M.S. OF SOCIAL WORK

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    Earn Your MSW at Daemen — On Campus or Online

    Choose the path that fits your background and goals:

    • Traditional Track: Full-time, 2 years (60 credit hours) — open to students with any undergraduate degree.
    • Advanced Standing Track: Full-time, 1 year (30–33 credit hours) — designed for those with a BSW.

    Both tracks prepare you to succeed on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensure exam and launch a rewarding career in social work.

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    100%

    of grads secure jobs 

    1-2

    years to degree completion

    30%

    tuition discount

    1,000

    field placements

    Popular careers in social work:

    Care coordinator
    Counselor/therapist
    Supervisor
    Program director
    Administrator
    Private practice
    Trainer
    Educator
    Researcher
    Policy advocate
    Next Step

    Schedule a Consultation

    Ready to take the next step toward your Master of Social Work? Complete this quick form and an admissions counselor will reach out to:

    • Answer your questions
    • Walk you through program options
    • Help you plan your path to licensure
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    TRADITIONAL TRACK

    • Build core skills in ethics, research, diversity, and policy for generalist social work practice.
    • Train in culturally responsive, evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and intervention with all age groups.
    • 450 foundation and 500 advanced field hours under licensed social workers, with international placements available.
    • Afternoon and evening courses provide flexibility to working students.
    Degree Awarded Master of Social Work
    Estimated Length 2 years
    Modality On Campus or Online
    Start DateOn Campus (starts September)
    Online (starts October)
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    ADVANCED STANDING TRACK

    • Develop clinical practice skills related to assessment, diagnosis, use of evidence-based practice, treatment, and practice evaluation with an emphasis on children and families.
    • Complete a year-long 500-hour clinical internship under the supervision of a licensed social worker, with international placements available.
    • Afternoon and evening courses provide flexibility to working students.
    Degree Awarded Master of Social Work
    Estimated Length 1 year
    Modality On Campus or Online
    Start DateOn Campus (starts September)
    Online (starts October)
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    Meet the Director

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    Diane R. Bessel, PhD, LMSW, CNM

    Diane R. Bessel, PhD, LMSW, CNM, is Chair of the Sociology and Social Work Department, MSW Program Director, and Associate Professor at Daemen University. With expertise in program design, evaluation, and strategic planning, Dr. Bessel’s teaching and research focus on collaborative approaches to addressing complex social issues such as homelessness, poverty, family violence, and access to care. Prior to Daemen, she led research, investments, and advocacy efforts at the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County.

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    Accreditation

    Daemen College's social work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.