Social Work M.S.W. Program

The Master's of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program at Lehman College prepares social workers to assume positions of leadership in urban public and voluntary sector social service agencies and organizations. All students in the program complete an Advanced Generalist curriculum and gain the knowledge, values and skills of the competencies of the social work profession required for Advanced Generalist Practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, as well as for supervision, administration, research, and policy practice. The M.S.W. program is registered with the New York State Education Department and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Students who earn their M.S.W. degree will also have completed all educational requirements and will be eligible to take the New York State licensing exam for the LMSW Students who complete the two-year curriculum and earn their M.S.W. degree will have met the educational requirements for the New York State licensing exam for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Please note that the New York State Education Department has established additional requirements to be eligible to take the LCSW exam; these requirements must be met after graduation. 

Three tracks are offered:

Track A: 2-Year Full-time Program

Classes meet two evenings per week. Students must complete three full days of fieldwork, at least two of which are weekdays, for a total of 21 hours per week. This totals 600 hours each academic year.

Year One: Full-time Student Status

Fall Semester

Credits
SWK 611Generalist Social Work Practice I

3
SWK 605Human Behavior and the Social Environment

3
SWK 639Social Welfare Institutions and Programs

3
SWK 671Fieldwork and Seminar I

5

Spring Semester

Credits
SWK 612Generalist Social Work Practice II

3
SWK 606Human Diversity and the Social Environment

3
SWK 643Social Welfare Policy Analysis

3
SWK 646Social Work Research I

3
SWK 672Fieldwork and Seminar II

5

Year Two: Full-time Student Status

Fall Semester

Credits
SWK 713Advanced Social Work Practice in the Urban Environment I

3
SWK 707Understanding Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis

3
SWK 727Supervision in Agency-Based Practice

3
SWK 773Fieldwork and Seminar III

5
 
SWK 680Special Topics in Social Work

3
Or
Elective

3

Elective: Chosen from SWK 681-SWK 694.

Spring Semester

Credits
SWK 714Advanced Social Work Practice in the Urban Environment II

3
SWK 729Administration in Urban Agencies

3
SWK 745Social Welfare Policy Practice

3
SWK 747Social Work Research II

3
SWK 774Fieldwork and Seminar IV

5

Track B: 3-Year Extended Program

Extended students are matriculated students and are subject to the same admissions process as full-time students. Extended students complete the first-year curriculum in two years and take the second year on a full-time basis.

  • Year One: Part-time Student Status: Classes meet two evenings per week.
  • Year Two: Part-time Student Status: Classes meet one evening per week. Students must complete three full days of fieldwork, at least two of which are weekdays, for a total of 21 hours per week. This totals 600 hours each academic year.
  • Year Three: Full-time Student Status: Classes meet two evening per week. Students must complete three full days of fieldwork, at least two of which are weekdays, for a total of 21 hours per week. This totals 600 hours each academic year.

Track C: 1-Year Advanced Standing Program

Students enter as second year students.

  • Full-time Student Status: Classes meet two evening per week. Students must complete three full days of fieldwork, at least two of which are weekdays, for a total of 21 hours per week. This totals 600 hours during the academic year.

Notes for all Tracks:

  1. The program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.
  2. Transfer credits are not accepted, except for the 3-credit elective with approval of the Social Work Graduate Advisor.
  3. The program does not accept non-matriculated students

Admission Requirements for All Tracks:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including 45 liberal arts credits;
  • Minimum undergraduate grade average of 3.0;
  • Application to the program, including a personal statement that addresses preparation for the program, career goals, and understanding of the profession and commitment to social work values;
  • Three letters of recommendation addressing applicant's suitability for the social work profession and preparedness to enter a rigorous academic program. At least two letters should be from college faculty and/or professionals in fields related to social work;
  • Resume;
  • An interview may be required.

Admission Requirements for Applicants to Track C, Advanced Standing Program

In addition to the above:

  • Bachelor's degree with a Social Work major from a Social Work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education;
  • Minimum 3.2 cumulative index in the major;
  • Include, among the three references, one reference from the advisor in the baccalaureate Social Work program or from the Program Director, and another from a field supervisor;
  • Additional essay question that focus on an illustration from the field.

Applicants for Advanced Standing must provide course descriptions for courses in the undergraduate Social Work major; the Graduate Advisor will determine exemption from courses in the Year One curriculum.

Selection Process

The Admissions Committee, consisting of the Social Work Graduate Advisor, M.S.W. Program Director, M.S.W. Admissions Coordinator, and at least two full-time faculty members, will review completed applications. Applications will be evaluated on:

  • Academic history;
  • Quality of personal statement, including degree of self-awareness, conceptual ability, understanding of the profession and commitment to social work values, and communication skills;
  • Letters of recommendation.