Hybrid MSW Frequently Asked Questions

Students who complete the Hybrid MSW at NYU Silver School of Social Work are prepared to pursue many different paths in social work. Our students seek to improve the lives of a wide variety of populations, so we include coursework on the following specialized areas of practice:

• Child, Youth, and Family Services
• Adult Services
• Senior Care
• Health
• Mental Health
• Disabilities Across the Life Cycle
• Forensic Social Work
• School-Based Services

In addition, our program prepares students to take the ASWB exam, which—along with other requirements—allows an individual to become a Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW).

The Hybrid MSW is a part-time program that is designed specifically for social service professionals who are currently working. This is in contrast to other pathways, such as our two-year degree pathway, which is a full-time program best for students who are not currently in a social services role.

The Hybrid MSW offers our students the best of both worlds: they will benefit from the flexibility of online classes and the connection and experience that comes with in-person practicum placements. In addition, most students will complete their practicum at the agency where they work.

Students can complete the program in eight semesters over three years. On average, part-time students complete their degree in three and a half years.

Yes. We designed the Hybrid MSW for professionals who are working in social services and want to continue their studies. Practicum placement experiences will be on site with students’ current social services employer.

It depends. Since the majority of the coursework takes place online, international students do not qualify for a student visa. If an international student obtains another visa type that also allows them to study, they are welcome to pursue the program.

If you are eligible to study in the United States, but your undergraduate program was in a language other than English, you will need to submit English test scores as part of your application. We accept TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Visit our language testing requirements page for more information.

• Have a master’s of social work degree from an accredited school of social work,
• Complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse in accordance with Section 6507(3)(a) of the Education Law (which is a part of the curriculum at NYU Silver),
• Have good moral character (which is in relation to criminal record), and
• Pass the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) Masters level (Advanced) examination.

Please note that individuals pursuing LCSW licensure are required to have three years of qualifying post-master's work experience in addition to the education and exam requirements.

We are proud to say that earning an MSW from our hybrid pathway fulfills the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states.

Yes. NYU Silver's Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).

Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

Accreditation applies to all program options, which includes locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

Review our program’s accredited status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.

Our Hybrid MSW curriculum prepares students to sit for ASWB masters examination. The Social Work Practice IV course includes exam preparation, and the entire curriculum is designed to contribute to exam readiness.

To further support students, NYU Silver offers numerous licensure preparation resources to students. This includes a variety of online, hybrid, and in-person activities, such as study sessions, a licensure process Q&A, and licensure application assistance.

Upon completing the Hybrid MSW program and passing the ASWB exam, graduates are qualified for the LMSW credential.

Those who want to become an LCSW will need at least three years of qualifying post-master’s work experience. However, the Hybrid MSW provides students with a great deal of knowledge that lays a solid foundation for pursuing the credential in the future.

For more information and resources about licensing, visit our licensing resources page.