By Cinara Marquis
The fall 2025 semester marks the launch of the masters of social work program at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“It’s very exciting that we’re able to help grow not only the social work program but also fill in these needs within our communities,” said Julie Piepenbring, MSW program director and assistant professor.
Piepenbring said that she is incredibly excited about the MSW. This year the program has a blend of students who achieved their BSW at SUNY Plattsburgh and students who have graduated from other colleges and universities. There are also students engaging through a teach-out program from the College of Saint Rose.
Undergraduate students are well prepared for generalist practices such as case management services or community work. With a graduate degree, however, there is advancement and more work opportunities in clinical and macro settings open up.
“There’s a lot of opportunities in the career market for BSWs (bachelors of social work),” Piepenbring said. “But we are also seeing in the community a high demand for social workers with a graduate degree, both nationally and within our region.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% increase in demand for social workers through 2028. Not only is the career expected to grow but the salary is too, the median annual salary for a social worker with an MSW is nearly double that of a social worker with a BSW, according to Indeed.com.
The MSW program is academically rigorous and based on interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation and advocacy. It combines interpersonal clinical skills and versatile advocacy strategies based on empowerment and social justice. Students will complete a minimum of 950 hours of fieldwork in various settings across diverse fields.
The MSW at SUNY Plattsburgh is a hybrid program in which students can work online. Students can take classes online, but they also need to take some courses in person on campus including two years of full-time study. Students with a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education accredited institution with advanced standing can graduate from the program in just one year.
Graduate students will be prepared for advanced practice on the micro, mezzo and macro levels of social work practice, which includes individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and the government.
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