“My new job—providing intensive outpatient services in a group and individual setting for adults aged 65+—is my dream job. What a phenomenal experience I had at Syracuse. I am so glad I chose this program.”
Amy S.
G’26 MSW Student
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) From Syracuse University
Learn how to advocate for social justice, advance human rights, and use technology to expand access to care with a CSWE-accredited program.
Learn What It Takes to Shape the Future of Social Work
The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program from Syracuse University’s School of Education program prepares the next generation of social workers to become skilled practitioners, advocates, and leaders across practice settings.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the online MSW program is for those who have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than social work. After completing foundational coursework, you will choose a concentration in Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP) or Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP).
Both concentrations prepare you to seek licensure in all 50 states — namely, New York State — and the District of Columbia.
Interested in our on-campus program? Explore the residential MSW.
CSWE-Accredited
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
24 – 36 Months
Choose a 36-credit or 60-credit pathway and complete the program in as few as 24–36 months
2 Fieldwork Placements
Complete 900 hours of fieldwork
No
GRE
GRE scores are not required to apply
Hold a BSW? Explore Our Advanced Standing MSW
If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree in social work, you may be eligible to apply to the online Advanced Standing MSW program, which can be completed in as few as 24 months.
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Syracuse University MSW Difference
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The Syracuse University MSW Difference
Our world is changing rapidly and the challenges faced by individuals, families and communities are becoming more complex. Syracuse University is preparing social workers committed to the values of human diversity and the dignity and worth of all people, with particular attention to those who are oppressed, vulnerable or living in poverty. Here, you will learn to walk toward discomfort, not away from it.
Courses combine live online classes with self-paced coursework designed for working professionals. The immersive learning experience and advanced technology used during the online MSW program enable you to fully engage with our network, complete your coursework in a way that works for you and give back to your community during local field placements.
Through an individualized approach and a focus on the following guiding principles, our Master of Social Work online program is preparing a new type of leader, someone equipped to lead change across individuals, organizations and communities.
An Emphasis on Social Justice
Become a social worker who recognizes the dignity of all people.
In this field, you must possess a fundamental commitment to creating social and economic justice in a diverse and evolving world. Through values-based instruction, the online MSW program prepares you to practice in a way that challenges oppression and increases the power and wellness of vulnerable people to create a more just society.
Social Work in the Digital Age
Become a social worker who understands the expectations of the digital world. Now more than ever, it’s imperative that we leverage technology to extend access to care. When you earn your MSW degree online at Syracuse University, you’re immersed in a digital environment daily and learn to embrace methods such as telehealth and texting services as part of the future of the profession.
Supporting Our Military Communities
Become a social worker who is committed to providing care for service members. Students interested in providing clinically and culturally competent services to veterans have the unique opportunity to complete dedicated military-focused coursework or fieldwork.
Ready to Become a Social Worker
Who Embraces Change?
Request information to connect with an enrollment specialist and
learn more about the online program.
Access Your Application
Ready to advance your career with Syracuse University? Take the next step today.
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Syracuse University MSW Difference
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Social Work Careers
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Traditional Online MSW Curriculum Overview
Through the online Master of Social Work curriculum, you will learn to advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice using a range of engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation methods.
Our curriculum is rooted in themes such as military culture and mental health practice, trauma-informed care, social justice, leadership and social work in the digital age.
60
credits
36
months part time
900+
hours of field placement
The 60-credit Online Traditional MSW program requires:
- Foundational courses (24 credits)
- Advanced foundational courses (12 credits)
- Concentration courses and electives (24 credits)
- One agency-based internship (400 hours)
- One concentration internship (500 hours)
Your studies begin with 24 credits of foundational coursework and 12 credits of advanced foundational coursework, which focus on generalist social work practice across the micro, mezzo and macro levels. You will then choose either the Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP) or Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) concentration and further tailor your studies through elective coursework.
You will also complete two internships—totaling 900 hours of fieldwork—to prepare you for professional social work practice across clinical, healthcare, school and community settings.
Explore the full online MSW curriculum.
Compare Syracuse Online MSW Pathways
Students pursuing the Advanced Standing pathway can accelerate completion based on prior accredited social work education. If you already have a bachelor’s in social work, explore our online Advanced Standing MSW program.
| Pathway | Credits | Completion Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Online MSW | 60 credits | As few as 36 months | Students without a BSW |
Advanced Standing Online MSW | 36 credits | As few as 20 months | Students with a CSWE-accredited BSW |
Concentrations
You will choose between our two online MSW degree concentrations: Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP) or Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP).
Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP)
The Advanced Integrated Practice MSW concentration is designed for those who want to practice in areas such as interdisciplinary organizations, human service administration, community organizing or public policy.
Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP)
The Advanced Clinical Practice MSW concentration is designed for those who wish to practice as licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) in clinical mental health inpatient and outpatient settings.
Learn more about the concentrations.
Spotlight Courses
Human Diversity in Social Context
Explore how culture, identity and lived experience influence social work practice across diverse communities.
Social Work Practice in Mental Health
Examine mental health assessment, intervention strategies and evidence-based approaches for clinical social work settings.
Introduction to Military Culture and Social Work Practice
Develop an understanding of military culture and the unique needs of veterans, service members and military-connected communities.
Community Organization and Development
Learn how social workers support community engagement, advocacy and systems-level change across organizations and public services.
Alcohol and Other Drugs in Social Work Practice
Study substance use, treatment approaches and recovery support within clinical and community-based practice environments.
Read more about the course descriptions for the Traditional and Advanced Standing online MSW programs.
Field Placement and Support
Fieldwork is an integral part of the online MSW program and will be woven throughout your studies with two distinct placement experiences: one foundational internship and one concentrational internship. Between these internships, you’ll take advanced courses to deepen your understanding of complex social work theories, techniques and policies. While coursework is completed online, internships are agency-based experiences that require students to attend their placement site in person. The placement team will help you secure an internship in your community.
You will have access to our placement portal, located right in the dashboard of your digital campus. This online tool can be used to view details of your field placement site, check your upcoming schedule, log your hours and keep track of your progress.
Agency-Based Internship (400 hours)
You will first complete 400 hours of foundational fieldwork at an agency-based internship. The foundation internship experience exposes students to micro, mezzo, macro social work enhancing knowledge, values, skills and cognitive/affective processing through case management, intakes, supportive counseling, community outreach and education and more.
Examples of Foundation Generalist Level Internships
- Nonprofit community centers
- Congregate care facilities
- Shelters
- Residential treatment centers
- Child welfare agencies
- Addiction treatment programs
- Health homes
- Coordinated care facilities
- Senior and assisted living communities
- Schools
- Organizations serving individuals experiencing homelessness
- And more
Concentration Internship (500 hours)
You will also complete 500 hours of concentration fieldwork in either AIP (Advanced Integrated Practice) or ACP (Advanced Clinical Practice). During your concentration fieldwork, you will expand your knowledge, values and skills in a specialized area of practice.
Advanced Integrated Practice Internship Settings
Settings that allow practice with multiple social work levels (micro-mezzo-macro) in an interprofessional setting, such as:
- Hospitals (medical)
- Schools
- Child welfare, foster care and adoption agencies
- Health homes
- Behavioral health mobile crisis programs
- Crisis intervention services
- Integrated health clinics
- Departments of Health
- State and federal representative offices
- Homeless and housing coalitions
- Health care administration settings
- Relationship violence and sexual assault organizations
Advanced Clinical Practice Internship Settings
- Outpatient behavioral health clinics
- Integrated health clinics
- Inpatient psychiatric units
- Child and family behavioral health programs
- Behavioral health services in hospitals, schools and correctional settings
- Outpatient alcohol and drug treatment programs
We Take the Stress Out of Field
Placement
Field education is a core part of the MSW experience. Get the support you need to secure experiences and build real-world social work skills
Access Your Application
Ready to advance your career with Syracuse University? Take the next step today.
Jump to:
Syracuse University MSW Difference
Curriculum
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Social Work Careers
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What Are the Syracuse Online MSW Admission Requirements?
The Traditional Online MSW is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A bachelor’s degree in social work is not required. Applicants are evaluated through a holistic admissions process that considers academic achievement, professional experience and application materials. A preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended.
To apply, you will need to submit:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Current résumé or CV
- Personal statement or admissions essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Additional supporting materials as required
Visit the admissions page for full application details and deadlines.
No GRE Requirement
GRE scores are not required for admission to the online MSW program. Syracuse University uses a holistic admissions process that considers academic background, professional experience and application materials.
Multiple Start Dates and Rolling Admissions
We offer three annual start dates in January, May, and August.
That means you can begin your studies when it makes sense for your personal and professional commitments. And because we review applications on a rolling basis, you’ll receive an admissions decision — and start planning your future — sooner than you would for a single annual intake.
Syracuse Online MSW Tuition
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Tuition Per Credit | $1,226 |
Traditional Online MSW (60 Credits) | Approximately $73,560 |
Advanced Standing Online MSW (36 Credits) | Approximately $44,136 |
Tuition rates are subject to change. Students should review the latest tuition, fees and financial aid information before applying.
Jump to:
Syracuse University MSW Difference
Curriculum
Admissions
Social Work Careers
Request Info
Develop the Skills for a Career in Social Work
How Does the Syracuse MSW Prepare Me for LCSW Licensure?
Syracuse University’s online MSW program prepares students for professional social work practice and supports pathways toward clinical social work licensure, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure, in many states.
The online MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation, the primary accrediting body for social work education programs in the United States. Syracuse University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Because licensure requirements vary by state, students should review the education, supervised experience, examination and post-graduate requirements in the state where they intend to practice before enrolling or relocating.
Beginning in 2026, the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is implementing updates to its licensing examinations, including revised exam blueprints and updated competency areas. Prospective students should review current ASWB and state board requirements to understand how licensure standards may evolve during or after their program.
View previous pass rates and learn how the online MSW prepares you for licensure.
Meet Syracuse Online MSW Faculty
Syracuse University’s online MSW program is led by faculty with expertise in clinical social work, online education, trauma-informed practice, social justice and community-based care.
Yvonne Smith serves as Director of the School of Social Work and Associate Professor at Syracuse University. Her practice experience includes youth residential treatment, harm reduction outreach, supportive and transitional housing, and therapeutic foster care. She teaches courses including Human Diversity in Social Context, Advanced Integrated Social Work Practice and Social Work and the Human/Animal Bond.
Kenneth Marfilius is an Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Social Work and Faculty Director of Online Programs and Strategic Initiatives in the School of Education at Syracuse University. His work focuses on supporting and advancing online education initiatives, and he also co-founded the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Resiliency Program to support veteran and military-connected students.
Britney Carter is an Assistant Teaching Professor in Syracuse University’s online MSW program. Her teaching centers on antiracism and social justice to support individual, family and community well-being. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and previously taught across the online MSW curriculum while serving as an online field liaison.
Explore the full Syracuse University School of Education faculty directory for additional social work faculty, research interests and academic leadership.
Social Work Careers and Salary Outlook
An online MSW can prepare graduates for roles across clinical practice, health care, schools and community-based social services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.1
Graduates may pursue careers as health care social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, child and family social workers, clinical social workers (where licensure requirements are met), social service managers and community leaders.
Salary data reflects national median annual wages reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2025. Actual salaries vary by state, employer, licensure status, specialization and years of experience.
Help Us Drive Social Work Forward
Earn your Master of Social Work online from a future-focused program.
Access Your Application
Ready to advance your career with Syracuse University? Take the next step today.
FAQs About Online MSW at Syracuse University
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Absolutely. Syracuse University is a top-tier research institution, and its reputation carries significant weight in the professional world. Employers prioritize your ability to pass licensing exams and complete clinical hours, both of which are central to our CSWE-accredited program.
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No, the diploma and transcripts earned through Syracuse University do not distinguish between online and on-campus formats. You will graduate with a Master of Social Work from the University just like any other student.
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It’s a major investment, but one that significantly shifts your career ceiling. While a BSW is great for entry-level roles, an MSW typically increases your annual earning potential by US$13,000 or more, according to the National Association of Social Workers. At Syracuse, we focus on “Social Work in the Digital Age,” giving you a modern toolkit for high-paying leadership and clinical roles.
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Yes. Syracuse University offers an online Master of Social Work that allows you to earn a fully accredited degree without relocating. The curriculum is delivered through a digital campus model, supplemented by supervised in-person fieldwork placements completed within your local community.
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Syracuse University utilizes a synchronous model that combines live weekly sessions via Zoom with high-quality self-paced coursework. This structure ensures you can interact directly with professors while maintaining the flexibility to manage your schedule through assignments, readings and videos.
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– Traditional Track: If you’re coming from a non-social work background, the 60-credit path typically takes 36 months.
– Advanced Standing: If you already have a BSW, you can “fast-track” the 36-credit program and finish in as few as 24 months. -
Most people think of social work as just one-on-one therapy, but the field actually spans three distinct “levels” of practice: Micro (working with individuals), Mezzo (working with groups or families), and Macro (working on large-scale community systems or policy).
At Syracuse, we bridge these levels by offering two specific concentrations:
– Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP): This is the path for those who want to focus on the “Micro” and “Mezzo” levels, preparing specifically to become licensed therapists and mental health clinicians.
– Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP): This is for the “big picture” thinkers who want a mix of direct practice and leadership roles in human service organizations, focusing on both individual help and community-wide change. -
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed at least 30 liberal arts credits. Required application materials include transcripts, a resume, a personal statement and three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required.
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Many of our students do! The program is designed for working professionals. However, it is a graduate-level commitment, so you’ll need to be disciplined about balancing your 40-hour work week with class times and your required internship hours.
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You will work with placement specialists to secure a supervised agency within your local area. The University also offers a Virtual Field Experience to help you build clinical confidence before starting your real-world internship.
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The University offers two distinct concentrations to help you meet your specific professional goals. You can choose Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) to focus on therapy or Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP) for community leadership and policy roles. You can learn more about these concentrations and the Online Master of Social Work Curriculum.
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Yes, because the Syracuse University program is CSWE-accredited, the curriculum meets the educational standards for licensure exams across the country. We recommend checking with your specific state board to confirm their unique requirements while you are in the program.
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An MSW is highly versatile and prepares you for roles in human resources, nonprofit management and policy analysis. The empathy and systems-thinking skills you gain at the University are in high demand across many industries.
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Current tuition is approximately US$1,226 per credit hour. For the full 60-credit Traditional track, you’re looking at an estimated total of about US$73,560. You can find the most updated information on pricing on the Syracuse University online MSW tuition and financial aid page.
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Online learners are eligible for federal aid and competitive merit-based scholarships awarded during the enrollment process. New York residents may also explore tuition coverage through the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program.
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We are consistently recognized as a top-tier choice, currently ranked in the top 15% of all social work programs in the country for best social work schools by College Factual in 2025. This ranking reflects our commitment to research, faculty expertise, and student outcomes.
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While earning potential depends on location and experience, the BLS research on social worker employment and wages indicates that those in specialized health care or professional organizations often see some of the strongest financial returns on their degree. Graduates also command premium salaries in macro roles—such as program director or policy analyst—which require the advanced management skills taught at Syracuse. Clinical Social Workers further increase their ceiling by pursuing LCSW licensure to transition into private practice or high-level psychotherapy.
Syracuse University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Syracuse University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.
- Social and Community Services Manager. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Social Workers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Social Workers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Social Workers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Social Workers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎
- Social Workers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved June, 2026. ↩︎