Program Overview

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Social Work (MSW)

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at NYU Silver offers rigorous and innovative training, intensive professional development support, and a strong alumni network. The program approaches social work through a social justice perspective and delivers an exceptional education to students interested in clinical social work practice.

Program Description

The MSW program provides opportunities to study policy and community practice as well as global social work, including study abroad courses. The curriculum prepares students to make a positive impact in the world with the skills and intersectional lenses they’ll need to tackle complex social issues. The esteemed faculty includes leading scholars and working professionals who bring both academic and real-world experience into the classroom.

Specializations

MSW students at NYU Silver may pursue a Specialization that deepens their expertise and provides a competitive edge in the job market. Specializations include:

• Child & Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention (CHAMP) Institute
• School Social Work Training Academy (SSWTA)
• Evidence-Based Practice Specialization
• Social Work Practice in Higher Education Specialization
• Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders Specialization
• Zelda Foster Studies Program in Palliative and End of Life Care Fellowship

Accreditation

The Silver School of Social Work MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In accordance with CSWE accreditation standards, student learning outcomes are measured regularly. Graduates have a strong track record of success in passing the New York State licensing exam at both the entry level and advanced clinical level.

Admissions

The general requirements for admission to the Master’s program are:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• A broad liberal arts background that includes study in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences with a minimum of 60 liberal arts credits.
• Course work relating to diverse cultures, social conditions, and social problems is favorably considered.
• Academic credit is not given for life experience in lieu of practicum education or course requirements.
• The GRE is not required.
• A strong academic record and demonstrated intellectual capacity for graduate education.
• An ability to think logically and conceptually and to formulate mature judgments.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the field and evidence of a commitment to social work as a profession.
• Evidence of emotional maturity, concern for people, and capacity for self-awareness and personal growth.
• Demonstrated concern and commitment to the values underlying professional social work.
• Values social justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Program Requirements

The NYU Silver MSW curriculum consists of a Generalist Practice level followed by a Specialized Practice level.

Generalist Practice

The Generalist Practice curriculum provides a foundation for practice through learning a range of professional roles and methods with diverse populations in a variety of settings, informed by knowledge about the social, cultural, and political context, as well as theories of human development and behavior. The Generalist Practice Practicum Placement provides the opportunity to integrate and practice in a real-world agency setting the knowledge and skills gained from every Generalist Practice course.

Specialized Practice

The Specialized Practice curriculum focuses on clinical social work within a social justice perspective, and it extends and deepens students’ assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills. Students gain a critical understanding of mental health and illness, including the social, economic, and political factors that impact them. They also learn to critically examine social policies and the links between policies and practice.

Course List

The following courses are part of the MSW program:

• MSWPF-GS 2001: Social Work Practice I
• MSWPF-GS 2002: Social Work Practice II
• MSWAC-GS 2002: Social Work Practice III
• MSWAC-GS 2009: Social Work Practice IV
• MSWPF-GS 2003: Social Welfare Programs & Policies I
• MSWPF-GS 2010: Diversity, Racism, Oppression and Privilege
• MSWPF-GS 2006: Human Behavior in The Social Environment I
• MSWPF-GS 2007: Human Behavior in The Social Environment II
• MSWAC-GS 2001: Human Behavior in The Social Environment III
• MSWPF-GS 2009: Social Work Research I
• MSWAC-GS 2008: Social Work Research II
• MSWPF-GS 2014: Practice With Groups
• MSWFD-GS 2100: Practicum Instruction I
• MSWFD-GS 2200: Practicum Instruction II
• MSWFD-GS 2300: Practicum Instruction III
• MSWFD-GS 2400: Practicum Instruction IV
• Advanced Social Policy course
• Electives

Sample Plans of Study

The MSW program offers various plans of study, including:

• Two Year Program
• Advanced Standing Program
• 16 Month Accelerated Program
• Fall Admitted - Extended One-Year Residence Program
• Spring Admitted - Extended One-Year Residence Program
• Fall Admitted - Extended Program
• Spring Admitted - Extended Program
• Hybrid MSW Program
• 32 Month Program
• Shanghai-New York Two-Year Program
• Shanghai-New York Extended Program
• Dual Degree Program with Sarah Lawrence | MSW/MA in Childhood Development
• Dual Degree Program with Global Public Health | MSW/MPH
• Dual Degree Program with NYU School of Law | MSW/JD
• Dual Degree Program with NYU Wagner | MSW/Executive MPA
• ONRAMP: Online Exploratory Option
• Non-Matriculated Option

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate:

1. An understanding of the generalist foundation and advanced clinical concentration curriculum leading to the integration of theory and practice across client systems.
2. Knowledge of the values of the profession that include belief in the dignity and worth of each individual and a commitment to the promotion of economic and social justice.
3. Knowledge of how racial, ethnic, cultural, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and functional abilities impact on human development, social interaction and professional practice.
4. The ability to recognize and address individual prejudice and institutional oppression and discrimination.

Policies

• NYU Policies: University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
• Graduate Silver Policies: A full list of relevant policies can be found on the Silver Academic Policies page.