Nazareth University has a long legacy of excellence in social work education and graduates are sought after by local employers. At graduation, nearly 100% of Nazareth social work majors are employed, committed to the Peace Corps or Americorps, or accepted by a graduate program. Nazareth offers more extensive practicum opportunities than other colleges and universities, adding to your knowledge, values, and skills needed for all areas of social work. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the division of Professional Education, New York State Education Department.
Get hands-on experience in schools, hospitals, and government/community agencies
Get certified to work with children/families and in substance abuse prevention
Study abroad in South America, Europe, or Asia
4+1 option: Go directly into Nazareth's social work master's program
A fast-track option enables you to go directly into Nazareth's accredited M.S.W. degree program: Complete your MSW at Nazareth in one additional year of full-time study. (Part-time MSW options are also available.)
Undergraduate majors who complete the track in substance abuse prevention and treatment fulfill the educational requirements for New York state Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification.
Jobs are expected to grow 12% from 2020–2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
median annual pay for social workers in 2020
Our SPARK Grant provides up to $4,000 for you to pursue internships, research, and study abroad. SPARK details »
If you want to work with children and families experiencing stress and/or trauma relating to illness and injury, you can choose the child life specialist track to complete the academic requirements for Child Life Specialist certification.
Denise Hynson '11, '14G
"One of the many things I believe makes Nazareth's social work programs amazing is the faculty have current lived experiences that they can share with the students that are relevant to today's world."
Denise, a licensed clinical social worker, is a social worker at Villa of Hope and a therapist at Tree of Hope Counseling who strives to support people to heal from various forms of trauma.