Columbia University Online Master of Social Work, New York

Why Columbia University?

The online Master of Social Work offered by Columbia University allows remote students to access one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of social work in the United Sates.  Columbia University,  a private Ivy League research university in New York City, New York, accepts applications from students with any undergraduate degree. 

Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of none  is expected.  

Program Snapshot

University Name Columbia University
Location New York City
State New York
Niche.com Grade A+
Name of Degree Master of Social Work
School or Department Administering Program School of Social Work
Credits 60
Cost per credit $1,735.73
Tuition for Entire Program $104,144
Test Requirements No
Minimum GPA none
Prerequisite Courses and Skills none
Campus Visit Required? No Visit Required
Typical Time to Complete 1-4 years
When Can Students Start the Program? January, September
Program Concentrations Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice; Policy Practice; Social Enterprise Administration; Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming
Synchronous Classes Yes
Required Courses
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Social Work Research
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Foundations of Social Work Practice: Decolonizing Social Work
  • Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups
  • Advocacy in Social Work Practice
Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique flat rate offered for students enrolling full-time 15-18 credits; many dual degrees offered; minors in Criminal Justice, International Social Welfare, Emerging Technology, Media and Society
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Our curriculum emphasizes: promoting social and economic justice, particularly for populations at risk; practicing with diverse populations; and evaluating practice outcomes.
Program Description This 60-credit program at a prestigious Ivy League university is one of the oldest social work work degree programs in the United States.  Students may specialize in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice; Policy Practice; Social Enterprise Administration; Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming. Minors are offered in Criminal Justice, International Social Welfare, or Emerging Technology, Media and Society. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. 

What will I Learn?

The emphasis throughout the program is promoting social and economic justice, particularly for populations at risk, practicing with diverse populations, and evaluating practice outcomes..

Compared to some other programs, this program has fewer compulsory course requirements. All students must take Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Social Work Research, and Social Welfare Policy.  Also required are Foundations of Social Work Practice: Decolonizing Social Work, Direct Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups, and Advocacy in Social Work Practice. All other courses are electives.

Students can concentrate in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice; Policy Practice; Social Enterprise Administration; Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming. Many dual degrees are offered. Students in the Master of Social Work program can complete minors in Criminal Justice, International Social Welfare, and Emerging Technology, Media and Society

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 1-4 years and pay $1,735.73 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $104,144 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

All classes are synchronous, meaning that students attend class online at a set time each week and participate in a live class session. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2-4. Students can enter the program in January or September. The college offers a flat rate tuition for all students enrolling full-time, allowing students to take extra credits each semester at no cost. 

Summary

Students in the Master of Social Work program at this prestigious university gain access to expert faculty and a wide range of specializations and dual degree options. The program’s tuition is very high in cost than many programs, but students can accelerate their program by taking extra credits each semester at a flat rate.  Additional funding opportunities may also be available.