Overview

The Social Work programme at Columbia University provides a transformative educational experience designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders in the field. Students engage with a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application to address complex societal challenges. This master level course focuses on promoting social justice and well-being across diverse populations.

By choosing this path, students join a community dedicated to rigorous enquiry and evidence-based practice. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking and professional ethics, ensuring that graduates are equipped to handle the evolving demands of the social services sector. The programme emphasises a multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving in various social contexts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 30382 per semester
National fee: USD 30382 per semester
Local fee: USD 30382 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Why Social Work at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution provides access to a world-renowned faculty and a network of professionals dedicated to social change. The university offers a unique environment where academic excellence meets real-world impact, allowing students to develop specialised skills in clinical practice, social enterprise, and policy analysis. The location provides unparalleled opportunities for engagement with diverse urban communities and international organisations.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in social welfare while allowing for specialised study in various areas of practice. Modules may include:

Social Welfare Policy
Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
Social Work Research
Clinical Practice
Advocacy and Social Justice
Diversity and Cross-Cultural Practice
Field Education
Social Enterprise Administration

Careers with Social Work

Graduates from this programme pursue diverse career paths in both the public and private sectors. Many find roles in clinical settings, providing essential mental health services and counselling to individuals and families. Others transition into leadership positions within non-profit organisations, government agencies, and international NGOs, focusing on policy development and community advocacy.

The skills acquired during the course also prepare students for careers in social research and academic settings. Alumni are frequently employed as policy analysts, community organisers, and social service directors. The programme's strong emphasis on professional development ensures that graduates are highly competitive in the global job market, ready to lead initiatives that improve social outcomes.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Aging
Family, Youth & Children's Services
International Social Welfare and Streets to Immigrants and Refugees
World of Work
Contemporary Social Issues
Health, Mental Health & Disabilities
School-Based and School-Linked Services

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Social Work View 574 other Masters in Social Work in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

At a minimum, candidates for the master of social work (MSW) program must meet the following criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Academic record suggesting the ability to excel at graduate-level study
Serious commitment to the profession of social work and the capacity to meet the demands of professional training, often demonstrated by internships and life experiences
English Requirements

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

60764 USD / year

≈ 60764 USD / year
Out-of-State

60764 USD / year

≈ 60764 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

60764 USD / year

≈ 60764 USD / year

Additional Details

Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit.

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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