Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Long Island University is designed to educate and train professional social work practitioners who are well grounded in the profession's history, purpose, and philosophy. The program aims to prepare graduates to work with diverse populations of clients and client systems in the New York City area and beyond.

Mission

The mission of the MSW Program is to provide a step-wise progression to support student understanding of generalist and specialized social work practice. The program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), signifying that it meets the highest standards of academic excellence.

Program Overview

The MSW Program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes foundation areas of social work, such as policy, practice, human behavior, research, diversity, professional values, and promotion of social justice. The program also offers advanced year concentrations in specific areas of practice.

Admissions

The program seeks students from diverse backgrounds who reflect the diversity of the populations its graduates will serve. Students who apply to this program should be interested in working with diverse populations, including children, families, the elderly, immigrants and refugees, persons with physical and/or mental conditions, and the economically disadvantaged.

• Application for Admission
• Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
• Official copies of undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any college(s) or universities attended
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0
• International students are also required to achieve a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79 Internet-based; IELTS of 6.5 or above is also acceptable
• International students are also required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a member of NACES

Program Requirements

Continued enrollment in this program is contingent upon:

• Earning a grade of B or better in all field education courses
• Maintaining a minimum grade-point average of 3.0
• Being in compliance with all program and CSWE standards
• Earning the required 60 credits within a five-year period

Plans of Study

The MSW program at LIU Brooklyn is designed to meet the individualized needs of students. The program offers flexible course schedules, with choices for evening weekday and/or Saturday schedules. Students can complete the program in two, three, or four years.

Advanced Year Concentrations

After completing the foundation curriculum, the MSW program provides the opportunity for advanced year MSW students to choose one of five outstanding concentration areas:

• Child & Family Welfare
• Forensic Social Work
• Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors
• Other concentrations may be available, but are not specified in the provided context

Field Education

Field education is an integral component of the curriculum of any social work program. Experiences in the field engage the student in supervised social work practice and provide opportunities to apply classroom learning in the field setting. Students are required to complete a minimum of 900 hours of field education.

Program Outcomes

The program uses a variety of assessment measures to evaluate student learning outcomes, including the Foundation Curriculum Assessment Instrument (FCAI) and the Field Practicum Placement Instrument (FPPAI). The program reports its assessment outcomes to constituents and the public on its website and routinely updates its findings.

International Applicants

International applicants must submit TOEFL scores directly to Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus) and provide an international evaluation and translation for all international transcripts. These transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited organization.

Faculty and Administrators

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty and administrators, including:

• Rebecca Rivera, PhD, LCSW-R, MSW Program Director and Chief Administrator
• Jessica Rosenberg, PhD, LCSW, Professor
• Samuel Rosenberg, PhD, LCSW, DSW Program Director and Professor
• Marquis Chandler, PhD, LMSW, Assistant Professor

Accreditation

The MSW Program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), signifying that it meets the highest standards of academic excellence.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

NCAA Division I athletics in 16 sports, including basketball, football, and soccer

• Student Support Services:

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services

• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
  • Small group discussions
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance