of practice for social workers in NY, chosen for their job growth, return on investment, availability in MSW programs, and local demand.
Healthcare Social Work
New York employs over 25,000 healthcare social workers – the most of any state. MSWs in this field work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and hospice settings to help patients navigate illness, discharge planning, and access community resources. Demand is high due to the state’s large healthcare system and aging population – New York has the 4th largest older adult population in the U.S., with 4.6 million residents age 60+.
Specializing in medical social work can lead to roles like hospital social worker, patient navigator, or palliative care counselor. While salaries vary, healthcare social workers in NY earn around $60,000 on average, and the field offers strong job security.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work
With growing awareness of mental health needs and the opioid epidemic, social workers specializing in mental health and addictions are in great demand. New York is a top-paying state for mental health and substance abuse social workers (averaging about $63,500 annually), and it employs over 11,000 professionals in this category.
MSW graduates in this field become therapists, clinical social workers, or addiction counselors, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and case management for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges. Specializing in mental health can require pursuing the LCSW credential (after supervised experience), but the ROI is strong – LCSWs often have private practices or leadership roles.
Child and Family Social Work (Including School Social Work)
Child, family, and school social work is a cornerstone of the profession, and in New York, this field is especially critical. Social workers in this arena support children’s welfare and family stability, working in settings like child protective services, foster care agencies, schools, and family service organizations. New York employs over 22,000 child, family, and school social workers, and their impact ranges from safeguarding children from abuse to improving school outcomes.
Many MSW programs in NY offer specializations in children, youth, and families or school social work. Graduates can become school social workers (helping students with social-emotional issues and special education planning), child welfare caseworkers, or family therapists (with clinical licensure).
Gerontological Social Work (Aging Services)
As the population ages, gerontological social work has become one of the top emerging fields. New York’s senior population is growing rapidly – the state’s 65+ group jumped to over 30% in the last decade and comprises roughly one in six New Yorkers. Social workers specialized in aging (gerontology) work with older adults and their families on issues like long-term care planning, elder abuse prevention, mental health in older age, and end-of-life care.
MSWs in this field find roles in nursing homes, Area Agencies on Aging, hospitals (as geriatric care managers), hospice and palliative care organizations, and community senior centers. The field offers a compelling ROI as well – experienced geriatric social workers can advance to program director positions or become consultants on aging, commanding higher salaries.
Macro and Community Social Work (Administration & Advocacy)
Not all social workers are therapists – many lead programs, shape policy, and drive community change. Macro practice is a top field in New York, given the huge nonprofit sector and government agencies throughout the state. There are over 116,000 nonprofit organizations in NY employing 1.4 million people, many of which focus on social services and community development.
MSW graduates with a macro concentration (often called Administration, Policy, or Community Organization) can become program directors, policy analysts, grant writers, community organizers, or executive directors of agencies. New York City has a vast network of social service nonprofits and advocacy groups – these organizations need leaders who understand social work values and can craft effective programs.
A Look At Accreditation for Online MSW Programs
MSW students must graduate from an accredited program to become licensed in NY. The primary accreditor for social work programs is the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which evaluates whether an MSW curriculum meets national professional standards. All reputable New York schools – from Columbia to SUNY Buffalo – hold CSWE accreditation for their MSW degrees.
Additionally, universities in NY are typically regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) or another regional accreditor, which is a marker of overall academic quality and credit transferability. For online and hybrid MSW programs, accreditation matters just as much as for traditional programs. Attending an accredited program also means you’re eligible for federal financial aid and that employers and other graduate schools will recognize your degree. Always double-check that any online MSW program is CSWE-accredited and approved by the New York State Education Department.
Different Types of Online MSW Programs
Online MSW programs in New York come in a variety of formats and structures to suit different student needs. Prospective students can find options that cater to their schedule, prior education, and application profile. Below, we outline three common types of online MSW programs available in New York.
Part-Time Online MSW Programs
Part-time online MSW programs are designed for students who need to balance graduate school with work or other obligations. Instead of taking a full load of courses, part-time students enroll in fewer classes per semester, extending the program length but reducing weekly time commitments. In New York, many online MSW options are inherently part-time – for example, programs may span three years instead of two.
Advanced Standing (Accelerated) MSW Programs
Advanced standing programs are an accelerated MSW pathway available to students who already have earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Because BSW graduates have completed foundational social work coursework and field hours, they can typically skip the first year of the MSW. In New York, advanced standing online MSW programs allow students to earn their master’s degree much faster, often in about 12 months of full-time study.
“No-GRE” Admission Programs
Many MSW applicants worry about standardized tests, but the majority of online MSW programs in New York do not require the GRE for admission. Programs emphasize your academic record, experience, and personal essays instead of test scores as New York schools recognize that GRE scores are not the best predictor of who will be a good social worker. This is especially helpful for applicants who have been out of school for a while or who don’t test well.
Breaking Down Costs of Online MSW Programs
When it comes to MSW online programs in New York, public universities such as SUNY/CUNY tend to be more affordable, especially for in-state students, while private universities charge higher tuition but may offer more aid. Most MSW programs are around 60 credits, so total tuition can range from roughly $30,000 (public, in-state) to $100,000+ (private) for the entire degree. Online students sometimes benefit from reduced fees,
Keep in mind that universities may charge additional fees for technology, student services, or program-specific needs (though online learners save on commuting and housing costs). Below is a glance at the tuition rates of three NY universities’ online MSW programs.
| School (MSW Program) | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University – Online MSSW | 60 | $1,938 | $116,280 |
| Fordham University – Online MSW | 62 | $1,076 | $66,700 |
| University at Buffalo (SUNY) – Online MSW | 60 | $711 (in-state) | $42,660 (NY resident) |
Costs shown are tuition estimates. Always check the latest tuition schedules on the university’s website.
Your Questions, Answered: FAQs from MSW Online Students
How do I become a licensed social worker (LMSW or LCSW) in New York if I earn my MSW online?
The process to become licensed in New York is the same for online MSW graduates as for on-campus grads. First, you must earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), you then apply to the NY State Education Department and take the ASWB Masters exam. Upon passing, you’ll receive your LMSW license.
If you aim for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you’ll need to complete about 3 years of post-MSW supervised clinical experience, which is around 2,000 client contact hours, and then pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
Do online MSW students have to complete in-person field placements in New York?
Yes, all MSW students in New York (including those in online programs) must complete in-person field placements. Field education is a cornerstone of MSW training, typically around 900 hours of supervised internship split over multiple semesters.
In an online MSW program, you’ll work with the school’s field education office to be placed at a suitable social service agency near your local area. For example, an online student in Buffalo might intern at a local nonprofit in Buffalo, while a student in NYC could be placed at an agency in the city. Schools often have networks of partner agencies across New York State or even nationally.
How long does it take to complete an online MSW program in New York?
The timeline for an online MSW in NY depends on whether you study full-time, part-time, or qualify for advanced standing. Full-time online MSW programs typically take about two years (four semesters) to complete, just like their on-campus counterparts. Many online students, however, opt for part-time enrollment, which might take around 3 years.
If you have a BSW degree and are in an advanced standing program, you can finish much faster, often in 12 to 18 months of full-time study. Advanced standing students skip the foundational year and go straight into the second year of the MSW curriculum.
What is the job outlook for MSW graduates in New York?
The job outlook for MSW holders in New York is very positive. Social work is a growing field, and many areas in NY are experiencing high demand for professionals with master’s degrees. New York’s large population and social service infrastructure mean a lot of those opportunities are here.
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are especially in demand – New York City has seen a surge in need for therapists and clinical social workers to address mental health and substance use issues. Additionally, New York has a significant need for school social workers and those specializing in child and family services.
What background do I need to apply for an MSW online?
Many online MSW programs in New York welcome students from a variety of academic backgrounds, so it doesn’t have to be from social work. If your bachelor’s degree is in psychology, sociology, education, business, or even something like English or biology, you can still apply to MSW programs. Generally, schools look for a well-rounded liberal arts foundation.
It’s also helpful, though not always required, to have some experience in human services, such as volunteering, internships, or jobs in social service settings, to strengthen your application.
Career Potential for Social Workers
| Area ↕ | Occupation ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Social Workers | $39,580 | $104,580 | $63,770 |
| New York | Social Workers | $59,030 | $104,980 | $79,040 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | Social Workers | $61,420 | $100,340 | $79,310 |
| Binghamton, NY | Social Workers | $61,260 | $93,870 | $77,020 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | Social Workers | $46,480 | $97,780 | $76,770 |
| Ithaca, NY | Social Workers | $73,170 | $73,170 | $73,170 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | Social Workers | $48,500 | $110,220 | $77,870 |
| Rochester, NY | Social Workers | $69,100 | $93,870 | $77,020 |
| Syracuse, NY | Social Workers | $66,700 | $107,660 | $87,190 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | Social Workers | $70,180 | $95,910 | $77,900 |
Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Occupation ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Social Workers | 68,400 | 72,900 | 4,500 | 6.6% |
| New York | Social Workers | 2,460 | 2,970 | 510 | 20.7% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.