Master's in Social Work

Syracuse University is a prestigious private research university located in Syracuse, New York. Founded in 1870, Syracuse offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, engineering, communication, and more. The university is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. Syracuse provides students with a transformative educational experience that combines rigorous coursework with experiential learning opportunities, research projects, and community engagement. With world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant campus community, Syracuse fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive intellectually, creatively, and personally. The university's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, global perspectives, and inclusion prepares graduates to excel in their careers and become responsible global citizens.

With a master of social work (MSW) degree, you can go further in the social work profession and amplify your impact on society. An M.S.W. will enable you to open doors to leadership roles in human service programming and policy making, or gain the credentials to practice in clinical mental health. The master of social work (M.S.W.) degree is the terminal professional degree for the social work profession. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Syracuse’s M.S.W. program allows students to choose from advanced concentrations in Advanced Clinical Practice, for those who wish to become mental health clinicians, or Integrated Social Work Practice, for those who wish to pursue direct practice and leadership in a wide range of increasingly complex human service organizations. The foundation level coursework emphasizes generalist social work practice at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Students learn how to advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice, using a range of engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation methods in their practice with individual, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will also learn how to engage in policy and research informed practice, while developing an understanding of the importance and influence of diversity and difference in shaping a person’s life experiences. The concentration level coursework, either Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) or Advanced Integrated Practice (AIP), focuses on a deeper understanding of specific knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes consistent with each concentration area. ACP students learn to practice as clinical social workers, while AIP students learn to effectively navigate multiple levels of social work practice by engaging in varied professional roles and/or functions. Field placements are a central focus of the degree and are woven throughout the course of graduate study. Placements are available in child welfare, health, mental health, gerontology, schools, substance use disorders and many other practice settings. Did you earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program? Apply to the M.S.W. Advanced Standing Program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.