Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW Degree)
Why Social Work?
Through a master's degree in social work you will gain the knowledge, skills, and values essential to tackling complex social issues, advancing equity, and promoting systemic access. With a focus on compassionate, person-centered and evidence-based practice, the MSSW degree program at Iona University prepares you to be a skilled clinician-advocate and changemaker, equipped to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities alike.
Why earn a master's degree in social work from Iona?
Unique Specialization in Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
Iona's MSSW program stands alone in the tri-state area with its second-year specialization in interprofessional collaborative practice. The unique second-year curriculum prepares students for effective teamwork across various professional disciplines and settings enhancing readiness for collaborative practice environments.
Distinctive Practicum Structure
Breaking with the “traditional” graduate social work education model, the first semester focuses entirely on coursework, ensuring readiness before a rotation-based practicum experience. The second year emphasizes hands-on practice with extensive hours at practicum sites.
Commitment to Liberatory Praxis
The program promotes transformative, healing, and person-centered approaches, integrating liberatory social work praxis to empower students to address systemic oppression and commit to social justice by promoting equity-focused, person-centered social work praxis.
Strategic Practicum Partnerships
Collaborations with premier institutions, like NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health and other social service agencies, enhance the curriculum and provide integrated learning experiences. Our partners actively work with us in shaping the curriculum, ensuring classroom and practicum learning complement one another to support a cohesive educational journey.
Supportive & Empowered Learning Environment
Our class sizes foster personalized attention and mentorship, facilitating deep discussions, individualized guidance, and strong professional networks, preparing students for impactful careers in social work.
Advanced Standing
For students with an undergraduate degree in social work, Iona will offer an Advanced Standing option beginning in the fall of 2027. Students in the advanced standing program will need to complete only 33 credits in order to earn their degree.
NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences
As part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, students in the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program will develop the skills and experience needed for tomorrow’s workforce.
Iona students may have the opportunity to do clinicals and rotations at NewYork-Presbyterian, ranked one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 2024-25.
Align your education with your career goals at the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences and earn a degree of tremendous value for your future.
Contact Admissions
Daniel Gallagher
Director of Graduate Admissions for the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences
Email: dgallagher@iona.edu
Phone: (914) 637-7770
What You'll Learn
Curriculum Overview
- Generalist social work competence in:
- Social Work Code of Ethics
- Human rights and social justice
- Anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Research-informed practice and practice-informed research
- Policy practice
- Systematic Planned Change Process with individuals, families, groups, and communities
- Specialized competence in these areas for collaborative practice in interprofessional settings
Innovative 900-Hour Practicum Structure
- First Year Fall Semester: On-campus pre-practicum preparation using simulation (virtual and in-person) as well as virtual reality technology
- Three-semester placement in a multi-service partner organization operating in an interprofessional model (IPE partner organization)
- First Year Spring: 200-hour rotational practicum where you will explore the breadth and interrelatedness of the IPE partner organization's services & programs
- Second Year Fall (350 hours) & Spring (350 hours): 700-hour intensive placement in one of the programs/units of the IPE partner organization
Quick Facts
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition rates for the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) will be posted soon.
Please explore graduate awards and scholarships here.
Iona also has resources for graduate students on applying for financial aid.
What to Expect
- Degree completion in two years
- Hybrid course schedule
- Cohort-based learning
- Three semesters of practicum experience
- Faculty mentorship through career planning and licensing process
MSSW Degree Outcomes
Students who complete their MSSW degree at Iona may hold positions such as:
- Clinician/Therapist
- Employee Assistance Program Coordinator
- Policy Analyst
- Medical Social Worker/Supervisor
- Director of Social Services
Careers & Outcomes
Earning a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) provides opportunity to move toward a range of impactful career paths. With a projected 7% job growth for social workers over the next decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024), MSSW graduates enter the workforce with strong demand, translating to approximately 67,300 job openings annually.
An MSSW degree equips graduates for diverse roles across sectors, including:
- Clinician/Therapist
- Policy Analyst
- Medical Social Worker/Supervisor
- Director of Social Services
- Employee Assistance Program Coordinator
- Forensic Social Worker/Supervisor
- Child Protective Services Social Worker/Supervisor
- Grant Writer
MSSW Degree Program Highlights
Holistic Social Work Preparation
Iona’s MSSW program equips forward-thinking social workers to address today’s complex societal challenges. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration, we prepare you to engage confidently with diverse professionals to support individuals, families, and communities.
Finish in Two Years
Students without a bachelor’s degree in social work can complete this degree in just two years, opening up new professional opportunities across a number of sectors.
Developing Multi-Dimensional Professional Identity
Today’s social workers are routinely called upon to serve as members of interprofessional teams in hospitals, schools, and a wide range of community-based organizations. Our MSSW program prioritizes interprofessional collaboration, helping you build a strong identity as both social worker and member of the care team, ready to lead and succeed in varied areas of practice.
Hybrid Schedule for Study/Life Balance
Our 60-credit hybrid course schedule features two days on campus, designed to enhance your study-life balance. The curriculum thoughtfully incorporates wellness and self-care strategies into both coursework and practicum experiences, empowering you to prioritize your well-being throughout your educational journey.
An Innovative Learning Model
- Cohort-Based Learning
Advance through your studies with a supportive peer cohort that fosters a lasting professional network you’ll carry into your career. - Pre-Practicum Preparation
Begin with a foundational first semester focused on coursework, preparing you for hands-on practicum in subsequent semesters. This ensures you’re well-equipped to apply your learning in real-world settings. - Interprofessional Education (IPE)
As an MSSW student, you will collaborate with students from other professional degree programs at Iona through Interprofessional Education (IPE) learning modules, enhancing your capacity for team-based learning experiences at your IPE practicum site. - Advanced Digital Tools
Virtual reality, simulations and technology-supported curriculum will strengthen your practice skills, enhance your practicum experience and bolster real-world readiness. - Dedicated Faculty Mentorship
Faculty mentors will not only help your academic growth, but also guide you through career planning and the licensing process.
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
Apply Today
If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Graduate students automatically qualify for consideration of merit scholarships during their graduate programs. Start your application today.
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Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
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