Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Program

Degree Granted
MSW
Degree Level
Graduate
Locations
Brooklyn, Garden City, Hauppauge, Hudson Valley, Online

Join Adelphi University’s MSW program, which is one of the country’s highest-ranked programs for social work, with flexible schedules, helpful learning options and generous new scholarships.

Why Should I Enroll in Adelphi’s MSW Program?

Whether you choose to study on Long Island in Garden City (Nassau County), or Hauppauge (Suffolk County), in the Hudson Valley or in the New York City area, Adelphi’s MSW program opens the doors to more career options and a higher salary. 

The MSW program provides the preparation necessary for advanced professional social work practice. The degree is 64 credits. The foundation curriculum provides the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics essential to all forms and levels of generalist social work practice. In the advanced year of the program all students complete a concentration in contemporary, direct practice and are prepared to be advanced social work practitioners using sophisticated clinical skills in work with individuals, small groups, families, and couples. Students may select an optional specialization in the advanced year of study.  Currently, specializations will not appear on the final transcript. Specializations include:

  • Health Across the Life Course
  • Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Trauma in Context
  • Children & Families
  • Human Services Management and Organizational Leadership

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Adelphi?

  • Save on tuition with substantial new Graduate Social Work Scholarships that make Adelphi affordable. Awards range as high as $20,000.
    • Every admitted MSW student at Adelphi University is considered for a scholarship of up to $20,000. That could lower your tuition to under $65,000.
    • Every admitted Advanced Standing MSW student at Adelphi University is considered for a scholarship of up to $10,000.
    • Besides these scholarships, students may also qualify for additional stipends through our fellowship programs.
    • Our online MSW students also save—their tuition is 30 percent lower.
  • Take advantage of the graduate program’s flexible options: full or part-time, online or on campus in Garden City, Brooklyn, Hauppauge or the Hudson Valley. This allows you to balance work and family while earning the degree you need.
  • Join a dynamic community of scholars and become a voice for change, advocating for social justice and improving the lives of the people you serve.
  • Apply for an IDEATE Fellowship in Behavioral Healthcare, which comes with a generous $10,000 stipend.
Tae Kuen Kim, PhD, associate professor in the School of Social Work during class.

Learn from and interact closely with a distinguished team of faculty members that includes seasoned educators, accomplished researchers, experienced practitioners and advocates.

90%* * based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022

Our students are phenomenal leaders in the community and the profession. They head agencies and build alliances with organizations to promote well-being and security in society. We are nationally ranked, and that status causes our students to thrive in their fields of practice. Social work is a noble profession. Join us and see what you can aspire to become.

Diann E. Cameron-Kelly, PhD Associate Provost for Student Success
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Students at Adelphi
Published:

A year ago, Adelphi received a $1.92 million Interdisciplinary Education and Training Experience (IDEATE) grant. Through our partnerships with premier healthcare institutions, our nursing and social work students work together to help underrepresented children. Read what we’ve accomplished, and how children’s lives were changed.

MSW Program Flexibility (Full- and Part-time Options)

Making Adelphi’s master’s in social work program more accessible to all is our mission. We offer several options for completing your MSW degree, all of which follow the same sequencing of courses and requirements regardless of whether you are full or part time, at our Long Island locations, the Hudson Valley, the New York City area or online. All programs require you to matriculate in four years and fulfill residency requirements by enrolling in 10 or more credits for two successive semesters. Explore our many program options to find one that best fits your goals.

Master of Social Work Certifications

Explore the options below to advance your specialization in social work with a certificate program.

Exceptional Hands-On Learning for Social Work Students

Field education is a central component of Adelphi’s MSW program. With this in mind, we offer fieldwork in more than 1,000 diverse health, mental health and social service agencies. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable experience right on our Garden City campus, where the School of Social Work hosts:

I joined Adelphi’s MSW program at 53, amidst life challenges, including my daughter’s cancer diagnosis and a global pandemic. Despite uncertainties, the supportive community and dedicated professors made the journey fulfilling. Thanks to my MSW degree from Adelphi, I started working as a social worker at a comprehensive cancer wellness center.

Susan L. Stein, MSW ’22

How to Choose an MSW Program

To decide which master’s in Social Work program is best for you, you should look into accreditation, flexibility, faculty and other important factors.

MSW Program Info

Application Requirements

Applicants for the MSW degree must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and should submit the following:

  • Graduate application and $60 fee
  • Two letters of recommendation (professional and/or academic)
  • Personal essay
  • Paid or volunteer experience in human services preferred
  • Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
  • TOEFL score of 585 or IELTS required for international candidates if in the United States for less than three years

Note that an interview may also be required at the discretion of the School of Social Work’s Admissions Committee.

All applicants are required to have:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a strong background in the liberal arts and sciences
  • Personal characteristics and qualifications related to successful professional performance consistent with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics

Additional Requirements

Additional information is required from applicants with degrees from non-native English-speaking countries as well as an official TOEFL score of 80 or higher OR IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.

Submit evidence of the following:

  • An undergraduate degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)–accredited social work program within the past five years
  • One letter of recommendation from your faculty field liaison or field instructor
  • A second letter of recommendation; preferably from a faculty member
  • Grades of B or better in all social work courses (in some cases, additional courses may be required)

Awards & Recognition

Elizabeth Szpilka
MSWLMSW
Director of Outreach Enrollment and Professional Advisement
Contact
Phone Number
Location
Social Work Building 219



Contact
Phone Number
More Info
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
  • Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Fri: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
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