New York Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in NY
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Social workers are in demand in New York. Learn how to earn your New York social work license in a state with higher-than-average projected employment growth and salaries.
Popular Online BSW Programs
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New York Social Work Licensing Requirements
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) oversees social work licensure and offers two levels of licensing: licensed master social worker (LMSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
The minimum degree required for a New York social work license is a master of social work (MSW). Your MSW must meet specific course content requirements and include 900 hours of field practicum experience.
The subsections below explore the scope of practice requirements for each New York social work license.
Licensed Master Social Worker
New York LMSWs can assess and evaluate clients, identify resources and services, advocate for clients’ rights, and facilitate research and community organization. However, LMSWs can only provide clinical social work services under supervision. Clinical services consist of diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning.
New York licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- A master’s degree in social work
- A passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Once fully licensed as an LCSW, you can perform all of the duties of an LMSW, plus independent clinical diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning.
Prior to applying for an LCSW license, you must complete supervised experience hours in diagnosis and psychotherapy as an LMSW. New York also offers one-year limited practice permits to those who have met all LCSW licensure requirements except the exam. These limited permits are employer-specific and require LCSW supervision.
New York licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- Master’s degree in social work
- Current, active LMSW license in New York
- At least three years of supervised postgraduate experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning, in a workplace legally authorized to provide these services
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in New York
New York offers reciprocity with other states for LCSWs. Reciprocity applies to those currently licensed in another state who have at least 10 years of practice experience in the last 15 years. State licensing requirements must be similar to those in New York.
Reciprocity candidates must provide verification of an MSW, ASWB clinical exam score, and licensure in good standing from each practice jurisdiction. Licensed colleagues and supervisors must verify a candidate’s 10+ years of licensed practice.
Out-of-state LMSWs seeking a New York social work license must satisfy New York’s licensure by examination requirements.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in New York
New York social workers must renew their licenses every three years. During each renewal period, social workers need to complete 36 hours of continuing education hours through NYSED-approved providers. No more than 12 hours can come from self-study educational activities. Three hours must cover appropriate professional boundaries.
Continuing education hours can also include preparing and teaching a course, presenting at a conference, and publishing a book or article in a peer-reviewed journal, subject to departmental approval.
MSW Programs Available in New York
- Adelphi University — Garden City, Hauppauge, New York, Poughkeepsie, and Middletown (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,345 per credit part time (on campus), $21,865 per semester full time (on campus), $975 per credit (online)
- Binghamton University, State University of New York — Binghamton (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $545 per credit hour in state, $944 per credit hour out of state
- College of Staten Island — Staten Island (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Disabilities
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $7,315 per semester in state, $1,000 per credit hour out of state; Part Time: $620 per credit hour in state, $1,000 per credit hour out of state
- Columbia University — New York City (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist; Clinical or Direct Practice; Social Justice; Management or Administration; Social Policy; Integrated Practice; Leadership
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $29,074 per semester two-year/advanced standing residential and online/16-month residential; $11,628 per semester part-time to full-time extended residential and online/one-year reduced residency for working professionals residential and online/part-time online; $24,346 per semester five-term international residential
- Daemen University — Amherst (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,118 per credit hour
- Fordham University — New York City and West Harrison (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,076 per credit hour
- Hunter College, City University of New York — New York City (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work; Aging; Children, Youth, and Families; Immigrants and Refugees; Health and Mental Health; World of Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: Full Time: $14,630 per year in state, $30,000 per year out of state; Part Time: $620 per credit hour in state, $1,000 per credit hour out of state
- Keuka College — Keuka Park, Victor, Syracuse, and Corning (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: On campus: $53,560 foundations, $28,840 advanced standing (estimated total program cost); Online: $824 per credit hour
- Lehman College, City University of New York — Bronx (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $7,315 per semester in state (full time), $1,000 per credit hour out of state (full time); $620 per credit hour in state (part time), $1,000 per credit hour out of state (part time)
- Long Island University, Post & Brooklyn Collaborative — Brooklyn and Brookville (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors; Child and Family Welfare; Forensic Social Work; Gerontology; Nonprofit Management
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,379 per credit hour
- Nazareth University — Rochester (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Play Therapy; Trauma-Informed Care; Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health; School Social Work; Interdisciplinary Specialty Program; Early Intervention; Gerontology; Substance Abuse
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $820 per credit hour
- New York University — Bronxville, New York City, Sparkill, and Shanghai, China (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,652 per credit hour
- Roberts Wesleyan University — Rochester (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Children, Youth, and Families; Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $782 per credit hour
- State University of New York at Stony Brook — Stony Brook (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Community, Policy, and Political Social Action; Families, Youth, and Transition to Adulthood; Integrated Health: Physical, Psychological, and Social Welfare
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $545 per credit hour in state, $963 per credit hour out of state
- SUNY Brockport — Rochester (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $8,478 per 9 credit hours in state, $11,310 for 12 credit hours in state; $10,170 per 9 credit hours out of state, $13,570 for 12 credit hours out of state
- Syracuse University — Syracuse (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice; Integrated Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,167 per credit hour
- Touro University — New York City and Brooklyn (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $855 per credit hour
- University at Albany, State University of New York — Albany (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $690 per credit hour in state, $1,098 per credit hour out of state
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York — Buffalo (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Trauma
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $8,150 per semester in state (full time), $13,275 per semester out of state (full time); $762 per credit hour in state (part time), $1,189 per credit hour out of state (part time); $711 per credit hour in state (online), $820 per credit hour out of state (online)
- Utica University — Utica (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Addictions; Clinical or Direct Practice; Trauma
- Enrollment Type: Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $795 per credit hour
- Yeshiva University — New York City (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,178 per credit hour
- York College, City University of New York — Jamaica (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: Full Time $7,315 per semester in state, $1,000 per credit hour out of state; Part Time: $620 per credit hour in state, $1,000 per credit hour out of state
New York Social Worker Career and Salary Information
New York’s annual salaries for all social work specializations outpace the national average social worker salary of $62,880, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The state ranks second in the nation for child, family, and school social worker average pay, with New York City wages ranking third among metropolitan areas. The average salary for mental health and substance use social workers in New York is the highest among U.S. states, with wages in the NYC metro area earning the third spot.
Long-term occupational projections (2022-2032) from Projections Central for New York social workers exceed national averages with more than 20% growth projected across all specializations.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $74,080 | $35.62 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $64,050 | $30.79 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $92,470 | $44.46 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $81,550 | $39.21 |
Social Work Associations in New York
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), New York Chapter: NASW’s New York chapter is a statewide association that also runs local chapters. Members get access to professional development opportunities, job listings, and networking events.
- National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter: NASW’s New York City chapter represents social workers in all five boroughs. This city chapter provides professional development programming, advocacy, and community networking.
- New York State Society for Clinical Social Work (NYSSCSW): This professional organization is dedicated to LCSWs practicing psychotherapy. The society helps members develop professional contacts, access educational opportunities, and advocate for clinical social work.
- New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSWA): The NYSSSWA provides members with professional resources, networking events, regional meetings for professional development, and representation at the New York State Education Department.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in New York?
Two types of New York social work licenses are available: licensed master social worker and licensed clinical social worker. Both require a master of social work as the minimum degree.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in New York?
New York social work licensure requires an MSW degree, a passing score on the ASWB master or clinical examination, and, for LCSWs, 900 hours of supervised, postgraduate clinical training. LCSWs from other states may qualify for licensure by reciprocity.
How much do social workers in New York make?
According to the BLS, New York social worker salaries range from $64,050 for healthcare social workers to $92,470 for mental health and substance use social workers.
How long does it take to become a social worker in New York?
LMSWs can become licensed in 5-6 years. They must earn a four-year bachelor’s degree and a one- to two-year MSW degree. LCSWs require an additional three years to complete supervised clinical training.
