Master’s in Social Work Schools in Albany County, New York – CSWE-Accredited BSW & MSW Programs

Written by Rebecca Turley

talking with elderly

From healthcare organizations to substance abuse treatment facilities to major nonprofits aimed at solving homelessness and food insecurity, there’s no shortage of opportunities to put an education in social work to good use in Albany County. And in some instances, those opportunities exist in new and innovate harm reduction roles.

For example, as of 2024, the Albany Police Department is making plans to bring BSW and MSW-prepared social workers into the fold. Part of the 2021 Albany Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaboration report, which examined the value of integrating social service interventions into its police reform efforts, is a new program that will rely on well-trained and thoroughly vetted New York social workers. It will reflect a “cultural change within the department,” said Chief Eric Hawkins.

With a goal of staffing all police stations with social workers around-the-clock seven days a week, the APD hopes to handle domestic situations more effectively and efficiently. The department has already begun recruiting social workers who will act as points of contact for people in crisis, freeing up police officers to focus on public protection efforts.

Programs like this continue to reflect the growing value of social workers even outside of conventional roles and the growing need for qualified individuals to become part of the county’s social services workforce. It all starts by earning a BSW or MSW degree.

The Social Work Profession Begins with a Passion for Helping Others… and a CSWE-Accredited BSW or MSW

Throughout Albany County, social workers are effecting real change in the lives of everyday people. They blend advocacy, activism, and a deep understanding of the socioeconomic challenges that people face every day with the good ‘ol fashioned pavement-pounding work ethic it takes to help the most vulnerable populations access the resources they need.

Not all of that work necessarily requires earning a New York State social work license, but it does always require a focused education. So for many, that means earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at one of the premier schools of social work around New York State or right here in Albany County.

But for others, the goal is to be able to provide the full scope of services social workers are capable of, including the ability to diagnose and treat common mental health challenges, family dynamic dysfunction, and behavioral health problems including substance use disorder.  For these dedicated social workers, achieving that goal means earning state licensure — either the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential through the New York State Education Department.

While both credentials prepare you to work at the micro, macro, and mezzo levels in areas ranging from direct clinical counseling to program development to advocacy work in the halls of New York legislature, the LCSW qualifies you to practice clinical services independently. The qualifications you need for the freedom to provide those clinical services without oversight requires you to go through three years of supervised experience  after earning the LMSW.

Qualifying for licensure as an LMSW or LCSW in New York State means earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) from one of the many schools here accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Big Plans to Expand Mental Health Services and Support for the Unhoused in Albany County

comforting girlMajor improvements to mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, and support for the unhoused are making their way to Albany, thanks to $1.8 million in funding announced in September 2023.

City and county plans include reopening the Mercy House homeless shelter, a shelter for women and children that was closed in 2022 due to rising operational costs. Along with that, this new funding will allow for an expansion to the state’s Mental Health Court and the Albany County Crisis Officials Responding and Diverting (ACCORD) program. The ACCORD program, which was launched in 2021 and set to open in Albany in 2025, is designed to help redirect police resources in rural areas. A 2022 report found that the ACCORD program successfully diverted hundreds of 9-1-1 calls for people experiencing mental health issues.

Albany’s “street treatment” program, which helps people transition from the streets and into stable housing, will also be expanded, along with Albany County’s Mental Health Court, a diversion program that offers treatment as an alternative to prison for those charged with non-violent offenses.

And to qualify for admission into a CSWE-accredited MSW program, you’ll need to first earn a bachelor’s degree. Most bachelor’s degrees related to human services, psychology, and behavioral health will qualify you for a traditional MSW. Earning your bachelor’s in social work specifically with a BSW provides a more streamlined path, as it qualifies you to complete an advanced-standing MSW that takes just one year to complete.

CSWE-Accredited MSW and BSW Programs Serving Students in Albany, Loudonville, and the Greater Albany County Area

In addition to the many online BSW and MSW degree programs that are widely available, you’ll find CSWE-accredited campus options right here in Albany County through the College of Saint Rose, Siena College, and the University of Albany:

College of Saint Rose

The School of Mathematics and Sciences
Albany, NY

Website

college of saint rose

MSSW (on-campus)

Also Offers:

The College of Saint Rose offers an MSSW program designed for both new graduates and career changers. With options for full-time and part-time enrollment, this program provides comprehensive training through a combination of rigorous academic coursework and extensive fieldwork. Saint Rose’s MSSW curriculum prepares graduates to serve as effective change agents in diverse environments. Graduates benefit from an exceptional employment rate thanks to strong faculty support and valuable connections with public and private organizations. Unique to Saint Rose is its focus on prevention and well-being across multiple domains, ensuring a holistic approach to social work education.

Siena College

School of Liberal Arts
Loudonville, NY

Website

siena college

BSW (on-campus)

The Siena College BSW, part of the School of Liberal Arts, offers a comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a career in social work. Emphasizing both classroom learning and hands-on experiences, the program includes a 450-hour internship tailored to student interests in various settings such as schools, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. Siena’s social work curriculum focuses on developing communication skills and a deep understanding of social problems, enabling graduates to work effectively with diverse populations. The program, ranked in the top 20% nationally by College Factual, provides students with opportunities to engage in service learning through initiatives like the Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement and the Homeless Outreach Project. This experiential learning approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for advanced studies or immediate entry into the social work field.

University at Albany, SUNY

School of Social Welfare
Albany, NY

Website

university at albany

MSW (online, hybrid, on-campus)

Also Offers:

The University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare offers a comprehensive and versatile MSW program, accommodating students through online, hybrid, and on-campus formats. Their dual degree options, such as the MSW/MA in Criminal Justice and MSW/JD, provide interdisciplinary approaches to social work education, enhancing career prospects in multiple sectors. Known for its commitment to social and economic justice, the school encourages active community engagement and offers rich research opportunities under the guidance of internationally recognized faculty. Students benefit from extensive field education partnerships and the university’s strong focus on social advocacy, demonstrated through initiatives like the annual Legislative Education Advocacy Day.