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2025 Online MSW Programs in New Jersey

Written by Michael McCarthy • Updated 5/12/2023

In New Jersey, social workers have the opportunity to impact communities on both a micro and macro level. Using their training and education, social workers can protect, restore, or enhance the lives of individuals who are facing physical, environmental, or emotional issues. Professionals can prepare for a career in New Jersey social work by first learning the different types of social work licenses available to them, including CSW, LMSW and LCSW. It’s important to understand the limitations of each liscence, as well as become educated about how to renew liscensure, in order to maintain an active liscence.

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CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs in New Jersey

School Annual Tuition Locations
# Fairleigh Dickinson University $18,438 Teaneck
# Rutgers University $36,244 New Brunswick

Master of Social Work Online Programs in New Jersey

A Master of Social Work (MSW) teaches advanced social work knowledge and techniques. As a student, you typically absorb lessons about social groups, mental health assessment and treatment, and public policy alongside coursework in an optional concentration, such as healthcare, school, or clinical social work. Most MSWs last 2-3 years, depending on your previous coursework in the field.

To learn about online MSW programs and social worker requirements in other states, explore our list of CSWE-accredited online MSW programs by state below:

CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs by State

Can You Get an MSW Online in New Jersey?

A few New Jersey colleges offer online MSW programs that are accredited by the , because many employers only hire social workers who graduate from approved programs.

How Do I Prepare for an MSW Program?

You need a bachelor's degree in any subject to apply for an MSW; you don't need to study social work as an undergraduate. However, holding an accredited Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) may qualify you for advanced standing as a master's student. This lets you skip some of your social work program's introductory courses, which could help you graduate sooner.

You might find introductory social work courses at a community college or through another college's adult education program, but these are fairly uncommon. Most classes in this major are only available to students enrolled in social work degree programs.

New Jersey Online MSW Admission Requirements

Social work admissions criteria are similar across the country. You'll need the following items to apply to most MSW programs in New Jersey:

  • Official transcripts from any postsecondary schools you've attended (a GPA requirement of 3.0 is common)
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors who can speak to your academic achievements
  • A personal statement about your educational and career goals
  • A professional resume
  • Official scores from a graduate school entrance exam (the GRE or GMAT)
  • A nonrefundable application fee

MSW Careers in New Jersey

MSW graduates are most directly qualified for careers in social work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites current social work roles in the state, divided into four categories:

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Annual Median Salary:  $49,150
Job Growth Rate: 8% through 2031

Healthcare Social Workers

Annual Median Salary:  $60,840
Job Growth Rate: 11% through 2031

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Annual Median Salary:  $49,130
Job Growth Rate: 11% through 2031

Social Workers, All Other

Annual Median Salary:  $61,190
Job Growth Rate: 3% through 2031

According to data from analytics company , the number of open positions for social workers shrank 19% from 2012 to 2022. It's difficult to say whether this trend will continue or reverse.

New Jersey Social Work Licensure

You need to be either certified or licensed to become a social worker in New Jersey. The from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) General social work, including client assessment, community organization, administration, and advocacy. Can also perform clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) CSWE-accredited MSW Two years or 3,000 hours of clinical social work experience under LCSW supervision and must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam Clinical social work, including psychotherapy and supervision of LSWs doing clinical work.

Credential: Certified Social Worker (CSW)

Required Education: CSWE-accredited BSW or a bachelor's degree in a related subject plus one year of social work experience

Required ExperienceNone

Scope of Practice: General social work, including client assessment, community organization, administration, and advocacy.

Credential: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

Required Education: CSWE-accredited MSW

Required Experience: None, but must pass the from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

Scope of Practice: General social work, including client assessment, community organization, administration, and advocacy. Can also perform clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW.

Credential: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Required Education: CSWE-accredited MSW

Required Experience: Two years or 3,000 hours of clinical social work experience under LCSW supervision and must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam

Scope of Practice: Clinical social work, including psychotherapy and supervision of LSWs doing clinical work.

In addition, the New Jersey Department of Education issues

  • Guide to Online Master's in Social Work (MSW) Degrees
  • Guide to Social Work Degrees
  • How to Become a Social Worker
  • What Is Social Work?
  • Professional Associations

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