New York is home to 35 MSW programs. Of the available options, 22 of them are traditional, campus-based programs, while 13 of them offer online MSW programs (either online only or hybrid options).
If you are looking for an MSW program in New York, check out the full school listings below, which provide the latest program highlights, tuition information, and other relevant details designed to help you compare and contrast degree options.
In this guide-
Online MSW listings
MSW program listings
MSW overview
Online MSW overview
How to become a social worker
Social work salaries
Expert advice
Online MSW programs in New York
Adelphi University
Garden City, Hauppauge, Hudson Valley, & Manhattan, NY
Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $1,295
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Bilingual School Social Work, Human Resource Management, Continuing Education and Professional Development
Program Highlights:- Bilingual School Social Work, Human Resource Management, Continuing Education and Professional Development
- Offer fieldwork in more than 1,000 diverse health, mental health and social service agencies
- Offer bilingual school social work program
Alliance University
New York, NYCredits: 63
Cost per credit: $910
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Program Highlights:- Students will engage with a diverse community, fostering learning opportunities and meaningful connections.
- Master of Social Work provides professional development colloquiums, seminars, and workshops
Binghamton University, State University of New York - Master's
Binghamton, NYProgram: https://www.binghamton.edu/social-work/academics/online.html
Credits: 60-70
Cost per credit: $545 in-state | $654 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Part-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Options: Public Administration, Foreign Languages
Program Highlights:- Complete in 3.5 years by taking 6 or 7 credits per semester, including summer sessions.
- Equivalent to the hybrid part-time program
Columbia University
New YorkCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,834
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Dual Degree options: Business Administration, Education, Jewish Studies, Law, Public Health, Public Policy, Theology or Divinity, Urban Planning
Program Highlights:- The program offers a practical, hands-on field training supervised by highly experienced social work practitioners.
- At Columbia SSW, students can choose among learning platforms, programs, concentrations and dual degrees
Daemen University
Amherst, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,056
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- The curriculum incorporates licensure preparation to support students in passing the licensure exams.
- Students will gain practical experience through field education while working alongside licensed social work professionals
Fordham University
New York and West Harrison, NYCredits: 62
Cost per credit: $995
Plan of Study: Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- The curriculum is designed to be future-focused, equipping students with tools, skills, and a strong foundation in theory and ethics
- Offers a comprehensive curriculum that aims to transform students into highly competent and versatile practitioners
Keuka College
Victor, Syracuse, Keuka Park,& Corning, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $824
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- Offering a unique MSW program that focuses on the prevention of mental illness and behavioral disturbances, setting it apart in the region.
- Keuka College is renowned for its personalized and hands-on learning approach, adapting to the rapidly changing world
- Versatile Social Work knowledge that translates to a range of generalist roles and leadership positions
Nazareth University
Rochester, NYCredits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $790
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Devoted to teaching future social workers for specialized practice
- Provides an interprofessional approach to education and practice
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $759
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- The MSW program provides a specialized focus on Mental Health and Child/Family Services.
- A dynamic program will provide interactions with competent instructors.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,111
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Integrated Practice
Program Highlights:- The MSW program has a specialization in military culture and mental health practice
- The foundation level coursework emphasizes generalist social work practice at different levels.
Touro University
New York & Brooklyn, NYCredits: 65
Cost per credit: $820
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- The program is designed to equip with knowledge and skills to overcome social injustices
- Offers in-depth training in clinical social work along with a variety of fieldwork opportunities.
University at Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $683 in-state | $1,063 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Dual Degree options: Criminal Justice, Law, Public Health
Program Highlights:- Offers a combined MSW/PhD Program for students
- The MSW program offer internships with a focus on aging and mental health
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Buffalo, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $756 in-state | $1,136 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Dual Degree options: Business Administration, Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Public Health
Certification: Trauma
Program Highlights:- Students will be immersed in a highly ranked MSW program to create transformational change
- Offers 2 MSW Programs, allowing students to choose their coursework
Yeshiva University
New York, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,138
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Dual Degree options: Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Gerontology, Jewish Services, Other, School Social Work, Trauma, Military, Hospice
Program Highlights:- Since 1957, their MSW program has consistently ranked among the top
- No GRE required and students are automatically considered for scholarships
MSW programs in New York
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York, Hauppauge, Poughkeepsie & Middletown, NYCredits: 64
Cost per credit: $1314
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Bilingual School Social Work, Human Resource Management, Continuing Education and Professional Development
Program Highlights:- Offer fieldwork in more than 1,000 diverse health, mental health and social service agencies
- Offer bilingual school social work program
Binghamton University, State University of New York - Master's
Binghamton, NYCredits: 64
Cost per credit: $545 in-state | $925 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Options: Public Administration, Foreign Languages
Program Highlights:- The curriculum gives the students enough knowledge and skills to address the needs of individuals to become leaders in a multicultural society
- Every year, their graduates are among the highest achieving on New York’s Social Work licensure exams
College of Saint Rose
Albany, NYCredits: 62
Cost per credit: $863
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- MSSW program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Curriculum seamlessly blends theory and practice, ensuring that students develop a strong understanding of social work principles
College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $620 in-state | $1000 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Disabilities
Program Highlights:- Committed to excellence in teaching, service, and and dissemination of knowledge
- Provide graduates with the knowledge, skills and values to dismantle oppression and injustice
Columbia University
New YorkCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,834
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Dual Degree Options: Business Administration, Education, Jewish Studies, Law, Public Health, Public Policy, Theology or Divinity, Urban Planning
Program Highlights:- The program offers a practical, hands-on field training supervised by highly experienced social work practitioners.
- At Columbia SSW, students can choose among learning platforms, programs, concentrations and dual degrees
Daemen University
Amherst, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,056
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- The curriculum incorporates licensure preparation to support students in passing the licensure exams.
- Students will gain practical experience through field education while working alongside licensed social work professionals
Fordham University
New York and West Harrison, NYCredits: 62
Cost per credit: $995
Plan of Study: Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- The curriculum is designed to be future-focused, equipping students with tools, skills, and a strong foundation in theory and ethics
- Offers a comprehensive curriculum that aims to transform students into highly competent and versatile practitioners
Hunter College, City University of New York
New York, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $620 in-state | $1,000 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, International Social Work, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Occupational, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Dual Degree Options: Education, Theology or Divinity
Program Highlights:- State-of-the-art campus designed specifically to meet the needs of its community
- Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College prepares students for diverse social work practice and research.
Keuka College
Victor, Syracuse, Keuka Park,& Corning, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $824
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- Offering a unique MSW program that focuses on the prevention of mental illness and behavioral disturbances, setting it apart in the region.
- Keuka College is renowned for its personalized and hands-on learning approach, adapting to the rapidly changing world
- Versatile Social Work knowledge that translates to a range of generalist roles and leadership positions
Lehman College, City University of New York
Bronx, NYCredits: 65
Cost per credit: $620 in-state | $1,000 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Empowers social workers to become influential leaders in the urban-based agencies
- Students are eligible to take the New York State Licensing Exam
Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative
Brookville, Brooklyn & Brentwood, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,352
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Addictions, Children, Youth, and Families, Criminal Justice, Management or Administration, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Certification: Addictions, Gerontology, Non-Profit Management, Other, Forensic Social Work
Program Highlights:- Outstanding academic standards and excellence as recognized by CSWE
- Offers a progressive curriculum for generalist and specialized social work practice
Nazareth University
Rochester, NYCredits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $790
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Devoted to teaching future social workers for specialized practice
- Provides an interprofessional approach to education and practice
New York University
Bronxville, New York & Sparkill, NYCredits: 65
Cost per credit: $1,527
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Dual Degree Options: Law, Other, Public Administration, Public Health
Program Highlights:- Offers an outstanding training in clinical social work practice
- The MSW Curriculum has a strong emphasis on direct practice
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $759
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health
Dual Degree Options: Theology or Divinity
Program Highlights:- The MSW program provides a specialized focus on Mental Health and Child/Family Services
- A dynamic program will provide interactions with competent instructors
State University of New York at Stony Brook
Stony Brook & New York, NYCredits: 64
Cost per credit: $715 in-state | $1,095 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, Mental Health
Dual Degree Options: Law, Public Health
Program Highlights:- Provides a generalist foundation of courses and field education for students
- Provides students with the needed theoretical expertise to function with maximum competence
SUNY Brockport
Rochester, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $436 in-state | $523 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Gerontology
Program Highlights:- Day & evening classes; daytime fieldwork
- Graduates go on to clinical, supervisory, and administrative positions in private, non-profit organizations and government agencies
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,111
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Integrated Practice
Program Highlights:- Program has a specialization in military culture and mental health practice
- The foundation level coursework emphasizes generalist social work practice at different levels.
Touro University
New York & Brooklyn, NYCredits: 65
Cost per credit: $820
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- The program is designed to equip with knowledge and skills to overcome social injustices
- Offers in-depth training in clinical social work along with a variety of fieldwork opportunities.
University at Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $683 in-state | $1,063 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Dual Degree Options: Criminal Justice, Law, Public Health
Program Highlights:- Offers a combined MSW/PhD Program for students
- The MSW program offer internships with a focus on aging and mental health
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Buffalo, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $756 in-state | $1,136 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Dual Degree Options: Business Administration, Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Public Health
Certification: Trauma
Program Highlights:- Students will be immersed in a highly ranked MSW program to create transformational change
- Offers 2 MSW Programs, allowing students to choose their coursework
Yeshiva University
New York, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,138
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Dual Degree Options: Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Gerontology, Jewish Services, Other, School Social Work, Trauma, Military, Hospice
Program Highlights:- Since 1957, their MSW program has consistently ranked among the top
- No GRE required and students are automatically considered for scholarships
York College, City University of New York
Jamaica, NYCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $620 in-state | $1,000 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Health
Program Highlights:- Offers an affordable MSW degree with an easily accessible campus
- Engage in New York State licensing exam, in preparation for the LMSW exam
MSW programs in New York
As a diverse and highly populated state, New York is home of many different master’s in social work (MSW) programs that vary by specializations offered, modes of course delivery and scheduling options, dual-degree programs, and fieldwork opportunities.
Students can find MSW programs at both state and private universities. The Council on Social Work Education provides a convenient, searchable database of online and on-campus MSW programs. There are 23 accredited MSW programs in New York State with 12 offering full online options.
All MSW programs incorporate coursework and fieldwork, providing students with the experience they need to begin a career in clinical social work or work in other areas such as research or advocacy. MSW fieldwork experience is necessary to provide future social workers with the hands-on experience they need to become clinicians, advocates, and managers.
Students will want to find an MSW program from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or CSWE. Attending an accredited program is required for social work licensure and ensures that a program’s coursework is up-to-date with current social work practices and concepts.
All CSWE-accredited MSW programs will include:
- Coursework that encompasses all general social work concepts and ideas including generalist practice, human behavior and the social environment, social policy, and research methods. MSW programs also offer electives and advanced coursework.
- MSW programs may include special classes, training, or certificate programs for students who want to focus on a particular speciality area such as healthcare or substance abuse treatment social work.
- MSW programs require fieldwork that is completed under the supervision of an LCSW in a variety of settings such as community mental health, child welfare, private therapeutic practice, schools, and community organizations. Online MSW program students can fulfill their fieldwork hours at a local agency not located in New York State provided the placement has been approved by the school and there is an LCSW available to provide supervision to clinical students.
Online MSW programs in New York
On-campus programs are often beneficial for students pursuing an MSW since fieldwork is easy to incorporate into an existing coursework schedule. Fieldwork may even be available at a clinic on campus. Furthermore, being on a New York City or State campus and working in the community can be an unparalleled learning experience in itself.
However, students can also find online MSW programs based in New York with access to professors who are at the top of their field and have worked in New York.
Some programs combine the best of both worlds by allowing students to take the bulk of their coursework online while requiring one or two residencies a year where students stay on campus or locally for several days to attend classes, meet colleagues and professors in person, and experience what the local community has to offer.
One program that offers such an option is Adelphi University’s online MSW program. Many may opt for online programs because of their unique benefits. For instance:
- Online MSW programs often offer more flexible scheduling than on campus programs. Flexible programs may be preferred by students who are juggling school, jobs, fieldwork, and family. Other online MSW programs may have rapid-pace scheduling and be suitable for particularly motivated students or those who already have a BSW.
- Online MSW programs from universities outside New York might be a good choice, especially if a student can get a better financial deal or if they recently moved to New York and wish to continue their education at their former university. Students just need to be sure that the university in question requires the same number of clinical practice hours as New York’s state licensure requirements.
Here are some other examples of online MSW programs based in New York:
- The University of Buffalo online MSW program offers advanced standing to those who already have a BSW. The program does not require a capstone project or thesis. Those who are within commutable distance from campus are encouraged to take some in-person classes. This school’s MSW program is highly customizable, trauma-informed, and takes a human rights approach.
- Fordham University’s online MSW program requires weekly synchronous sessions of 1.5 hours with the rest of the coursework offered through an online learning platform. Semesters are divided into two eight week sessions. Students with advanced standing can complete their coursework in as little as three semesters. There is also a general accelerated track for non-BSW holders that can take as little as 15 to 16 months to complete, however most part-time and full-time students take two or more years to finish their coursework. Online students have access to a range of advanced courses and specializations and benefit from the program’s human rights focus.
- The online MSW program at Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work is highly customizable. Online students may choose to take fully asynchronous classes or synchronous classes with one live class meeting per week. The MSW program offered three advanced practice specializations, seven course of study concentrations, and six certificate programs. Advanced standing students with a BSW can finish the program in as little as three semesters to earn 30 credits, while traditional students must complete 60 credits of coursework.
How to become a social worker in New York
After graduating from an accredited MSW program students may apply for licensure at the LMSW or LCSW level. Most MSW students will have enough fieldwork hours to take their licensing exams immediately after graduating. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. In New York, the State Education Department oversees the licensing of professional social workers.
Licensed master social worker (LMSW)
LMSW is the entry-level social work license in New York. It allows social workers to be employed at social work clinics and organizations. The LMSW is often used as a stepping stone to the LCSW by providing opportunities to gain the experience or practice hours necessary to become an LCSW. The following criteria are required for earning the LMSW in New York State: LMSW:
- Complete a required “identification and reporting of child abuse” course, which can be obtained from several approved providers throughout New York State. You may be exempted from this requirement if you won’t be providing services for children or disabled adults who live in residential facilities.
- Complete the application for LMSW licensure. This involves submitting a $294 licensing fee, as well as asking your school to submit documentation that you earned your MSW.
- Complete the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) master’s examination. It is a four-hour exam consisting of 170 multiple-choice questions that costs $230. Once you pass the exam you are licensed!
There is a limited LMSW permit option for those who have not yet passed the exam. Applicants must submit an application and pay the $294 licensing fee, provide documentation of their MSW degree, and complete required child abuse training. Those with the limited license may only do clinical work under the supervision of an LCSW.
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
The LCSW is the most common social work license in New York because it is required to open your own clinic or practice in a clinical setting. The following criteria must be met to get licensed at this level:
- Have at least 12 semester hours of clinical coursework and at least three years of post-MSW supervised experience in psychotherapy, diagnosis, and assessment-based treatment planning
- Complete training in the identification and reporting of child abuse, offered as a single course
- Provide documentation that you earned your MSW
- Submit your LCSW application and pay the $294 fee. You’ll also need to submit other required documentation
- Complete the ASWB advanced generalist exam, which costs $260 and consists of 170 questions over four hours. Once you pass the exam you are licensed!
There is also a limited LCSW permit option for those who have not yet passed the exam. Applicants must submit an application and pay the $294 licensing fee plus another $70 for the limited permit, provide documentation of their degree, and complete the required child abuse training. Those with the limited permit may only do clinical work under the supervision of an LCSW.
To become a reimbursable psychotherapist LCSWs must earn the “R” privilege by completing three years of supervised experience in psychotherapy, completing an application, and paying a fee. Social workers in New York State must renew their license every three years. This involves completing 36 hours of continuing education courses, and no more than 12 of those hours per every license renewal period can be self-study – in other words, 24 hours must be taken in a classroom or group setting. You will also need to pay a renewal fee of $179.
Social worker careers and social worker salaries in New York
In New York State, and especially New York City, salaries in general and for social workers are typically higher than national averages due to the high cost of living in New York.
National average earnings for social workers is $50,470 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while in New York State the average salary social workers tend to make varies by specialty.
The BLS breaks down social worker earnings and populations across several social work specialties including work with children and families, healthcare social work, and substance abuse treatment social work. Some of these specialties require state certification. This information is detailed in the following sections:
School social work in New York State
According to Glassdoor, school social workers in New York State make an average salary of $69,518. In comparison the national average salary for school social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is $66,700.
School social workers have many different responsibilities including counseling students, creating school code of conduct and anti-bullying policies, and creating and monitoring IEPs for special education students. Social work opportunities in K-12 schools in New York State include working in public school systems, private schools, and special education programs (e.g., BOCES).
The New York State School Social Workers’ Association provides information about how to become a licensed school social worker. Aspiring school social workers must obtain a provisional, then a permanent, certification from the New York State Education Department. To be provisionally certified applicants must have a BSW and be in the process of earning their MSW. Permanent certification requires an MSW and LMSW. Fingerprinting, child safety workshops, and a specified number of field experience or work hours in a school setting are required for both levels of certification.
Social work with children and families in New York
New York State is second only to California in the number of school, child, and family social workers working in the state at 24,270 in 2021, according to BLS. The average New York State salary for school, child and family social workers in 2021 was $68,660 and the mean hourly wage was $33.01. In comparison, the national average salary for this group of occupations was $54,880 and the mean hourly wage was $26.39.
Social work students interested in working with children and families have many varied opportunities in New York State, and elsewhere, including providing therapeutic services at a community mental health clinic, working in public child welfare or for a private adoption or foster care agency or a home visiting program, or providing private therapeutic services to children and families.
Child-focused social workers may also contract with a school or school district to provide mental health services to students at their school on a part-time or per-diem basis. Many child and family focused social workers deliver evidence-based trauma interventions to high-risk families impacted by domestic violence, community violence, child maltreatment, poverty, and other traumatic experiences.
State certification is not required for working in a child welfare agency in New York State, though many positions require licensure. Public child welfare agencies provide several weeks of in-service training for new employees. Earning an academic certificate in child welfare practice, or an NASW child welfare certification, can help child welfare social workers advance in their careers more quickly. Similarly, there is no specific state certification process for working with children and families in a private or community based setting, but an LCSW is required for clinical practice.
Healthcare and medical social work in New York State
According to the BLS, New York State has the most healthcare social workers of any state at 21,910 employed in 2021. In 2021, healthcare social workers in New York State earned on average $61,680 with a mean hourly wage of $29.66. In comparison, the mean national salary was $62,310 with a mean hourly wage of $29.96.
Healthcare and medical social workers in New York State are employed in a number of settings including nursing homes, hospitals, neonatal intensive units, rehabilitation facilities, hospice and palliative care programs, public health centers, home healthcare agencies, and private medical practices. There are opportunities for social workers to support a wide range of healthcare consumers including those who are low-income and need social services, families with children who have serious conditions or diseases, and elders living in retirement communities or public housing or who belong to senior centers.
Mental health and substance use treatment social work in New York State
New York State is second only to California in the number of public mental health and substance abuse social workers employed by the state. Including those not directly employed by the state, there were 11,540 mental health and substance abuse social workers in New York State who made an average annual salary of $75,700 and a mean hourly wage of $36.39 in 2021. This compares to a mean national salary of $56,800 and a mean hourly wage of $27.79.
Mental health social workers provide therapy to patients struggling with mental health issues and other challenges in their lives. They may specialize in working with a particular age or demographic group, and some clinical social workers specialize in running therapeutic groups. Mental health social workers are employed in a range of settings from private practice, to public mental health agencies, and community agencies. Mental health social workers who provide clinical services in New York State must have an LCSW to engage in advanced practice and supervise other clinicians.
Substance use treatment social workers are employed in similar settings including private treatment facilities and government run treatment programs. They may also work in hospitals or provide private substance use treatment and recovery services. All mental health clinicians, including social workers, who provide substance and alcohol use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the state must be credentialed by the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Four credentials are available: Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP), Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS), and Gambling Specialty Designation for CASAC, CPP, and CPS.
All other subspecialties
The BLS classifies social workers who do not fit into the subspecialty designations of child, family, school, healthcare, or mental health/substance abuse social work as “all other.” New York State based “other” social workers made about $50,000 more on average, in 2021, than “other” social workers across the country. In 2021, New York State had 2,230 “other social” workers who made on average $73,710. This compares to the mean annual salary of other social workers in the country of $63,010.
Career Advice
Find the latest social work career advice from people working directly in the field in New York. Learn more about all the different pathways and opportunities available in social work today.
- What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program in New York?
- What are the challenges or opportunities for becoming a social worker in New York?
- What does the future of social work look like in New York?
- What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding in New York?
- Do you have advice or guidance for MSW graduates pursuing a license in New York?