Master of Social Work | MSW Program

What defines Fordham’s MSW program?

For over 110 years, Fordham GSS has educated social workers to make an impact in their own communities and around the world. The MSW curriculum educates students with advanced integrated practice that cuts across populations and contexts, preparing them to thrive whether they serve individuals, families, communities, or governments.

How we fulfill our mission

Flexible learning modalities: Our program is built for busy professionals. In addition to online and hybrid options, we offer evening and weekend courses to fit your schedule. On-campus students can stack coursework and come to campus just one day per week.

Hands-on experience: MSW students complete 900 hours of practicum placements with one of our thousands of nonprofit agency partners across the US. Pairing theoretical coursework with frontline internships results in a holistic education designed to let you hit the ground running after graduation.

Specialized partnerships: Our New York City location gives us access to organizations that provide unique student opportunities through fellowships and internships. Become a school social worker through our collaboration with NYC Public Schools, an immigration advocate with Her Migrant Hub, or a policy shaper with a United Nations NGO.

International opportunity: Learn how social workers abroad conduct their work through our two-week summer study abroad program in London. Meet the leaders running London's historic settlement houses while earning up to six credits during this condensed semester.

How to apply for a Master of Social Work degree

To ensure that we are able to holistically evaluate the candidate’s suitability for the MSW program, the following application components are required: 

• Application Form: You must select a plan of study and a campus.
• Personal Statement: The personal statement page includes several prompts that must all be answered. Your personal statement should be formatted using APA style. More details can be found within the application.
• Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts: Official transcripts are required for all institutions where 6 or more credits were earned. Please refer to the application for specifics on transcript requirements.
  
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation: Approved recommenders are: past and present employers, professors, and approved volunteer coordinators. Recommendation letters must be on letterhead and sent from a recommender's professional or academic email.
• Complete Resume
• Application fee: $60, payable on the online application page after you submit your application. 

Advanced Standing Applicants (BSW graduates) only:

If you have completed or are still in the process of completing a BSW degree, your faculty adviser or BSW program chair must provide us with your Final or Mid-Year Field Evaluation. If they are unable to provide us with one, they may complete our alternative field evaluation form. This must be emailed to [email protected] by your faculty advisor or program chair.

Advanced standing is awarded only to graduates holding degrees from baccalaureate social work programs accredited by CSWE, those recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors.

Learn More About Our Admission Process

Guaranteed scholarship funding available before our deadline

Prospective students who complete and submit their applications by our deadline will receive a one-time, merit-based scholarship toward tuition. Funding for these awards varies from year to year. There is no separate application to receive an award. Students who do not submit their application before the deadline may not be considered for this merit-based funding.

Other sources of funding for graduate education include government agencies, employers, private donor scholarships, and foundations to academic departments and schools. Please visit the tuition and financial aid page to learn more about the financial options offered at Fordham GSS.

Courses at a Glance

• Integrating Human Rights and Justice in Practice (3 Credits)
• Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis (3 Credits)
• Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice (3 credits)

Flexibility in course modality
MSW students can choose from a range of full- and part-time study plans, taking courses on weekends and in the evening to fit their schedule. On-campus students can arrange their courses to all fall on one day of the week.

Specialization opportunities
Students can choose from across our four domains based on their area of interest: individuals and families; organizations and communities; evaluation; and policy practice and advocacy. We also offer specialized practice certificates (SPCs) in Health and Crisis and Resilience for students looking to further refine their education.

A personalized educational experience
After finishing the Generalist Phase, you can choose your remaining eight (8) electives. Customize your program by selecting courses in a particular area, or use our sophisticated matrix of offerings to create a more interprofessional focus. This fosters an educational experience that is truly your own.

View full list of courses