Master of Social Work, MSW Degree

A leader in social work education since 1957, the Wurzweiler School of Social Work is consistently rated among the top MSW programs in the nation and attracts students from across the globe. We are devoted to the success of each and every one of those students and, ultimately, to the value of repairing the world

Traditional or Advanced Standing: complete your MSW in in as little as one year (30 credits) if you earned your bachelor in social work from an accredited institution or take 60 credits throughout two or more years — part-time or full-time.

Three platforms: in-person at our Wilf Campus in uptown New York City, in real time through our Live Virtual Classroom, or at your own time with our asynchronous online program.

Three advanced practice methods: choose clinical for one-on-one work with individuals and families, group work, or community practice where you develop advanced skills for advocacy, policy and leadership within communities and organizations.

Seven areas of study: earn your CASAC credential while pursing your MSW at no additional cost or choose from one of our six optional MSW Program Certificates.

Field work: building skills for repairing the world one person at a time and supporting caring families, groups, and communities where everyone thrives is central to the field work experience. More than 600 placement sites in the Greater New York Area, and throughout the U.S., Canada, and Israel assure you will gain the experience you seek.

Peer mentorship: learn alongside a second-year student who will help you navigate through your MSW experience.

The Wurzweiler Difference

• Flexibility: three entry terms, part-time or full time, traditional and Advanced Standing, MSW/PhD, MSW/Clergy and PhD programs.
• Individualized: You will be assigned a faculty advisor to guide you through academic studies, mentor your career growth, oversee and assess your field experience, and help build your professional confidence.
• Personal Attention: Classes are intimate and encourage close interaction with faculty, guest lecturers and peers. An on site writing center for Wurzweiler students is available at no additional cost.
• Ethics: Founded on a profound respect for individual beliefs and Jewish social philosophy, Wurzweiler fosters tolerance and trains you to support the spiritual and emotional needs of clients.
• World-Renowned Educational Experience: Students and faculty come from around the globe and all walks of life, enriching your learning experience. Field placements are available across the US, in Canada, Israel and other countries.

At a Glance

• Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and ranked top 100 university
• No GRE required in our simplified application process and you are automatically considered for scholarships
• Full-time or part-time options for Advanced Standing or traditional students on campus in NYC or via our Live Virtual Classroom
• 100% online student experience allows flexible programming options for busy lives
• Optional CASAC credentialing program as part of your MSW and six Program Certificates
• Entry terms — apply for fall, spring, or choose one of our Summer MSW cohorts
• Three advanced practice methods — clinical work with individuals and families, group work or community practice where you build skills for advocacy, policy and leadership
• Personal attention from faculty who are leaders in the field of social work

Fall Offerings

• MSW 60 credit program (full-time study)
• MSW 60 credit program (part-time study)

For Advanced Standing: Applicants with a bachelor of social work from a CSWE or CASWE-ACFTS school

• MSW 30 credit program (full-time study)
• MSW 30 credit program (part-time study)

Spring Offerings

• MSW 60 credit program (full-time study)
• MSW 60 credit program (part-time study)

For Advanced Standing: Applicants with a bachelor of social work from a CSWE or CASWE-ACFTS school

• MSW 30 credit program (full-time study)
• MSW 30 credit program (part-time study)

Mission and History

At the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, our mission is reflected by our history. We opened our doors at Yeshiva University in 1957 as America's only graduate social work school under Jewish auspices in a university setting.

Throughout our history and with the full support of the University, we have reached out to an ever-widening constituency. Though we began as a school of social work for group workers, reflecting the need of Jewish communal agencies for staff well-prepared in this discipline, we moved rapidly to offer the full casework sequence.

In 1974, with the help of a demonstration grant from the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York, we launched the community social work sequence. This became an integral part of Wurzweiler's regular offerings, with courses in administration and research specifically designed for our students.

In 1984, the curriculum was reorganized to meet emerging needs in the field and to enable our students to become more familiar with computers in social service agencies, while additional changes reflected evolving accreditation standards.

We initiated doctoral studies in social welfare in 1966, granting the degree DSW, Doctor of Social Welfare. In April 2000, after an intensive self-study and external review, the New York State Department of Education approved changing the degree designation to PhD, Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare.

We celebrated our golden anniversary with a major academic conference in New York City in 2007, and our accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education was recently reaffirmed through June 2025.

At a Glance

• Small, personalized classes providing concepts for putting theory into practice.
• Faculty who are experts in their field and academic staff who offer guidance.
• Flexibility in format from full-time to part-time and convenient class times throughout the week and Sundays.

Turn Your Passion Into A Career

Our instructors and academic staff are committed to fostering an inclusive community of learning, engagement, and networking. Graduates of our programs find themselves in careers across schools, non-profits, hospitals, community organizations, private practive, and much more.