BA in Social Work Application Process

Timeline for Declaring Your Major in Social Work

Continuing Rutgers students should declare their major early in the spring semester of their sophomore year. The 2025 declaration form is available here.

Transfer students should apply to Rutgers University first, specifying their interest in the social work major on the application.

*While social work is a fall admission major, we do occasionally meet students qualified to begin the program in spring. If you will meet the specified major requirements by the spring term, feel free to reach out to our office to discuss special spring admission, admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu

Major Requirements

In order to be approved for the social work major, you must have completed the following:

First two years of a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are encouraged to meet with a School of Social Work admissions counselor.
Approximately 60 credits, including most, if not all, of the University's general education or core requirements. Students typically begin required social work classes at the start of their junior year.
Pre-requisite requirements for the social work major consist of six classes:
- Basic Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Human Biology
- Statistics
Two courses from the following areas (1 each):
- Anthropology
- Art
- Communication/speech
- Geography
- History
- Literature
- Music
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Theatre

Declaration Procedure for 2025

Continuing Rutgers Students (New Brunswick, Camden and Mays Landing)

Confirm that you meet the GPA and course requirements for the social work major.
Complete the 2025 Social Work Major Declaration form. and select 'social work' on your MyMajor portal.
Once confirmed eligible for the major, register for classes!

Transfer Students

Confirm that you meet the GPA and course requirements for the social work major. If you are unsure, schedule a meeting with a school admissions counselor by emailing admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu
Apply to Rutgers University to receive fall admission to the university. *If you believe you are be eligible to begin the major in spring, please submit the declaration form below and you may be considered for a modified social work curriculum.
Once admitted to the university, complete the 2025 Social Work Major Declaration form and select 'social work' on your MyMajor portal.
Once confirmed eligible for the major, register for classes!

Three students sitting outside at a table under a tree

Decision and Notification

Students who submit their social work major declaration form and meet all social work requirements are notified of approval for the social work major in the spring semester. Students receive confirmation of their approval for the social work major via email.

Reapplication Process for Returning Students

Students who were previously enrolled in the social work major and who have been absent from the university for a semester or longer must reapply through the appropriate Rutgers University undergraduate admissions office. Please select the appropriate campus below to access the re-enrollment application. Once readmitted to the university, returning social work major students should contact the School of Social Work Office of Admissions at admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu.

Transfer Evaluation Appeals

Students who wish to appeal their New Jersey Community College transfer evaluation to the School of Social Work must do so within 30 days of receiving their Official Transfer Summary Report.

Students should first refer to NJTransfer.org to determine the proper evaluation of any given course offered at a New Jersey Community College. If the transfer evaluation and NJTransfer.org are in disagreement the student should email Dr. DuWayne Battle, BASW Director. The email should include the student's name, RUID, course title, course syllabus, transcript, and the Transfer Summary Report. Students should also submit a completed Transfer Course Departmental Evaluation form to the BASW Director. Decisions will be made promptly and the student will be notified by return email within two weeks. If the department agrees that the evaluation for the course needs to be updated we will notify the SAS Transfer Center. Upon such written notification, NJTransfer.org will be updated appropriately and the student record will be adjusted accordingly within 30 days of receipt of notification from the academic department.

Helpful Website: Lampitt Bill for Students Transferring from NJ Community Colleges
Students shall submit a completed copy of the Transfer Course Departmental Evaluation form to Dr. DuWayne Battle, BASW Director via email or in person at 120 Albany Street, Tower One - Suite 200, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. The email should include the student's name, RUID, course title, course syllabus, transcript, and the Transfer Summary Report. Students should also submit a completed Transfer Course Departmental Evaluation form to the BASW Director. Decisions will be made promptly and the student will be notified by return email within two weeks. If the department agrees that the evaluation for the course needs to be updated we will notify the SAS Transfer Center. Upon such written notification, the student's record will be adjusted accordingly within 30 days of receipt of notification from the academic department.