Master of Social Work Programs in New Jersey

Did you know that the Garden State employs more than 11,000 social workers? New Jersey also offers some of the nation's highest social work salaries in the United States. In fact, New Jersey's child, family, and school social workers earn the highest average salaries in their field across the country. To become a licensed social worker in New Jersey, you need a master's in social work (MSW).

Want to join a profession that makes a difference in a state that offers competitive salaries? Find out about the advantages of earning an MSW in New Jersey.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in New Jersey

Schools in many New Jersey cities — from Montclair to New Brunswick — offer CSWE-accredited MSW programs. You can find part-time, full-time, and online options to suit your lifestyle. For licensure in New Jersey, you'll need to attend a CSWE-accredited program.

What to Expect From an MSW Program in New Jersey

Eight colleges in New Jersey offer CSWE-accredited programs. You'll want an MSW education that meets the expectations of the social work industry, and CSWE-accredited programs provide that quality assurance.

Each program features different formats and concentrations. You can pick from CSWE-accredited programs that provide concentrations in clinical practice with families and children, management and policy, and global and community practice. Expect to spend about 2-3 years earning your MSW in New Jersey as a full-time student and 3-4 years as a part-time student.

To graduate, you'll need to take about 30-60 credits, researching topics such as social work theories, bio-psycho-social approaches, and social welfare policy. Your studies will likely culminate with a field internship in which you'll work at an agency to complete about 900 field hours.

If you hold a bachelor's degree, you may qualify for advanced standing, enabling you to graduate in as few as 12 months. As an advanced-standing student, you can skip foundational social work courses.

How to Apply to an MSW Program in New Jersey

What you need to apply for an MSW program in New Jersey depends on your status as a student. Are you interested in applying for MSW admissions as a traditional student or an advanced-standing student? If you have earned a bachelor's in social work (BSW), you can qualify for advanced standing. With a non-BSW undergraduate degree, you'll apply for the traditional track.

Note that each school calls for different materials and academic standards to qualify for admission. Generally, you'll complete a graduate application online and submit official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Schools typically require students to meet minimum academic standards to get admitted. For example, you may need a 2.75-3.0 GPA. Also, take note of other requirements, such as GRE scores, which some programs offering an MSW in New Jersey require.

New Jersey Social Worker FAQs

How long does it take to complete an MSW in New Jersey?

MSW degrees in New Jersey typically take about two years for full-time students. However, your availability and undergraduate major can influence your graduation timeline. For instance, if you studied social work as an undergraduate, you may be able to earn an MSW in just one year. Studying part time will take longer.

What careers are available with an MSW in New Jersey?

With an MSW, you can pursue a career in social work as a school social worker, mental health and substance misuse social worker, or a social work teacher. You'll have the chance to work in various settings, including schools, hospices, and hospitals.

What skills will you learn with an MSW in New Jersey?

MSW programs let you focus on a generalist practice or specialized practice. No matter your track, you'll take courses that cover social work practice, research, social policy, social welfare, and fieldwork. The fieldwork portion includes about 900 hours of clinically supervised field experience in social work.

What are the benefits of earning an MSW in New Jersey?

Earning an MSW in New Jersey offers a pathway to an in-demand and high-paying position in the state. For example, healthcare social workers in New Jersey are projected to see 11% growth from 2018-2028, according to numbers shared by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.