NYU Silver's Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program opens doors to exciting career opportunities with our rigorous and innovative training, intensive professional development support and a strong alumni network. We approach social work through a social justice perspective and deliver an exceptional education to students interested in clinical social work practice. MSW students immerse themselves in a research-informed and hands-on curriculum, working with individuals, groups, and families.
The Master of Social Work program at the Silver School of Social Work offers opportunities to study policy and community practice as well as global social work, including study abroad courses. Our courses prepare students to make a positive impact in the world with the skills and intersectional lenses they’ll need to tackle complex social issues. Our esteemed faculty, which includes leading scholars, are trailblazers and working professionals who bring both academic and real-world experience into the classroom.
Silver’s Master of Social Work degree is attainable through a variety of pathways designed to meet student needs and allow them to pursue specializations and a wide range of electives. Students can choose to complete the program in a full-time or part-time option, along with dual-degree options.
Focused Learning Opportunities
MSW students at NYU Silver may pursue a Focused Learning Opportunity 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 Focused Learning Opportunities also offer stipends or scholarships and mentorship with faculty and practice leaders in the field locally, nationally, and globally.
While participating in a Focused Learning Opportunity 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 Focused Learning Opportunities only accept students entering their final year of the MSW program (also referred to as the Specialized Practice year); however, there are some Focused Learning Opportunities that are open to students entering the first year of the program (also referred to as the Generalist Practice year).
Admission requirements vary by Focused Learning Opportunities and a limited number of placements are available.
Child & Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention (CHAMP) Institute
School Social Work Training Academy (SSWTA)
Evidence-Based Practice
Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders
Zelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End of Life Care Fellowship
The Silver School of Social Work MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In accordance with CSWE accreditation standards, student learning outcomes are measured regularly. Graduates have a strong track record of success in passing the New York State licensing exam at both the entry level and advanced clinical level.
Admissions
The general requirements for admission to our Master’s program are:
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants should have a broad liberal arts background that includes study in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences with a minimum of 60 liberal arts credits. Course work relating to diverse cultures, social conditions, and social problems is favorably considered. Academic credit is not given for life experience in lieu of practicum education or course requirements. The GRE is not required.
A strong academic record and demonstrated intellectual capacity for graduate education.
An ability to think logically and conceptually and to formulate mature judgments.
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of the field and evidence of a commitment to social work as a profession.
Evidence of emotional maturity, concern for people, and capacity for self-awareness and personal growth.
Demonstrated concern and commitment to the values underlying professional social work.
NYU Silver’s MSW curriculum consists of a Generalist Practice level followed by a Specialized Practice level.
Generalist Practice
The Generalist Practice curriculum provides a foundation for practice through learning a range of professional roles and methods with diverse populations in a variety of settings, informed by knowledge about the social, cultural, and political context, as well as theories of human development and behavior. Learning how to apply the core social work values and ethical standards in practice is a key aspect of the curriculum, as is the use of research-based knowledge to inform practice. The Generalist Practice Practicum Placement provides the opportunity to integrate and practice in a real-world agency setting the knowledge and skills gained from every Generalist Practice course.
Specialized Practice
The Specialized Practice curriculum focuses on clinical social work within a social justice perspective, and it extends and deepens students’ assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills. Students gain a critical understanding of mental health and illness, including the social, economic, and political factors that impact them. They also learn to critically examine social policies and the links between policies and practice. Consolidation of students’ professional identity occurs at this level, including implementation of professional judgment and how to identify and manage ethical conflicts that may emerge in practice. A wide variety of electives allow students to enhance their learning about specific populations, theories, and methods. The Specialized Practice Practicum Placement provides the opportunity to integrate and practice the knowledge and skills gained from every Specialized Practice course.
In-person classes that do not meet adequate enrollment numbers will be cancelled. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in other available sections. For branch campuses, if there are no other in-person sections available for those classes that have been cancelled, priority will be given to those students to enroll in online sections.
Chinese Language*Note: Students who wish to strengthen their language skills may choose to take the Chinese Language elective during the first semester in Shanghai. Students choosing to do so must take 7 elective credits during their year in New York (usually 1 credit in January and 6 credits in Spring). Students who choose not to take Chinese must take 9 elective credits during the year in New York (usually 3 credits in Fall and 6 credits in Spring).
Elective Course*Note: Students who wish to strengthen their language skills may choose to take the Chinese Language elective during the first semester in Shanghai. Students choosing to do so must take 7 elective credits during their year in New York (usually 1 credit in January and 6 credits in Spring). Students who choose not to take Chinese must take 9 elective credits during the year in New York (usually 3 credits in Fall and 6 credits in Spring).
Chinese Language**Note: Students who wish to strengthen their language skills may choose to take the Chinese Language elective any semester in Shanghai. Students choosing to do so must take 7 elective credits during their year in New York (usually 1 credit in January and 6 credits in Spring). Students who choose not to take Chinese must take 9 elective credits during the year in New York (usually 3 credits in Fall and 6 credits in Spring).
Elective Course**Note: Students who wish to strengthen their language skills may choose to take the Chinese Language elective any semester in Shanghai. Students choosing to do so must take 7 elective credits during their year in New York (usually 1 credit in January and 6 credits in Spring). Students who choose not to take Chinese must take 9 elective credits during the year in New York (usually 3 credits in Fall and 6 credits in Spring).
You can take one or two courses a semester for a maximum of four courses (12 credits) without making a commitment to a degree program.
Credits
15
Total Credits
15
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate the following:
An understanding of the generalist foundation and advanced clinical concentration curriculum leading to the integration of theory and practice across client systems.
Knowledge of the values of the profession that include belief in the dignity and worth of each individual and a commitment to the promotion of economic and social justice.
Knowledge of how racial, ethnic, cultural, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and functional abilities impact on human development, social interaction and professional practice.
The ability to recognize and address individual prejudice and institutional oppression and discrimination.