SUNY Plattsburgh Launches New Master of Social Work Degree

SUNY Plattsburgh has added a master in social work to its 17 existing graduate degree programs.

“The introduction of the MSW program is a testament to our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and addressing the critical needs of our community,” said SUNY Plattsburgh President Alexander Enyedi. “This new program will equip students with the advanced skills and knowledge required to make a profound impact in the field of social work, preparing them to become leaders and advocates for social justice and well-being.”

‘Curriculum Developed Over Past Year’

Faculty and staff worked for the past year to develop a “rigorous and comprehensive curriculum,” Enyedi said.

Students can begin applying now for fall 2024 entry into the program.

“The launching of the MSW is a strategic approach to addressing critical community needs and enhancing the university’s academic offerings,” said Dr. Denise Simard, dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Services. “The program will strengthen our efforts in addressing the diverse needs of the North Country and surrounding regions.”

“Social workers are needed in virtually all facets of community life, including schools, hospitals, clinics, prisons, senior homes and a wide variety of public and private offices/practices,” said Dr. Julie Richards, associate professor and chair of social work. “Given that an MSW is the terminal degree and needed credential for practicing social workers, the program fills a deep need in both the profession and in society at large.”

‘Demand for Social Workers Increasing’

Simard said the program is a vital addition to SUNY Plattsburgh’s academic portfolio, according to feedback from the university’s community partners, including nonprofit agencies, school districts, hospitals, childcare centers, medical offices and mental health facilities, among other organizations.

It's also vital to the students of the region.

"There are very few MSW programs that are accessible to students in the North Country and the Capital Region. By providing a professional degree program with hybrid, online, and in-person offerings SUNY Plattsburgh is being responsive to the diverse needs of students who wish to advance their careers and serve the needs of their communities," Simard said.

The MSW complements the university’s existing programs, including bachelor’s degrees in human development and family relations, education, nursing, communication sciences and disorders, the master’s program in mental health counseling and more, she said.

And the demand for social workers is increasing almost daily, Richards said.

"Graduates will find no shortage of job opportunities." The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% increase in demand for social workers through 2028.

Program ‘Develops Versatile, Broad Skillset’

Richards said students will likely have interest in broad skill development across different areas like clinical practice, work with community organizations, policy analysis, and administration.

The wide-ranging curriculum provides flexibility and versatility, which will suit students who are unsure which area of the field they wish to pursue and those who want varied experience in many areas to diversify their experience, she said.

“This program would attract students who value a holistic approach to social work and who are keen on gaining a versatile skill set that can be applied in multiple professional contexts,” Richards said. “We are also particularly excited to build a social work workforce to support the needs of rural and underserved communities.”

This program is one of only a handful of MSW programs across the state that requires faculty to be fully licensed, Simard said.

"This brings current real-world knowledge into the classroom by a faculty dedicated to teaching the practical skills necessary to succeed in the workforce," she said. "This program is the only advanced generalist MSW in the region. The advanced generalist perspective allows students to gain the holistic and integrated knowledge necessary to serve people at the individual level, but to also be effective change agents in communities and our larger society."

Richards said that graduates of the SUNY Plattsburgh MSW "can get jobs as case managers, clinical social workers, community organizers, policy analysts or advocates, school social workers, health care social workers, substance use disorder counselors, child or family social workers, gerontological social workers, crisis intervention specialists, nonprofit administrators and more."

"This program is ideal for students who want to learn how to be effective serving their communities, helping the under-represented, advocating for those who need assistance, and improving the overall quality of life in their communities," Simard said.

Students Will ‘Promote Well-being, Resilience’

“We look forward to having students who have a passion for social change to promote well-being, capacity-building for resilience and dismantling barriers to full inclusion across all levels of practice,” Richards said.

Faculty will foster an inclusive classroom environment and teach students to promote social change, work collaboratively with stakeholders, advance the values of the profession and prepare students to advocate for human rights and justice for people who have been oppressed, mistreated and devalued through a trauma-informed approach, she said.

Students will take courses like perspective on trauma, resiliency and human rights; research for social change; and social welfare policy.

Enyedi said the program is timely as recent national studies estimated significant deficiencies in the number of social- and health-care workers needed by 2030 to care for children, older adults and those with mental health and addiction issues.

“We are confident that our MSW graduates will be well prepared to meet the growing demands of the profession and make meaningful contributions to society,” Enyedi said.

Simard agreed.

"There is an industry-wide shortage of social workers to care for children, the elderly, and those with health and mental health concerns," she said. According to Thomas DiNapoli, New York state comptroller, New York schools are having difficulty meeting recommended student-to-social-worker ratios.

"These shortages have worsened as a result of the pandemic," Simard said. "At the same time employment of social workers is projected to grow by 7% in the next 10 years."

Hybrid Program with 950 Hours of Fieldwork

Students can qualify for New York state licensure in social work after two years of full-time study.

Those with a bachelor’s in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education such as SUNY Plattsburgh’s could complete the program in as little as one year.

The MSW is a hybrid program. Students can take many classes online, but they also need to take some courses in person on campus, Richards said.

Students will apply classroom theory in practicum experiences, completing at least 950 hours of fieldwork in facilities and organizations that will advance their career goals like community-based organizations, health centers and organizations that specialize in policy and politics, and advocacy. Richards said fieldwork can be completed in a student’s hometown.

“Our new MSW program is designed not only to benefit our students and our campus but also to have a far-reaching positive impact off campus,” Enyedi said.

— By Assistant Director of Communications Felicia Krieg