Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at New York University offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice across diverse settings. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the program aims to develop highly competent professionals committed to social justice, ethical practice, and serving vulnerable populations. Students enrolled in the program benefit from NYU’s central New York City location, providing unparalleled opportunities for internships, field placements, and community engagement with a wide range of organizations and populations.

The MSW program at NYU features a flexible curriculum tailored to meet the needs of full-time and part-time students. It includes foundational coursework in human behavior and the social environment, social justice and policy, research methods, and ethical practice. Specialized concentrations allow students to focus on areas such as clinical practice, community and organizational practice, or policy and advocacy. The curriculum integrates coursework with extensive field education, requiring students to complete supervised practicums that provide real-world experience and facilitate professional development.

Faculty members at NYU are distinguished professionals with expertise in clinical social work, policy analysis, community organizing, and research. They are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking, cultural competency, and innovative approaches to social work challenges. The program also offers opportunities for research, advocacy, and leadership development, empowering students to become agents of change within their communities.

Graduates of the NYU MSW program are well-equipped to pursue licensure and careers in clinical practice, administration, policy advocacy, and community organizing. Many alumni work in hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations, making impactful contributions to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Upon completion, students join a vast network of social work professionals committed to social justice and systemic change, supported by NYU’s strong reputation and extensive alumni network.

Overall, the NYU Master of Social Work program embodies the university’s dedication to academic excellence, social equity, and practical impact. It prepares students not only to meet current social work demands but also to lead innovations in the field, advocate for underserved populations, and influence policy and practice at local, national, and global levels. This dynamic and responsive program ensures graduates are ready to address complex social issues with compassion, competence, and a commitment to lasting positive change.

SOCIAL WORK CORE (8 courses)

Core courses are designed to ground students in social work as a discipline and profession. The core courses are also designed to ensure basic doctoral level competency in research methods and statistics. Students will begin their mentored research practicum in this phase.

• Philosophy of Science and Knowledge Development
• History of Social Work and Social Policy Analysis
• Macro Level Theories in the Social Sciences
• Social and Behavioral Intervention Research
• Introductory Quantitative Methods
• Introductory Qualitative Methods
• Statistics I: Introductory Statistics
• Statistics II: Conceptual and Methodological Issues in Applied Data Analysis

ADVANCED METHODOLOGICAL/STATISTICAL COURSES (3)

Doctoral students select a methodological specialization in advanced qualitative methods, advanced quantitative methods, or a hybrid of both. These courses provide additional training in research methods and advanced statistical analysis.

SUBSTANTIVE AREA OF EXPERTISE COURSES (3)

Silver PhD Program faculty has particular strength and expertise in four core areas.  Doctoral students are encouraged to focus their substantive expertise in one or more of the core areas:

• Mental health and clinical science
• Global social welfare and public health
• Children, youth, and families

CAREER PREPARATION AND SCHOLARLY IMPACT (2)

Doctoral students will complete two courses focused on developing competencies for entry and success in academia and social welfare leadership.

• Teaching and Learning in Social Work
• Dissertation Proseminar: Career Preparation

MENTORED RESEARCH PRACTICUM

The research practicum is focused training designed to develop knowledge and applied skills for a successful career as an independent researcher and scholar. Students will work in collaboration with their assigned mentors on a clearly defined research project. Each student should have the opportunity to engage in the following types of tasks: research planning; study design; study implementation; data collection; data analysis; interpretation of findings; and dissemination of the results through publication in peer reviewed journals.

Each semester, doctoral students will be registered and receive a formal Pass/Fail grade for the research practicum.

QUALIFYING EXAM

All students must pass a qualifying exam, which serves as an examination of what students have learned to date in the program and a determination of whether they are ready to engage in independent research. Successful completion of the qualifying exam also demonstrates that a student is able to adhere to accepted norms of scholarship and produce written work of publishable quality. The format of the qualifying exam is an integrative review paper.

DISSERTATION PROPOSAL

In creating a dissertation proposal, students will choose a topic or research question to study, and will form a dissertation committee based on their research area interest and faculty area of expertise. Students will submit their written proposal to the dissertation committee and arrange for an oral defense.

DISSERTATION

The student, in consultation with their dissertation committee, will determine the appropriate structure and form of the dissertation. All dissertations will be evaluated on the quality and clarity of the conception, writing, presentation, evidence of scholarship and systematic inquiry, originality, and significance to the field of social works. Students will submit a written dissertation and also have an oral defense of their dissertation, which is open to the public.

Requirements

• MSW degree with a graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4 point scale;
• Bachelor's degree with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4 point scale;
• In addition to completing the required forms in the online application, applicants must also arrange for official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work to be mailed directly to the address listed below. If degree work is incomplete at the time of application, applicants should send transcripts of completed work later, followed by a final transcript when all grades and the award of the degree are recorded.
• Applicants must provide a current curriculum vitae/résumé with their completed application.
• Applicants must have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) at a certified testing center. To speed processing, applicants may send copies of their score reports to our office with their application materials; however, an official score report is still required. Please be sure to indicate the date you took or expect to take the test. The GRE code for the Silver School of Social Work is 2506.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must also submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The School code for these tests is 2506.
• Applicants should retain a copy of their completed application form and statement of research interest for their records.
• Complete the online application payment with your credit card, or enclose a non-refundable application fee of $75.00 (USD) in the form of a check or money order made payable to New York University-Social Work.
• The completed application form and all supporting materials must be received no later than 11:59 pm (17:00h) Eastern Standard Time on January 9, 2017, in order for your application to be considered.

Scholarships

Full-time students are typically awarded a Dean’s Fellowship to support their doctoral studies. The Fellowship includes:

• Full tuition and registration service fee waivers for required coursework
• Graduate student health insurance 
• Graduate assistantship stipend
• Paid research and teaching opportunities

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at New York University is designed to prepare students for effective practice in the field of social work by combining rigorous academic coursework with practical field education. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of social justice issues, human behavior, and organizational systems, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to address complex social problems across diverse populations and settings. NYU's MSW curriculum incorporates both foundation courses in social work principles and advanced specializations that allow students to focus on areas such as clinical practice, community social work, or policy advocacy. The program offers flexible options, including full-time and part-time study schedules, to accommodate students’ varying needs and commitments. Students have access to extensive field placement opportunities in New York City, one of the most dynamic social service environments in the world, providing hands-on experience under the supervision of seasoned professionals. The faculty comprises experienced social workers and scholars engaged in innovative research that influences social policy and practice globally. Additionally, NYU’s MSW program fosters a diverse and inclusive learning community, encouraging students to develop cultural competency and ethical practice skills. Graduates of the program are prepared for licensure as clinical social workers and are well-positioned for careers in healthcare, mental health, child and family services, education, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The university also offers specialized pathways within the MSW, such as dual degrees and certificate programs, enhancing career opportunities. With its strategic location in New York City, NYU’s social work program provides unparalleled access to community agencies, policy makers, and innovative social programs, making it a leading choice for students aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.