New York · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Garden City, NY (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Garden City, New York (population 22,835) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 11 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 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 Garden City, NY
Accredited programs with a campus in Garden City, 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 Garden City, NY
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1951 · Online or On-Campus
7.9
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Adelphi University has held CSWE accreditation since 1951, 75 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Garden City, NY; Hauppauge, NY; New York, NY; and more). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 10.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Garden City, NY
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Garden City, NY, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 New York · ~16 mi National #24 Online #24
New York University
Bronxville, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1955 · Online or On-Campus
8.9
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
New York University has held CSWE accreditation since 1955, 71 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Bronxville, NY; New York, NY; Sparkill, NY; and more). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 dual-degree options and 6 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 New York · ~16 mi
Columbia University
New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · Online or On-Campus
8.6
7 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Columbia University has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New York, NY). It records 7 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Clinical or Direct Practice; Social Justice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 9 dual-degree options.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Social Justice, Management or Administration, Social Policy, Integrated Practice, Leadership
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 New York · ~16 mi
Yeshiva University
New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1959 · Online or On-Campus
8.6
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Yeshiva University has held CSWE accreditation since 1959, 67 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New York, NY). It records 3 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems; Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 6 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 New York · ~16 mi
Fordham University
New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1929 · Online or On-Campus
8.5
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
Fordham University has held CSWE accreditation since 1929, 97 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New York, NY; West Harrison, NY). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. A part-time plan of study is available. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 2 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
- #5 New York · ~16 mi
Hunter College, City University of New York
New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1958 · On-Campus
8.0
15 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Hunter College, City University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 1958, 68 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (New York, NY). It records 15 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems; Social Justice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Social Justice, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Occupational, Program Evaluation, Research, School Social Work, Social Policy, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Trauma, Macro Social Work, Practice with a Specific Racial or Ethnic Group, Organizational Leadership
Visit the Hunter College, City University of New York MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #6 New York · ~16 mi
Touro University
New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2007 · Online or On-Campus
6.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Touro University has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New York, NY; Brooklyn NY). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #7 New York · ~16 mi
Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative
Brookville, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2003 · On-Campus
6.7
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative has held CSWE accreditation since 2003, 23 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Brookville, NY; Brooklyn NY; Brentwood, NY). It records 3 concentrations (Substance Use Disorders; Children, Youth, and Families; Forensic Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Substance Use Disorders, Children, Youth, and Families, Forensic Social Work
Visit the Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #8 New York · ~16 mi
Lehman College, City University of New York
Bronx, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2004 · On-Campus
5.4
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Lehman College, City University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 2004, 22 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Bronx, NY). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Visit the Lehman College, City University of New York MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #9 New York · ~16 mi
College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2014 · On-Campus
4.9
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
College of Staten Island has held CSWE accreditation since 2014, 12 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Staten Island, NY). It records 1 concentration (Disabilities). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Disabilities
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.4
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #10 New York · ~16 mi
York College, City University of New York
Queens, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2018 · On-Campus
4.6
1 concentration No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
York College, City University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 2018, 8 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Queens, NY). It records 1 concentration (Healthcare). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Healthcare
Visit the York College, City University of New York MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 3.2
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #11 Patchogue · ~33 mi
St. Joseph's University of New York
Patchogue, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2022 · On-Campus
4.4
1 concentration No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
St. Joseph's University of New York has held CSWE accreditation since 2022, 4 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Patchogue, NY). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Visit the St. Joseph's University of New York MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 2.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 3.2
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Garden City, NY
New York-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Garden City, 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 Garden City, NY in 2026?
Garden City, New York sits within the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 55,130 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $85,080 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 | 17,250 | $78,610 | $50,060 – $108,260 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 12,090 | $82,450 | $52,800 – $125,870 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 24,350 | $66,540 | $49,820 – $108,720 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,440 | $85,080 | $58,810 – $118,350 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 16,090 | $100,570 | $68,210 – $162,290 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Garden City, 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 Garden City, NY in 2026?
Garden City, New York sits in Nassau County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Nassau County Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services
- NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island
- Adelphi University
- Family & Children’s Association (FCA)
- Nassau BOCES and area school districts
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 New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Garden City, NY?
After an MSW from Garden City, 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.
Social work in an affluent Nassau County suburb
Garden City is a well-established Nassau County suburb, and suburban affluence carries its own set of social work needs that outsiders sometimes overlook. Prosperity does not shield families from mental illness, addiction, grief, or the strains of aging, and the professionals who help are often social workers embedded in schools, medical offices, and family agencies.
Practicing on the affluent parts of Long Island means meeting clients who may be reluctant to seek help, and doing so with discretion and skill. It also means understanding the wider county, where need is unevenly distributed. For a clinician, it is steady, clinically rich work. If private practice or therapy is the goal, our piece on whether you can be a therapist with an MSW is a useful place to start.
Older adult social work in Garden City
Long Island's suburbs have a sizable population of older residents, and Nassau County is no exception. Aging brings a distinct cluster of needs, from managing chronic illness and navigating Medicare to the emotional weight of losing independence, and adult children are often stretched thin trying to help their parents through it.
Geriatric and family-focused social workers are central to that support. They coordinate home care, mediate hard family conversations, and connect older adults to services that let them stay safe and connected. It is a field with growing demand as the population ages, and one where an MSW leads to meaningful clinical and care-management roles. Our careers overview maps where this specialty sits within the broader profession.
School social work in Nassau County
Nassau County is known for strong, well-funded school districts, and social workers are an established part of student support there. In these settings they counsel students through anxiety and family upheaval, coordinate services for children with special needs, and act as a bridge between school, home, and outside providers.
Well-resourced districts often mean smaller caseloads and real backing from administrators, which lets a school social worker practice the way the role is meant to be practiced. For MSW graduates drawn to working with children in a stable, structured setting, it is one of the more sustainable paths in the field. Our guide to school social work explains the role and the certification that goes with it in New York.
What does it cost to live and study on Long Island?
Long Island is expensive, and Nassau County's more affluent suburbs sit near the top of that scale. For an MSW student, high housing and living costs are the central budgeting challenge, and many candidates commute from more affordable communities or lean on the region's rail links into the city for cheaper school options.
Two things help balance the ledger. Long Island's public and nonprofit employers often qualify for public-service loan forgiveness, a natural fit for social work careers. And salaries in the New York metro run higher than in much of the state, which changes the long-run math. Weigh living costs against expected earnings on our salary pages, and compare nearby markets like Patchogue before you decide where to settle.
Healthcare social work on Long Island
Long Island is served by large, well-developed hospital systems, and Nassau County residents rely on them heavily. Within those systems, social workers manage discharge planning, coordinate complex care, and support patients and families through serious illness and difficult decisions.
Suburban medical social work often blends clinical depth with logistics, arranging home care, rehabilitation, and follow-up so that patients recover safely once they leave the hospital. It is dependable, in-demand work that suits people who stay organized under pressure and can bring calm to a frightened family. For MSW graduates, it is one of the surest entry points on the island. Our guide to healthcare social work covers the role in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Garden City, NY?
How much do social workers earn in Garden City, NY?
Can I earn an MSW online from Garden City, 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.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.