Students and professionals residing in New Jersey who wish to pursue an MSW online through a CSWE accredited online MSW program have several options to consider. Rutgers University is currently the only university with a campus in New Jersey that offers a fully online MSW program to go along with its campus-based program. In addition to Rutgers, there are dozens of out-of-state universities that offer online MSW programs that accept students from New Jersey.

Rutgers University’s Online MSW Program offers a concentration in clinical social work, and features asynchronous instruction that allows students to complete course lectures on their own time. Students interact with course faculty and fellow students through discussion threads and other online technologies. Students in their third year can choose between courses with asynchronous instruction or courses with synchronous instruction where they attend online lectures and class discussions in real-time. Students begin their field placements in the summer of their first year of study, and field internships continue on through the end of the program.

There are dozens of out-of-state schools that offer online MSW programs that accept students from New Jersey. Of these programs, most are 100% online in that they do not require students to visit the campus during the program. The remaining programs include a limited number of mandatory on-campus visits, which are sometimes referred to as on-campus intensives. OnlineMSWPrograms.com currently classifies any program that requires two or fewer visits to campus as an online program.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

Tuition rates tend to vary across universities. Some universities charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, which is something to consider while researching programs. Also, in regards to tuition costs, some programs charge different rates for their online, on-campus, and hybrid programs. Students should check with the admissions offices of the schools that interest them for the most up-to-date tuition information.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

The New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners issues three types of social work license: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Social Worker (CSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in New Jersey, which you should confirm with New Jersey’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in New Jersey was last retrieved in August 2020.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020