MSW Specializations

Students seated at a white desk across speaking with a person across from them

MSW students at NYU Silver may pursue a Specialization that deepens their expertise and provides a competitive edge in the job market. Through a focused practicum placement and related seminars and/or classroom learning, students will develop in-depth knowledge and skills within an in-demand area of practice. Many of these Specializations also offer stipends or scholarships and mentorship with faculty and practice leaders in the field locally, nationally, and globally. 

While participating in a Specialization is a great option that will enhance your skill set, it is not a required component of the MSW degree and will not add additional credits or time to your plan of study. Please note that most Specializations only accept students entering their final year of the MSW program (also referred to as the Specialized Practice year); however, there are some Specializations that are open to students entering the first year of the program (also referred to as the Generalist Practice year). Find an overview of each of our Specializations below and click the links for full details.

Admission requirements vary by Specialization and a limited number of placements are available. 

  • Students who are entering the Generalist Practice year may apply for one of these Specializations during the MSW program application process; please click the links below for more information about those opportunities and application requirements. 

  • Students entering the Specialized Practice year will apply during their Generalist Practice Year and will be contacted by both the MSW Program Office and Office of Practicum Education when that process begins.

  • All Specializations are integrated into the MSW Program requirements, which comprise 65 credits in total for most pathways to the MSW degree. Each Specialization has specific criteria in order to meet their requirements, which are noted in each respective program page. 

Specializations Open to Students Entering the Generalist or Specialized Practice Year:

Dr. Kate Sullivan speaks at the front of a classroom with a slide projected behind her showing an adult with two children and text reading experiences with behaviorally based family interventions?Child & Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention (CHAMP) Institute
Funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the CHAMP Institute provides intensive training in trauma-informed care in the context of child welfare to selected MSW student Fellows so they are prepared for careers in child welfare prevention.

The SSWTA cohort and instructors pose smiling as a group in a classroom. A round black table with water bottles and plastic cups and a black chair are in the foreground.School Social Work Training Academy
The School Social Work Training Academy (SSWTA) prepares NYU Silver MSW students to help shift the trajectories of schoolchildren toward academic, social and career success

Specializations Open to Students Entering the Specialized Practice Year:

A person seated in a gray chair writes on a clipboard while arms in the foreground are gestured to emphasize a point in conversationEvidence-Based Practice Specialization
The Evidence-Based Practice Specialization provides advanced training for careers providing recovery oriented Evidence-Based Practices for adults diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

Student seated at a desk in concentration while looking at their laptop, with other students in conversation in front and behind themSocial Work Practice in Higher Education Specialization
The Social Work Practice in Higher Education Specialization provides MSW students the opportunity to explore the vital roles that social workers play in addressing the complex needs of individuals, groups, communities, and organizations in higher education settings.

Torsos and arms of a small group of people seated in a circle in conversationSubstance Use and Co-occurring Disorders Specialization
The Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders Specialization provides rigorous clinical training that prepares MSW students for high-impact careers in substance use treatment and counseling.

2020 MSW Fellows standing in front of the Zelda Foster bannerZelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End of Life Care Fellowship
The Zelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (PELC) provides advanced training and mentorship to prepare MSW students for successful careers meeting the demand for high-quality, evidence-informed PELC services, particularly in marginalized communities.

Still have questions?

Applicants and prospective students, please email silver.admissions@nyu.edu. Currently enrolled students should watch their email for information from the MSW Program and Practicum Education offices.

See Our Events
Apply Now!
Connect With Us