Keuka College’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program is expanding rapidly, with enrollment jumping from 199 students in 2022–23 to 419 students for the 2024–25 academic year. Leading the charge is Associate Professor of Social Work Dr. Julie Burns, who took over as program director earlier this year.
Dr. Burns brings deep experience to the role. She helped build the College’s original off-campus BSW program before online education took hold. Today, she’s applying that same access-driven model to a new generation of social workers.
“The original program gave bachelor’s-level access to full-time workers with families,” said Dr. Burns. “It’s that same model now—opening up the Keuka College experience to those who otherwise wouldn’t have it.”
A growing need for social workers
The growth isn’t just about convenience. According to Dr. Burns, demand for licensed social workers remains high—and it’s not slowing down.
“Social Work, fortunately and unfortunately, has never had a lag in terms of need in the community,” she said.
Courses are offered asynchronously, allowing students to balance work, family, and school. Faculty regularly check in throughout each term to foster a sense of connection, and many professors—including Dr. Burns—teach both online and on campus.
“Our faculty are not only educators but practicing social workers,” she said. “They bring real-time experience from the field into the classroom.”
Teaching the future of the profession
Dr. Burns emphasized that while the core values of social work remain the same—service, justice, dignity—the tools and approaches are evolving.
“Some social workers still do home visits with a clipboard. Others use mobile tech to link clients with resources on the spot,” she said. “Our students reflect that same spectrum.”
With added faculty and a restructured academic division now focused on Social Work & Criminal Justice, Keuka College is positioned as one of New York’s leading social work educators.
The MSW program remains rooted in Keuka’s mission: Accessible, experiential learning that empowers students to make change.
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