About
Earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Wurzweiler is the first step toward changing your world.
Our primary mission is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, particularly the vulnerable or oppressed. Our talented professors and supportive academic environment lay the foundation for one of the most important lessons social work students can learn: a commitment to social justice.
To achieve this goal, Wurzweiler's MSW program (HEGIS code: 2104, program number: 11125)—fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)—prepares you for advanced social work practice in casework/clinical settings, group work or community organization. The program takes two academic years to complete full time but can be extended to a maximum of four academic years. If you've already earned your BSW degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, you can complete our MSW courses in as little as 11 to 21 months.
Our curriculum and fieldwork opportunities emphasize social work values and ethics. Both in class and in the field, you will explore your own values in relation to the moral and ethical foundations of social work. Because many of you are working hard to balance the demands of school, work and family, we offer flexible programming that helps you to achieve your goals. Learn more about our programs below to discover which one is right for you, as well as our admissions requirements.
MSW Program Study Options
Interdisciplinary Programs
Traditional weekday plan
Early September to mid-May
Divides the week between classes and assigned field work
May be extended over three to four years, rather than the two-year, full-time option. Field placement would begin in the second year of your studies at Wurzweiler.
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For those already working in approved agencies and who are seeking professional advancement
Classes one evening a week and on Sundays, from September to mid-May
Field instruction at workplace
May be extended over three to four years, rather than the two-year full-time option. Field placement would begin in the second year of your studies at Wurzweiler.
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For qualified college graduates who want a more intensive style of study
Eight weeks of classes during June and July
September through mid-May field placements in students' home communities
International student body
Work-study option available
Accelerated program for those holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree
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Two-year plan/60 credits
Spend three eight-week periods in June and July on campus in New York City
Two years of field placement in home community from September to mid-May
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14-month plan/42 credits
Spend two eight-week periods in June and July on campus in New York City
One year of field placement in home community from September to mid-May
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Open only to ordained or certified clergy of all faiths (and their spouses, where applicable) who are institutionally affiliated and who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent
A portion of fieldwork can be done in their religious institution
Specialized weekly seminars provide field work supervision
Learn more about the Wurzweiler Interdenominational Clergy Plan (PDF).
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Joint degree; four years to complete
Earn the MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work and the JD from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. A maximum of 16 credits may be taken during any semester in which a student is registered for any Cardozo course
Candidates must apply to and be admitted by both schools separately. Ideally, the application is made to both programs simultaneously; a student already at one school may apply to the other during their first year. Admission to one school does not guarantee admission to the other, but it can strengthen the application.
During the first two years of study, you can complete the first-year program at each school in turn. During each of the remaining four semesters, you may divide your coursework between the two schools, to be consistent with the academic regulations of each school.
Learn more about the Wurzweiler-Cardozo Joint MSW-JD Program (PDF).
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Joint degree; four years to complete
Earn the MSW from Wurzweiler School of Social Work and the Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Yale Divinity School
Candidates for this program may be eligible to count up to 12 credit hours at the other school to satisfy course work in each program. Students taking the MAR/MSW are able to complete both degrees in a minimum of three years, and candidates taking the MSW/MDiv are able to complete both degrees in a minimum of four years.
Field education/supervised ministry may be coordinated between the two programs. If you are interested in pursuing a joint MSW/MDiv degree, we encourage you to apply to both programs at the start of the application period in the fall.
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Program Plans ("Road Maps")
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