2023 Online MSW Programs in New Jersey
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.
CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs in New Jersey
| School | Annual Tuition | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | $23,110 | Teaneck |
| Rutgers University | $32,391 | 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
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Can You Get an MSW Online in New Jersey?
A few New Jersey colleges offer online MSW programs that are accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE), the premiere accreditor for social work degrees. CSWE accreditation is crucial for a career in social work, 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 9,140 current social work roles in the state, divided into four categories:
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
According to data from analytics company Lightcast, 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 State Board of Social Work Examiners (SBSWE) regulates the credentials needed for three levels of social work practice, as detailed in the table below. The board also ensures that social workers don't work outside the scope of practice for their credentials.
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Education issues certifications for school social workers. To qualify, you only need an MSW, but adding a specialty in school social work may improve your chances with employers.
Social Work License Reciprocity in New Jersey
You may qualify for license reciprocity if you hold an active social work license in good standing from another state. You must submit an authorized verification from your current state when applying for a New Jersey license. The SBSWE will decide which New Jersey license or certification is equivalent to the one you currently hold.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
The SBSWE requires social workers to stay sharp by gaining new knowledge and skills. In order to renew their credentials, CSWs must complete 20 credit hours of continuing education every two years, while LSWs need 30 and LCSWs need 40. Each type of social worker must dedicate at least five of these credits to professional ethics and three credits to cultural awareness.
The New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Social Workers hosts continuing education options that include workshop recordings and webinars.
FAQs About Online MSW Programs in New Jersey
What Is the Difference Between an MSW and LCSW?
An MSW is an academic degree, whereas an LCSW is a license that states (including New Jersey) grant to practice clinical social work. "LCSW" may also refer to a person who holds this license. Most states require you to have an MSW before you can apply for an LCSW, because clinical social work carries a lot of responsibility for clients' mental health.
Are Online MSW Programs in New Jersey Respected?
Online degrees are respected in general as long as they're from accredited schools. Institutional accreditation ensures that a college has passed an independent quality review within the last few years. For MSWs in particular, you should make sure that any online programs you're considering have programmatic accreditation through the CSWE.
Do You Need a Master's To Be a Social Worker in New Jersey?
No, you can become a CSW without a master's degree. CSWs in New Jersey can perform many functions, including micro social work (one on one or with small groups) and macro social work (developing and advocating for policies). However, you need an MSW if you want to do clinical social work.
How Much Does a Social Worker Make in New Jersey?
Depending on the type of social worker, median yearly salaries range from $49,130 to $61,190 in New Jersey. This is the top-paying state in the nation for child, family, and school social workers.
New Jersey Social Work Resources
The following resources might interest you as a prospective social work graduate student. Some links are broadly useful, but others are specific to social work and education in New Jersey.
OnlineU Resource Pages
- Careers in Social Work
- 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
- National Association of Social Workers, New Jersey Chapter
- New Jersey Association of School Social Workers
- New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Work
Regulatory and Standards Agencies
- Association of Social Work Boards: sets national standards for licensure
- New Jersey Department of Education: issues school social work certifications
- State Board of Social Work Examiners: regulates social work certification and licensure