Program Overview

Introduction to the Online Master of Social Work Program

The Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Fordham University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in social work, preparing them for careers in a variety of settings. The program is future-focused and offers an advanced integrated practice curriculum that spans populations and contexts.

Online MSW Admissions

The online MSW program seeks highly capable and dedicated students who are committed to the profession's values and ethics. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution as well as 18 undergraduate liberal arts credits.

Application Requirements

To apply, students must complete or submit the following:

• Online application
• Personal statement
• Undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts (electronic preferred)
• Letter of recommendation
• Current résumé/CV
• $60 application fee

Application Deadlines

• Fall 2026: Final deadline is April 1
• Summer 2026: Part-time deadline is March 1

Requirements for International Applicants

International applicants must reside in the United States for the duration of their enrollment in the online MSW program. To apply, they may be required to submit:

• Certified English translations of transcripts (if in a language other than English)
• English language proficiency assessment (if undergraduate degree was not taught primarily in English), such as TOEFL.

Program Options

The online MSW program offers two plans of study—traditional and advanced standing—to ensure students' experiences best fit their academic background and personal schedule.

Advanced Standing Online MSW

MSW candidates who have previously earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), or who have completed the first year of a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years, may be eligible for advanced standing. The advanced-standing plan of study includes 31 credits of advanced direct-practice coursework and may be completed in as few as eight months full-time or 16 months part-time.

Traditional Online MSW

Candidates with a bachelor's degree—other than a BSW—from an accredited institution, and who have not completed the first year of a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years, will enter the traditional plan of study. The traditional plan of study is made up of 62 credits of generalist and advanced direct-practice coursework and may be completed in as few as 16 months full-time or 24 to 32 months part-time.

Tailor the Online MSW Curriculum to Your Goals

Fordham's online MSW emphasizes holistic, 21st-century professional social work practice as defined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students are prepared for meaningful careers across a range of practice areas, which may include:

• Clinical practice: Providing direct services that address clients' overall well-being.
• Organizational leadership: Working effectively with entire communities and organizations, including private and public companies and non-profits.
• Advocacy: Managing organizations, creating policy, and advancing social, economic, and political change.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum features both a generalist phase and a specialist phase. Traditional MSW students must complete both phases, whereas advanced-standing MSW students need only to complete the specialist phase.

Field Education Near Your Community

Field education is an integral part of the online MSW program. Both Traditional and Advanced Standing MSW students may begin their clinical training soon after starting classes.

Field Education Phases

• Generalist Field Work (Traditional MSW): Designed for those in the traditional plan of study, this phase exposes students to foundational graduate-level social work tasks and opportunities.
• Specialist Field Work (Traditional and Advanced-Standing MSW): All online MSW students complete specialist field placement work, typically in their preference of micro or macro field work.

Online MSW Student Experience

Fordham's online MSW program offers a fulfilling online academic experience focused on caring for the whole person—and that starts with caring about students. The program is designed specifically for online learning, integrating classes, coursework, and communication into one intuitive platform.

Student Support

Fordham recognizes the challenges students face and seeks to fully support them as individuals with busy lives. The online experience offers a wide range of comprehensive support, including:

• An academic adviser who helps students choose courses and stay on track to earn their degree.
• A placement specialist who identifies local and faculty-approved sites for clinical training.
• A field adviser who provides constructive, ongoing professional feedback.
• A student services adviser who acclimates students to the online campus and serves as a resource throughout their journey.
• Career Services specialists who help students define their professional goals and prepare for the next step in their career.
• Technical support specialists who are available 24/7 to help, if needed.