MSW degree via Career Pathways Training Program
Funding can cover tuition and education-related expenses for your in-person or online Master of Social Work at Nazareth if you meet these criteria!
Funding
- Covers tuition, textbooks, supplies, required program fees, materials, and exams required by your degree program.
- There is no cost to register for, or to participate in, the Career Pathways Training Program. The state-designated workforce investment organization will pay Nazareth directly for all eligible expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and required program fees. (Supplies include standard supplies required for program participation but do not include technology such as laptops or tablets.)
- Does not cover room or board expenses.
Who's eligible
New Nazareth Master of Social Work students who:
- live in New York state or one of the five border states (Residents of New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Vermont must be employed by a New York state healthcare facility.),
- are a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen,
- have a bachelor’s degree (before starting the master’s degree) and will complete your degree by May 2027,
- and commit to working for three years, full-time, at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider/employer that serves at least 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. These may include health or behavioral health providers, and/or organizations that are part of established Social Care Networks.
Benefits
Support services
Support services are available at Nazareth and through the Career Pathways Training Program to ensure your academic success.
Higher pay
Advanced training qualifies you for better-paying roles, earning competitive wages that reflect your hard work and dedication.
Job security
Specialization and new skills increase your value in your career field. Nurses and social workers are always in demand, meaning long-term employment opportunities and peace of mind.
Professional growth
Explore leadership roles or new areas of health, behavioral health, or social care.
Work-life balance
Gain access to more flexible positions that fit your goals.
Why Nazareth?
For Master of Social Work
- Nazareth’s high-quality MSW program focuses on interdisciplinary and interprofessional practice in every course — including collaboration, teamwork, and leadership with other disciplines — so you are well prepared to collaborate professionally on treatment teams.
- You also have the option to specialize by taking a three-course sequence in areas such as substance abuse, aging, autism, evidence-based practice in mental health, or trauma-informed care.
Meet with us
1-on-1: Choose an in-person, phone, or Zoom meeting. Request a meeting »
Campus tour: Sign up for a campus tour for grad students »
Timing
For Full-time MSW
| Your background | Start and finish MSW | Deadline to apply |
|---|---|---|
| You have a bachelor’s in social work (so will start Nazareth’s 36-credit advanced standing MSW program) | ||
| Start spring 2026 and finish spring 2027. | Sept. 15, 2025 | |
| Start summer 2026 and finish spring 2027. |
Feb. 15, 2026 (Applications open in fall 2025) |
How to Participate
STEP 1
Fill out the interest/eligibility form online for the state-designated regional workforce investment organization that matches where you live (or if you live in a border state, where you work). You can do this at the same time that you apply to Nazareth.
Region 3
Rochester, Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier: Career Pathways Training »
Region 2
North Country, Capital Region, Central N.Y., Southern Tier: Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways »
Region 1
NYC, Long Island, Hudson Valley: 1199SEIU Training & Employment Funds »
STEP 2
Apply to Nazareth:
STEP 3
The regional organization will determine whether you’re eligible and send you an agreement form to complete. Make sure your program end date is May 2027 or before. You will upload your Nazareth acceptance letter with this form.
STEP 4
Apply (annually) for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and accept any free financial aid, where applicable. Do not accept any student loans for tuition expenses, since you won’t have tuition expenses. Upon completing your MSW degree no later than May 2027, successfully pass the required licensure exam within one year.
STEP 5
Work full-time for three years at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider that serves at least 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. These may include health or behavioral health providers, and/or organizations that are part of established Social Care Networks.