Master of Social Work

A social worker’s salary can vary depending on the role. 

Other factors that affect a social worker’s salary include:

• 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. An analysis of data from Salary.com found that the difference in median salary between a social worker with an MSW and one with only a BS is $9,000, which works out to $225,000 more for an MSW over a 25-year career. For NYU Silver Class of 2022, MSW graduates had a mean starting salary of $63,903, which was $13,410 more than the mean starting salary of that year’s BS in social work graduates – working out to more than $335,000 more over 25 years.

• 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.

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

An MSW opens up various rewarding job opportunities for those interested in making a positive impact in their careers and society. Here are some common paths and roles that individuals with an MSW often pursue:

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

2. Medical Social Worker:
   Helping individuals and families cope with the challenges of illness or disability, medical social workers collaborate with healthcare teams in hospitals and clinics to ease the emotional and psychosocial aspects of living with or caring for those with medical conditions.

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

4. Child Welfare Specialist:
   Working with children and families involved in the child welfare system, these social workers conduct assessments to ensure child safety and well-being and facilitate reunification, adoption, or other permanency plans.

5. Geriatric Social Worker:
   Focusing on the unique needs of older adults and their families, these compassionate professionals provide support for issues related to aging, healthcare, and end-of-life care. They work in nursing homes, senior centers, or community organizations.

6. Macro Social Worker:
   Macro practice professionals engage in policy analysis, social welfare policy, advocacy, and community organizing. They work in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups to address systemic issues and work toward social change.

7. Substance Abuse Counselor:
   Working in rehabilitation centers, outpatient programs, or community agencies, these social workers provide counseling, support, and intervention services to assist individuals struggling with substance use.

8. Private Practice:
   Licensed social workers can establish their own practice or work for an existing private counseling or therapy practice. This allows professionals to work with diverse clientele, address a range of mental health concerns, and support clients in the area that interests them most.

9. Research or Educator:
   Social workers can pivot into educational careers or contribute to the field’s knowledge in research roles. They can instruct at a university or training programs.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) educates professionals for the pursuit of social justice with an emphasis on direct social work practice that aims to improve biological, psychological, and social functioning through helping relationships. Dedicated to excellence in integrating teaching and learning in both classroom and community contexts, the MSW Program prepares its 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.

A traditional full-time MSW program typically takes about two years to complete. Part-time programs typically take three years to complete. The Silver School of Social Work’s Advanced Standing pathway is a two-semester route to the MSW degree. The Advanced Standing Master of Social Work option is available to those who have graduated within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited BSW. The Silver School of Social Work also offers a 16-Month Accelerated pathway to the MSW degree in which students complete the program in four consecutive semesters, including an intensive summer term.

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 up 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: In many cases, students who complete MSW degrees have access to roles with 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: The MSW program at NYU features outstanding faculty and attracts passionate, talented students from diverse backgrounds. This community of faculty, peers, and alumni will be extremely valuable as your professional network upon graduating.

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

• Medical Social Worker:
  Social workers in healthcare settings, dealing with patients and their families, may have higher earning potential. They collaborate with healthcare teams to address the psychosocial aspects of medical conditions.

• Mental Health and Clinical Social Worker:
  Clinical social workers, including those in private practice, may command higher salaries. They diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, often requiring a Master of Social Work (MSW) and licensure.

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

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

• Medical/Health Services Manager:
  Professionals who transition into managerial roles within healthcare settings, such as director of social services, may achieve higher salaries. This often requires a combination of clinical and administrative skills.

• Program Manager/Director in Nonprofit Organizations:
  Serving communities as a manager or director of social service programs in a nonprofit organization can be financially rewarding. These roles may involve overseeing a range of social services and community programs.

• School Social Worker (with Advanced Certification):
  Social workers in schools, especially those with advanced certifications, may have higher earning potential. They address social, emotional, and behavioral issues in educational settings.

• Forensic Social Worker:
  Professionals involved in the criminal justice system, providing support to individuals within legal contexts, may find competitive salaries in roles such as forensic social worker or court liaison.

• Substance Abuse Counselor/Therapist:
  Specializing in substance abuse treatment, counselors and therapists in this field may earn higher salaries, particularly with advanced degrees and relevant certifications.

• Researcher/Educator in Social Work:
  Social work professionals engaged in research or education at universities may have higher salaries. These roles often require advanced degrees and a strong research or teaching background.

Yes, students who graduate with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree can pursue a career as a therapist. Mental health and clinical social workers, who hold an MSW and obtain licensure, are well-equipped to provide therapeutic services.

The requirements for social work positions can vary based on the specific role and state. While it is possible to work in certain entry-level positions with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, many positions, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker, require completing an in-person, hybrid or online MSW program.

MSW stands for Master of Social Work, which is a graduate-level degree offered at a university. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which is an advanced professional designation indicating that a social worker is licensed to practice mental health and clinical social work. Most states require post-MSW entry-level licensure before one is eligible for the LCSW.

Advanced Standing is an accelerated, one-year path to the Master’s of Social Work offered at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. The Advanced Standing pathway is available to students who have earned a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate degree program within the past five years. Advanced Standing study is nearly, but not exactly, identical to the Specialized Practice level (2nd year) of the Two-Year pathway.

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.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not universally required for on-campus nor online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. The NYU Silver School of Social Work MSW program does not require the GRE for admission.

Yes, it is possible to pursue a master’s in social work without having completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Many MSW programs accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in various fields, allowing people from diverse educational backgrounds to bring their unique experiences to the field.

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.

Yes, individuals with an MSW can pursue a career as a counselor. Professionals with an MSW are often trained in counseling and psychotherapy techniques, and they can work in various counseling roles.

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.

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.