Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wurzweiler | Based in NYC
Why Choose Wurzweiler for Your MSW in NYC
A leader in social work education since 1957, the Wurzweiler School of Social Work is consistently rated among the top MSW programs in both New York City and the nation, attracting students from across the globe.
CSWE Accredited
Global Learning Community
Students and faculty from around the world
Practicum Placement
Dedicated team with 800+ placement sites across US, Canada and Israel
Individualized Guidance
Onboarding team for new students, academic advisors for continuing students, practicum staff and faculty to support your studies
Personal Attention
Class sizes of 10-15 students encourage close interaction with faculty and peers. Dedicated writing center.
Values-Driven Practice
Grounded in respect for individual beliefs and Jewish social philosophy, we prepare students to support clients’ social, emotional and spiritual needs
MSW Program Highlights
60 Credits or 30 Credits Advanced Standing
Live Virtual, On-Campus, and Fully Asynchronous Online Options
Fall, Spring, and Summer Starts;
Full-Time and Part-Time
Classes Meet Days, Evenings, and Sundays
What You’ll Study: MSW Curriculum & Practice Methods
Example Courses
Social Work Practice | Generalist Field Work | HBSE | Philosophical Foundations | Social Welfare and Social Change | Cultural Diversity | Advanced Clinical Practice | Advanced Groupwork Practice | Community Practice | Advanced Field Work | Applied Methods in Social Work Research | Psychosocial Pathology | Leading for Change: Social Work in Administration | Advanced Policy Advocacy | Social Work Values & Ethics | Capstone Project
Advanced Practice Methods: Choose Your Path
Focus your MSW studies around the practice method that best fits your goals. Choose Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families to build advanced skills for one-on-one work with individuals and families, Group Work to strengthen your practice in group settings, or Community Practice to develop skills in advocacy, policy and leadership within communities and organizations.
Specialized Certificates
Choose a program certificate such as Gerontology and Palliative Care or Trauma Informed Practice. Also, you can earn a CASAC credential as part of your course plan at Wurzweiler.
Practice Social Work as Part of Your Coursework
Students in live virtual classroom, on campus and the fully asynchronous online MSW prepare for professional practice.
800+ Practicum Sites Worldwide
1,200 Hours of Supervised Training
Four Semesters
Hands-On Experience in Diverse Social Work Settings
MSW Admissions & How to Apply
Admissions Requirements
No GRE required in our simplified application process and you are automatically considered for scholarships. Find information on upcoming deadlines, webinars, application requirements and admissions points of contact on our admissions webpage
Application Deadlines
We hold several deadlines for each semester and level of priority for scholarship consideration.
Extended Application Deadline: August 10
Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid
You’ll be automatically considered for Wurzweiler scholarships with your completed application. You’ll also be able to access a variety of external scholarships and options for financial aid.
Meet Our MSW Faculty
Our faculty are experts — practitioners, researchers and policy makers —who keep Wurzweiler at the forefront of the field. Our students & alumni are the heart of Wurzweiler. Hear directly from them below.
Hear from our Faculty
Ari Sytner, PhD, LCSW, M.Ed.
Expert in Clinical Practice, Haredi Communities, Faith Based Social Work Practice, and Trauma Informed Practice
Carolina Herrera, MSSW, PhD
Expert in Trauma Informed Practice and Substance Use/Addictions
Charles Auerbach, PhD
Expert in Child Welfare and Research
Daniel Pollack, MSW, JD
Expert in Aging, Child Welfare, Domestic Violence, Social Work Law, and Social Work Policy
Debbie Akerman, PhD
Expert in Clinical Practice, Domestic Violence, Group Work Practice, Haredi Communities, Substance Use/Addictions, and Trauma Informed Practice
Hanni B. Flaherty, LCSW, PhD
Expert in Clinical Practice, Research, Substance Use/Addictions, Trauma Informed Practice, Group Work Practice and School Social Work
Jill Becker-Feigeles, LCSW-R, PhD
Expert in group Work Practice, Clinical Practice and Community Practice
Joan Beder, DSW, MSW
Expert in clinical social work with focus on community mental health and family therapy.
Laurie Blackman, PhD, MSW
Expert in clinical social work with focus on community mental health and family therapy.
Lisa A. Henshaw, PhD, LCSW
Expert in Trauma Informed Practice, Clinical Practice and Group Work Practice
Nancy Beckerman, MSW
Expert in Clinical Practice, Domestic Violence, and Trauma Informed Practice
Career Outlook: What Can You Do with an MSW?
Wurzweiler alumni work throughout the social services field — from neighborhood agencies and healthcare settings to schools, nonprofits, government organizations and leadership roles — improving lives and strengthening communities.
MSW Career Paths
Our alumni and students pursue roles such as:
Social Worker
Case Manager
Case Planner
Legislator
Researcher
Administrator
Agency Manager
Agency Director
Residential Manager
Social Work Professor
Mental Health Specialist
Client Service Coordinator
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor
Here are just a few of the agencies, institutions and organizations where our graduates have found work:
BA/MSW Pathways for Yeshiva College & Stern College Students
Student & Alumni Stories
Karl Custer, MSW Alumnus
“I found an internationally-acclaimed university with staff who literally wrote the books that I will be studying. Wurzweiler for me was a very direct and current way to re-learn the whole systems of social work."
Joanna Greenberg, MSW Alumna
“What drew me to Wurzweiler is that we’re the only group work major in the country. I thought that I need to have that background and that foundation."
Rachel Peguero Jorge, MSW Alumna
"The support, guidance, and opportunities offered by Wurzweiler’s academics and staff demonstrate the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within the social work community which is truly inspiring."
Michal Greenberg-Cohen, MSW Alumna
"After moving from Israel to the US 13 years ago, I found my calling as a sexual educator. This journey inspired me to pursue an MSW degree at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, with an additional emphasis on the Trauma Informed Practice certificate."
Chanette Bovell
"Through my service with the Wurzweiler Care Café program and other community activities, I continue to develop skills which serve some of city's most vulnerable populations in areas such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect."
Hallie Rodney, MSW Alumna
"I am passionate about working with children, young adults and families. I am also highly involved in research exploring arts-based approaches, specifically digital storytelling…and how it provides people with creative and unique ways of expression."
Rena Khan, MSW Alumna
"The Trauma Informed Practice certificate has expanded my ability to understand and support individuals and communities dealing with trauma, and I'm looking forward to using this expertise and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the field of social work."
Taaliba Speede-Ince, MSW Alumna
"I'm passionate about my work, making a difference, creating equal opportunities, and advocating for those who are in difficult circumstances."
Accreditation & Licensure
Wurzweiler’s MSW is Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students who complete the program qualify to take the LCSW exam.
NYC Campus & Location
Located on Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus in Washington Heights, Manhattan, Wurzweiler School of Social Work offers students a vibrant New York City learning environment with access to social service organizations, community agencies, healthcare settings and nonprofit networks across the city.
Customize Your MSW
Answer each question to guide you on the right path to your best educational experience.
Traditional: 60 Credits
for students without a bachelor in social work. Full-time and part-time options available.
Advanced Standing: 30 credits
for students with a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE or CASWE accredited school. Complete in as little as 2 semesters. Full-time and part-time options available
On-Campus
Classes meet in NYC at our Wilf Campus in Washington Heights during the day.
Complete in as little as 4 semesters for 60 credits; 2 semesters for 30 credits.
Live Virtual Classroom
Synchronous learning via Zoom platform in real time with other students and faculty during the day, at night, and/or on Sundays.
Complete in as little as 4 semesters for 60 credits, 2 semesters for 30 credits.
There are important program offering distinctions between the different learning styles.
On-Campus & Live Virtual Classroom
- Learn through Zoom OR mostly On-campus with some synchronous coursework OR a combination!
- Takes less time to complete
- Specialize in any Advanced Practice methods (see below)
- Add on any MSW Certificates (see below)
- More elective options
- More scholarship funding available
- Start the program during traditional semesters (Fall or Spring) or choose Summer Start.
Online
- Learn through Zoom with fully asynchronous coursework only.
- Takes more time to complete
- Only one Advanced Practice method: Clinic Practice
- Add on only two MSW certificates: CASAC, Gerontology & Palliative Care
- Less elective options
- Less scholarship funding available
- Start during Fall or Spring Only
Summer Start
5 weeks in NYC and 2 weeks synchronous in the summer. Practicum in your hometown during the fall/spring with additional online coursework.
Fall or Spring Start
Follows traditional academic semesters. Choose On-Campus, Live Virtual Classroom, or Online.
Fall or Spring Start
Follows traditional academic semesters. Choose On-Campus, Live Virtual Classroom, or Online.
Clinical
Advanced skills for one-on-one work with individuals and families.
Group Work
Advanced skills for practice in group settings.
Community Practice
Advanced skills for advocacy, policy and leadership within communities and organizations.
Joint MSW/CASAC
For students passionate about understanding people with addictive disorders and helping them work through the challenge of healing and recovering.
Earn both your MSW (leading to the LCSW and CASAC credential).
Type of Placements: Addiction clinics, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, hospitals, psychiatry practices, etc. Available to all students.
Gerontology & Palliative Care
For students passionate about enhancing quality of life for older adults or those with life-threatening illnesses.
Type of Placements:
Hospices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, community agencies primarily focusing on the service needs and/or clinical issues of individuals (of any age) and families facing serious illness. Available to all students.
Trauma Informed Practice
For students interested in direct clinical practice with clients who have been impacted by various types of trauma.
Type of Placements: Military services, mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment facilities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, etc. Available to on-campus and
live-virtual students only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) which is the accrediting body for social work education in the United States.
You can complete the MSW at Wurzweiler School of Social Work in less than one year (30 credits) if you earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited institution. Students entering the traditional 60-credit program can complete the degree in two or more years, with both full-time and part-time options available. For a complete view of our program modality options and time to completion for each, please review our roadmaps outlining curriculum layout.
We have a program modality called MSW Live Virtual Classroom and Traditional On-Campus. This modality provides you with the ultimate format flexibility in that it allows you to choose either: doing all classes synchronously on zoom (aka live virtual classroom), classes on-campus, or mix and match classes in both modalities. Each singular class you register for every semester will clearly indicate which modality it is in. This means that if you sign up for one class on zoom, everyone including the professor, will be meeting for the duration of that semester in that modality. If you sign up for another class on campus, it will be held on the Wilf Campus in a classroom setting. Some of our electives in this modality are also offered through the asynchronous online format.
We have another modality known as MSW Online. This modality features all of its classes through asynchronous (not in real-time) study ONLY. This means that you will be logging into the classes on your own time but will need to complete assignments, post on discussion boards, etc. by designated deadlines. Each semester for the MSW Online consists of Term A and Term B which run at 7 weeks.
Yes. Wurzweiler School of Social Work offers several MSW formats to do online study. We have the option to do online either synchronously (in real-time on zoom) OR asynchronously (not in real-time).
Our MSW Live Virtual Classroom option (part of our MSW Live Virtual Classroom and Traditional On-Campus program) allows students to do all their coursework through zoom with the same interactive feel of a classroom without needing to commute to campus.
Our MSW Online option allows students to complete their studies in an asynchronous format, meaning there are no required weekly class meeting times. Students are expected to be self-directed learners who engage with course materials independently, manage their time effectively and stay on track with weekly assignments and deadlines.
Students in the MSW Live Virtual Classroom are expected to attend weekly sessions at the same designated time through the Zoom platform and actively participate in a professional learning environment. This includes having cameras on during class, minimizing distractions, and engaging in discussions and activities. Students should be prepared, attentive, and present throughout the session, similar to expectations in an in-person classroom. Proficiency in computer use is required.
No, a BSW is not required to apply to our 60-credit program. Applicants come from a variety of academic backgrounds with no designated major. We do, however, require a BSW for students interested in pursuing our 30-credit advanced standing option.
Advanced Standing allows students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE or CASWE-ACFTS accredited institution within the last 5 years to do our 30-credit advanced standing program.
No GRE is required in our simplified application process, and you are automatically considered for scholarships.
The 60 credit MSW program requires completion of 1200 hours of practicum (internship) hours throughout the duration of the program. This further breaks down into 600 hours per year at 21 hours per week. For students who cannot commit to 21 hours per week due to other professional and personal commitments, the program offers a reduced weekly schedule of 14 hours over the course of 3 consecutive semesters. During the third semester of practicum, the student must register for the appropriate practicum extension course.
Yes, it is possible to do your practicum outside of NYC. Our Practicum Education Office has several hundred practicum placement sites across the US, Canada, and Israel.
Yes, all students work with our Practicum Education Office to secure their placement. The placement process begins one semester before the student’s anticipated start of practicum. Newly admitted students will be contacted by the Office of Practicum Education after submitting their deposit to begin the planning process.
Yes, Wurzweiler School of Social Work offers MSW scholarships and financial aid opportunities for eligible students. Scholarship availability varies based on program modality. The MSW Live Virtual Classroom and Traditional On-Campus program offers scholarships of UP TO $16,000 for incoming 60-credit students and UP To $7,500 for 30-credit advanced standing students. The MSW Online program offers a degree completion scholarship of UP TO 10% for 60 and 30 credit students. Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships upon selecting “yes” to this scholarship question on the application so long as they are not receiving outside funding such as employer or veteran benefits that already cover tuition costs. No additional paperwork is required for assessment. Applicants are assessed for scholarships on a merit basis. If awarded, the amount would be indicated on their admission letter at the time the offer is made.
An MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work can prepare you for a wide range of careers in clinical social work, mental health counseling, hospitals, schools, community organizations, nonprofits, and leadership roles in social services. Graduates often work as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), therapists, school social workers, case managers, healthcare social workers, and program directors. The program also prepares students for licensure and hands-on experience through practicum placements.
An MSW (Master of Social Work) is the graduate degree you earn to prepare for careers in social work and related fields. An LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is a professional license obtained after completing an MSW, meeting supervised clinical experience requirements and passing a licensing exam. An MSW is education; an LCSW is the clinical license that allows you to provide therapy and clinical mental health services independently.
