BestMSWPrograms logo: two hands reaching toward each other BestMSWPrograms

New York · MSW programs by city

Best MSW Programs near Patchogue, NY (2026)

Published · Last updated

Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology

Patchogue, New York (population 12,337) 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.

Sponsored

Best MSW programs in Patchogue, NY

Accredited programs with a campus in Patchogue, 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. #1 In Patchogue, NY

    St. Joseph's University of New York

    Patchogue, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2022  ·  On-Campus

    4.4

    1 concentration No Advanced Standing On-campus

    Why 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

Best MSW programs near Patchogue, NY

Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Patchogue, NY, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.

  1. #1 New York · ~49 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 option

    Why 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

    Visit the New York University 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%) 9.0
    • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
  2. #2 New York · ~49 mi

    Columbia University

    New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1919  ·  Online or On-Campus

    8.6

    7 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

    Why 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

    Visit the Columbia University 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%) 7.0
    • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
  3. #3 New York · ~49 mi

    Yeshiva University

    New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1959  ·  Online or On-Campus

    8.6

    3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

    Why 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

    Visit the Yeshiva University 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%) 7.0
    • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
  4. #4 New York · ~49 mi

    Fordham University

    New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1929  ·  Online or On-Campus

    8.5

    1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R2

    Why 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

    Visit the Fordham University MSW program site

    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. #5 New York · ~49 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-campus

    Why 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. #6 Garden City · ~33 mi

    Adelphi University

    Garden City, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 1951  ·  Online or On-Campus

    7.9

    1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

    Why 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

    Visit the Adelphi University MSW program site

    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. #7 New York · ~49 mi

    Touro University

    New York, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2007  ·  Online or On-Campus

    6.7

    1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

    Why 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

    Visit the Touro University MSW program site

    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. #8 New York · ~49 mi

    Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative

    Brookville, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2003  ·  On-Campus

    6.7

    3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campus

    Why 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. #9 New York · ~49 mi

    Lehman College, City University of New York

    Bronx, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2004  ·  On-Campus

    5.4

    1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campus

    Why 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. #10 New York · ~49 mi

    College of Staten Island

    Staten Island, NY, NY · CSWE-accredited since 2014  ·  On-Campus

    4.9

    1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campus

    Why 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

    Visit the College of Staten Island MSW program site

    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. #11 New York · ~49 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-campus

    Why 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

Online MSW programs available in Patchogue, NY

New York-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Patchogue, NY residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.

How much do social workers make in Patchogue, NY in 2026?

Patchogue, 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 Patchogue, 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 Patchogue, NY in 2026?

Patchogue, New York sits in Suffolk County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:

  • Suffolk County Division of Community Mental Hygiene Services
  • Long Island Community Hospital (NYU Langone)
  • Family Service League
  • Patchogue-Medford School District
  • Suffolk 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 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 Patchogue, NY?

After an MSW from Patchogue, 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.

Bilingual social work in Patchogue

Patchogue is a Suffolk County village with a large and long-established Latino community, and that shapes the social work practiced here. Families navigating language barriers, immigration questions, and access to care need practitioners who can meet them in their own language and understand the cultural context behind their concerns.

Bilingual social workers are in real demand across the area. Being able to run an assessment in Spanish, and to build trust with families wary of institutions, turns services from technically available into genuinely usable. For MSW students, especially Spanish speakers, this community offers rich, meaningful placements. Programs with an equity focus, such as those in our roundup of social-justice-focused MSW programs, prepare clinicians well for it.

Community social work on the South Shore

Sitting on Long Island's South Shore, Patchogue has the feel of a working coastal community, walkable and tight-knit, with a revived downtown and a strong sense of local identity. Social work here tends to be community-rooted, delivered through the nonprofits, clinics, and village agencies that residents already know and trust.

That closeness is an asset. A practitioner embedded in a community like this can connect a family to help through relationships rather than cold referrals, which often makes the difference in whether people follow through. For students, it is a chance to learn grassroots, relationship-driven practice. Our community service management guide shows where that kind of work can lead over a career.

School social work in Patchogue

Patchogue's schools serve a diverse student body, including many children from immigrant and Spanish-speaking families, and social workers are essential to keeping those students supported. They counsel children through anxiety and family stress, coordinate services for special needs, and often serve as the trusted link between school and home.

In a district with real linguistic and cultural diversity, bilingual school social workers are especially valuable, able to reach parents who might otherwise stay on the margins of their child's education. It is steady, purposeful work with children, and a strong fit for many new MSW graduates. Our guide to school social work explains the role and New York's certification path.

Healthcare social work across the South Shore

Suffolk County's hospitals and clinics serve the communities along the South Shore, and social workers are woven through them. In these settings they handle discharge planning, connect patients to community resources, and guide families through diagnoses and long-term care decisions.

In a diverse community like Patchogue, that work often crosses language and cultural lines, and coordinating care for uninsured or newly arrived patients calls for as much cultural humility as clinical skill. For MSW graduates, healthcare is one of the most dependable ways into the field, with clear demand across the region. Our overview of healthcare social work describes the day-to-day and the training that supports it.

Why Patchogue is more affordable than the rest of Long Island

By Long Island standards, Patchogue offers relative value. It is not inexpensive, but it is more attainable than the affluent North Shore or the pricier Nassau suburbs, which makes it a practical base for an MSW student or an early-career social worker trying to keep debt in check.

Living costs matter in a field where many first jobs sit with nonprofits and public agencies, employers that often qualify for public-service loan forgiveness. A lower cost of living can mean more freedom to take that mission-driven role rather than chasing salary. Weigh what you expect to earn against what you plan to borrow on our salary pages, and see how nearby markets like Garden City compare.

Sponsored

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Patchogue, NY?
How much do social workers earn in Patchogue, NY?
Can I earn an MSW online from Patchogue, NY?
What license do MSW graduates need in New York?

MSW programs in other New York cities

See all New York cities →

Sources

Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.