Earning the MSW degree at Fordham is accomplished through a combination of classes focused on social work theory and field work where the theory is put into practice. The complete program includes sixty-six credit hours which can be earned through a number of options for full-time and part-time studies. There are two special programs for students with specific prior qualifications. Applicants with a Bachelors degree in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may qualify for Advanced Standing and complete the degree in one year. Applicants with more than three years experience working in a social work capacity may qualify for the Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioner (EESSP) model and complete a single extended field placement arranged at their place of employment.

Two Campuses plus:
The Graduate School of Social Service is pleased to offer The Masters of Social Work program at Fordham University's Lincoln Center Campus located at West 60th Street and Columbus Avenue in Manhattan.  

NEWS! The Graduate School of Social Service moved its Tarrytown programs to a new campus at 400 Westchester Avenue, in West Harrison, N.Y., for the Fall 2008 semester. This 3-story, 54,000-square-foot building includes “smart classrooms,” a library and computer lab, and student lounge. The newly-constructed academic facilities surround a large central courtyard in a building that sits on 32 beautifully landscaped acres with a stream and pond. The building offers parking for 250 vehicles and access to public transportation. This new facility will accommodate students from the suburban tri-state area. For further information on Fordham Westchester Click Here.

The School also has a collaborative program at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, Long Island. Students on Long Island can elect to take some coursework on the Molloy Campus and complete Field Placement on Long Island, however, to complete the degree, students will attend some classes at the Lincoln Center Campus. The MSW degree is awarded by Fordham University and is taught by faculty from both Fordham GSSS and Molloy College.

Matriculation:
Students may matriculate in either a Fall or Spring semester. Students beginning in the Spring do not commence field work until the following Fall semester. Applicants who have not yet been admitted to the program may take up to a maximum of twelve credits on a non-matriculated basis beginning in either a Fall or Spring Semester. Non-matriculated courses in which a grade of B or better is earned, will apply to the MSW program should the student subsequently be admitted.

Foundation and Advanced Levels:
The two phases of the program are titled Foundation and Advanced. A student in the full-time program would complete four courses each semester over two years. Part-time students divide the Foundation and Advanced levels into two years each, and complete the program in three or four years depending on the insertion of summer classes. All full and part-time students have a Foundation and an Advanced Field Placement. Advanced Standing students enter the program at the Advanced level and complete thirty-three credits. EESSP students (those with 3 years of Post-BA employment in a social work setting)  complete all the Foundation and Advanced level classes, a Lab class in preparation for field work, and a single extended field placement at their place of employment. The EESSP model is designed to assist student who have extenisve direct practice experience, however, it should be noted that the School does not award credit for life or work experience to any student.  Classes at the Foundation level introduce students to the history of the profession, the fundamental theories of human behavior, and the basic values and skills underlying generalist social work practice. Students learn to read and understand social work research, begin to incorporate a framework of professional ethics and are introduced to the concepts of oppression and social justice that are fundamental to becoming an agent of change.

Concentration and Specialization:
At the Advanced level, students choose an area of practice in which to concentrate and a field placement that coincides with that concentration. Clinical track students learn advanced theories of practice with individuals, families and small groups. Students in the Administration concentration study organizational aspects of social work institutions, policy planning/ implementation, supervision. Students in the Research concentration learn how to conduct social work research on projects that advance professional knowledge. At the Advanced level students choose electives that fit their interests and special skills. Fordham also offers specializations in specific fields of practice: Children & Families; Substance Abuse; Social Work and Law; Older Persons and their Families and a the newly created specialization in Global Service. These offer the opportunity for Advanced students, no matter what their concentrations, to build knowledge and practice skills in an area where they may be developing their careers.

Advisement:
Every student at Fordham has an advisor who is available to provide direction and assistance, linkage to services of the University system, and guidance in areas of difficulty.

Certification:
The Masters Degree in Social Work qualifies graduates to take the Certification or Licensing examination in their home states. Certification is required currently in most states and is a crucial qualification for employment as a social worker. Fordham offers students preparation for taking this examination in the final semester of the program.

Click Here for complete information on Plans of Study, Concentrations, Specializations and Application.

You may download the application for the Masters of Social Work program by clicking on the link below:
Download MSW Application, PDF document