Program Overview
Master of Social Work in Social Work
Overview
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Albany prepares students for a profession focused on improving individual and societal well-being with enduring commitments to social and economic justice. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and meets the education qualification for master and clinical social work licensure in New York State.
Program of Study
The MSW program builds a comprehensive foundation in social work, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Students will be prepared for all levels of practice – micro, mezzo, and macro – meaning they will develop expertise to support individuals, families, small groups, communities, organizations, and even shape policies.
Core Courses
- Introductory Research Methodology
- Social Welfare Policy Practice
- Human Behavior and Social Environment I and II
- Integrated Theory and Practice I-IV
- Field Instruction I and II
Social Work Practicum
Field instruction through supervised field practicums is a vital part of the MSW program at UAlbany. Hundreds of social and human service agencies and community organizations in and around the Capital Region partner with the university to provide these field practicums.
Degree Options
Full-Time MSW
- Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups.
- Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations, and Systems.
- Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.
- Electives: Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.
Part-Time MSW
- Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups.
- Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations, and Systems.
- Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.
- Electives: Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.
Online MSW
- Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups.
- Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations, and Systems.
- Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.
- Electives: Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.
MPH/MSW
- This three-year program of full-time study is comprised of 93 total credits across the College of Integrated Health Sciences.
- Area 1: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups.
- Area 2: Courses designated as Advanced Practice with Communities, Organizations, and Systems.
- Area 3: Courses designated as Advanced Research.
- Electives: Select two courses from any of the 3 Areas practice areas or other graduate courses.
MSW/PhD
- The joint MSW/PhD program allows qualified students to earn the MSW and PhD degrees with 87 credits instead of the 96 required to earn the degrees separately.
- Students who complete the program can potentially gain licensure as an LMSW or LCSW and provide direct service as well as pursue careers in academia or research.
Career Paths in Social Work
Earning your Master of Social Work prepares you for a career with meaning, diversity, and an abundance of options. Social workers are employed in human services agencies, community organizations, government agencies, research centers, faith-based agencies, and corporations.
Specialization in Aging
The Internships in Aging Project (IAP) is a collaborative partnership between the School of Social Welfare at UAlbany and a consortium of local agencies. The partnership provides MSW students the opportunity to specialize in macro or clinical practice with aging populations.
Specialization in Mental Health
The Albany Internships in Mental Health (AIMH) is a competitive internship for students seeking intensive integration of classroom and field placement experiences in advanced mental health practice.
Becoming a Licensed Social Worker
Social work is a regulated profession, which means you need to obtain a state license to practice. The MSW program at UAlbany meets the educational requirement needed for the licensed master of social work (LMSW) and the licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for all students beginning their program in Fall 2025 or after.
Admissions Requirements
MSW Social Work (Advanced Standing)
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Background and Goals
MSW Social Work (Full-time)
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Background and Goals
MSW Social Work (Part-time)
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Background and Goals
MSW Social Work (Online)
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Background and Goals
MSW/PhD Social Work
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- CV/Resume
MSW Non-Degree Study
- Transcripts showing receipt of BA or BS
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a strong sense of professional self.
- Constructively use supervision and consultation appropriate to the area of practice.
- Are committed to and able to identify knowledge and skills for continuing personal and professional development.
- Integrate professional attitudes, values, and ethics in practice.
- Critically assessing and applying relevant practice theories and models for their differential application to varied clients and problems.
- Differentially applying practice knowledge and skills in varied settings.
- Working with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a nondiscriminatory manner that maximizes client strengths and counters the effects of oppression.
- Using evidence-based practice and evaluating the effectiveness of the practice.
- Demonstrating knowledge and proficiency in human behavior and clinical practice skills to work with a range of clients.
- Integrating policy, organizational and community context in clinical practice that benefits the client.
- Demonstrate leadership skills. This includes taking responsibility and proactive action appropriate to the situation and engaging others in solving problems.
- Differentially applying practice knowledge and skills in varied settings.
- Continuing breadth and depth in basic interviewing, relationship building and intervention skills as applied to complex and advanced clinical practice situations.
- Work collaboratively with other disciplines in order to benefit clients.
