Cornell University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is a two-year, full-time program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective social workers. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and has been ranked as one of the top MSW programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Program Overview
The MSW program at Cornell University is designed to prepare students for a variety of social work roles in a variety of settings. The program offers a strong foundation in social work theory and practice, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest.
The MSW program is divided into two years of study. The first year is dedicated to core coursework in social work theory, practice, and research. The second year allows students to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as mental health, child welfare, or aging.
Curriculum
The MSW program at Cornell University offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of social work practice. The core coursework includes:
- Social work theory and practice
- Social work research
- Social policy
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Social work ethics
- Social work practice with individuals, families, and groups
- Social work practice in organizations and communities
Students can also choose to specialize in a particular area of interest. The MSW program offers specializations in:
- Mental health
- Child welfare
- Aging
- Social justice
- International social work
Field Placement
Field placement is an integral part of the MSW program at Cornell University. Field placement provides students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Students complete two field placements during the MSW program. The first field placement is typically completed in the first year of the program and the second field placement is typically completed in the second year of the program.
Field placements are typically completed in a variety of settings, such as:
- Mental health clinics
- Child welfare agencies
- Aging services agencies
- Social justice organizations
- International organizations
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSW program at Cornell University are prepared for a variety of social work roles in a variety of settings. Graduates can work in:
- Mental health clinics
- Child welfare agencies
- Aging services agencies
- Social justice organizations
- International organizations
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Correctional facilities
- Private practice
Admissions
The MSW program at Cornell University is a highly selective program. The program admits approximately 60 students each year.
To be eligible for admission to the MSW program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also have a strong academic record and a commitment to social work.
The MSW program at Cornell University accepts applications from both domestic and international students. International students must meet additional requirements, such as submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition for the MSW program at Cornell University is $62,900 for the 2023-2024 academic year. The program offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Rankings
The MSW program at Cornell University has been ranked as one of the top MSW programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program has also been ranked as one of the top MSW programs in the Northeast by The Princeton Review.
Conclusion
The MSW program at Cornell University is a top-ranked program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective social workers. The program offers a strong foundation in social work theory and practice, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest. Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of social work roles in a variety of settings.
Additional Resources
- MSW Program Website
- Admissions Information
- Financial Aid Information
- U.S. News & World Report Rankings
- The Princeton Review Rankings
Keywords
- Cornell University
- Master of Social Work
- MSW
- Social work
- Social worker
- Social justice
- Mental health
- Child welfare
- Aging
- International social work