Schedule A Visit & Frequently Asked Questions

Our deadline for our the Summer or Fall Semester January 31st at 11:59pm. Applications must be completed and submitted at this time, and all references need to be received.

We start releasing decisions to degree applicants in early February. Starting in early February, you will receive an answer approximately 3-4 weeks after submission of your complete application.

When looking at GPA, we also take into consideration trajectory, coursework, and other life events.  For students who have a GPA of 3.0 or below, we recommend you mention this in your personal statement and discuss how you have grown. Students with a lower GPA may also consider taking graduate level classes as a non-matriculated student to show how they can meet the academic rigor of the MSW program.

We require transcripts from all schools attended after you graduated from high school.

There are scholarships and assistantships available both within the Graduate School and the School of Social Welfare.
Learn more about opportunities available to all graduate students. 

The School of Social Welfare additionally offers over 40 different scholarships, and several assistantships. Scholarships for the School of Social Welfare open in Mid-Spring, and close in early summer, and applications for assistantships can be found within the application.

We only require the “Statement of Background and Goals”. We do NOT require a writing sample.

More information on the “Statement of Background and Goals.”

Class schedules vary for each individual.  Generally, classes are offered once a week for 3-hour periods. Part-time students take 2 classes in the Fall and Spring semesters and 1 during the summers, along with field placement in the 2nd and 4th year of the part-time program. A Full-time student takes 3-4 classes a semester, along with field in both years of the full-time program.

Classes are offered at a variety of times (morning, afternoon, evening, weekend) and in various modalities. Modalities include in-person, online and hybrid (mixture of in-person and online). Classes during the week are usually offered at a few different 3-hour time blocks, for example morning, afternoon, and evening. Additionally, we offer weekend classes, which meet every other Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm. Online classes are offered through the Blackboard platform. Though we do not offer a fully online program, many students are able to meet the needs of their schedule by taking a variety of online, evening, or weekend classes.

If you are accepted into the program, we will begin communicating with you about signing up for classes and field instruction in mid-to-late March.

Advanced Standing is a program available to BSW graduates to complete their MSW in a shortened period.  Up to 21 credits from your BSW studies can transfer to your MSW Advanced Standing program. Advanced Standing students are informed at the time of their admission regarding the number of credits they receive.

The field office places many students in and around the Capital Region. You will let the field office know your preferred counties of interest and the field office will do its best to place you within a reasonable distance from your residence. We help students find placements in areas such as Plattsburgh, Kingston, Utica, Western Massachusetts and Connecticut, Vermont, and more.

Classes are offered at a variety of times to help students meet their needs for flexibility. We have a variety of class offerings, including in-person, online, hybrid (mixture of in-person and online), evening, and weekend. The field office understands that students need to balance class, field, work, and other responsibilities. The learning opportunities that comprise quality field placements with appropriate supervision are mainly available on weekdays during regular business hours. 

As a MSW student, you will be required to be available on two weekdays during regular business hours, and you will have the opportunity to alert us of how your responsibilities may impact your ability to engage in a field internship on your field application. The academic and field team members are always willing to meet with you to discuss further questions.

There are several levels of licensing that graduates of the MSW are qualified to obtain. When you graduate from UAlbany with an MSW, you are eligible to take the LMSW exam. We offer weekend workshops in the spring for graduating MSW students, in order to help prepare for the exam. The next step after the LMSW is the LCSW. This involves working under an LCSW in a clinical setting for 3 years, and then taking another test.

The School of Social Welfare has a commitment to social justice, equity, and human dignity. Based on these values, we are committed to acknowledging and doing our part to reverse systemic oppression, including the disproportionate targeting and sentencing of people of color in the criminal justice system. We are committed to this systemic change, and part of our commitment is shown by supporting individuals with a criminal history to pursue meaningful education and employment in social services. We understand that some applicants' criminal history may have been the inspiration that led them to pursue an MSW. It is important and in your best interest that the School of Social Welfare be transparent about the challenges students with criminal histories may face in their social work education and career.  

Process in Admissions and Enrollment at the School of Social Welfare  

All applicants who are offered admission to the School of Social Welfare are asked if they have ever been convicted of a felony as an adult.  Response to this question is a condition of enrollment. In New York State, a felony is defined as a crime for which more than one year in prison may be imposed. If you report that you have been convicted of a felony as an adult, further documentation about that felony will be requested. The School requires disclosure of criminal background in order to evaluate and enable your successful completion of the field placement requirement of your degree and continued success in the social work profession.  
  

Impact on Field Practicum 

After you enroll, students with a felony history will need to work directly with the Field Office regarding the field practicum requirement of the MSW degree.  Students with criminal histories may be precluded from participating in some field education experiences, which are required to graduate; the Field Office will work directly with these students to attempt to place them with a qualified field practicum.  While the School will make every reasonable effort to assist students in securing an appropriate field placement, the School cannot guarantee a field placement.  If a student is unable to be placed into a field practicum, the Field and Academic Offices will work with the student to determine feasible steps toward degree completion. 

Impact on Licensure  

MSW graduates with a criminal history may find additional challenges getting licensed. In New York State, you may need to provide additional documentation about your criminal history when applying for licensure. For more information on how criminal history may impact licensure in New York State, go to this link. Each state has different policies and procedures regarding criminal convictions, ethical violations and eligibility for a social work license. Students are responsible for investigating the licensure requirements in the state(s) in which they plan to practice.