An Online MSW Program That Takes Your Goals as Seriously as You Do

Practicum placements focus on direct practice with individuals, couples, families and small groups. Depending on your placement, your work may also include community outreach, program development and social action. A dedicated coordinator works with you to find a site that fits your location and your goals.

Learn more about practicum placements for the Adelphi MSW.

To apply to the Online MSW, you’ll need:

• A bachelor's degree with a background in the liberal arts and sciences from an accredited college or university
• A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
• Paid or volunteer experience in human services is preferred but not required
• An interview may be required on a case-by-case basis

Visit the admissions page for full details on applying for the Online MSW.

No. The Online MSW does not require GRE scores for admission.

New York State issues two main types of social work licenses: the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). All MSW graduates begin with the LMSW.

Earning your MSW is the first step toward LMSW licensure, but the degree alone doesn't make you licensed. To obtain your LMSW, you'll need to:

• Pass a standardized licensing exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
• Submit an application to the New York State Education Department
• Complete training in identifying and reporting child abuse

Adelphi's program prepares you to sit for the LMSW exam upon graduation, with licensure prep woven into the curriculum and dedicated exam preparation resources available throughout the program.

If you plan to pursue clinical licensure as an LCSW, that requires additional steps, including at least 2,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical social work.

Read our full guide on how to become a licensed social worker in New York.

The main differences between a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a master’s in counseling degree are in their scope and the methods they teach for dealing with specific issues.

• An MSW takes a broad view. Social work training examines individual issues within their social, cultural and economic contexts, and prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Social workers are also trained to engage at the systems level, which means they can work to address the structural factors that shape people's lives. For example, Adelphi's Online MSW includes coursework that addresses how to enact change at the organizational and legislative level.
• A master's in counseling tends to focus more narrowly on individual therapeutic treatment. This might include psychotherapy, clinical assessment and specific counseling methodologies like cognitive behavioral therapy. Counselors generally work directly with clients on psychological and emotional issues.

This is a very general overview. We encourage you to read our article, "Choosing Between a Master’s in Counseling vs. Master’s in Social Work" for a more in-depth look.

The demand for qualified social workers is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of social workers will grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 74,000 openings expected each year.

Social workers with an MSW earn significantly more than those with a BSW alone. The median annual salary jumps from $52,100 at the BSW level to $75,600 with an MSW, according to Lightcast Labor Analytics.

Adelphi graduates go on to roles such as social workers, administrators and educators in a wide range of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Medical clinics
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation centers
• Hospices
• Community mental health agencies
• Substance misuse clinics
• Public and private schools
• Child welfare organizations
• Health and human services organizations
• Military bases
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs centers and clinics
• Correctional facilities

An MSW is also the credential the profession requires for advanced and clinical roles. In every U.S. state, master-level social work licensure requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program like Adelphi’s Online MSW.

Graduates who complete the Adelphi MSW or Advanced Standing MSW program graduates are eligible to sit for the LMSW exam in New York and across the country.

For even more information, read our article "What Can You Do With a Master's in Social Work?".

Over the course of the program, you'll complete 900 site-based hours through two practicum placements. These take place in a human service agency, where you’ll work with individuals, families, groups and communities in a real practice setting.

A dedicated practicum coordinator works with you personally to find placements that fit your location and your professional interests. We have connections with 1,000+ agencies in the New York metro area and far beyond. It’s okay if you don’t live in New York—we’ll still find a match that fits your goals and location.

One thing to plan for: practicum placements take place during regular business hours, so some daytime weekday availability is required. Students complete 15 hours of practicum work per week during their placement semesters.

We have a lot more information on our practicum placements page. You can also contact us at 516.619.2209 with any questions about the practicum before you apply.

Are you currently employed in human services? You may be eligible to complete your practicum at your workplace through the Professional Advancement and Workforce Development track.