MSW Programs in New Jersey: Online & Campus
Navigating the realm of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in New Jersey can be a daunting task, especially with the multitude of options available. Aspiring social workers seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities must carefully weigh factors such as program accreditation, faculty expertise, specialization offerings, and field placement opportunities. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs across the Garden State, providing insights to aid prospective students in pursuing higher education and fulfilling careers in social work.
2025 Best MSW Programs in New Jersey
Looking for the best MSW programs in New Jersey? CounselingPsychology.org has you covered. Our team carefully reviews each program to help you find the right fit. We consider factors like accreditation, faculty, and student support. Our rankings aim to guide your decision-making process. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, we highlight top options. Check out our detailed rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden, NJ - Public 4-Year - camden.rutgers.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Social Work - Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University's Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares professionals for advanced roles in human services across diverse sectors. With a comprehensive curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, students develop skills to address complex social challenges. The Clinical Social Work concentration equips graduates to work with vulnerable populations, focusing on alleviating poverty and combating discrimination. Flexible program options include traditional campus, online, intensive weekend, and blended formats, accommodating various student needs and professional backgrounds.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Multiple Program Formats
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Clinical Social Work Concentration
- Online and Campus Options
- Two-Four Year Completion
- Flexible Learning Paths
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Management and Policy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University's Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares students for advanced professional roles in social welfare, emphasizing leadership and direct service across public and private sectors. With CSWE accreditation, the program offers flexible learning formats including traditional, online, weekend, and blended options. Students can specialize in clinical social work or management and policy, gaining comprehensive skills to address complex social challenges while supporting vulnerable populations.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Multiple Program Formats
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Clinical and Policy Concentrations
- Flexible Learning Options
- Three-Year Completion Path
- Online and Weekend Options
- Advanced Practice Focus
- Field Placement Opportunities
Stockton University
Galloway, NJ - Public 4-Year - stockton.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Stockton University's Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares compassionate professionals for advanced practice with diverse populations using a social justice lens. The rigorous two-year program offers full-time and part-time options, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and challenging systemic oppression. Students develop critical skills through comprehensive coursework and hands-on practicum experiences, preparing them for impactful careers in social work across various settings. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and a commitment to social equity.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing available
- Social justice concentration
- Clinical social work elective track
- 400-500 practicum hours
- Fall semester start
- No GRE required
- Application deadline: March 14
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Leadership and Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Stockton University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a transformative educational experience designed for aspiring social work professionals. With a robust curriculum emphasizing social justice, diversity, and advanced practice, students gain comprehensive skills to work with marginalized populations. The program provides flexible full-time and part-time options, including an advanced standing track for BSW graduates. Students develop critical competencies through integrated classroom learning and extensive practicum experiences, preparing them for impactful careers in various social service settings.
- 60-credit comprehensive MSW program
- CSWE accredited program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing available
- Social justice-focused curriculum
- 400-500 practicum hours
- Clinical Social Work elective track
- No GRE required for admission
- Fall 2025 application deadline: March 14
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Stockton University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares compassionate, socially conscious professionals to work with diverse populations using a transformative social justice lens. Students develop advanced skills to challenge systemic oppression, empower marginalized communities, and advocate for meaningful policy changes. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, including an accelerated Advanced Standing track for those with prior social work education. With a comprehensive curriculum, students gain practical experience through 400-500 practicum hours, learning to creatively address complex social challenges and enhance community well-being.
- 60-credit MSW program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced Standing available
- CSWE accredited program
- Specialized practice concentration
- 400-500 practicum hours
- Clinical social work elective track
- No GRE required
- Fall 2025 application deadline: March 14
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Practicum placements in diverse settings
- Social justice-focused curriculum
- Prepare for LCSW licensure
Kean University
Union, NJ - Public 4-Year - kean.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Direct Clinical Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kean University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides comprehensive clinical training for aspiring social work professionals. Designed to develop ethically grounded and culturally competent practitioners, the program focuses on evidence-based practice and social justice. Students gain advanced skills in working with individuals, families, and groups while learning critical research, policy, and advocacy techniques. The curriculum prepares graduates to address complex social challenges through a holistic, inclusive approach that emphasizes diversity and professional competence.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Clinical Practice Focus
- Diversity-Centered Curriculum
- 9 Core Competency Areas
- Evidence-Based Practice Training
- Social Justice Orientation
- Advocacy Skills Development
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, NJ - Private 4-year - fdu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fairleigh Dickinson University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares passionate professionals to drive social change and enhance human rights. The program offers flexible tracks for students with diverse backgrounds, including traditional and advanced standing options. Students develop advanced skills in practice-informed research, policy engagement, and interventions across various settings. With comprehensive field experience and CSWE accreditation, graduates are equipped to make meaningful impacts in healthcare, education, mental health, and community organizations.
- Online asynchronous format
- CSWE accredited program
- Traditional and advanced tracks
- 500-900 field experience hours
- 30-60 total credits
- 18-36 months completion time
- Minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA required
- BSW or liberal arts bachelor's degree
- Multiple practice settings available
- Social justice focused curriculum
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ - Public 4-Year - rowan.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Mental Health, Equity and Well-being - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rowan University's Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) is a comprehensive two to three-year graduate program preparing professionals for diverse social work careers. The hybrid format enables students to gain specialized practice in mental health, equity, and well-being through rigorous coursework and extensive 900-hour field experience. Designed for working professionals and recent graduates, the program offers advanced standing for BSW degree holders and flexible learning options. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, professional recommendations, and a compelling statement of objectives.
- Full-time 2-3 year program
- 59 total graduate credits
- 900 hours field experience
- Hybrid learning format
- Mental health specialization
- Advanced standing available
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Fall priority deadline: March 15
- Two recommendation letters required
- Virtual screening interview
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Rowan University's Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares students for advanced professional practice through a comprehensive Mental Health, Equity, and Well-being specialization. The program demands 59 credits and 900 field education hours, equipping graduates for clinical licensure, counseling roles, and diverse human service positions. Students develop critical competencies in ethical practice, social justice, diversity, research, policy engagement, and community interventions, making it an ideal pathway for those seeking impactful social work careers.
- Specialization in Mental Health
- 900 field education hours
- 59 minimum credit program
- Fall 2025 enrollment open
- Priority deadline March 15, 2025
- Prepare for LSW/LCSW exams
- 9 core social work competencies
- Comprehensive clinical preparation
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in New Jersey
New Jersey Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
New Jersey MSW programs usually require around 60 total credits and take around two years to complete on a full-time basis. Traditional MSW degree programs are geared toward those who don't already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. While specific entry requirements vary from school to school, they typically include:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
New Jersey Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
An advanced-standing Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is an accelerated program for those with a BSW degree. Entry requirements routinely include:
- BSW degree from an accredited institution is typically awarded no longer than five years prior
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- All other requirements from the Traditional MSW above
The Advanced Standing MSW typically requires around 38 credits and takes approximately one year to complete. Examples of Advanced-Standing MSW programs in NewJersey include:
- Montclair State University – visit site
- Rutgers University – visit site
- Seton Hall – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
New Jersey MSW Program Tuition and Costs
The average range of tuition costs for a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in New Jersey is approximately $644 to $809 per credit hour for in-state students and $809 to $1,096 per credit hour for out-of-state students. This can result in total tuition costs ranging from $38,688 to $65,760 or more for the entire program, depending on the school and residency status. Remember that students must also account for additional expenses such as textbooks and computers.
To get an idea of MSW tuition costs in New Jersey, check out some examples below:
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| Rutgers University | $644 (Resident) $1,096 (Non-resident) $1,007 (Online) | 60 | $38,688 (Resident) $65,760 (Non-resident) $60,420 |
| Ramapo College | $851 | 64 | $54,464 |
| Montclair State University | $809 $905 (International) | 60 | $48,540 $54,300 (International) |
Are Online MSW Programs in New Jersey as Good as Campus-Based?
While the face-to-face interaction of in-person programs is still a big draw for many, the flexibility and convenience of online MSW programs is a significant advantage. Luckily, both online and campus-based MSW programs offer the same comprehensive curriculum delivered by experienced faculty members, so rest assured that you’ll be getting a quality education either way. Still on the fence? Check out the comparison below for more information.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in New Jersey
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
Whether you choose a campus-based or online MSW program in New Jersey, you'll want to ensure that your degree program is properly accredited by a trusted agency such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your New Jersey Social Work License
Getting licensed as a social worker in New Jersey is the next step once you earn your MSW degree. Each state has different requirements for licensure. Learn more about how to get your social worker license in New Jersey with our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in New Jersey
