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 Hunter College School of Social Work is a public institution of learning that offers many different means of obtaining a Masters of Social Work degree. The college is a New York City Social Work school that specifically works with urban communities through support of social agencies. Hunter College has ties to numerous social agencies, which helps to assist students with placement according to their area of specialty.