Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in New York

Step 1 | Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a Related Field.

You may need a master’s degree to work in New York as a social worker, but a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) degree provides the foundation for advanced education. However, you can jump into social work after studying other undergraduate majors, such as counseling, human services, and public policy.

The traditional BSW degree takes four years to complete. But many graduate schools provide advanced standing in MSW programs in New York if you have an undergrad education in social work. This option lets you graduate faster.

Step 2 | Earn a CSWE-Accredited Master’s Degree in Social Work.

A master’s degree in social work opens the door to a career as a child and family social worker. The degree also prepares you for school social worker, healthcare social worker, and mental health and addiction social worker roles. You can even become a health services manager or work as a social policy advisor.

If you want to become a licensed social worker in New York, you must graduate from a CSWE-accredited program.

To get admitted into MSW programs in New York, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Programs often provide advanced standing if you have a BSW, which puts you ahead of other students in your cohort. You may need to provide GRE scores with your application. Schools may also ask you to submit a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, a resume, and official college transcripts.

Step 3 | Pursue Post-Graduate Experience.

New York requires that licensed social workers have at least three years of supervised work experience after earning their MSWs. This work should include conducting assessments, making diagnoses, and performing psychotherapy at a New York-based facility —one that is authorized to provide clinical social work services. Before applying for licensure, you must query the State Board to ensure your placement meets the requirements.

Your supervisors must also be qualified and provide continual guidance. Physicians, psychologists, and licensed social workers can supervise and evaluate your work. During the supervised clinical experience, you must keep your supervisor up to date on your cases. For example, you need to inform them about diagnoses and treatment plans.

Step 4 | Complete Required Pre-Licensure Coursework.

As mandated reporters, social workers must report any suspicion of child abuse under the law. Teachers, social workers, psychologists, and other professionals who work with children must complete training to learn about their legal obligation to protect children.

Pre-licensure courses for future social workers in New York include training to learn how to identify child abuse or neglect. Paid courses differ by region in New York with self-paced or real-time offerings. Generally, you can expect to spend two hours on a course.

Step 5 | Submit Your Application for Social Work Licensure

You must submit an application for licensure and pay the $294 fee. Limited permits cost $70. Eligible candidates for social work licensure must also meet other requirements. For instance, you must have graduated from an approved master’s in social work program. You must also send verification of your education to the New York State Education Department.

In addition, your supervisor must submit verification to the State Education Department to prove you’ve completed your required supervised clinical hours. Once the New York State Education Department verifies your education and eligibility, it will let you know if you can sit for the licensing exam.

Step 6 | Take and Pass the Required Licensing Exams.

Do you have what it takes to perform your job safely and ethically? The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) issues the licensing exams that evaluate a social worker’s competency in human development, human behavior, and assessments.

Depending on your education and career goals, you can take the advanced generalist or clinical exam. Or you can take the associate, bachelor’s, or master’s exam. After getting approval to take the test, you can order a practice exam.

Over about four hours, expect to see 170 multiple-choice questions, including 20 pretest questions. You get scored based on your answers to 150 questions. While taking the test at an approved Pearson VUE center, you can save and correct your answers as you go.