Two women standing in a lake, while other people go about their lives in the background. Between the lake are two hills, one side with cars and a shack

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Put your passion for helping others to work. Earn a master’s degree in social work in a program customized to meet your goals.

Jump To

Program Contact

Program Details

About

Master of Social Work (MSW)
In-person & Online Synchronous pathways
30 credits – Advanced Standing
54 credits – Regular Standing
Advanced Standing – Students with a BSW
- Full-time: 1 Year
- Part-time: 2 Years
Regular Standing – Students without a BSW
- Full-time: 2 Years
- Part-time: 4 Years

Application Deadline

Fall
Early Consideration Deadline – March 15

Late Deadline – May 15, on space available basis

Get Started

Overview

Social workers make a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. Earning your MSW gives you the skills, knowledge, and credentials you need to advance your career in this rewarding field.

The Master in Social Work at Monmouth University is flexible and convenient. You can apply for an in-person or fully-online synchronous pathway (starting Fall 2026), and pursue your degree full-time or part-time based upon what works best for you! The program is also customizable: You can choose a specialization and tailor your electives and internship experiences toward a specific area of interest. Learn more about program options and course delivery here.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for social workers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033. Specialized roles, such as community service managers and substance abuse/behavioral disorder counselors, are also on the rise. You can find jobs with an MSW in a variety of settings, such as:

Alcohol and drug prevention
Community programs
Correctional facilities
Disaster relief and management
Healthcare facilities
Mental Health settings
Outpatient facilities
Private clinics
Public health agencies
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
Schools and colleges
Retirement homes

MSW Specializations

Select the MSW specialization that aligns best with your professional goals: Clinical Practice with Families & Children or Global and Community Practice.

Starting Fall 2026, students will have the option to apply for an in-person or online pathway in both of the advanced standing and regular standing tracks. Here is a general description of courses meeting times, however the scheduled times or days may vary slightly as you progress through your program.

Clinical Practice with Families & Children

Prepare to work with diverse and at-risk populations of individuals and families. You gain the skills and knowledge to address concerns across the spectrum, from poverty and homelessness to substance abuse and behavior disorders.

Advanced Standing Course Delivery Options – Applicants with a BSW

In-Person:
- Full-Time In-Person Pathway: Tuesday evenings and all day Friday.
- Part-Time In-Person Pathway: Tuesdays and Fridays. Times may vary.
Online Synchronous – starting Fall 2026:
- Full-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Tuesday evenings and all day Friday.
- Part-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Tuesdays and Fridays. Times may vary.

Regular Standing Course Delivery Options – Applicants without a BSW

In-Person:
- Full-Time In-Person Pathway: Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Part-Time In-Person Pathway: Two days a week. Times may vary.
Online Synchronous – starting Fall 2026:
- Full-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Days and times anticipated to be released in October.
- Part-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Days and times anticipated to be released in October.

Global and Community Practice

This specialization gives you the skills and knowledge to address the needs of groups, communities, and organizations in a local and global context. You’ll explore topics such as environmental justice, public policy, and global development.

Advanced Standing Course Delivery Options – Applicants with a BSW

Online Synchronous:
- Full-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Tuesday evenings and all day Friday.
- Part-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Tuesdays and Fridays. Times may vary.

Regular Standing Course Delivery Options – Applicants without a BSW

In-Person:
- Full-Time In-Person Pathway: Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Part-Time In-Person Pathway: Two days a week. Times may vary.
Online Synchronous – starting Fall 2026:
- Full-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Days and times anticipated to be released in October.
- Part-Time Online Synchronous Pathway: Days and times anticipated to be released in October.

MSW Degree Requirements

Your Master of Social Work degree requirements include core and generalist courses, specialization requirements, and electives.

Generalist Courses (24 credits): For Students Without a BSW

Graduate students in both specializations will complete the following courses:

Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
Social Welfare Policy and Services
Social Work Research
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Social Work Practice in Groups
Global Community Practice
Practicum I
Practicum II

Note: These generalist courses may be waived for Advanced Standing students who’ve earned their bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) within the last six years.

Advanced Core Courses (6 credits)

MSW students will also take the following sequence of advanced core courses:

Implications of Social Justice and Human Rights for Social Work
Application of Social Justice and Human Rights for Social Work

Social Work Specialization Requirements (18-21 Credits)

As part of the MSW program, you will choose one of two specialization areas. Please see the full curriculum and course descriptions in the catalog links provided here:

Social Work Electives (3-6 credits)

Enrich your MSW program experience with electives such as:

Clinical Practice Addictions
Domestic Violence
Empowering Adults with Acute Stress and Trauma
Grant Writing
Health and Wellness
Play and Expressive Therapy
School Social Work
Social Innovations
Social Work Practice in Groups
Social Work Practice with the Aged

MSW Practicum Experience

Your master’s in social work journey at Monmouth will include 500-900+ hours of practicum education; advanced standing students will complete 500 hours. We’ll help you match your experience with your passions. We have partnerships with more than 500 human service agencies in New Jersey, as well as in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania. We also offer international internships in places like Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Ireland, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Learn more about social work practicum experiences.

MSW Application Overview & Requirements

Here’s an overview of the Master of Social Work degree requirements for admissions:

Admissions Criteria & Application Requirements

To be considered for admission:

A four-year baccalaureate degree with a:
- Minimum 2.75 overall GPA
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the undergraduate major

Candidates to our Advanced Standing program must have completed their bachelor’s of social work (BSW) within the last six years.

Your application must also include:

Three completed recommendation forms found in the online application; these should be from a professional or academic contact, such as supervisor, mentor, or colleague
Two-part essay in response to the questions outlined in the online graduate application. Your essays should provide a reflection on your academic experiences and readiness to succeed in graduate education.
In instances where the admissions committee has questions about an application, including references, personal statement, or academic record, an interview may be required as part of the admissions process.

Our graduate program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice in the field, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address complex social issues. The application process for these programs is comprehensive, reflecting the rigorous standards of the profession and the intensive nature of the coursework and field education involved.

Prospective students must navigate a series of prerequisites and submission requirements to demonstrate their academic readiness, professional potential, and alignment with the core values of social work. These requirements are designed to ensure that applicants have the necessary academic background, professional experience, and personal qualities to succeed in a rigorous graduate-level social work program grounded in human rights and social justice.

Admission to the MSW program is competitive, utilizing a holistic evaluation process. The application review considers academic records, professional and volunteer experience, personal statements, and letters of recommendation to assess each applicant’s suitability for the program and a career in social work.

Social Work Graduate Certificate Admissions Requirements

Our department also offers post-master’s graduate certificates. Admissions criteria for those post-MSW programs are as follows:

Play and Express Therapy Certificate
- Hold a master’s degree in a mental health field (ex: MSW or MA)
- Be eligible for licensure in that discipline
Clinical Social Work Certificate
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program

We offer several scholarships for students pursuing the Global and Community Practice specialization.

Career-Focused Specializations

Specialize in working with individuals and families, groups, organizations, communities, both locally and globally.

Real-World Experience

Gain practical experience through practicum placements and internships in the settings that match your career goals.

Shot of a garden with a large fountain in the middle, red pedals and green leaves abounding

More Affordable

Learn more about tuition and financial aid options for graduate students.

Cost & Tuition

Graduate Student Financial Aid

We also offer specialized graduate certificates for licensed social workers who wish to expand their scope of practice.

Play and Expressive Therapies

Clinical Social Work

Woman and girl playing a game of foosball

Testimonial

“I think it’s very important to guide children, to steer them in the right direction. This is my calling in life — and I almost missed it.”
Garyn Nathan (alumnus)

Among our faculty you’ll find compassionate clinical practitioners and dedicated scholars of social work who are committed to making meaningful change in the world. Their research and professional interests include addiction recovery, antiracism, spirituality, suicide prevention, social innovations, aging in the LGBTQ+ community, disaster relief, and international humanitarian law.