Nurse working with a patient.

Master of Social Work

Social Work

Program of Study

In the MSW program you first complete a generalist curriculum that provides foundation knowledge and skills for social work practice with diverse populations across a range of settings. Then you choose a practice method concentration.

The clinical concentration focuses on social work practice interventions with individuals, families and groups. The macro concentration focuses on community organizing, policy advocacy and non-profit organization management. Along with your classes, you complete internships at agencies with missions to address social and economic problems.

Most students complete the 60-credit Master of Social Work through two full years of graduate coursework and field instruction.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact [email protected] or 518-442-5320.

Degree Options

Content

Online Program Option

Starting in the fall of 2024, the School of Social Welfare will admit students for our accredited online MSW program. The online program requires the same 60-credit curriculum as in our in-person, two-year MSW program; however, the online program model will be spread over three years. Courses in the program are asynchronous, except for social work field practicums (RSSW 650, 651, 752, 753). Most students complete each 500-hour internship by working two days a week over the course of two semesters. Applicants must apply specifically to the online MSW program.


Part-Time Program Option

A small portion of students enroll part-time and remain employed while they finish the program. As a part-time student, you take one class each summer and two classes each fall and spring over the course of four years. During your second and fourth years, you devote two full work days per week to fieldwork.


Non-Degree Option

With our non-degree option you can explore the field of social work by taking some classes prior to committing to the MSW program.

If you are seeking to get a head start on coursework, demonstrate your capability to do graduate-level work, or obtain a better understanding of what will be required as a student in the program, non-degree study is an excellent option.

programofstudy
Required Courses and Fieldwork
Core Courses
  • Introductory Research Methodology
  • Social Welfare Policy and Services I
  • Human Behavior and Social Environment I and II
  • Micro Practice in Social Work I and II
  • Macro Practice in Social Work I and II
  • Field Instruction I and II

 

Social Work Field Placement

Field instruction through supervised internships 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 us to provide these field placement internships.

At UAlbany, you complete two field placement experiences where learning, training and service occur simultaneously. You become familiar with the management of social service agencies and gain first-hand experience helping individuals, families, groups, and communities.  

During your first placement you participate in a broad range of social work activities allowing you to develop a foundation understanding of the context of social work practice and relational skills. Your second placement provides you with professional experience related to your area of concentration (macro or clinical practice).

In both placements, you engage in social work practice under the supervision of a trained field instructor who is an experienced and licensed social worker. 

Most students complete each 500-hour internship by working two days a week over the course of two semesters.

Macro Social Work Concentration

The concentration in macro social work focuses on methods of change through community organizing, policy advocacy, and non-profit organization management and leadership.

Courses and fieldwork in this area give you practical knowledge of fiscal planning, human resource management, information systems, program oversight, grant writing, legislative lobbying, and related topics.

 

Required Courses

  • Research Methods in Social Welfare Management
  • Field Instruction III and IV
  • Human Service Organizations in a Changing Environment
  • Managing Systems in Human Service Organizations
  • Community Building
  • Advanced Macro Practice Elective
  • Advanced Policy Elective
  • Open Elective


Careers in Macro Social Work

As a macro-focused social worker, you mobilize people and resources for change at the community level, and manage and direct human services organizations for effective delivery of programs consistent with social work values.

 

Sample Job Titles

Managing Director of Homeless Services, Community Engagement Facilitator, Patient Advocacy Program Administrator, Protective Services Supervisor, Behavioral Health Care Operations Director, Harm Reduction Policy Strategist, Government Relations Officer, Senior Researcher, Community Organizer

Clinical Social Work Concentration

Courses and field experience in the clinical social work concentration emphasize developing competencies in engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation directly with individuals, families and small groups. With attention to the interface between individuals and their environment, you will learn how and why interventions are helpful.

You can broaden your knowledge by taking diverse electives, or deepen your expertise in a focused area of practice such as family therapy, substance abuse treatment, or behavioral health care.
 

Required Courses

  • Evaluation of Clinical Practice
  • Field Instruction III and IV
  • Advanced Policy Elective
  • Advanced Clinical Practice Electives (choose three)
  • Open Electives (choose two)


Careers in Clinical Social Work

As a clinical social worker, you work directly with people across all stages of life to restore, maintain and promote social functioning.

 

Sample Job Titles

Youth Services Coordinator, School Social Worker, Addiction Recovery Specialist, Child Abuse Case Worker, Patient Advocate, Geriatric Case Manager, Child Therapist, Family Resource Coordinator, Adoption Social Worker, Crisis and Trauma Counselor, Hospice Social Worker, Mobile Crisis Team Member.

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State and the institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state.

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. Settings include mental and behavioral health and health care, child welfare, the justice system, schools, homeless shelters and many more. Social workers can fill many roles, such as case manager, counselor, advocate, organizer, administrator, facilitator, mediator, educator, planner, program manager or evaluator.

 

With a master's concentration in clinical social work, you'll be ready to work directly with client populations. With a concentration in macro social work, you’ll be ready for administrative leadership roles.

The School of Social Work at UAlbany prepares MSW students to pass professional licensing exams after earning their degree and become licensed master social workers in New York and other states.

Once they gain the necessary amount of qualified casework experience, many alumni also go on to become licensed clinical social workers who provide direct services to individuals and families.

careerpaths
Finish Sooner with Advanced Standing

If you received a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school within the past six years, you can shorten your MSW completion time by receiving advanced standing.

This provides you with up to 21 credits upon admission to the master’s in social work program, which allows you to finish in 12 consecutive months of full-time study.

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

Content

If you have an excellent academic record and financial need, you may be eligible for employment as a graduate assistant (GA). You can indicate your interest in being considered for a GA position on the application to the MSW program. GAs work 10 hours a week at the School during the academic year.

Competitive scholarships are awarded to a diverse range of graduate social work students each year. These scholarships help defray the cost of books and other supplies.

 

advanced

Prepare for Social Work Practice with a Focus 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.

This competitive second-year opportunity includes a paid internship, an integrative seminar experience and courses in gerontology-focused policies, programs and treatment methods.

Learn more about our Internships in Aging Project

 

Specialization in Aging for Advanced Standing and Part-Time Students

IAP is available to both students in the MSW Advanced Standing Program and part-time students. Advanced Standing students should apply to IAP when you apply for admission. Part-time students should apply during their second year.

For more information or to apply, contact us at [email protected].

Prepare for Social Work Practice with a Focus in Mental Health

The Albany Internships in Mental Health (AIMH) is a competitive internship for clinical concentration students seeking intensive integration of classroom and field placement experiences in advanced mental health practice.

As an AIMH student you learn to use evidenced-based mental health interventions in community-based field placements specially designated by the New York State Office of Mental Health.  You participate in a colloquium series and seminar in Evidence-Based Practice and Mental Health.  Stipends are available for AIMH students, who apply to the internship near the end of their generalist field placement.

For more information email [email protected] or call 518-442-5320.

SSW Stock
Combined MSW/PhD Program

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.

The combined program is designed for students with excellent academic preparation, leadership potential, and a strong interest in conducting research on issues relevant for social work practice or social welfare policy.

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

combined

Becoming a Licensed Social Worker

Social work is a regulated profession, which means you need to obtain a state license to practice.

When you finish the master’s program at UAlbany, you receive a one-year limited permit to practice social work in New York State (NYS) under the supervision of a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

To become a NYS-licensed master social worker (LMSW), you must meet specific education and experience criteria and pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Masters Social Work Licensing Exam.

As a CSWE-accredited program, the UAlbany Master of Social Work fulfills the education requirement for the master social worker license in New York. Review all LMSW requirements for New York State.

Obtaining Your Clinical Social Work License

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York, you must first obtain your LMSW, gain three years of experience in specific areas of practice, and take a clinical social work exam before applying for clinical licensure.

Review NYS clinical social work license requirements.

 

Acquiring a Social Work License in Other States

Social work licensing criteria vary by state and do not automatically transfer between states. While LMSW education and exam qualifications are similar across the country, supervised experience requirements vary.

Find social work license requirements in different states

 

Continuing Education Requirements

After you obtain your license to practice social work in New York, you need to renew your registration every three years. Before you can renew, you must complete 36 hours of approved continuing education units (CEUs).

The School of Social Welfare offers a variety of continuing education programs and workshops for your professional development and to help keep your knowledge and social work license registration up to date.

Browse all continuing education providers approved by the New York State Office of the Professions

 

"I love the diversity of the program. From faculty to curriculum, I truly feel this school cares about providing a well-rounded educational experience that includes cultural competency and how to keep humility and sensitivity in mind as a social worker."

- Elisa Kim, MSW student

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Social Welfare
  • 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.
slo

Admissions Requirements

admissions

The application deadline for MSW programs, with the exception of the online MSW program, is until February 29, 2024.

MSW Social Work (Advanced Standing)
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: Not Available
Spring: Not Available
Summer: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: Not Available
Spring: Not Available
Summer: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.


Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • One letter must be from a supervisor or liaison for the student's field placement experience.
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework. 
    • Self Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth.  Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond?  How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals. 
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to:
      transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Social Work (Full-time)
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
    • Self-Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth.  Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond?  How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals.
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to:
      transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration.
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Social Work (Part-time)
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
    • Self-Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth.  Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond?  How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals.
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to:
      transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration.
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Social Work (Online)
Deadlines

There is no assistantship option for online students.

Fall: January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available
 

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Recommenders should have a professional relationship to you, such as a supervisor or a professor. They should NOT have a personal relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
    • Recommenders should be able to speak to any one or more of the following areas regarding the applicant's: Potential for professional social work practice; Experience in human service (work or volunteer); or Academic ability.
  • Statement of Background and Goals
    • INSTRUCTIONS:
      Please write a 3-5 page, double spaced essay in 12-point font that incorporates your responses to the three areas listed below. Do not write three separate responses. Overall, we are looking for you to show that you understand the social work profession, are committed to its mission, and are ready for graduate-level field education and coursework.
    • Self-Awareness in the Service of Others
      In the field of social work, one’s values, attitudes, and beliefs can influence our practice with clients. The experience of graduate social work education includes constant self-awareness and personal growth. Describe a situation in which your values, attitudes, and beliefs were challenged. How did you respond? How can challenging yourself to examine your values, attitudes, and beliefs improve your ability to provide services for clients, families, communities, and organizations as a social worker in the future?
    • Social Justice Values
      Describe how you have incorporated the social work value of social justice into an experience within one of the following areas: academic setting (e.g. classroom discussions, peer interactions); professional setting (volunteer or paid work); community setting (e.g. social group, self-identity group, family, hobby).
    • Readiness for Coursework and Field Education
      Identify your areas of strength and areas for improvement relevant to managing multiple responsibilities, receiving constructive feedback, and maintaining personal and professional boundaries. Discuss your plans for simultaneously managing the rigorous demands of graduate education and fieldwork.
    • OPTIONAL: Additional Information
      Note: This section only applies if you have any additional information that you would like to discuss in your statement of background and goals.
      In one page or less, please include any additional information that you would believe would help us understand you as an applicant including, but not limited to:
      transcripts (e.g. undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.0, multiple graduate degrees, failed field internship); resume (e.g. gaps in employment, little or no paid work or volunteer experience, changes in career or major); recommendations (e.g. no academic or professional reference, use of a personal reference); goals statement (e.g. did not answer one of the questions); or any other circumstance you would like the review committee to take into consideration.
Special Notes

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW/PhD Social Work
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

Fall: February 29 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available


Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
    The personal statement should address three areas:  (1) educational background and professional experience; (2) substantive areas of interest for research, evaluation, and/or teaching; and (3) professional goals, including how a doctorate in social welfare supports achievement of these goals. This statement should be no more than 4 double-spaced typed pages with 1 inch margins and a font of 12.
  • CV/Resume

 

Special Notes

Available information for International Applicants.

Note: GREs are not required.

Note: If you are interested in receiving funding, please complete the Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application, found in your application portal.

 

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

MSW Non-Degree Study

Deadlines

Fall: 2 weeks before start of semester
Spring: 2 weeks before start of semester
Summer: 2 weeks before start of the class

 

Required Application Materials

  • Transcripts showing receipt of BA or BS
     

Special Notes

 

Non -degree students can take a maximum of 2 courses per semester in the School of Social Welfare. Unlike our matriculated program, applicants may apply to begin courses during the Fall, Spring or Summer. 

A maximum of 12 credits of graduate coursework taken as a non-matriculated student will automatically count toward the MSW degree if the credits fulfill MSW requirements at the time you matriculate and the courses were taken within 3 years of matriculation. 

ar-msw-sw