Getting a degree in social work can lead to a challenging but very rewarding career of making a difference in the community. Social workers have many roles and positions available to them. They can work in schools, drug treatment centers, with health and human services, alongside behavioral health clinics, and even run their own private clinical practice. There are several colleges in New York that offer degrees in Social Work.
In order to choose a school you will need to determine which degree you want to go for. Most employment positions require a master’s degree, although some positions will hire a social worker with a bachelor’s degree. There are several schools that offer a bachelors degree including Concordia College in Bronxville, Daemen College in Amherst, Iona College in New Rochelle, and Niagara University.
Niagara University began its social work program in the 1970’s. When the Social Work program started the need for child welfare workers in the community was rising. After going through numerous changes throughout the years, Niagara University was accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in January of 1982. The college’s curriculum focuses on eliminating poverty within the community and empowering the people. Don’t feel you can’t go to school due to finances as there are scholarships for single mothers if you are in that category, as well as many other grant funding opportunities.
Students who complete Concordia College’s Social work program earn a bachelor’s degree in social science. They study sociology, physiology, liberal arts, and human behavior. Throughout the program students perform 500 hours of supervised field work that can be used towards fulfilling the licensing requirements. This college allows students to work with the surrounding community with children, the elderly, disabled individuals, and families. Supervision is a wonderful way to get feedback on your skills and interventions.
If you are looking to receive a master’s degree some of the New York social work schools include New York University, Fordham University in Bronx, and Adelphi University that has campuses in New York, Hauppauge, Poughkeepsie, and Garden City.
New York University offers hands on experience while completing the degree program. Students get a chance to work with individuals for mental health interventions and finding community resources for families in need. The school prides itself in diversity and puts an emphasis on research and community involvement. You can read more about Hunter School of Social Work in this post which also has an excellent reputation.
Fordham University’s master’s degree program concentrates the student on the area in which they want to practice. For instance, those interested in clinical social work take classes geared towards this goal. They offer advance classes in children and families, social work and law, elderly and disabled, are just a few. Fordham University offers social work degrees at the Baccalaureate, Master and Doctorate levels.
There are many New York social work schools available depending on the program course you would like to pursue. Each school offers its own unique environment, however all of the schools have a strong commitment to community involvement and helping those in need.
The type of clients you get at your internship can really vary and it is good to think about the population you wish to work with. For instance, I like working with the elderly but the community center my field placement was at was not near any public transportation so I didn’t really get many elderly clients as it was too difficult for them to get there. I did get some good family counseling and work with younger people in that placement. This was in a suburban area in NY.
Comment by Roberta — April 13, 2010 @ 12:35 pm
I am applying to social work programs in NYC as well as upstate New York. The goal I have is to work at an agency for 5 years and then develop my own private practice in a group working with couples and families. I am not sure how social workers fare in private practice compared to psychologists and if insurance panels accept more psychologists than the msw degrees.
Comment by Roberta Hand — April 15, 2010 @ 9:14 am
I went to a social worker program because a few professors were recommended. Finding role models at a social work school is helpful as they can give you some guidance and mentorship. Your supervisor at your social work internship is also quite valuable for feedback and constructive criticisms about your methods.
Comment by Cary H — April 22, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
There is a Department of Social Work at SUNY Binghamton NY that has a good reputation. It is one of the top state schoolf of NY and I’m sure their grad social work school is excellent.
Comment by Jose — April 23, 2010 @ 4:38 pm