Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MSW degree is a Master of Social Work graduate degree that educates professionals for the pursuit of social justice. It emphasizes direct social work practice that aims to improve biological, psychological, and social functioning through helping relationships. Silver is dedicated to excellence in integrating teaching and learning in both classroom and community contexts. We prepare graduates to apply critical thinking, research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom to restore, maintain, and enhance the functioning and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, and promote effective and equitable social policies and social services.

An MSW program teaches skills in clinical assessment counseling, adaptive leadership, and ethical decision making. It equips students with the ability to respond to the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities, grounded in a deep understanding of the social environment, human development, and human rights. Through rigorous social work courses and hands-on practicum experiences, students demonstrate ethical and professional behavior while learning to connect theory and practice across micro, mezzo, macro levels, and community development initiatives.

Clinical Social Work & Direct Practice Skills:

• Building therapeutic alliances that honor the dignity and unique experiences of each client

• Conducting comprehensive assessments to evaluate needs and inform treatment

• Applying practice-informed research and evidence-based modalities, including CBT, trauma-informed care, and psychodynamic approaches

• Developing skills for crisis intervention, risk assessment, and safety planning while maintaining ethical and professional behavior

Systems, Policy & Social Action Skills:

• Evaluating the impact of poverty, racism, immigration status, and policy on well-being

• Designing interventions that reach individuals and communities across schools, hospitals, shelters, and public agencies

• Engaging in public policy and social action to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity

Advocacy & Leadership Skills:

• Advocating for clients and communities, ensuring human rights and social justice are prioritized

• Leading community development projects and translating clinical insights into mezzo/macro-level change

• Practicing reflective, ethical decision-making that aligns with the program’s mission

Research, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Skills:

• Interpreting research to evaluate programs and refine interventions

• Using data to answer critical questions and demonstrate proof of impact

• Strengthening the ability to implement practice-informed research that improves human outcomes

Professional Competencies & Career Preparation Skills:

• Developing leadership and collaboration skills across disciplines

• Maintaining clear clinical documentation and communication

• Preparing to work in diverse settings while remaining committed to ethical and professional behavior, client dignity, and the mission of advancing human development

A master’s in social work typically takes two years to complete for full-time students. Part-time programs typically take three years to complete. Silver’s Advanced Standing pathway is a two-semester route to the MSW degree and is available to those who have graduated within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree program in social work (BA, BS, or BSW degree). We also offer a 16-Month Accelerated pathway to the MSW degree in which students complete the program in five consecutive semesters, including an intensive summer term.

Yes. Many accredited MSW programs now offer online or hybrid formats, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while gaining hands-on experience through in-person field placements. Regardless of format, all MSW students must complete supervised practicum hours in real-world settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, and community organizations to meet professional and licensure requirements.

The online options for NYU Silver’s MSW program combine flexible, high-quality online coursework with immersive, in-person practicum training. Students take classes online—learning from the same dedicated faculty and engaging in the same rigorous, clinically focused curriculum as on-campus students—while completing their practicum placements in person within the New York metropolitan area.

This model ensures that students gain the clinical skills, professional supervision, and real-world experience needed for effective social work practice. Students also benefit from the flexibility of online learning and full access to Silver’s academic resources, faculty support, and alumni network of more than 20,000 graduates.

Online MSW programs offer greater flexibility, while on-campus programs provide more face-to-face classroom interaction. In both formats, accredited programs must meet the same academic and practicum requirements, including in-person field education, to prepare students for professional practice and licensure.

At NYU Silver, we have the same MSW Program for online and on-campus students. All students receive a rigorous, clinically focused education. The online MSW courses are taught by the same dedicated faculty and grounded in the same curriculum, academic standards, and commitment to social justice and clinical excellence as the on-campus courses.

The key difference is format—not quality or outcomes. Online students complete coursework remotely while engaging in live, interactive classes. On-campus students take most of their classes in-person in the heart of New York City, with many electives offered online. All students complete their practicum placements in the New York metropolitan area.

A Master’s in Social Work opens various rewarding job opportunities for those interested in making a positive impact in their careers and society. Here are some common paths and jobs that individuals with an MSW often pursue:

• Mental Health and Clinical Social Worker: Provides therapy services to individuals or groups in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, or substance abuse treatment centers. Other responsibilities include diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

• Medical Social Worker: Helps individuals and families cope with the challenges of illness or disability. Collaborates with healthcare teams in hospitals and clinics to ease the emotional and psychosocial aspects of living with or caring for those with medical conditions.

• School Social Worker: Collaborates with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a more positive environment in schools. Helps students manage the challenges of adolescence like bullying, truancy, and family-related issues.

• Child Welfare Specialist: Works with children and families involved in the child welfare system. Conducts assessments to ensure child safety and well-being and facilitates reunification, adoption, or other permanency plans.

• Geriatric Social Worker: Focuses on the unique needs of older adults and their families. Provides support for issues related to aging, healthcare, and end-of-life care. Works in nursing homes, senior centers, or community organizations.

• Macro Social Worker: Engages in policy analysis, social welfare policy, advocacy, and community organizing. Works in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups to address systemic issues and work toward social change.

• Substance Abuse Counselor: Works in rehabilitation centers, outpatient programs, or community agencies. Provides counseling, support, and intervention services to assist individuals struggling with substance use.

• Private Practice: Establishes their own practice or work for an existing private counseling or therapy practice. Works with diverse clientele, addresses a range of mental health concerns, and supports clients in the areas that interests them most.

• Research or Educator: Works in educational careers or contributes to the field’s knowledge in research roles. Instructs at a university or in training programs.

NYU Silver charges MSW students per enrolled credit/point each semester. Please visit the Silver MSW Tuition & Fees page for more information regarding tuition, fees, scholarships, and financial aid.

Yes, Silver offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for students. More than 95% of eligible students receive some form of financial support, with annual awards typically ranging from $2,000 to $17,000 or more. These include merit-based institutional awards, specialized scholarships for alumni of service organizations, discounted tuition for eligible agency employees, and federal financial aid for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Most aid requires completing the FAFSA, and in many cases, the CSS Profile for full consideration.

For the NYU Silver Class of 2024, MSW graduates had a mean starting salary of $69,162, which was $23,278 more than the mean starting salary of that year’s BS in Social Work graduates – working out to more than $580,000 over 25 years.

LCSWs in the U.S. earn an average salary of $83,600, with top earners making over $100,000 according to salary.com. An LCSW’s salary can vary widely based on location, years of experience, and practice setting.

MSW specializations that lead to higher salaries include social work management (top earners make $117,835), healthcare social work (top earners make $108,684), and clinical social work (top earners make $100,794).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $61,330 for social workers, with top earners exceeding $99,500. A social worker's salary can vary based on factors like experience, education, location, and licensure.

• Experience: Social workers with several years of experience in the profession will likely earn higher salaries than peers with less experience.

• Education: Social workers with a master’s degree often have access to more advanced positions with higher salaries than entry-level positions that only require a bachelor’s degree. According to the Social Work Education Center, MSW holders make about $13,000 more than BSW holders, which works out to $325,000 more for an MSW over a 25-year career.

• Location: Like many professions, social work salaries are often adjusted to the cost of living in the location of the role. For example, social workers in urban settings or areas with a higher cost of living often earn salaries adjusted for their location.

• Licensure and Certification: Licensed Clinical Social Workers and other licensed social workers may earn higher salaries than those without licensure.

NYU Silver takes a holistic view of each applicant’s academic background, professional experience, and readiness for graduate-level study in social work. Students must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit the following when applying to our MSW program:

• A completed online application

• A statement of purpose 

• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (we encourage these to be uploaded with your application; see details below)

• Three letters of recommendation

• A résumé or curriculum vitae

There are additional requirements for some pathways, as listed on the Pathway-Specific Application Requirements page.

Visit our MSW Admission Standards and MSW Application Requirements pages for the most up-to-date admission and application requirements information.

Our MSW application deadlines for Fall 2026 are as follows:

• For Two-Year, Two-Year Shanghai, Advanced Standing, Transfer, 32-Month, all Dual Degree pathways: February 6, 2026

• For Extended, Hybrid MSW, Non-Matriculated, ONRAMP: Admission is rolling

Visit our MSW Application Deadlines page for the most up-to-date deadline information.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not universally required for on-campus or online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. The NYU Silver School of Social Work MSW program does not require the GRE for admission.

Yes, you can get an MSW without a BSW. Many MSW programs, including NYU Silver’s, accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in various fields, allowing people from diverse educational backgrounds to bring their unique experiences to the field.

Yes, a Bachelor’s in Psychology is often considered a relevant foundation for entry into a Master of Social Work program. Many MSW programs accept applicants with diverse undergraduate backgrounds. Prospective students can tailor their application to showcase how their Psychology background has prepared them for a career in social work.

The prestige of the program you’re considering as well as your aptitude contribute to the ease or difficulty of being accepted into an on-campus or online MSW program. A student who can show they have relevant skills and knowledge as well as a clear purpose will be a more competitive applicant. It’s also important to consider the popularity of the university you wish to attend. A reputable school, such as NYU Silver, tends to receive more applications.

The competitiveness of an on-campus, online, or hybrid MSW program depends on the prestige of the program, the popularity of the school, the location of the campus (for on-campus programs), and the caliber of prospective students in the application pool. To be a competitive applicant wherever you decide to apply, be sure to research multiple programs. Tailor your application to each school and highlight your relevant experience as it relates to your interest in the program and future goals.

An MSW program helps students develop in-demand skills, increase their future earning potential, and expand their professional network. When deciding whether an in-person, online, or hybrid MSW program is worth the investment, it's important to research if the graduation outcomes align with your personal and professional goals. Benefits of an MSW include:

• Career Opportunities: An MSW opens a range of career options, especially in clinical settings, which often have higher-paying roles, as well as in social welfare policy and work with communities.

• Increased Earning Potential: Students with an MSW degree often earn higher salaries than those with a bachelor’s degree.

• Personal Fulfillment: For students who are driven by a passion to make a positive impact in their communities and the lives of those around them, an in-person or online MSW program can provide the advanced education and training needed to effectively address complex social issues.

• Licensing and Certification: Certain roles, especially those in clinical practice, require licensure. An MSW is often a prerequisite for obtaining licensure.

• Networking and Professional Connections: NYU Silver’s MSW program features outstanding faculty and attracts passionate, talented students from diverse backgrounds. This community of faculty, peers, and 20,000+ alumni will be extremely valuable as your professional network upon graduating.

Some of the highest-paying jobs in the field include:

• Medical Social Worker: Works in healthcare settings, supporting patients and their families. Collaborates with healthcare teams to address the psychosocial aspects of medical conditions.

• Mental Health and Clinical Social Worker: Diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, often requiring a Master of Social Work (MSW) and licensure.

• Psychiatric Social Worker: Focuses on mental health and may work in hospitals, clinics, or community mental health organizations. Advanced education and experience can contribute to higher salaries.

• Geriatric Social Worker: Specializes in issues related to aging and may work in nursing homes, senior centers, or healthcare institutions. Their expertise in elder care can lead to competitive salaries.

• Medical/Health Services Manager: Works in managerial roles within healthcare settings, such as director of social services. This often requires a combination of clinical and administrative skills.

• Program Manager/Director in Nonprofit Organizations: Serves communities as a manager or director of social service programs in a nonprofit organization. May involve overseeing a range of social services and community programs.

• School Social Worker (with advanced certifications): Works in schools and addresses social, emotional, and behavioral issues in educational settings.

• Forensic Social Worker: Works within the criminal justice system and provides clinical support and advocacy for people within legal contexts.

• Substance Abuse Counselor/Therapist (with an advanced degree and certifications): Specializes in providing substance abuse treatment to individuals and helps them develop coping strategies and personalized recovery plans.

• Researcher/Educator in Social Work: Engages in social work research or education at universities and colleges. These roles often require advanced degrees and a strong research or teaching background.

An MSW (Master of Social Work) is a graduate degree, while an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is an advanced professional license indicating that a social worker is licensed to practice mental health and clinical social work. An LCSW requires an MSW, supervised clinical hours, and passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam. Most states require post-MSW entry-level licensure before one is eligible for the LCSW.

After earning an MSW, you can move through the professional licensure process, which varies by state but generally includes the following steps:

1. Graduate from a CSWE-accredited MSW program.
   Your degree must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to qualify for licensure.

2. Apply for initial or provisional licensure.
   Many states offer an entry-level license (often LMSW, LSW, or equivalent) that allows for supervised practice and helps you begin working toward your career goals.

3. Pass the required licensing exam.
   Most states require passing the ASWB Master’s exam at this stage.

4. Complete supervised clinical experience.
   To pursue clinical licensure (such as the LCSW), complete 2,000–3,000 supervised hours over 2–3 years, applying evidence-based practice across a broad range of settings and populations.

5. Pass the clinical licensing exam.
   After supervision is complete, take and pass the ASWB Clinical exam.

6. Apply for full clinical licensure.
   With exam results and documented hours, apply for independent clinical licensure.

7. Maintain licensure through continuing education.
   Pursue ongoing continuing education to renew licensure and stay current in the field.

Because requirements vary by state, check your state licensing board for specific rules, timelines, and opportunities to explore ways licensure can support different professional paths.

Yes, you can be a therapist with an MSW. An MSW is a well-established pathway into therapy within the social work profession. MSW programs help students develop the skills needed for clinical practice, including assessment, diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, and ethical decision-making. After graduating from a CSWE-accredited program, you can pursue licensure and provide therapy under supervision, and with additional supervised experience and exams, earn a clinical license (such as the LCSW) that allows for independent practice.

MSW-trained therapists work across healthcare and community settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and private practice, offering flexible career options within a trusted and in-demand profession.

Yes, you can be a counselor with an MSW. The degree prepares students for counseling roles by emphasizing direct practice skills such as assessment, intervention, and relationship-based care. MSW-trained counselors commonly work in behavioral health settings, providing therapy and support to individuals, families, and groups facing mental health, substance use, and life challenges.

With appropriate licensure, MSW graduates can serve as counselors in clinics, hospitals, schools, and community organizations, where they support individuals and vulnerable populations through evidence-informed, client-centered care grounded in social justice values.

Not always, but it depends on your career goals and state’s requirements. You can enter the social work field with a bachelor’s degree in roles such as case management, community outreach, or social services support. However, a master’s degree (MSW) is required for many advanced roles, including clinical practice, therapy, supervision, and leadership positions.

If you want to provide therapy, work in behavioral health or healthcare settings, or pursue professional licensure (such as the LCSW), earning an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is typically necessary.

The only difference between “field placements” and “practicum placements” is terminology. Both refer to the closely-supervised hands-on experience that is a cornerstone of MSW education. They are where you take what you have learned in your classes and apply it directly with clients in agencies, organizations, communities, and neighborhoods. 

In 2023, NYU Silver began replacing the term “field” with “practicum” in light of the former term’s historical usage relating to slavery and the exploitation of immigrant laborers. This change aligns with the School’s commitment to education that promotes equity, the use of inclusive language, and is in keeping with the NASW Code of Ethics Value “Dignity and Worth of the Person.”

No. NYU Silver has a required specialization in clinical social work practice for all students during the final year of the MSW Program. Students have the option to pursue Focused Learning Opportunities in areas including school social work, child welfare, serious mental illness, and substance use. Through targeted practicum placements and related seminars and/or classroom learning, these opportunities deepen your expertise and provide a competitive edge in the job market.