Master of Social Work (MSW) Admissions

Our Traditional, 100% Online and Intensive Weekend MSW programs offer an advanced standing option. To apply for advanced standing: 

• You must be a graduate of an undergraduate School of Social Work that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• You must demonstrate academic success in all undergraduate social work courses.
• You must submit your undergraduate practicum placement evaluation as part of the MSW application process.

To apply to the Traditional, Intensive Weekend, 100% Online and Blended Online MSW programs:

• You must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. 
• Intensive Weekend applicants must be employed full-time in a human services area.

• Only the 100% Online MSW and Professional Credit Courses (PCC), our non-matriculated courses, offer a spring start.
• The Traditional Advanced Standing program and 2yr and 3yr 100% Online programs offer a summer start.
• The Traditional, Intensive Weekend, 100% Online and Blended programs, all begin in the fall semester.

You may still have the opportunity to apply to a MSW program after the MSW priority deadline date. Check the deadlines information at the top of this web page or email admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu.

You may also want to considering enrolling in the SSW's non degree courses which are called Professional Credit Courses (PCCs). These are generalist MSW courses and fully transferable to the degree once admitted as a matriculated student in the MSW program. Please note that they do not guarantee admission to the MSW program. PCCs are also not eligible for financial aid. Learn more on our Professional Credit Course webpage.

No. Students with work experience or a master's degree in a related field are not eligible for Advanced Standing. However, students with masters-level coursework in a related area are eligible to receive transfer credits. Students can transfer in a maximum of 18 credits provided that the related course work was completed within the last 10 years and earned a grade of B or better.

Please note that students with an undergraduate degree in social work from an accredited school of social work are only eligible to apply for the advanced standing programs.

• The Advanced Standing traditional MSW program starts in the summer. This means students attending as 1- or 2-year students must be prepared to begin their degree in May. 
• Students in the Advanced Standing Intensive Weekend program begin in the fall and take one course at a time for 2 years.
• Advanced Standing 100% Online student also begin in the fall. They complete the program in four consecutive semesters. 

Applications to the MSW program are reviewed holistically, this means we give serious consideration to all of the ways that an applicant might contribute to Rutgers' diverse education environment. 

A strong academic background is important in demonstrating your potential for success at the graduate level. If your undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0, we may suggest taking Professional Credit Courses (PCC) to strengthen your application. Successful completion of continuing education programs and graduate courses at other institutions can also serve to enhance your application to the school. If you have questions about presenting a strong application, reach out to us for advice at admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu

Yes! We are happy to welcome prospective and newly admitted students to campus to meet with admissions professionals and current MSW students to tour the campus. Meetings and tours can typically be accommodated Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. in New Brunswick and by appointment in Camden and Newark. 

Alternatively, in-person information sessions are a great way to see our campus and meet faculty and representatives from the programs.

Rutgers Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and our MSW coursework prepares you for the national licensing exams administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). 

Requirements for licensure vary by state, if you are interested in professional licensure in another state, please check with the appropriate licensing agency in the state where you intend to practice. A list of Social Work licensing requirements by state can be found on our licensing and professional resources page. 

Once admitted to the MSW program, you will be required to pay a $200 tuition deposit to confirm your seat in the program. The link to pay your deposit can be found at the bottom of your admission offer letter. Soon after your deposit is paid, you can expect to receive email communication from the Office of Student Affairs. This will provide your next steps for advising, registration and orientation.

Yes, financial aid is available. The School of Social Work award both merit- and need-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are awarded at the time of admission. If you wish to be considered for need-based scholarships, you must complete the FAFSA and confirm your enrollment in the degree program. We recommend applicants complete the FAFSA while completing the MSW application.

You can find more information on the Rutgers One Stop Student Services Center website.

Admission decisions are final, however, applicants who are denied admission to the school are welcome to apply for a future semester. We strongly recommend denied applicants wait a minimum of one year before reapplying.

If you decide to reapply, we encourage you to review our reapplication process and also consider taking Professional Credit Courses (PCC) to strengthen your application.