Earn Your Master of Social Work Online
Apply by July 6 to join the August cohort
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 Social Work at Falk College is preparing the next generation of social workers to shape the future of the profession 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 pursue licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, namely New York State.
Monthscomplete in as few as 36 months
GREGRE scores are not required to apply
We Also Offer an 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.
The Syracuse University MSW Difference
In today’s rapidly changing world, 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.
The immersive learning experience and advanced technology used during the online MSW program enables 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 who is an expert in change.
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. We are ranked the No. 1 private institution for veterans by the Military Times and have a long history of welcoming the military population.1 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 admissions counselor and learn more about the online program.
Request Information Today
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.
Your studies will start with 24 credits of foundational-level coursework that emphasizes generalist social work practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. You will then choose a concentration that aligns with your intended area of practice, which you can further customize with electives.
Explore the full online MSW curriculum.
If you already have a bachelor’s in social work, explore our online Advanced Standing MSW program.
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.
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. You will first complete 200 hours of foundational fieldwork through our virtual field placement experience, followed by three terms of concentration fieldwork, or 800 hours, at one placement site. During your concentration fieldwork, you will be able to put your coursework to practice and gradually progress your application of the core social work competencies in real time.
Past concentration-level placements for the on-campus MSW program include:
Integrated Practice Internships
- Integrated health clinics
- Departments of health
- State and federal representative offices
- Homeless and housing coalitions
- Health care setting administration
- Medical social work
Clinical Practice Internships
- Inpatient psychiatric units
- VA medical centers*
- Child and family therapy programs
- Mental health services in jails and prisons
- Outpatient alcohol and drug treatment
- Outpatient behavioral and integrated health clinics
*for both integrated practice and clinical practice
You will also 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.
The Virtual Field Placement Experience
As a student in the traditional MSW program, your first 200 hours of field placement will take place in our virtual field placement experience. This is an opportunity to hone your social work skills in a collaborative, structured learning environment. During the experience, you will:
- build foundational knowledge about the social work skill set;
- engage with expert demonstrations of essential skills and strategies that inform social work in different roles and settings;
- practice your skills independently by responding to prompts, self-recording, and completing decision-making simulators; and
- participate in live simulations where you will work with clients, observe your peers as they do the same, and receive feedback from professors.
“The virtual field placement […] allowed me to practice my skills and gain more insight into the field. The opportunity to watch counseling sessions and [reflect] as a class, along with having mock client sessions, helped me build my confidence and evolve as a social worker.”
Sharswayla Bonilla
On-Campus MSW Student, Class of 2022
We Take the Stress Out of Field Placement
Learn more about the online MSW program that prioritizes your experiential learning.
Request Information Today Admissions
Join our next cohort in August 2021.
May 10, 2021
June 7, 2021
July 6, 2021
Visit the admissions page for more information on application requirements.
No GRE Requirement
You can earn your master’s in social work online with no GRE scores. We believe the best way to get to know you and the type of social worker you aspire to become is through your essay, resume and other application materials. This is why no GRE scores are required for the online MSW program.
Prepare for a Career in Social Work
Job opportunities for social workers are expected to increase much faster than the national average, making a social work education more valuable than ever.2 With an MSW online from Syracuse University, you can pursue various careers in social work and prepare to lead in a growing profession. This includes social worker career paths in settings such as mental health care, hospitals, schools, child welfare, substance abuse treatment, services for older adults, supportive housing, and federal, state and local government.
"Syracuse University social workers do not passively accept a system which often overlooks the disenfranchised and those most in need of care. Instead, we are active agents of change to existing mental health practices and policies. We represent the next generation of social workers who are developing, implementing and advocating for new methods that are inclusive, socially just, forward thinking and culturally competent."
Laura Buys
On-Campus MSW Student, Class of 2021
Social Work Licensure
The online MSW program prepares you to sit for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing examination, which is required to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York and most other states.
Prior to earning your MSW online from Syracuse University, we encourage you to research the licensure requirements in your state.
View previous pass rates and learn how the online MSW prepares you for licensure.