There are ten master of social work (MSW) programs in New Jersey. Eight of these programs have been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Two of the programs are in the pre-candidacy stage for accreditation, which means they are waiting to be assessed. This article goes over each of these NJ social work programs, including the length of each program, how many credits you have to complete, the formats the programs are available in, and more. Many of these programs have excellent benefits, with some offering an online or hybrid format, expert faculty, an affordable tuition, or other features.
So, why earn a master’s degree in social work? If you are already in this career field in some way, such as working as a bachelor’s level social worker, you might want to earn an advanced degree to increase your career and income opportunities. Those who are entering social work for the first time by applying to MSW programs in New Jersey might be doing so because you want to help people. Social work is a challenging, yet rewarding career that involves helping others through various difficulties. As a social worker, you might provide clients with resources, give them advice, help them navigate social service systems, and provide emotional support. If you earn your master’s degree in social work, you may qualify to become an LSCW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. LCSW’s can provide therapy to clients to help them cope with mental health diagnoses such as depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more.
Social work is a helping position, which can be rewarding enough on its own, but another benefit of earning a master’s degree in social work is that this career is in high demand in most US states. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that all social work occupations are expected to grow 7% over the next decade, which is faster than the average growth for other careers. Additionally, social workers have a median annual wage of $58,380 as of mid-2023. The BLS states that the lowest 10% of social workers made less than $38,400 annually, while the highest 10% earned more than $94,910.
But how does New Jersey compare? According to O*Net Online, the state’s social work career outlook and median annual income is as follows:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Projected Growth: 9% (faster than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $74,730
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Projected Growth: 14% (much faster than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $77,930
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Projected Growth: 10% (faster than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $70,980
- Social Workers, All Other
- Projected Growth: $65,950
- Average Annual Wages: -2% (slower than average)
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Projected Growth: 12% (much faster than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $84,500
The above data indicates that social work is a highly needed profession in New Jersey in most areas. Regardless of when you are entering the social work career, there may be many career options available to you in the state. Earning a master’s degree may help you become a more competitive applicant who has more options available for career and income advancement. If this is something you are interested in, keep reading to find out more about the master’s in social work programs in New Jersey and what they offer.
New Jersey Online Masters in Social Work
There are five MSW programs in NJ that offer an online option through which to complete your degree. Completing a program online can be a great option for many students, as it offers more flexibility. Many of the students who complete online coursework do so because they already have a job, and don’t have the time to attend in-person classes. Others may benefit from an online curriculum because they learn better in an at-home environment. Most of these programs involve attending online, with the exception of the practicum and possibly a couple of visits to the campus throughout the semester.
Below is an overview of the MSW programs in New Jersey that offer an online format. Several of these universities also offer the MSW program on campus as well.
Fairleigh Dickinson University – Multiple Locations, New Jersey
- Multiple Locations, New Jersey
- Online
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 60
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to four years
- Advanced Standing Program: One to two years
Format: Online only
Practicum Requirement:
- Standard Program: 900 hours
- Advanced Standing Program: 500 hours
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $891 per credit plus other costs and fees
Program Overview:
Fairleigh Dickinson University, founded in 1942, is the largest private university in the state of New Jersey. The university’s social work program is offered fully online as a flexible option for students with a variety of backgrounds. Students will gain skills needed for a career in social work through a practical education and a hands-on practicum.
Georgian Court University – Lakewood, New Jersey
- Lakewood, New Jersey
- Online + In-person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
Accreditation: In pre-candidacy phase for CSWE accreditation
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 65
- Advanced Standing Program: 33
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to four years
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
Format: In person with online advanced standing option
Practicum Requirement: Hours not specified
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $820 per credit
Program Overview:
Georgian Court University, founded in 1908, offers a small learning environment with semester-based curricula. This university offers an affordable social work program. The program offers flexible hybrid options that can be completed at a full-time or part-time pace. There are two specializations offered in this MSW program: DIrect Practice, or Community Partnership.
Kean University – Union, New Jersey
- Union, New Jersey
- Online + In-person
Program: Social work (MSW)
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 60
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to three years
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
Format: In person or online.
Practicum Requirement:
- Standard Program: Four semesters
- Advanced Standing Program: Two semesters
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $9,315 per full-time semester
Program Overview:
Kean University, founded in 1855, emphasizes the importance of addressing issues locally. This is particularly relevant to the MSW program that is offered by the College of Health Professions and Human Services. In this program, students learn strong research, clinical, and advocacy skills. The program teaches students subjects such as human behavior and social welfare to help their community and the world as a whole.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – Multiple Locations, New Jersey
- Multiple Locations, New Jersey
- Online + In-person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 60
- Advanced Standing Program: 39
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to three years
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
Format: Online or in person.
Practicum Requirement: 1,125 hours
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $1,007 per credit hour plus fees
Program Overview:
Rutgers, founded in 1766, offers an MSW program that is among the top 15 of best social work programs according to the US News and World Report. Students can choose between two specializations: Management and Policy or Clinical Social Work. There are both in person and online options for the standard and advanced standing program, as well as a hybrid option. Students can also take part in a dual degree program.
Seton Hall University – South Orange, New Jersey
- South Orange, New Jersey
- Online + In-person
Program: MSW, Social Work
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 60
- Advanced Standing Program: Not specified
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to four years
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
Format: In person or online.
Practicum Requirement:
- Standard Program: 900 hours
- Advanced Standing Program: 500 hours
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $1,465 per credit
Program Overview:
Seton Hall University, founded in 1856, is one of the largest Roman Catholic universities in the United States. This program offers a behavioral health concentration as well as a forensics program, which is one of the only programs of its type in New Jersey. Graduates of this program will be prepared to help individuals and families in their community by providing counseling advocacy, management and leadership skills, and more.
CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in New Jersey
There are eight CSWE-accredited New Jersey MSW programs. Four of these programs are reviewed in this next section. There are also CSWE-accredited programs mentioned in the previous section that offer an online option. These include:
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Kean University
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
- Seton Hall University
CSWE stands for the Council on Social Work Education, and they are the sole organization responsible for accrediting social work programs across the United States. Accreditation is an important feature to look for in a degree program, as it demonstrates that the school has met specific criteria for quality. This criteria was set by the CSWE, which is made up of experts in the field who determine what an innovative, effective education looks like. By attending a CSWE-accredited program, you can feel assured that your education will meet the criteria needed to prepare you for any licensing exams. Additionally, attending an accredited program makes it easier to transfer your license to another state, if you move in the future, as the CSWE standards apply across the US. Finally, employers tend to prefer to hire socia workers who attended an accredited program, so it really is best to look for this feature in schools you want to attend.
Below are additional universities offered in New Jersey that were not mentioned in the previous section.
Monmouth University – Long Branch, New Jersey
- Long Branch, New Jersey
- In-person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 54
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to four years
- Advanced Standing Program: One to two years
Format: In person only
Practicum Requirement: 250 field hours per semester, which may include summers
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $8,394-$32,850 per year depending on how many units are taken.
Program Overview:
Monmouth University’s MSW program offers two specializations: Clinical Practice with Families and Children, and Global and Community Practice. The program also offers the opportunity to also earn the credential needed to become a licensed drug and alcohol counseling. Once enrolled in the program, students will work with faculty to be matched with employment-based internship hours.
Montclair State University – Montclair, New Jersey
- Montclair, New Jersey
- In-person
Program: Master of Social Work
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 60
- Advanced Standing Program: 33
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to four years
- Advanced Standing Program: One to two years
Format: In person only
Practicum Requirement: 21 hours per week
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $37,210 total
Program Overview:
Montclair State University, founded in 1908, offers a master of social work program that focuses on child advocacy. Students will learn how to serve children and families in their community in an ethical, professional, and evidence-based manner. Classroom teachings lead to a practicum that allows students to gain hands-on experience directly with clients.
Ramapo College – Mahwah, New Jersey
- Mahwah, New Jersey
- In-person
Program: Master of Social Work
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 64
- Advanced Standing Program: 32
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to three years
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
Format: In person only
Practicum Requirement:
- Standard Program: 1200 hours
- Advanced Standing Program: 600 hours
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $851 per credit plus other fees
Program Overview:
Ramapo College, founded in 1969, provides a social work education that prepares students to become effective leaders who honor diversity and advocate for social justice, while focusing on enhancing the quality of life of those they serve. Ramapo offers a small community where students receive an intimate education from experts in the field. Students can enjoy one-on-one attention if needed along with specialized career guidance.
Stockton University – Galloway, New Jersey
- Galloway, New Jersey
- In-person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 60
- Advanced Standing Program: 30
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to three years
- Advanced Standing Program: One to two years
Format: In person only
Practicum Requirement:
- Standard Program: 400 hours per academic year
- Advanced Standing Program: 500 hours per academic year
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $985 per credit
Program Overview:
Stockton University, founded in 1969, is committed to cultural diversity. This is especially true in their Master of Social Work program, where students learn how to respect diversity in a variety of ways. The curriculum teaches students to provide resources and advocacy to clients in order to improve the quality of life for their community. Stockton University’s MSW program is fully accredited by the CSWE, and their report of student learning outcomes is available on their website.
No GRE Required MSW Programs in New Jersey
None of the ten MSW programs in New Jersey require GRE scores to apply. The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is a generalized exam that was designed to test a master’s degree applicant’s ability in things like math, vocabulary, problem solving, critical thinking, and more. This was to help a university decide a student’s readiness for graduate/master’s level coursework. However, more and more university programs are choosing to opt out of requiring the GRE in their applications, and instead are choosing to assess students more holistically. This might include things like learning about an applicant’s professional or volunteer work experience, reading an essay about their interests and goals, requiring letters of recommendation, reviewing the undergraduate GPA, and all of the above. Other requirements may vary by program.
Below is an overview of a university offering a MSW program without a GRE requirement that was not noted in previous sections.
Rowan University – Glassboro, New Jersey
- Glassboro, New Jersey
- In-person
Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Accreditation: In pre-candidacy phase for CSWE
Number of Credits: 59
Length: Two years
Format: In person only
Practicum Requirement: 900 hours
GRE: Not Required
Tuition: $760.85 per credit plus fees
Program Overview:
Rowan University, founded in 1923, is a public research institution that prepares social work students to work within diverse settings. Students will receive an education that specializes in “mental health, equity, and well-being”. Students also have the opportunity to earn additional graduate study certificates. Rowan is in a pre-candidacy status for CSWE as of 2024, which means they need to be reviewed by CSWE so that it can be determined if they meet accreditation standards. Visit the CSWE directory to check for Rowan’s current accreditation status.
New Jersey MSW Programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options
There are nine New Jersey universities that offer an advanced standing MSW program option. These were each reviewed in the previous sections. Advanced standing is an option that many MSW programs offer that allows certain social work students to complete their program in half the time. If a student is attending full time, this usually can mean that they can earn their degree in one year instead of two, or two years instead of three or four if going part time. However, this option isn’t open to every applicant. Instead, it is meant for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in social work, as that degree program covered much of what the first year does in the master’s program. Students in the advanced standing program usually only have to complete about half of the practicum as well. In addition to having a bachelor’s degree in social work, many advanced standing programs may also have a slightly higher GPA requirement, as well as slightly different application requirements all around. However, this depends on the university and program.
The universities with an advanced standing option include:
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Georgian Court University
- Kean University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Seton Hall University
- Monmouth University
- Montclair State University
- Ramapo College
- Stockton University
Affordable MSW Programs in New Jersey
Cost is certainly a considerable factor for many students when considering what graduate programs to attend. Luckily, some universities are more affordable than others. There are many factors that make up the cost of an MSW program. However, one thing that might make a program cheaper is if it is offered through a state university. By attending a university in your state of residence, you can save money by going to a state school. The reason they are cheaper is partially due to receiving tax dollars, and by attending one, you are considered to have already paid for part of the tuition that way. Other programs may be more affordable for a number of reasons. In addition to choosing an affordable MSW program, you can also help pay for your tuition through grants and scholarships.
Below are some examples of affordable MSW programs in New Jersey. These universities were reviewed in previous sections.
- Rowan University
- Tuition $760.85 per credit plus fees
- Georgian Court University
- Tuition: $820 per credit plus fees
- Montclair State University
- Tuition: $37,210 total
New Jersey CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
| University Name | City | State | Program Title | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | Florham Park | NJ | Master of Social Work | https://online.fdu.edu/online-degrees/msw-master-social-work/ |
| Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey | New Brunswick | NJ | Master of Social Work | https://socialwork.rutgers.edu/ |
Conclusion
There are many reasons to earn a master of social work degree in New Jersey. This career is rewarding, as it involves helping people in many different ways, and is in high demand in the state. The average pay for social workers in New Jersey is also higher than the pay in the US. Whether you are already a social worker who wants to earn an advanced degree or are entering the field for the first time, there are many excellent MSW programs to choose from with options such as an online or in person format and an advanced standing curriculum. Several of these universities offer a more accessible tuition, and you may also consider filling out the FAFSA and researching other grant and scholarship opportunities. New Jersey is a great place for a social worker, and if you live there and enjoy helping people, it just might be the career for you.
