Professional Development
The learning does not stop once you complete your degree! Here you will find information about professional associations, pursuing licensure, and continuing education in the field of social work.
Continue Your Professional Development
If you have not already joined a professional social work association, you may want to explore some of the following options and branch out to find other organizations dedicated to your specific area(s) of interest. These organizations focus on building community by uniting professionals and creating and sharing resources in order to advance the field.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)
Pursuing Licensure in New York State
After completing your MSW, you will be eligible to pursue licensure in NYS. Becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) can open the door to increased employment opportunities and earning potential, and is also prerequisite to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and obtaining the "R" Psychotherapy Privilege. The infographic below outlines the steps involved in becoming a LMSW, but you can also learn more about the requirements on the NYSED Office of Professions page - LMSW License Requirements.
A note about the LMSW Form 2 for June and September 2020 Graduates:
As of May 2020, New York State has introduced a new process for graduating MSW students to apply for licensure as a LMSW in NY.
The School of Social Work submitted the required student information, based on NYS requirements, to the Registrar’s Office. The Registrar confirmed that you have completed the program, certified your education, and sent this information to the NYS Office of Professions. This process will replace the need for May 2020 graduates to submit the Form 2.
While every student may not apply for licensure in NY, when or if you do, verification of your education and child abuse course work will be on an electronic file. When submitting the application for licensure and fee, that information will be matched and the licensure process will be expedited.
Please note, this only applies to the LMSW form and not the LCSW.
Continuing Education
The Office of Continuing Education offers trainings that help you to stay up-to-date in the field and grow as a professional by learning evidence-based, best and emerging practices that can be applied to your work.
If you are interested in pursuing your LMSW and/or LCSW in New York, then you will need to complete continuing education courses after your initial three-year registration period. You can learn more about this requirement on the NYSED Office of Professions website.