The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Rutgers University School of Social Work is one of the best social work graduate programs in the nation, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Our outstanding faculty are comprised of nationally-recognized researchers who work alongside leaders in clinical social work and non-profit and public administration. Students choose a specialization in Clinical Social Work or Management and Policy as well as numerous options for certificate programs, areas of emphases and global study. Our MSW program offers some of the most robust field education opportunities in the nation, with student placement in approximately 1,000 field agencies throughout the state of New Jersey and nation-wide.
We offer the MSW program in multiple formats.
All of these programs offer an advanced standing option for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in social work from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
We strive to offer Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs that are flexible, accessible, and affordable. Browse the programs listed below to choose the format that best suits your lifestyle and goals. Advanced standing MSW options are available to eligible students in the Traditional, 100% Online, and Intensive Weekend programs
The traditional, on-campus program is the largest MSW program at the School. Offered on all three campuses (New Brunswick, Camden, and Newark), students choose from a schedule of daytime and evening classes and an incredible array of field placements available throughout New Jersey and neighboring states.
The most affordable online option for New Jersey residents, the MSW blended online program offers significant flexibility, as well as the benefits of a live classroom experience to acquire advanced practice skills and competencies.
The 100% online MSW program in clinical social work offers close interactions between students and faculty and is designed for self-directed students who seek the flexibility and convenience of online learning.
The Intensive Weekend (IW) program is the only MSW program at Rutgers and in the State of New Jersey specifically designed for employed students with an experiential background in the human services and related fields.
In an effort to offer as many opportunities as possible, Rutgers School of Social Work offers graduate dual degrees. Please note that students must apply to the MSW on-campus program to take part in the options below.
Professional Credit Courses (PCC) are non-degree, graduate-level courses offered through Rutgers School of Social Work.
We offer an Advanced Standing MSW option through our Traditional, 100% Online, and Intensive Weekend Programs and is designed for students who have earned a baccalaureate degree in social work from an undergraduate social work program accredited, in the U.S. or Canada, by the Council on Social Work Education. The Advanced Standing MSW is a 39 credit program and can be completed in one to two years as a full-time or part-time student.
IIDEA is infused throughout the entire curriculum in each of the School of Social Work's programs. Learn more about RUSSW's commitment to inclusion, intersectionality, diversity, equity and advancement.
Beyond offering our MSW program in multiple formats including full- and part-time on-campus, 100% online, blended online and in-person learning, and intensive weekend options, students also have the opportunity to further customize their studies to best suit their areas of interest and future career plans.
A specialization focuses on advanced methods of social work practice by size and type of client system and are designed to develop greater depth in knowledge and skills building upon the generalist foundation required for all MSW students. Both specializations require two (2) advanced practice methods course and a minimum of six (6) credits of advanced field instruction.
Rutgers School of Social Work offers five embedded MSW certificate programs. Upon admission to the MSW program, new students are encouraged to contact the certificate program of their choice to begin the application process.
Designated Emphasis Programs are noted on student transcripts and requires students to select electives from emphasis-specific offerings and complete their field studies at an agency completing similar work.
The School of Social Work has several study abroad programs that offer students an incredible opportunity to examine social welfare policy and social work practice in other countries, as well as a deeper understanding of another culture. MSW students have the opportunity to further their studies in Romania, China, and other offered locations.
The Social Work Policy Network sends weekly resources regarding national & local legislature, events, as well as media.
Dr. Anthony Estreet, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and a highly esteemed leader in the field of social work, will deliver the School of Social Work's convocation address on May 15, 2023.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Valentina Gil, a student in our MSW program, about her time at the School of Social Work and plans for the future.