Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Academic Requirements:

• A minimum undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 60% or above. Some programs may have specific GPA requirements or prerequisites.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): An overall band score of 6.5 or higher with no individual band score below 6.0 is required.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is required.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A score of 100 or higher may be accepted as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL in some cases.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A score of 58 or above on the PTE Academic exam is accepted as proof of English language proficiency.

Scholarships for International Students at Long Island University Brooklyn:

1. International Student Scholarships: LIU Brooklyn offers various merit-based scholarships for international students, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, such as high school or previous college performance.

2. Global Achievers Scholarship: LIU Brooklyn offers the Global Achievers Scholarship, which is specifically designed for high-achieving international students. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable each year, provided the student maintains the required GPA.

3. Dean's Scholarship: The Dean's Scholarship is available for both undergraduate and graduate international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence. This scholarship can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.

4. Presidential Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to international students with outstanding academic records. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs and may also include additional benefits like housing and meal plan allowances.

5. Athletic Scholarships: LIU Brooklyn offers athletic scholarships to international students who excel in sports and wish to participate in collegiate athletics. These scholarships can provide financial support in addition to the opportunity to compete in NCAA Division I athletics.

6. External Scholarships: International students can also explore external scholarship opportunities provided by private organizations, government agencies, and foundations. LIU Brooklyn's international student office can provide guidance on finding and applying for these scholarships.

7. Graduate Assistantships: For graduate students, LIU Brooklyn may offer assistantship opportunities that provide a stipend and often include a tuition waiver. Graduate assistantships can be in areas like research, teaching, or administrative roles.

8. Work-Study Programs: While not exactly a scholarship, work-study programs allow international students to work part-time on campus to help cover their living expenses. These positions are typically related to student services or academic departments.

9. Financial Aid: In addition to scholarships, LIU Brooklyn's financial aid office can assist international students in exploring various financial aid options, including loans and payment plans.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and eligibility criteria may change from year to year.

A Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from Long Island University Brooklyn opens the door to a diverse range of rewarding career opportunities in the field of social work. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to address complex social issues, advocate for vulnerable populations, and effect positive change within communities. Graduates of the M.S.W. program are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in various social work settings.

1. Clinical Social Work: Many M.S.W. graduates pursue careers as clinical social workers, providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. Clinical social workers may work in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, or schools, helping clients manage mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being.

2. Medical Social Work: Hospitals and healthcare institutions rely on M.S.W. professionals to provide support to patients and their families during times of illness or medical crisis. Medical social workers assist with care coordination, discharge planning, and connecting patients to community resources.

3. School Social Work: M.S.W. graduates often choose the path of school social work, where they work in educational settings to support students' academic and social-emotional development. They address issues such as bullying, absenteeism, and family challenges that can impact a student's ability to succeed in school.

4. Child Welfare and Family Services: Social workers specializing in child welfare and family services work with at-risk children and families to ensure their safety and well-being. They may be involved in child protective services, adoption, foster care, and family reunification efforts.

5. Substance Abuse Counseling: The opioid epidemic and the broader issue of substance abuse have created a growing demand for social workers trained in substance abuse counseling. These professionals provide therapy, support, and resources to individuals struggling with addiction.

6. Gerontology Social Work: With an aging population, there is an increasing need for social workers who specialize in gerontology. They work with older adults and their families to address issues related to aging, long-term care, and end-of-life planning.

7. Community Organizing and Advocacy: Social workers can also pursue careers in community organizing and advocacy. They collaborate with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and grassroots movements to advocate for social justice, policy change, and the rights of marginalized communities.

8. Mental Health Administration: Graduates with a focus on administration and management may work in leadership roles within mental health agencies, overseeing programs, budgets, and staff to ensure the effective delivery of mental health services.

9. Private Practice: For those seeking independence, an M.S.W. degree provides the foundation to establish a private practice. Social workers in private practice offer individual or family therapy, assessments, and counseling services.

10. Research and Policy Analysis: Some M.S.W. graduates choose research and policy analysis roles, working for government agencies, research institutions, or advocacy organizations. They use their expertise to inform and shape social policies and programs.

11. International Social Work: Social workers with a global perspective can pursue careers in international social work, assisting communities in need around the world. They may engage in humanitarian work, disaster relief, or development projects.

12. Nonprofit Sector: The nonprofit sector offers a wide range of opportunities for M.S.W. graduates. They can work in program management, fundraising, grant writing, and administration for organizations dedicated to social and humanitarian causes.

13. Forensic Social Work: In the criminal justice system, forensic social workers assess and support individuals involved in legal proceedings, including defendants, victims, and incarcerated individuals.

14. Hospice and Palliative Care: Social workers specializing in hospice and palliative care provide emotional and practical support to individuals and families facing terminal illnesses, helping them navigate end-of-life decisions.

15. LGBTQ+ Advocacy: With a growing awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, there is a need for social workers who specialize in providing support, counseling, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

16. Disaster Response and Trauma Counseling: Social workers may be called upon to provide crisis intervention and trauma counseling in the aftermath of natural disasters, accidents, or community crises.

17. Entrepreneurship: Some M.S.W. graduates choose to start their own social work-related businesses, such as consulting firms, life coaching practices, or advocacy organizations.