New York Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in NY
New York social workers are in high demand. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New York had the second-highest employment level for child, family, and school social workers and was the top-paying state for mental health and substance use and addiction social workers.
According to the New York State Association for Rural Health, the state’s social worker shortage is not confined to urban areas. In fact, there is an even greater need for licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) and mental health counselors in rural areas — home to millions of New Yorkers, many of whom have acute mental health needs.
Learn more about earning a New York social work license and finding the right school for your goals.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
New York Social Work Licensing Requirements
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) oversees licensing requirements for licensed master social workers (LMSWs) and LCSWs.
Licensed Master Social Worker
An LMSW is authorized to provide generalized social work, such as case management and referral to resources, and may provide clinical services, such as assessment and counseling, under the supervision of an LCSW.
New York social work licensing requirements for LMSWs include:
- Be of good moral character as determined by the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions
- Be at least 21 years old
- Earn a master of social work (MSW) online or on campus that meets New York department standards
- Fill out the application
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) masters licensing examination
- Complete education on identifying and reporting child abuse from a state-approved provider
Educational standards for an LMSW include two years or 60 credits of MSW coursework and at least 900 practicum hours. The fee for a first-time license is $294. Once licensed, you must complete ongoing professional education and adhere to the rules of professional conduct. You must complete at least 36 hours of professional education from approved sources every three years.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
An LCSW can provide clinical and all other social work services without the supervision of an LCSW.
New York social workers licensing requirements for LCSWs include:
- Be of good moral character as determined by the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have an MSW that meets New York department standards
- Fill out an application
- Have at least three years of full-time or six years of part-time supervised experience in clinical social work (diagnosis, psychotherapy, and assessment-based treatment planning)
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical licensing examination
- Complete education on identifying and reporting child abuse from a state-approved provider
Education must include at least two years or 60 credits of coursework, a practicum of at least 900 hours, and at least 12 credits in clinical social work. The fee for a first-time license is $294 as of early 2025. Like an LMSW, you must complete at least 36 hours of professional education every three years and follow the rules of professional conduct to maintain your New York social work license.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in New York?
It usually takes 5-6 years to earn an LMSW. This includes earning a bachelor in social worker (BSW) degree and an MSW. It can take about 8-9 years to become an LCSW because of the required supervised clinical practice experience.
If you have a bachelor’s in social work (BSW), many MSW programs offer advanced standing, which lets you finish your masters in just one year.
Some students may decide to further their education by completing a doctor of social work (DSW) or a Ph.D. in social work, which can usually take an additional 4-6 years.
Social Work License Reciprocity in New York
Reciprocity means an agreement where a professional license earned in one state is accepted as valid in other states. New York does not participate in licensing reciprocity, as each state maintains its licensing requirements. You can only earn a New York social worker license by applying directly to the NYSED.
Licensing by endorsement means a state allows someone already licensed in one state to get a license in another state without going through the required steps. This is available in New York State if you have an LCSW and at least 10 years of experience in another state.
Licensing by endorsement requires verifying your professional practice, list of supervisors and ASWB score.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in New York
You must renew your New York social work license every three years. The renewal fee is $224 whether you have an LMSW or an LCSW. The renewal period after your first license is adjusted, so you will renew during your birthday month. You must also complete at least 36 hours of professional continuing education.
Accredited Social Work Programs Available in New York
| University | Location | Available Concentrations | Enrollment Type | 2023 Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | Garden City; Hauppauge; Hudson Valley; Manhattan, NY (On Campus, Online) | Mental Health; Substance Abuse; Trauma; Human Services Management and Organizational Leadership | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings | $21,025 tuition for 17 credits |
| Alliance University | New York, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical; Leadership in Organizations and Communities | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $910 per credit |
| Binghamton University | Binghamton, NY (On Campus) | Advanced Generalist | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $6,540 for 12 credits |
| SUNY Brockport | Brockport, NY (On Campus) | Advanced Generalist | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year | $471 per credit |
| College of Saint Rose | Albany, NY (On Campus) | Advanced Generalist | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $846 per credit |
| College of Staten Island | Staten Island, NY (On Campus) | Clinical Practice; Disability Studies | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $7,315 per semester for 12 credits |
| Columbia University | New York, NY (On Campus, Online) | Leadership Management and Social Entrepreneurship for Social Justice; Policy Practice; Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year | $26,752 for 12 credits |
| Daemen College | Amherst, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical or Direct Practice | Full Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year | $1,056 per credit |
| Fordham University | Lincoln Center; Westchester; Rockville Centre, NY (On Campus, Online) | Health; Crisis and Resilience | Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year, Weekends and Evening | $995 per credit |
| Hunter College | New York, NY (On Campus) | Aging; School of Social Work; Child Welfare: Children, Youth, and Families; Criminal Justice; Global Social Work and Practice with Immigrants and Refugees; Health; Mental Health; Sexuality and Gender; World of Work | Full Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year, Weekends and Evening | $620 per credit |
| Keuka College | Keuka Park, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical or Direct Practice | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year, Weekends and Evenings | $1,217 per credit |
| Lehman College | Bronx, NY (On Campus) | Advanced Generalist | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $620 per credit for part-time students |
| Long Island University | Brookville, NY (On Campus) | Gerontology; Nonprofit Management; Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Child and Family Welfare; Forensic Social Work | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year | $1,231 per credit |
| Nazareth College of Rochester | Rochester, NY (On Campus, Online) | Advanced Generalist | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year | $1,045 per credit |
| New York University | New York, NY (On Campus) | Clinical or Direct Practice | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year, Weekends and Evenings | $1,527 per credit |
| Roberts Wesleyan College | Rochester, NY (On Campus, Online) | Mental Health; Child and Family Services | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $737 per credit |
| St. Joseph’s University of New York | Brooklyn and Patchogue, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems | Full Time, Part Time, Weekends and Evenings | $1,270 per credit |
| Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY (On Campus) | Community, Policy, and Political Social Action; Families, Youth and Transition to Adulthood; Integrated Health: Physical, Psychological, and Social Well Being | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings | $545 per credit |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical or Direct Practice; Integrated Practice | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $32,436 for 24 credits |
| Touro University | New York and Brooklyn, NY (On Campus, Online) | Aging; Mental Illness; Veterans | Full Time, Part Time, Multiple Cohorts Per Year, Weekends and Evenings | $820 per credit |
| University at Albany | Albany, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing | $682 per credit |
| University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY (On Campus, Online) | Trauma | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year, Weekends and Evenings | $706 per credit for online students |
| Utica University | Utica, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical or Direct Practice | Part Time | $922 per credit |
| Yeshiva University | New York, NY (On Campus, Online) | Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems | Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts Per Year | $1,138 per credit |
| CUNY York College | Jamaica, NY (On Campus) | Health | Full Time | $5,545 per semester |
New York Social Worker Salary Outlook
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for social workers is about $63,000. New York social worker salaries are above the national average, with social workers earning $64,000-$92,000.
The overall national salary outlook for social workers is promising. According to the BLS, employment for social workers is expected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual national salaries for social workers are $53,940 for child, family, and school social workers; $62,940 for healthcare social workers; $55,960 for mental health and substance use social workers; and $63,770 for all other categories of social workers.
The cost of living is higher in New York, especially in New York City, so be sure to consider local costs when evaluating a job offer.
| 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 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in New York
Joining a social work association allows for professional development and support. These organizations also provide excellent networking opportunities for recent graduates and experienced social workers.
- New York State Society for Clinical Social Work: This association provides members with information on license registration, continuing education units, mentorship, and job opportunities. It also keeps members current on the latest legislative news affecting New York social work practice.
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), New York Chapter: The NASW-NY mission is to enhance the social work practice of social workers in New York, which includes securing federal funding for continuing education, defining and protecting the scope of practice in school-based settings, and creating programs that promote social justice throughout New York State.
- New York State School Social Workers’ Association: NYSSSWA organizes regional and statewide conferences and provides members with professional networking opportunities. The organization works closely with partner groups to ensure member concerns are recognized and acted upon.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Social Work
There are two options to become a licensed social worker in New York. You can become a licensed master social worker or a licensed clinical social worker. Both require a BSW and an MSW degree from an accredited college or university. An LCSW requires supervised clinical practice experience.
After completing your master of social work, you must pass the ASWB Masters Exam and submit your completed application to the New York State Education Department.
