100% Online MSW Program

Online MSW Program Information 

Online MSW students can complete their degree, including valuable in-person practicum learning experiences at approved agencies, in either two or three years.

The 100% online format offers the same deep sense of community as other Rutgers School of Social Work programs. You’ll get the same engaging content taught by accomplished faculty—the only difference is that assignments and interactions with peers and professors take place virtually, through interactive quizzes, modules, readings, and online discussions.

As a cohort program, the online MSW allows students to forge lifelong relationships in a supportive, collaborative environment, learning new perspectives from peers of various professional backgrounds while focusing their education on their goals.

Structure and Curriculum

Students pursuing an online MSW from Rutgers can choose a two-year full-time option or a three-year part-time option. Each involves 60 credits, while those admitted to the Advanced Standing program complete 39 credits.

Online classes are held asynchronously, meaning students aren’t required to attend fixed meeting times. Online MSW students complete structured weekly assignments with regularly scheduled due dates and interact with faculty and peers via virtual discussions and web-based technologies.

The two-year online MSW program requires completion of an intensive course load, including practicum learning hours starting in your second semester, while the three-year option starts practicum learning in the third semester. Practicum education follows a consistent weekly schedule developed in partnership with the practicum agency and requires a sustained time commitment.

Find complete degree requirements for the 100% Online MSW below based on your desired starting semester.

100% Online Curriculum for Students 2026 and beyond

• Summer 2026 - 2 Year MSW or 3 Year MSW
• Fall 2026 - 2 Year MSW or 3 Year MSW
• Fall 2026 - Advanced Standing MSW
• Spring 2027 - 2 Year MSW or 3 Year MSW

• FAQs about Online Learning
• Canvas

See a complete list of MSW course offerings. Note: courses are available online based on availability and demand. Current MSW students: access Canvas.

Customize Your MSW Degree with Social Work Specializations

All MSW students select one of the specializations described below: Management & Policy (MAP) or Clinical Social Work.

Clinical Specialization

Gain comprehensive skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation for clinical social work, extending beyond traditional psychotherapy.

In this specialization, you will acquire the knowledge to help clients change behaviors or address emotional issues related to the person-environment interface, including diverse client groups such as child welfare families and individuals in hospice or the criminal justice system.

Management and Policy Specialization (MAP)

Develop leadership skills while obtaining the knowledge necessary to build, evaluate, and advocate for programs that help people on a large scale.

Faculty with extensive experience in public and private organizations teach MAP coursework, which includes electives focused on marketing and fundraising, strategic program planning, nonprofit management, and policies addressing economic, social, environmental, and racial justice.

MAP alumni have found positions in various sectors, such as government, state and federal departments, independent nonprofit agencies, healthcare institutions (including hospitals and clinics), educational settings, and corporations.

Other MSW Program Formats

Our other Master of Social Work degree programs can be just as personalized as the 100% Online MSW

• Traditional, On-Campus Program—Customize your MSW degree to your professional aspirations with one of five areas of emphasis.**
• Blended Online Program—Begin your MSW online asynchronously, with in-person courses commencing in the third year. A synchronous online practicum learning seminar will begin in the third semester.
• Intensive Weekend Program—Complete online assignments alongside a flexible practicum learning placement, meeting once a month with a cohort.

Please note that at this time, international students may only apply for the Traditional, On-campus MSW program. This program supports full-time study and students are eligible to study on a F1 Visa.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students in the 100% Online MSW program pay a fixed credit price regardless of residency. The cost per credit is $1,099. Depending on the semester and the number of credits taken, the approximate cost per semester ranges from $4,946 to $13,188. Please note that if you are a Rutgers employee, the 100% Online program is not covered by the tuition remission program.

You’ll also automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships when you apply to the online master of social work program.

Important Financial Aid Information
The 100% Online MSW program is summer-inclusive, meaning students enroll in fall, spring, and summer terms. Financial aid is structured across all three semesters rather than only fall and spring. Students should plan for continuous enrollment across fall, spring, and summer terms, and should plan their financial aid usage accordingly. 

Review complete information about MSW tuition and fees.

How to Apply to Rutgers’ Online Master of Social Work

Applications for the 100% Online MSW program are accepted for the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Review priority application deadlines and learn more about admissions requirements and the application process.

For any other questions, contact the 100% Online MSW program staff.

Learn More About the 100% Online MSW Program

Empower yourself to advance or change your career through Rutgers’ 100% Online MSW degree program.

Take the next step to a personalized, research-driven MSW degree by reviewing admissions requirements. Ready to apply? Begin your application.