Social Work (MSW)

Program Overview

You have the desire to help others … now you need the knowledge and skills to provide that help. °®¶¹´«Ã½ is the place to pursue your master’s degree in social work (MSW) and become an agent of change.

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), °®¶¹´«Ã½â€™s MSW program trains excellent social workers in an empowering, inclusive environment. Students acquire a broad base of knowledge and skills to address the needs of families, individuals, groups, organizations and communities as well as learn strategies to effectively advocate for social justice and change.

°®¶¹´«Ã½ consistently ranks among the best programs in New York state for first-time pass rates on the American Association Social Work Board (ASWB) exam at the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) level.

The department offers both full-time and part-time programs, as well as an advanced standing program for qualified students with bachelor's degrees in social work.

Degrees Offered

  • MSW in Social Work
  • MSW in Social Work: Full Time (online)
  • MSW in Social Work: Part Time (online)

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The department places a strong emphasis on the integration of theory and practice, both in the classroom and in the field.

Students gain more than 1,000 hours of professional experience through two field placements, receiving invaluable hands-on training in various areas and levels of practice. The department has field placement partnerships with more than 200 organizations, offices, and agencies across the Southern Tier and throughout the surrounding counties, allowing students to pursue their specific areas of interest.

The MSW program concludes with a capstone project, which offers students a chance to demonstrate mastery of CSWE-determined competencies and practice behaviors needed for advanced generalist practice by working as a team to integrate and apply social work knowledge, ethics, values, and skills in a complex case study.

After You Graduate

Through its advanced generalist curriculum, the program prepares students for a wide range of career goals and professional objectives. Graduates of the MSW program work with diverse populations in a variety of public, private and non-profit organizations, such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics and substance abuse treatment centers. Some are direct service providers, while others focus on policy making, program administration and community organizing.

As an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), the department offers opportunities for licensed social workers to continue to connect with the values of the profession; to learn new theories, concepts, practices and skills; and to network with other social workers.

Admission Requirements

Funding/Scholarships

There are many funding and scholarship opportunities at °®¶¹´«Ã½. We encourage prospective students to review available program-specific scholarships and awards, and visit the program's website for additional information.

For more information, visit the Social Work website.