New York · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Albany, NY (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)
Albany, New York (population 101,228) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 17 New York programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for New York licensure.
Best MSW programs in Albany, NY
Accredited programs with a campus in Albany, NY, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Albany, NY
University at Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1968 · Online or On-Campus
8.2
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University at Albany, State University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 1968, 58 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Albany, NY). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 9.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Albany, NY
New York-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Albany, NY residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University | 1955 | Yes | #24 |
| Syracuse University | 1958 | Yes | #28 |
| Columbia University | 1919 | Yes | #42 |
| Yeshiva University | 1959 | Yes | #45 |
| Fordham University | 1929 | Yes | #46 |
| University at Buffalo, State University of New York | 1934 | Yes | #48 |
| University at Albany, State University of New York | 1968 | Yes | #56 |
| State University of New York at Stony Brook | 1971 | Yes | #59 |
| Adelphi University | 1951 | Yes | #72 |
| Touro University | 2007 | Yes | #120 |
| Roberts Wesleyan University | 1997 | Yes | #125 |
| Binghamton University, State University of New York | 2003 | Yes | #156 |
| Nazareth University | 2002 | Yes | #202 |
| Keuka College | 2015 | Yes | #238 |
| Utica University | 2021 | No | #292 |
| Daemen University | 2015 | Yes | #322 |
| State University of New York at Plattsburgh | 2024 | No | #349 |
How much do social workers make in Albany, NY in 2026?
Albany, New York sits within the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 3,620 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $83,910 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 790 | $67,190 | $46,180 – $95,370 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 530 | $76,970 | $51,920 – $100,840 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,980 | $66,540 | $49,270 – $97,300 |
| Social workers, all other | 320 | $83,910 | $58,900 – $106,440 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,060 | $88,410 | $63,040 – $131,950 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Albany, NY earn a median of $66,540 versus $65,100 statewide in New York and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the New York median.
Where do social workers work in Albany, NY in 2026?
Albany, New York sits in Albany County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Albany County Department of Mental Health
- Albany Medical Center and St. Peter’s Health Partners
- City School District of Albany
- Northern Rivers Family of Services
- Albany County Department of Social Services
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Albany, NY?
After an MSW from Albany, NY or anywhere, these are the New York social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 2000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the New York state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Albany, NY?
How much do social workers earn in Albany, NY?
Can I earn an MSW online from Albany, NY?
What license do MSW graduates need in New York?
MSW programs in other New York cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for New York license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.