| Completion time | Two years (four terms) |
| Total credits | 60 |
| Total practicum education hours | 1,200 |
| Prerequisites | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution |
| Starts per year | One, fall term (Sept. 8, 2026) |
| Application deadline | April 1, 2026 |
Two-Year Online MS in Social Work Overview
The full-time Two-Year Online MS in Social Work pathway is our most chosen degree option. Over the course of four terms and two practicum placements, students gain evidence-based practices that help them grow as practitioners, scholars, and advocates.
This pathway is split into two year-long segments:
- In their Generalist Year, students focus on building their knowledge of social work research, direct practice, and policy.
- In their Specialized Year, students choose a method specialization and field of practice, which guides their coursework for the year.
Students in this pathway also complete two different practicum placements, one each year. These are supported by concurrent courses in foundations of social work practice, motivational interviewing, and advocacy in social work practice.
Coursework Estimates
As a full-time Two-Year pathway student, you will take three or four courses per term. You should expect to spend seven to eight hours per week in synchronous classes, in addition to time spent on homework and other assignments.
You must also spend three days (21 hours total) at your practicum work site each week. Most placements require work during daytime hours, generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit our Practicum Placements page for more information.
Degree Outcomes
Professional Practice
- Apply ethical decision-making and professional conduct across all settings
- Work effectively with diverse clients using cultural humility and competence
Evidence-Based Practice
- Use evidence-based approaches and contribute to social work research
- Measure outcomes and continuously improve practice effectiveness
Social Justice and Policy
- Promote equity and justice through critical analysis of power structures
- Analyze, advocate for, and influence policies at local, state, and federal levels
Clinical and Community Practice
- Build collaborative relationships with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Conduct thorough assessments informed by theory, research, and cultural considerations
- Implement effective interventions appropriate to the context and goals
These competencies prepare you for licensure and professional practice in clinical, policy, community, and organizational settings. In addition, at the end of the program, you will have completed 1,200 practicum hours.
Career Outcomes
The Two-Year pathway provides a comprehensive, practice-centered education that readies you for meaningful work across the profession. Through theory-grounded coursework and practicum experiences grounded in anti-oppressive, justice-oriented social work, you develop the skills to serve individuals, families, groups, and communities and create systemic change.
Out of our 2024 graduating class, 96% of alumni were employed within their first year after graduation, with graduates working across healthcare, nonprofit organizations, education, government, and the corporate sector.
- 71% work directly with individuals, groups, and families
- 15% focus on mezzo/macro-level work such as policy analysis, program development, and community organizing
- 15% combine direct practice with mezzo/macro-level responsibilities
Our graduates work in a wide variety of settings including:
- Outpatient health and mental health centers
- Private practice settings
- Community-based organizations
- Social and human service agencies
- Colleges and universities
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Social advocacy and welfare organizations
Primary job functions include therapy, counseling, case management, care coordination, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, skills coaching, hospital and medical social work, administration, and operations.
Salary Outlook
In a spring 2025 career survey of MSSW graduates, the annual median salary for Columbia graduates employed full-time in the U.S. was $70,000. Salaries ranged from $30,000 to $108,000 with an interquartile range of $65,000 to $78,500.
Find out more: View our full MSSW career outcomes report or explore our article, “Careers as Change Agent.”
MSSW Two-Year Admission Summary
It only takes 10 minutes to start your application. The process consists of these steps:
Step 1: Complete the online application
It is quick to get started. Begin your application now and pick up right where you left off at any time.
Step 2: Submit your documents
- Unofficial transcripts from every institution attended (official transcripts required upon admission)
- Two letters of reference (at least one academic if you earned your degree within the past five years)
- Resume
- Admissions essays
Step 3: Pay the application fee
The fee is 75 dollars. Waivers are available for eligible applicants. See the admissions page for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most classes are presented live at a fixed time every week. This synchronous format allows you to have a fully interactive course experience where you learn alongside your cohort members.
You will be expected to attend class at set days and times, though the sessions will be recorded for your future reference.
- A method specialization is the particular skill set you want to develop related to the groups you want to serve.
- A field of practice is the professional domain you would like to work in after completing your degree.
You’ll choose one method specialization and one field of practice after your first year.
You can see all choices available to you on our specializations page.
The Office of Practicum Learning partners with community agencies that offer exposure to social work practice in diverse settings throughout the country. They have connections to hundreds of placement sites.
We work hard to find practicum placements close to your home, but we cannot guarantee it. The maximum commute time allowed, from residence to agency site, is 90 minutes each way.
You can find out more about sites and completing your hours on our practicum education page.
Each pathway is designed for students at different stages of their education and career. The Two-Year pathway is ideal if you don’t have a BSW or prior social work experience, and you want to take classes full time.
Our pathway comparison table provides an overview of key differences including prerequisites, completion time, and practicum hours. For support determining which pathway is the right fit for you, call an enrollment specialist at (332) 232-8434 or email onlinemsw@columbia.edu.
Have Additional Questions? Let’s Talk.
FAQs are helpful, but a real conversation can make all the difference. An enrollment specialist is available to answer questions such as how this program fits your schedule, which pathway makes sense for your background, what the application process looks like, and anything else you’re wondering about.
Call (332) 232-8434 or email onlinemsw@columbia.edu to set up a time to talk.
Request information
Please fill out the fields below to download a brochure. If you have any questions about our program pathways or application process, you can contact an enrollment specialist by emailing onlinemsw@columbia.edu or calling (332) 232-8434.
