New York · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near New York, NY (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
New York, New York (population 8,258,035) has 11 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 1 more accredited program 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 New York, NY
Accredited programs with a campus in New York, 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 New York, NY 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 In New York, NY
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 In New York, NY
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 In New York, NY
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 In New York, NY
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 In New York, 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
- #7 In New York, NY
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
- #8 In New York, NY
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
- #9 In New York, NY
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
- #10 In New York, NY
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
- #11 In New York, NY
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
Best MSW programs near New York, NY
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of New York, NY, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Patchogue · ~49 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 New York, NY
New York-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which New York, 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 New York, NY in 2026?
New York, 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 New York, 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 New York, NY in 2026?
New York, New York sits in New York City (five boroughs). Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public health system in the U.S.
- NYC Administration for Children’s Services and the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Mount Sinai Health System and NewYork-Presbyterian
- New York City Public Schools
- The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s 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 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 New York, NY?
After an MSW from New York, 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.
How do MSW students afford to live in New York City?
New York City is one of the most expensive places in the country to be a graduate student, and rent is the number that keeps most MSW candidates up at night. Housing near Manhattan campuses runs far above what students pay in the outer boroughs, so many candidates trade a longer commute from Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx for a rent they can actually carry.
Two things soften the math. Social work is a natural fit for public-service loan forgiveness, since so many local placements sit with government offices and qualifying nonprofits. And nearly every program offers a part-time evening track that lets students keep working while they study. Weigh the borrowing against the long-run payoff on our social work salary pages before you commit.
Multilingual social work in New York City
New York City may be the most linguistically diverse place on earth, with residents conducting daily life in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Russian, Haitian Creole, Arabic, and dozens more. For social workers, that reality shapes almost every case. A caseworker in Jackson Heights, Sunset Park, or the Bronx will routinely work through interpreters and lean on cultural knowledge that no textbook fully supplies.
Field placements across immigrant-serving nonprofits, legal-aid partners, and community health centers give MSW students real practice in this work. If you speak a second language, name it early; agencies actively recruit bilingual staff. A macro or policy lens helps too, since immigration status touches housing, health, and school access all at once. Our social-justice-focused program guide is a useful starting point.
Homelessness and housing social work in New York City
Few cities put housing at the center of social work the way New York does. The metro carries one of the largest homeless-services systems in the nation, and the work runs from emergency shelter and street outreach to supportive housing, eviction prevention, and rehousing families out of the shelter system. It is demanding, high-volume practice, and the need is constant.
MSW students find placements across city agencies, shelters, and the nonprofits that run supportive-housing programs, learning to pair clinical skills with hard logistics like benefits, arrears, and landlord negotiation. The role blends direct service with case management and often crosses into program and community-service management. It is some of the most tangible work in the field, and it is always hiring.
Hospital and healthcare social work across the boroughs
New York City runs one of the densest concentrations of hospitals and health systems anywhere, from the public network to major academic medical centers and a web of community clinics. That scale creates steady demand for healthcare social workers who handle discharge planning, connect patients to benefits and home care, and support families through serious illness and end-of-life decisions.
The setting rewards clinicians who stay calm under pressure and know the safety net cold, since a single discharge can hinge on insurance, immigration status, and housing all together. Many students move toward licensure to open clinical roles; New York licenses the LMSW and LCSW through the State Education Department, and you can read the steps on our credentialing page. See what the day-to-day looks like on our healthcare social worker career page.
Is New York City good for macro and policy social work careers?
For students drawn to the big picture, few cities offer more. New York City holds an unusually deep bench of advocacy organizations, foundations, research institutes, and human-service nonprofits, alongside a sprawling municipal government that employs social workers in planning, evaluation, and program design. Macro practitioners here shape budgets, coalitions, and policy rather than working one case at a time.
The pathways range from community organizing and grant-funded program leadership to policy analysis and administration inside city and state systems. If you are weighing that route against clinical practice, it helps to understand the levels of the field first; our explainer on the difference between macro and mezzo work lays out where these roles sit and how an MSW prepares you for each.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in New York, NY?
How much do social workers earn in New York, NY?
Can I earn an MSW online from New York, 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.