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What makes the MSW program at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work unique?Our program has a primary focus on Clinical Social Work. This concentration emphasizes direct practice with individuals, families and small groups. All students are trained in clinical social work: a systems or bio-psychosocial approach that includes assessment of and intervention with individuals, families or groups of people from a psychological, biological, environmental, and cultural perspective. Our faculty is comprised of academicians and current practitioners who provide examples of their clinical work in the classroom. Due to our superb clinical faculty, we offer a wide variety of clinical social work electives. Click here to read about the experiences of some of our alumni. |
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What does it mean to be a "clinical" program?The approach is a holistic or bio-psychosocial one that stresses a multi-dimensional perspective of human development and behavior including psychological, biological, environmental, cultural and family factors. Theory and practice are well integrated with concurrent practice and field learning. Student learning experiences from field placements are examined in the classroom and theoretical knowledge from the classroom is transcribed at the field placement. |
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Will I be a well-rounded social worker if I graduate from your program?Yes. Courses in your first year teach you the foundation of social work practice. We believe learning how to think critically is the foundation for knowing how to intervene when serving the emotional, social and psychological needs of clients. In your second year, you will take advanced classes in clinical social work. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the accrediting body of social work schools, accredits the Silver School of Social Work at NYU. |
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What are the admission requirements to be considered for admission at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work?You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 60 liberal arts credits; a strong academic record demonstrating an ability to handle intellectual graduate education; the capacity to conceptualize and make judgments; strong writing and verbal skills; knowledge of and a commitment to social work; emotional maturity, personal regard for others, respect for diversity and a capacity for self-awareness and personal growth; and a commitment to the values that underscore the social work profession. Readiness for social work education includes related work or volunteer experience and undergraduate courses in social and behavioral sciences. When an applicant does not have these, the admission committee examines an applicant's involvement in community activities or participation in organizations committed to humanistic values. Click here to read more about the requirements for the MSW Program. |
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What should my application consist of? Can I submit the application contents at different times?Yes, your application can be uploaded into our web-based application. Your application should contain your statement of purpose, official transcripts from all undergraduate or graduate schools attended, three reference letters, and a resume. A Practice Statement is required if you are applying for the Advanced Standing or Extended One-Year Residence Programs*. We strongly recommend a self-managed application. We accept loose documents; but it is in your best interest to mail the complete application in on time. Click here to read more about our application requirements.We will continue to accept paper applications for a short time. * Field Instruction evaluation is required if you are applying as a transfer student. Advanced Standing applicants should include the Practicum evaluation. |
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Do you accept applications to begin the MSW program in the winter/spring? If so, when is your application deadline?You can begin these programs in the spring (January) semester: Extended One-Year Residence Program; Extended Program; Accelerated 16 Month Program (full-time); Non-degree Program. Application deadlines are posted here.At our branch campuses, you can begin classes in January with the exception of the 16 Month Program. |
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Who makes the admission decision and who is part of the admissions committee?Our admission committee is made up of faculty and they recommend all admission decisions. |
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When will the admission decision be made?After we receive a complete application, our committee needs between four and six weeks to evaluate an application. |
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How do I decide who should write my reference letters?Your letters of reference are intended to help the Admission Committee assess your potential for graduate study in the field of social work. Most helpful would be recommendations from undergraduate or graduate professors or advisers who can attest to your preparedness for an advanced degree program. Because social work is a helping profession, it is equally important to seek references from people who may have supervised you in work, internships, or a volunteer experience related to the field of social work. If you do not have access to such references, then you may use an employer, supervisor or someone who can evaluate your personal, professional and academic potential for graduate social work education. We strongly recommend not using therapists, friends or family members. |
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I have been out of college for a while and the professors I had are not available to write my reference letters. What should I do?You can submit recommendations from professionals. These letters are intended to indicate your potential for social work and your level of professionalism and specific skills that may be applicable to this field. Your professional recommendations may also comment on skills that are relevant to your academic abilities, i.e. writing skills, research and analytical skills, problem-solving skills. You should submit personal recommendations only when you have exhausted your professional contacts. If you have a general letter that was written for you at your undergraduate institution some time ago, make sure that this letter comes from the institution (i.e., in a sealed envelope). |
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Do you require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for admission? If I choose to take it, should I send you the results?The GRE is not required for our MSW Program. The Ph.D. program, however, requires the GRE or MAT test. You may send us your GRE scores, but they do not factor heavily in our admissions decision. |
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Should I still apply to the Silver School of Social Work if my Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) is low?Yes. We look at the quality of the entire application in addition to your GPA. If your GPA is weak, we encourage you to write about your undergraduate academic circumstances in your personal statement. Also, keep in mind that there may be other parts in your application that compensate for a weak GPA. Lastly, you might also consider taking courses as a non-matriculated (non-degree) student to display readiness for graduate work. You can also take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to help compensate for a weak GPA. Although it is not required, it may be a way of showing academic promise. |
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If I do not have any social work experience, will my application be considered?You may be considered for admission without social work experience, but we strongly suggest that you begin a volunteer experience before or during the application process. Since this is a professional school and degree, we want all of our students to be cognizant of the field. |
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I have many years of experience working in the field of social work. Do I qualify for Advanced Standing?No. The Advanced Standing Program is for students that have earned a BSW degree from an accredited undergraduate program within the last five years. You might be eligible for our Extended One-Year Residence (OYR) Program. Read more about this program in the answer below. |
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I need to work while I am in school. Is it possible to earn an MSW degree on a part-time basis at NYU?We have three programs that are a combination of part-time and full-time study: the Extended Program, the Extended One-Year Residence Program (OYR), and the 32-Month Program for Working Professionals. For people changing careers, or people without experience in social services, the Extended Program and the 32-Month Program are the best options. Click here to read more about the Extended Program, and here for the 32-Month program. The Extended OYR Program is for people who work in social services and want to do their field placements at their current jobs. Click here to read more about this program. |
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Do you have a weekend program?We offer courses on Saturdays; additionally, the 32-Month Program for Working Professionals can include weekend field placements. We also have evening classes, and we offer all foundation-level courses on Fridays. |
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How diverse is your school and student body?Our student body is very diverse on many levels. Our students have a great mix of backgrounds and life experience, which enriches both the classroom experience and the student community here at the Silver School. |
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What is the average size of your classes?Our required courses and practice classes are between 15-25 students. Some elective classes might be larger due to student demand. The majority of our classes take place in our Social Work building. |
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Can I transfer to your school? How many credits are transferable?We accept transfer students who have completed their first year at an accredited graduate social work program. We also accept students who have taken up to 12 credits (4 courses) at an accredited graduate social work program within the last five years. Practice social work courses will not transfer. Students must have earned a grade of B or better and the content of the course must be equivalent to ours. Courses will not transfer if they were credited toward a previous degree or if they were taken more than five years ago. For more information, or to apply for advance or waiver credit, please consult this form. |
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My application is complete except for one letter of recommendation. I do not want to miss the deadline, what should I do?We recommend that you call or e-mail the Office of Admissions and let us know that you are waiting for the final reference letter and when you expect your application to be ready. We will typically recommend that you upload the application as soon as it is complete depending on the timeframe. If it is more than one week before the reference letter will be sent or if you will miss the application deadline, we typically recommend that you upload what you have by the deadline. Note that applications are not reviewed unless they are complete. |
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If something is missing from my application, can I fax it to the Admissions Office?No, materials should be uploaded in our web-based application, or for a short time, paper applications can be mailed or hand-delivered to:New York University Silver School of Social Work Office of Admissions One Washington Square North New York, NY 10003-6654 |
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Can my letters of reference be sent via e-mail?No, references must be uploaded in our web-based application or mailed to the above address. |
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Can I apply online?Yes, we have an on-line application for the MSW matriculating programs. At this time we do not have an on-line application for our non-matriculating students. For a short time our paper application can be downloaded here. |
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I am finishing my undergraduate degree this year, so my transcript doesn't include my final courses. Do I have to wait to apply?No, we recommend that you apply now and include an official transcript from your university/college. We will render a conditional admission decision. Please send us a second official transcript that indicates your final grades and your conferred degree as soon as it becomes available. |
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I have not submitted the FAFSA. Do I have to wait to submit my application until the FAFSA is done?No. Complete your application and send it to us for review. |
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What if I start your full-time MSW program and find that it is too much for me, can I transfer to your part-time program?We encourage you to discuss your schedule and possibly changing programs with your academic adviser. If you both agree that part-time study is appropriate, you will want to e-mail the Admissions Office stating that you wish to change your academic program. |
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Do you offer services to students with disabilities?Yes. The Moses Center for Students with Disabilities offers many services for students with special needs. Click here to read more information. |
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Do your graduates get jobs? What is the average social work salary?Currently over 85% of our graduates find employment in the field of social work within three to six months of graduation at an average salary between $40,000 and $45,000. The Silver School of Social Work works closely with the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development to assist students seeking jobs by offering resume writing, networking, and interviewing skills. We also maintain job listings for our students and graduates. |
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In what areas can I find employment with an MSW degree?There is a wide range of job opportunities, including but not limited to mental health settings, school, hospitals, substance abuse programs, Employee Assistant Programs (EAPs), family and children services, and geriatrics. Click here for alumni profiles. |
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I am interested in research and policy administration. Can I study these topics at your school?We offer a limited number of policy-focused placements for which second-year students may apply. While our program emphasizes clinical practice, there are a number of policy/practice field options that you can apply for - you can review the list here. Another option is to apply to our dual degree program with the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at NYU. This will afford you the opportunity to earn an MSW and an Executive MPA. |
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How many days are spent at your field placement and in the classroom?Full-time students spend three days (21 hours) per week at their field placement and two days in the classroom (four classes). Some full-time students choose to take all four classes in one day. Part-time students generally have 21 hours per week at their field placements; however, some might do less (15 hours per week), extending their placements through summer. This arrangement depends upon the needs and agreement of the field site. There are a limited number of field placements where weekend or night hours are available. Part-time students take classes in one or two evenings or on Saturdays. The Advanced Concentration year of the program requires 21 hours of field learning during the week. |
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What courses can I take as a Non-Degree Student?As a non-degree student, you can complete up to twelve credits or four courses from the following classes: Human Behavior I, Social Welfare Programs and Policies I, Human Behavior I, Ethnocultural Issues in Social Work Practice, Skills and Interpersonal Communication and Research I. Check non-matriculating courses at different campuses, there might be different classes. Please click here for more information. |
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What is the difference between Social Work and Psychology? I am a psychology major and I want a career in counseling. Is Social Work right for me?One major difference between psychology and social work is that the two-year master's degree in social work is a terminal professional degree. The MSW allows you to enter the professional job market right after graduation and enables you to apply for licensure. A master's degree in psychology doesn't qualify you to be licensed in most states or for most positions as a psychologist. Normally you are required to earn a PhD or PsyD in psychology to be a psychologist. It is important for you to examine your interests, goals and timeframe in order to answer these questions. Although there are some overlaps in the curricula, the philosophy of the education differs. Social work is unique in that it integrates learning through concurrent academic study and field experiences whereas PhD psychology programs begin with several years of academic study before moving students into clinical internship. Additionally, social work places a greater emphasis on the environmental systems that impact clients, and on issues of social justice. Psychology programs teach you how to administer tests and they stress research more than social work programs. |
If your question is not answered here, please send us your question via email to ssw.admissions@nyu.edu. We will make every attempt to respond within 2-3 days of your inquiry. Thank you.
