NYU Silver: Inside the MSW Program

NYU Silver School of Social Work has been essential to social work education since the first half of the twentieth century. Social work classes started as part of New Deal programs at NYU, which later created a graduate program. This program combined classroom teaching with hands-on service at Youth House, New York City’s temporary juvenile detention facility.

The school’s real beginning came in 1953 with a 10-year, $420,000 commitment from the Lavanburg Corner House. This funding helped create a Department of Social Work in the Graduate School of Public Administration and Social Service. The Master of Social Work degree program earned its original accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in 1955. NYU took a major step in 1960 by creating an independent Graduate School of Social Work.

The school’s name changed several times as it grew and expanded its mission:

• The school added an undergraduate program and became the NYU School of Social Work in 1973
• The name changed to Shirley M. Ehrenkranz School of Social Work to honor Dean Ehrenkranz
• Alumni Constance and Martin Silver’s generous $50 million pledge led to its current name, the Silver School of Social Work, in 2007

The Silver School continues to climb in national rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranks it #12 for Best Grad Schools for Social Work, with impressive statistics in many areas. More than 800 students at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels prepare each year to tackle critical global community issues. These students provide 650,000 hours of service yearly to vulnerable individuals and families.

The school’s faculty features leading scholars who advance social work knowledge, and six faculty members belong to the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. Their research addresses complex social problems at home and abroad, from poverty and inequality to child abuse, health disparities, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges.

Strong industry connections remain a priority, with over 600 placement agencies in the school’s network. This vast professional network helps achieve outstanding job outcomes – 93% of MSW graduates find employment or continue their education within six months after graduation.

The school extends beyond NYU’s Washington Square campus with additional locations. Students can study at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Rockland County, Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester County, and through an innovative two-year MSW program between NYU Shanghai and the Washington Square Campus. The school has also partnered with the Abu Dhabi Family Care Authority to create a case management professional development program.

Programs offered

NYU Silver’s Master of Social Work program provides multiple pathways that fit different career stages and student needs. Students begin with a Generalist Practice level that builds a broad foundation and then move to a Specialized Practice level. This specialized level emphasizes clinical social work with a social justice point of view.

NYU Silver believes in giving students choices. Here are eight different ways to get your MSW degree:

• Two-Year: A traditional four-semester schedule (fall-spring-fall-spring) where you’ll spend 1,200 hours learning hands-on at two different agencies
• 16-Month Accelerated: Perfect for experienced professionals, this path runs through four back-to-back semesters starting in spring
• Advanced Standing: Recent BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can complete their degree in just two semesters
• Shanghai-New York: Students learn Generalist Practice in Shanghai before heading over to New York for Specialized Practice
• 32-Month: Working professionals can take advantage of evening, weekend, and summer classes
• Extended: Students work with academic advisors to create a three-to-five-year plan that fits their schedule
• Extended One-Year Residence: This path works well for social workers who already have clinically supervised direct practice experience
• Extended Shanghai-New York: Students study part-time in Shanghai before moving to full-time study in New York

NYU Silver’s Specializations help students build expertise in high-demand areas. These fit right into the MSW program without extra credits or time. Students can choose from:

Child & Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention, School Social Work, Evidence-Based Practice, Social Work in Higher Education, Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders, and Palliative and End-of-Life Care. Each option combines specific practicum placements with seminars and classroom learning to build deep knowledge in specialized areas. Final-year students can pick most specializations, while some welcome first-year students too.

The curriculum includes a wide range of electives that cover different topics, populations, and practice methods. Most paths require nine credits of electives, so students can shape their education. Students looking for more can pursue dual-degrees in child development, global health leadership, management, or law.

NYU Silver’s strong community partnerships support every pathway. These partnerships help students focus on specific social work areas while completing the 65-credit requirement for most paths.

About the online program

NYU Silver’s Hybrid Master of Social Work lets you advance your social work career while keeping your current job. The program strikes the right balance between flexibility and academic excellence. You can learn online and attend strategic in-person sessions that fit your schedule.

The hybrid program requires 65 credits and takes 3.5 years to complete part-time. This setup works well if you already work in social services and need a program that fits your professional and personal life. Most classes happen online, with occasional in-person sessions that help you build strong connections with teachers and classmates.

This program stands out because of its hands-on field education approach. You’ll get real-world experience that meets New York State’s LMSW licensure requirements. If you work in social services, you might complete your practicum at your workplace in just two semesters. Your education and work experience will blend naturally.

NYU Silver’s curriculum shows its dedication to detailed social work education. Theory connects with practice, and research links to policy. The program takes a global view while focusing on social and economic justice. You’ll learn skills to work with people from different backgrounds who need support.

The online format doesn’t mean you’ll study alone. NYU Silver created the program to help students participate and connect meaningfully. Online learning activities build a strong sense of community among students.

Students progress through generalist practice courses before moving to specialized topics. This step-by-step approach builds a strong foundation for advanced concepts. The program uses a trauma-informed view to give you skills that help people from various backgrounds who need care.

The hybrid format keeps NYU Silver’s high academic standards. You’ll get the same quality education as on-campus students, but in a format that works better for busy professionals.

Accreditation

Quality indicators from accrediting bodies are the foundations of any educational program’s credibility. The NYU Silver School of Social Work’s Master of Social Work program has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since its original recognition in 1955. This 68-year old accreditation status shows the program’s steadfast dedication to excellence through generations of social work professionals.

CSWE’s Board of Accreditation (BOA) approval means much more than a formal title. NYU Silver meets or exceeds strict program quality standards through an extensive peer review process. Students can trust the program’s quality and its graduates’ competence with this credential.

The accreditation covers everything in the program whatever the delivery method or location. This means you’ll get the same CSWE-accredited education whether you choose the traditional on-campus route, the flexible hybrid option, or study at one of the satellite campuses.

CSWE accreditation details become crucial to review program options. The BOA verification confirms NYU Silver follows all Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) sections. The program must also show it has enough resources to achieve its mission and goals.

Students get real benefits from CSWE accreditation. Note that NYU Silver measures student learning outcomes regularly based on CSWE standards. This continuous assessment keeps the curriculum relevant and effective. NYU Silver graduates have proven their excellence by passing New York State licensing exams at both entry and advanced clinical levels.

CSWE has specific guidelines and statuses for accreditation. Programs can be Fully Accredited, Accredited with Conditional status (needing specific standards met within a year), or Accredited with Withdrawal in Progress (planned closure). NYU Silver holds full accreditation status with no conditions.

The CSWE directory of accredited programs lets future students check NYU Silver’s current status and program details. This open information helps students feel confident about making such a big educational investment.

Admission Requirements

NYU Silver MSW program looks for specific qualifications that show you’re ready for graduate-level social work education. We reviewed candidates based on their academic background, experience, and how well they match social work values.

Here’s what you need for MSW admission:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a broad liberal arts background
• A strong academic record that shows you can handle graduate study
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of the field and dedication to social work as a profession
• Emotional maturity, care for others, and self-awareness
• Dedication to professional social work values
• Respect for social justice, diversity, and inclusion

The application goes through NYU Silver’s online system. You’ll need to submit a statement of purpose, transcripts, three recommendation letters, a résumé or curriculum vitae, and a $60 non-refundable application fee. The GRE isn’t required for admission.

Your transcripts should come from every institution where you earned 12 or more credits. You can upload unofficial electronic copies when you apply, but you’ll need official transcripts with all grades and degree confirmations if you’re admitted.

Letters of recommendation are a vital part of your application. These letters should come from professionals who can review your potential as a future social worker—usually employers, supervisors, or professors. Personal references from friends, relatives, or therapists aren’t accepted.

Faculty members on the admissions committee usually review complete applications within four to six weeks. Submit your application early because incomplete ones won’t be reviewed.

If you’re denied admission and want to try again, NYU Silver suggests waiting at least one academic year before reapplying. The same goes for readmission after taking a break of a year or longer – these cases are reviewed individually and might need a complete new application.

Tuition

Your MSW education planning at NYU Silver starts with understanding the financial investment. NYU Silver’s 2025-2026 tuition rate is $1,718 per credit. You will also need to pay a non-returnable registration and services fee – $572 for your first credit and $79 for each additional credit.

The first-year total costs vary by program pathway. Here are the estimates:

• Extended Course of Study: Approximately $33,825 based on 18 total credits across fall, spring, and summer semesters
• 32-Month Course of Study: About $46,404 for 25 total credits in the first year

Your budget should include indirect expenses. NYU estimates these costs for a traditional nine-month academic year:

• Food: $6,450
• Off-campus housing: $23,588
• Books and supplies: $1,510
• Transportation: $2,342
• Personal expenses: $3,000
• Health insurance: $4,644

NYU Silver helps make your education affordable. Students eligible for tuition scholarship exceed 95%. Merit-based scholarships for full-time pathway students (Two-Year, 16-Month, Transfer, and Advanced Standing) range from $7,000 to $17,000 per academic year.

NYU Silver’s special scholarship arrangements benefit AmeriCorps members and Peace Corps volunteers. AmeriCorps members receive a guaranteed minimum scholarship of $9,000 yearly. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers might qualify for a 50% tuition scholarship.

International students remain eligible for institutional scholarships but cannot access U.S. federal financial aid. They can submit the CSS Profile instead of the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need.

Additional Information

NYU Silver gives students valuable resources that go beyond regular coursework. An alumnus CEO introduced the Social Worker’s Survival Kit at convocation. The kit represents the profession’s core values with meaningful items like “a mirror for self-reflection” and “an eraser because everyone deserves a second chance”.

The school shows its steadfast dedication to student success through financial support. Students receive over $12 million in scholarships each year, and 95% of students get some form of scholarship. Yearly awards typically range from $2,000 to $17,000. Agency employees in certain pathways can also get discounted tuition.

Students gain experience through practicum placements in nine key areas:

• Child, Youth, and Family Services
• Health and Mental Health
• Adult Services and Aging
• School-based Services and Disabilities

These opportunities come from mutually beneficial alliances with more than 600 public and nonprofit agencies in New York and Shanghai. The practicum works as an “open classroom” where students apply their knowledge directly with clients under close supervision.

NYU Silver’s program stands out with its specialized training options. The CHAMP Institute uses federal grant funding to prepare fellows through targeted coursework and practicum placements that help prevent child maltreatment. The School Social Work Training Academy helps students prepare for careers in educational settings.

Graduates become part of a strong alumni community. The Office of Career Design & Social Work Readiness continues to support them with workshops, alumni events, and licensing preparation resources. This detailed support helps achieve a 96% employment rate for Silver graduates within six months.