Program Overview

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Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Montclair State University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in social work practice with children, youth, and families. The program focuses on providing a range of clinical and advocacy services to vulnerable populations.

Program Overview

The MSW program is a 60-credit program that can be completed full-time or part-time, with online and in-person options available. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and uses a cohort-based model, where all students progress through the curriculum together.

Concentrations

The program offers a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families, which prepares students to provide services to vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families.

Program Format

The program is offered in-person, with classes held on campus during the day or in the evenings, and online, with classes held in the evenings. Students can complete the program in as little as two years (full-time) or three to four years (part-time).

Curriculum

The curriculum includes classroom learning and supervised practicum experiences in various human service agencies, such as mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, and child welfare agencies.

Practicum

The practicum is an integral part of the program, providing students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with supervised practice experience in various social work settings. Students complete two practicum experiences, with the first practicum being 15 hours per week for a total of 400 hours, and the second practicum being 18 hours per week for a total of 500 hours.

Advanced Standing MSW

The Advanced Standing MSW is an option for students who have earned a Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) degree from an institution accredited by the CSWE. This option allows students to save an entire year of coursework and tuition payments.

Admission Requirements

• Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree
• Deposit required upon admission
• Application checklist:
  • Online application and $60 non-refundable fee
  • Transcript from each college attended
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation (two)
  • Resume
• Additional requirements for Advanced Standing MSW applicants:
  • Final field evaluation
  • Recommendation from social work program director

Career Opportunities

MSW graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, community centers, state and local government, and private practice. The overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 63,800 openings for social workers projected each year.

Graduate Certificates

The program offers several graduate certificates that can be added to the MSW program, including:

• Child Advocacy and Policy Certificate
• Data Collection and Management Certificate
• Harm Reduction Approaches to Substance Use Certificate
• Spanish for Health Professionals Certificate
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certificate

Faculty

The program faculty are dedicated to supporting the success of students, with strong partnerships with agencies throughout New Jersey.