What CUNY schools offer a master’s in social work?
Have you constantly desired to help individuals improve their lives and make a difference in the world? Then it is time to further your education in social work.
Cuny Social Work Programs
Over the years, Social work has been considered a rewarding career, and it has increasingly been in great demand, especially with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its attending health effects on vulnerable people.
The Social Work profession has experienced constant improvement such that the average social workers extend his services to a broader system rather than working with just individuals and families.
One of the numerous advantages of being a social worker is working with the government, community organizations, policy advocacy, and agencies for social change.
With the rewards that come with working for the above-listed agencies, individuals should work towards advancing their social work careers by pursuing further education (like MSW) that would equip them with the necessary knowledge and certification for a rewarding career as a social worker.
One institution that offers MSW is the City University of New York (CUNY), a network of several public higher learning institutions in the Five Boroughs of the great New York City.
CUNY has over 500,000 students and ranks third-largest in the United States college system.
However, before applying for an MSW program at CUNY, you should know the requirements and curriculum to make the right choice.
Why Choose CUNY MSW
The MSW Program at CUNY York College is dedicated to preparing academics for advanced urban social work practice at the micro, meso, and macro levels, focusing on healthcare.
The program aims to attract and train scholars from various backgrounds to become competent and passionate social workers ready to utilize their training and skills to meet the ever-growing demand for social workers across the globe.
The CUNY MSW Program supports the value of dedication and passionate participation in public service locally and globally, in addition to intending scholars’ intellectual and professional growth.
Through the rigorous curriculum and the vibrant and inclusive environment, the CUNY colleges provide MSW scholars with specific research and practice-informed knowledge, values, and skills needed for a flourishing social work career.
Other advantages of applying for an MSW program at CUNY include:
- It allows you to obtain a low-cost MSW degree through the available modest student loan and grants.
- MSW scholars will attend classes in New York’s most ethnically diverse colleges.
- An MSW certificate from CUNY will allow you to join the social healthcare industry’s fastest-growing profession.
- The institution connects you with compassionate staff and fellow scholars.
- It prepares you for the LMSW exam by allowing you to study for the New York State (NYS) licensing exam.
- The diverse cultural values in the CUNY colleges equip scholars with the empathy and skill needed to work with the differing attitudes of prospective clients in their social work careers.
- Scholars gain the training and knowledge needed to reduce individual, family, and community socio-economic challenges.
- Scholars studying for the MSW program at CUNY are dedicated to civic engagement and leadership to advance human growth, quality of life, and social justice for all humans.
CUNY Schools for Social Work Requirements
All MSW Scholars are enrolled full-time in their studies. There is currently no part-time program available at CUNY York College’s School of Social Work.
Aspiring MSW Scholars must attend classes 2 (two) evenings and Saturdays each week (fall 2021 & fall 2022). Furthermore, field placement 2-3 days is necessary, although both course work and field placement can be completed on the same day.
To allow scholars to meet the demands of their current places of employment, in-person classes are held in the evenings.
Start of Term: Autumn
Note: You should map out and adhere to a schedule that would allow you to balance your full-time MSW program (which includes field placement hours, course work, and any other program requirements) with the demands of your personal and professional life.
CUNY York College’s MSW program does not give measure life experiences and previous professional engagements in considering the eligibility of applicants.
Admission into the program is strictly only for scholars who meet the program’s specific standards.
General admission requirements
To qualify for admission to the MSW Program at CUNY York College, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Candidates must display a willingness to pursue graduate studies.
- Submission of a program application must contain a personal statement of purpose and career goals of the MSW applicant, official transcripts, and a curriculum vitae or current full resume.
- Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally approved institution or college. If said degree is a bachelor’s degree, the program must be CSWE accredited.
- A satisfactory academic record of 3.0 or higher overall grade point average (GPA).
- Candidates must attend a group interview.
- Submission of three letters of recommendation from tutors or employers. The letters should highlight the applicant’s suitability for the social work profession and readiness to learn. No personal references are allowed.
Advanced standing admission requirements
Advanced standing applicants must meet the following requirements in addition to the standard admission requirements:
- A CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in Social work within the last five years.
- 0 or higher overall grade point average (GPA) and a 3.2 GPA in the social work major.
- Submission of a final field placement evaluation from a senior undergraduate student.
- A grade of B or above in all compulsory social work curricula for the undergraduate degree.
- A final appraisal from their senior field placement.
Additional admission requirements for international students
There are specific additional admission requirements for international students wishing to apply for an MSW Program at CUNY colleges, and these include:
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 61 on the (Internet Based TOEFL) is required for applicants with native languages, which is not English (IBT). The Social Work CAS TOEFL code is 2992, and these scores should be reported to them. International applicants should submit their official TOEFL scores to the CUNY College using University Code: 2992.
- For applicants who earned their degree outside of the United States, a WES evaluation (www.wes.org) is necessary. SocialWorkCAS can be used to request and submit this information.
Applicants who are unable to access TOEFL can use the following substitutes:
- A mandatory score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- A minimum score of 44 on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA).
- A minimum score of 85 on Duolingo.
Graduation requirements
Individuals applying for graduation from the CUNY York College MSW Program must complete all criteria for the degree at York College of the City University of New York, as outlined by the most recent Graduate Bulletin in effect at the time of application.
The program’s current structure is aimed only at professional programs.
Applying for the CUNY MSW program
Ensure to read over all parts of the MSW Program at the website for CUNY York College before commencing your application. Note the following guidelines before completing your application:
- An interview is necessary as part of the application process.
- Before your application is considered complete, a payment of $75.00 non-refundable application fee and a $45 flat price for SocialWorkCAS must be made to York College.
- All MSW applications and materials should not be sent to MSW@york.cuny.edu, as any application directed elsewhere would be invalid.
Average tuition cost of the CUNY MSW program
The cost of running an MSW program in any CUNY college largely depends on the university, program type, and enrollment. For further information on tuition costs, contact your selected institution.
However, every CUNY college in New York with an MSW program will have a financial aid office and opportunities to apply for social work scholarships, grants, and loans to help lessen the cost of your education.
Curriculum
Some CUNY colleges allow you to concentrate or specialize in one or more aspects of social work for the MSW programs.
However, traditional students typically have a foundational year or program, irrespective of specialization.
Some of the academic requirements in traditional MSW programs include:
- Theory of Human Behavior
- Theory of Social Work
- Foundations of Social Work
- Government Social Policy
- Psychopathology
- Field Experiences
Field internships and coursework focused on that topic should be expected in the second year for students who wish to concentrate on their MSW degree.
The curriculum for MSW programs will vary for different CUNY colleges. Therefore, check the webpage of your institution of choice for more details.
Conclusion
The desire to advance your education and career in Social Work is commendable owing to the increasing global demand for social workers.
Pursuing an MSW program is also beneficial as you gain more theoretical and practical knowledge that will aid your career as a Social Worker.
