Social Work

program Type	Department	School
Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor, Master of Social Work	Social Work	School of Liberal Arts

Social Work at Siena: Hands-On Experience, Real-World Impact

Ready to make an impact? Siena’s nationally accredited Social Work program offers you more than just knowledge—it’s a journey where you gain real skills, build relationships, and transform communities. From your first class to your final internship, you’ll be immersed in experiences that prepare you to help others and advocate for change. Siena's social work program is ranked in the top 20% nationally by College Factual.

What you'll learn and experience

You won’t just learn about social work—you’ll do social work. Our skills-focused courses teach you how to communicate, intervene, and support individuals, families, groups, and communities. You’ll graduate ready to step into the field with confidence and competence.

• Capstone Field Experience: Your journey culminates in a two-semester, 400-hour field placement where you’ll put your skills to work, actively practicing what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. This isn’t just an internship; it’s your chance to make an impact in the community, guided by Siena’s dedicated faculty.

"The internships being incorporated into the academic requirements, in addition to classroom activities and guests, have allowed me to gain so many skills and knowledge that will carry into my professional and personal life for years to come." - Maygen Robinson

• Cohort Learning: Starting your junior year, you’ll join a cohort of like-minded peers, building a strong sense of community and support. Together, you’ll tackle challenges, celebrate successes, and grow as future social work professionals.

"The Social Work major is an amazing way to learn about people. You not only learn about topics like research, policy, and therapy but also human behavior. The program gave me opportunities to serve food to the homeless, work in a high school, and support a harm reduction program. Siena’s social work program prepares you to serve others in the spirit of St. Francis." -Jonathan Limey

Siena's distinctive approach

Unlike larger programs, Siena offers a personalized and inclusive education. Here, professors don’t just teach—they mentor, guide, and support you every step of the way. You’ll gain marketable skills through:

• Practical Experience: Complete a 450-hour internship tailored to your interests. Choose from diverse settings like schools, nursing homes, probation offices, domestic violence shelters, and more.
• Proven Pathways: With Siena's CSWE accreditation since 1985, you’re set for success. Graduates are eligible for advanced standing in MSW programs, allowing you to earn your Master’s in less than two years.
• A Personal Network: You’ll build connections with peers, professors, and alumni, creating a professional network that opens doors long after graduation.

"The professors in the Social Work Program provided amazing career advice and guidance. They opened my eyes to a world of caring and understanding. I realized that a job is more than just earnings; it’s about being content and proud of what you accomplished. Siena helped me find my passion for helping others." - Carlos Gonzalez

life after siena as a social work major

Siena Social Work graduates don’t just find jobs—they thrive. With extensive real-world experience, alumni step into roles across healthcare, criminal justice, schools, the military, and community organizations. They have built careers with organizations like Albany Med, St. Peter’s Health Partners, Northern Rivers, CARE Design NY, Hunger Solutions New York, Crossroads4Hope, the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, as well as Mile High Behavioral Healthcare.

Whether entering the workforce or pursuing an advanced degree, Siena Social Work graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact.