Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW Degree)
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Whether you are looking to advance in your current career or transition to a new one, our graduate programs are designed to help you reach your destination.
COLLABORATE. ADVOCATE. TRANSFORM.
Iona University’s Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program offers a bold, innovative path to becoming a leader in today’s team-based social work environments. Explore our immersive curriculum, unparalleled practicum experiences, and vibrant community—then take the next step by applying to join our inaugural cohort.
Launch Your Social Work Career at Iona
Ready to drive positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities? The Iona MSSW, with a specialized focus on Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, prepares graduates to excel in healthcare, education, and community-based organizations while positioning you for licensure as an LMSW in New York State and building competencies for future LCSW advancement. Rooted in a commitment to social justice and liberatory practice, the program equips you to challenge systemic inequities and advance equity in every setting you serve.
Why Choose Iona’s MSSW?
Specialization in Interprofessional Collaboration
Stand out as a social worker adept in team-based practice—work closely with physicians, nurses, educators, occupational therapists and more to address complex challenges together.
Unique Preparation for Practicum Experience
Breaking with the traditional practicum structure of most MSW programs, the first semester is dedicated to foundational classroom learning and hands-on simulations, ensuring every student is ready for meaningful practicum placements in subsequent semesters.
Immersive, Team-Based Practicum Partnerships
Benefit from three contiguous semesters of placement at respected multi-service organizations, including New York-Presbyterian Health System, giving access to real-world interprofessional collaboration and mentorship.
Study/Life Balance & Hybrid Learning
Manageable class schedules—courses delivered in-person, online, and at practicum sites—support both academic excellence and well-being.
Individualized Faculty Mentoring
Each student is paired with a dedicated faculty mentor for career guidance, licensure preparation, and professional support.
Authentic, Supportive Cohort Community
Intentionally small cohorts foster genuine connections, teamwork, and shared growth through every step of the curriculum.
Micro-Credential in Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Complete a four-module IPE curriculum alongside peers from other Iona professional degree programs, earning an IPE Foundations micro-credential upon graduation.
Contact Admissions
Daniel Gallagher
Director of Graduate Admissions for the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Email: dgallagher@iona.edu
Phone: (914) 637-7770
NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences
As part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, students will develop the skills and experience needed for their careers as professionals in the field of health care.
Students may have opportunities for field placements/internships at NewYork-Presbyterian, ranked one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 2025-26. Iona students may also be considered for full-time positions within the NewYork-Presbyterian network upon graduation.
Align your career goals at the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences and earn a degree of tremendous value for your future.
Curriculum Overview
- First Year: Generalist Competencies
Develop skills in social work ethics, human rights and social justice, inclusive community engagement, research-informed practice, and policy advocacy. - Second Year: Specialized Competencies–Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
Engage in transformative social work practice as a member of interprofessional teams in hospitals, schools, clinics, and community organizations—leveraging diverse expertise to tackle today’s social challenges.- For applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited institution, Iona will offer an Advanced Standing MSSW option beginning Fall 2028- an accelerated pathway consisting of the second-year specialized competency curriculum, plus one 3-credit bridge course, SOW 5450 – Foundations of Liberatory Social Work Praxis.
- Innovative Practicum Model
- First-year fall: On-campus, simulation-based pre-practicum preparation
- Three-semester placement at a leading interprofessional partner site.
- Rotational practicum in the first spring, followed by specialized placements totaling 900 hours (Spring
- 1: 150 hours; Fall 2: 375 hours; Spring 2: 375 hours)
Explore Courses
Dive into course schedules and offerings:
Quick Facts
Tuition and Financial Aid
We encourage you to utilize our Graduate Tuition Estimator to get an estimate of potential tuition costs after scholarships have been applied, based on current rates.
Explore scholarships and awards for graduate students here and contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
What to Expect
- Degree completion in two years
- In-person and online courses
- 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
Social work is experiencing robust growth - with approximately 74,000 annual job openings nationally and accelerated local demand, especially for bilingual and mental health/substance misuse providers. In fact, New York State currently projects 27% growth over the next 10 years for both mental health/substance misuse as well as healthcare social workers! (www.onetonline.org).
Graduates are prepared for a range of impact-driven roles:
- Healthcare Social Worker/Supervisor
- Mental Health Clinician/Therapist
- Substance Misuse Specialist
- Policy Analyst (health; education; housing; criminal justice)
- Director of Social Services
- Employee Assistance Program Coordinator
- Forensic Social Worker/Supervisor
- Child Protective Services Social Worker/Supervisor
- Grant Writer
Designed for Your Success
Hybrid Course Delivery
Study on campus, online, and at practicum sites, with late afternoon and evening class options for flexibility.
Wellness Focus
Wellness and self-care strategies integrated throughout the curriculum to keep personal well-being central.
Cohort-Based Support
Advance with a tight-knit peer network and faculty mentorship from admission to graduation.
Advanced Standing Option
For applicants with a bachelor’s in social work, Iona will offer an Advanced Standing MSSW option beginning fall 2027—complete your degree in just 33 credits.
Take the Next Step
Step into a future of collaborative excellence and become part of a vibrant, supportive community committed to transforming lives and advancing social justice. There is no application fee for the MSSW program at Iona, apply today!
Collaborate. Advocate. Transform.
Your future in excellence-driven social work begins at Iona; join us!
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
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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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