Why Choose Nazareth for Social Work?

Nazareth University has a long legacy of excellence in social work education. Because of this, graduates are sought after by local employers. At graduation, nearly 100% of Nazareth social work majors are employed, committed to an experience such as the Peace Corps, Americorps, or accepted by a graduate program.

The program provides hands-on experiential learning as well as the 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.

4+1 option

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.)

Highlights for first-year students

  • Nazareth offers more extensive practicum opportunities than other colleges and universities, emphasizing hands-on experiences both junior and senior year. Placements are available in settings ranging from schools and hospitals to government and community-based grassroots agencies. 
  • Credit-bearing social work courses include local and global service opportunities.
  • Study abroad for a semester or choose a short-term trip with a group through a service-learning course or cultural immersion course, such as to Jamaica, India, or Finland.

Highlights for transfer and adult students

  • Flexibility: Choose from daytime, evening, and online courses. You can attend part-time or full-time.
  • Timing: Students with an associate's degree can start in August and complete the bachelor's degree in two years with no summer courses.
  • Incorporate your own job: If you are working in the social work field, the program offers flexibility in field placements. Junior year placements can be at your place of employment, and senior year placements offer a combination of employment and field placement hours.

CASAC 350-hour certificate

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.   

Child Life Specialist Track

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. 

Program Details

Options, Requirements, and Course Descriptions

What social workers do

    Denise Hynson, alumna of the social work major, bachelor's degree program at Nazareth College NY

    Alumni Spotlight

    "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 Hynson '11, '14G, 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.

    Example Careers

    Internships/Field Experiences

    • Rochester Regional Health
    • Strong Memorial Hospital
    • Schools throughout Monroe and surrounding counties
    • Monroe County Office of Probation, Monroe County courts
    • Center For Youth

    Employers

    • Rochester Regional Health
    • Hillside Family of Agencies
    • Monroe County Department of Human Services
    • Monroe County school districts
    • Strong/University of Rochester Medical Center

    Jobs are expected to grow 12% from 2020-2030, faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual pay for social workers in 2020: $51,760.

    Program Outcomes
    Accreditation
    Assessment
    Professional Licensure Disclosure