Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Social Work Program

The Fordham University Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program is designed to prepare students to engage effectively across all areas of social work throughout their career. The program is ranked among the top 8 percent in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Program Overview

The MSW program at Fordham University provides students with tools and skills grounded in theory and ethics. The curriculum is future-focused and offers numerous scholarships and fellowship opportunities, including the Palliative Care Fellowship and the NYC Public Schools Collaborative Program. The program allows students to complete their coursework in just one day a week on campus, either full-time or part-time.

Accreditation and Competence

The Fordham MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and turns students into highly competent, integrated practitioners with the tools to succeed in every setting.

Application Deadlines

• Fall 2026 (All campuses): On-campus and Hybrid Online MSW Final deadline: April 1
• Summer 2026 (Online MSW only): Part-time deadline: March 1

Program Structure

The MSW program is designed to meet the needs of NYC and beyond. The curriculum educates students with advanced integrated practice that cuts across populations and contexts. Whether students want to work in a macro, micro, or mezzo environment, the coursework's focus on innovation will mold them into nimble social workers ready to take on the future.

Program Offers

The MSW program offers students:

• Flexible plans of study designed to meet the diverse needs of today's students
• Three convenient campus locations: Manhattan, Westchester, and Long Island
• Supervised field placements with one of the 12,000 agencies located throughout the New York metropolitan and tri-state area

Specialized Practice Certificates

For on-campus students, Fordham GSS offers two specialized practice certificates (SPCs) that can help students stand out in the social work job market:

• Specialized Practice Certificate in Health
• Specialized Practice Certificate in Crisis and Resilience On-campus students can choose one SPC to complete simultaneously with their MSW degree. To receive the certificate, students must complete three applicable courses.

Specialized Practice Certificate in Health

The Specialized Practice Certificate in Health aims to prepare students to work in a diverse range of health care settings. Students will develop applied knowledge and skills to help individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations address health and well-being.

Specialized Practice Certificate in Crisis and Resilience

The purpose of the Specialized Practice Certificate in Crisis & Resilience is to train students to respond to and prepare for work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and policymakers in the event of crises.

Advanced Standing MSW Program

Students may be eligible for advanced standing admission if they earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree or completed the first year of a CSWE-accredited MSW program. This plan of study enables students to bypass the foundation coursework they have already completed and earn their MSW degree in just nine months, saving over $30,000 in the process.

Hybrid MSW Program

The hybrid MSW program allows students to split their classes between Molloy University's campus and Fordham's Lincoln Center campus, or complete their classes online. Both paths lead to a Fordham M.S.W. upon completion.

Online MSW Program

The online MSW program allows students to complete their MSW coursework fully online, providing a great option for those who cannot come to campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What jobs can I get with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree?
• What is an MSW degree, anyway?
• How long does it take to earn a degree in social work?
• Is a social work degree right for me?

Career Opportunities

Social workers are offered a variety of career options after obtaining their Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree, thanks to the versatility of the degree itself. Some common settings for social work jobs include:

• Clinical Social Work (therapist; L.C.S.W. needed)
• Child Welfare Agencies
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Palliative Care Social Worker
• Military Social Worker
• Social Work Administrator
• Government and Policy

Demand for social workers continues to rise in the United States, with employment projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than average compared to other professions.