Master in Social Work (MSW)

A world-class education from the first school of social work in the United States.

Columbia School of Social Work has been a leader in social work education, training, and research since 1898. It joins rigorous academic theory with real-world practice to enhance the welfare of citizens and communities in New York City, the nation, and around the world.

Each semester, students work at a placement site three days a week (21 hours)—one day more than the minimum specified by the Council on Social Work Education—usually 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Typical field settings include schools, hospitals, courts, substance abuse clinics, prison, international governmental organizations, and community health clinics. Learning opportunities include case management, crisis intervention, program development, and policy intervention and administration. On-campus students have access to a field education network of more than 800 agencies and nonprofits throughout New York City (including all boroughs), New Jersey and Connecticut. We also have more than 300 placements in cities nationwide for students attending the online campus. The Field Education Department matches each student individually with agencies and field instructors and then works to ensure that the student’s learning objectives are met through a detailed educational plan. During a student’s first (foundational) year, the focus is on generalist social work practice. In the second (advanced practice) year, the focus is on the student’s chosen method area of concentration and field of practice. At that time, students will work closely with an associate director in the Field Education Department to find a placement that helps them to develop a specialized skill set.

Columbia University’s School of Social Work is a top ranked school and the first social work school established in the U.S.

Since 1898, Columbia faculty and alumni have played a leading role in advancing the field of social work through scholarly and professional contributions. What began as an intervention in the conditions of urban industrial life at the end of the 19th century has evolved into a global field that impacts nearly every area of social and political life. Our students graduate prepared to face 21st-century challenges.

The mission of the Columbia School of Social Work is to develop leaders in social work practice and research whose work advances professional values, knowledge, and skills through programs and policies that enhance well-being and promote human rights and social justice at the local, national, and global level. We derive this mission from Columbia University’s goal to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to use that knowledge for human betterment and societal advancement. Recognizing the importance of New York as a global city, the School seeks academic relationships with many countries and regions.