New Jersey stands out among states for its robust social work education infrastructure, offering prospective MSW students an exceptional selection of locally accessible programs alongside comprehensive online options. There are ten master of social work (MSW) programs in New Jersey, with eight of these programs having been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and two programs in the pre-candidacy stage for accreditation. This wealth of in-state options provides students with diverse pathways to advanced social work education, from traditional campus-based experiences to flexible online formats that accommodate working professionals throughout the Garden State’s densely populated metropolitan areas and suburban communities.

The competitive landscape of New Jersey’s MSW programs ensures students receive rigorous, CSWE-accredited education that prepares them for the state’s demanding professional standards. New Jersey licensure requirements for LCSW include a master’s degree in social work and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, including 1,920 hours of face-to-face client contact, reflecting the state’s commitment to thorough clinical preparation. Many programs incorporate advanced practice methods courses and specialized certificate options that address the unique needs of New Jersey’s diverse population, from urban healthcare systems to community-based organizations serving immigrant and refugee populations. The demand is high for social workers in New Jersey, creating abundant career opportunities for MSW graduates who complete their education through the state’s comprehensive network of accredited programs. Whether pursuing clinical licensure or macro-level practice, students benefit from New Jersey’s proximity to major metropolitan centers like New York City and Philadelphia, providing unparalleled field placement opportunities and career advancement potential in one of the nation’s most educationally rich environments for social work professionals.

2026 Best New Jersey MSW Programs Online

Welcome to mastersinsocialworkonline.org's guide on the best New Jersey MSW programs online. We have ranked these programs to help you find a great fit for your career goals. Online programs offer flexibility for busy students, making distance learning accessible from anywhere. This is key for those balancing work and studies. For details on how we create our rankings, visit https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Stockton University

Galloway, NJ - Public 4-Year - stockton.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Stockton University's Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares compassionate professionals for advanced practice with diverse populations using a social justice lens. The rigorous two-year program offers full-time and part-time options, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and challenging systemic oppression. Students develop critical skills through comprehensive coursework and hands-on practicum experiences, preparing them for impactful careers in social work across various settings. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and a commitment to social equity.

  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Advanced Standing available
  • Social justice concentration
  • Clinical social work elective track
  • 400-500 practicum hours
  • Fall semester start
  • No GRE required
  • Application deadline: March 14

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Leadership and Management - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Stockton University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a transformative educational experience designed for aspiring social work professionals. With a robust curriculum emphasizing social justice, diversity, and advanced practice, students gain comprehensive skills to work with marginalized populations. The program provides flexible full-time and part-time options, including an advanced standing track for BSW graduates. Students develop critical competencies through integrated classroom learning and extensive practicum experiences, preparing them for impactful careers in various social service settings.

  • 60-credit comprehensive MSW program
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Advanced Standing available
  • Social justice-focused curriculum
  • 400-500 practicum hours
  • Clinical Social Work elective track
  • No GRE required for admission
  • Fall 2025 application deadline: March 14
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Clinical Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Stockton University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares compassionate, socially conscious professionals to work with diverse populations using a transformative social justice lens. Students develop advanced skills to challenge systemic oppression, empower marginalized communities, and advocate for meaningful policy changes. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, including an accelerated Advanced Standing track for those with prior social work education. With a comprehensive curriculum, students gain practical experience through 400-500 practicum hours, learning to creatively address complex social challenges and enhance community well-being.

  • 60-credit MSW program
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Advanced Standing available
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Specialized practice concentration
  • 400-500 practicum hours
  • Clinical social work elective track
  • No GRE required
  • Fall 2025 application deadline: March 14
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ - Public 4-Year - rowan.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Mental Health, Equity and Well-being - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rowan University's Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) is a comprehensive two to three-year graduate program preparing professionals for diverse social work careers. The hybrid format enables students to gain specialized practice in mental health, equity, and well-being through rigorous coursework and extensive 900-hour field experience. Designed for working professionals and recent graduates, the program offers advanced standing for BSW degree holders and flexible learning options. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, professional recommendations, and a compelling statement of objectives.

  • Full-time 2-3 year program
  • 59 total graduate credits
  • 900 hours field experience
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Mental health specialization
  • Advanced standing available
  • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • Fall priority deadline: March 15
  • Two recommendation letters required
  • Virtual screening interview

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rowan University's Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares students for advanced professional practice through a comprehensive Mental Health, Equity, and Well-being specialization. The program demands 59 credits and 900 field education hours, equipping graduates for clinical licensure, counseling roles, and diverse human service positions. Students develop critical competencies in ethical practice, social justice, diversity, research, policy engagement, and community interventions, making it an ideal pathway for those seeking impactful social work careers.

  • Specialization in Mental Health
  • 900 field education hours
  • 59 minimum credit program
  • Fall 2025 enrollment open
  • Priority deadline March 15, 2025
  • Prepare for LSW/LCSW exams
  • 9 core social work competencies
  • Comprehensive clinical preparation
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Teaneck, NJ - Private 4-year - fdu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fairleigh Dickinson University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares passionate professionals to drive social change and enhance human rights. The program offers flexible tracks for students with diverse backgrounds, including traditional and advanced standing options. Students develop advanced skills in practice-informed research, policy engagement, and interventions across various settings. With comprehensive field experience and CSWE accreditation, graduates are equipped to make meaningful impacts in healthcare, education, mental health, and community organizations.

  • Online asynchronous format
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Traditional and advanced tracks
  • 500-900 field experience hours
  • 30-60 total credits
  • 18-36 months completion time
  • Minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA required
  • BSW or liberal arts bachelor's degree
  • Multiple practice settings available
  • Social justice focused curriculum
#4

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Madison, NJ - Private 4-year - fdu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Fairleigh Dickinson University's online Master of Social Work program offers a flexible, CSWE-accredited curriculum with traditional and advanced standing tracks, requiring no entrance exam. Designed for working professionals, it emphasizes social justice and human rights through 500-900 hours of field experience in diverse settings. The program, completed in 18-36 months, focuses on developing ethical, culturally competent practitioners for meaningful community impact, with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75-3.0.

  • Online, asynchronous format
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Two program tracks available
  • 500-900 field experience hours
  • Traditional track: 60 credits
  • Advanced standing: 30 credits
  • Minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA required
  • 18-36 month completion time
  • Diverse practice setting placements
  • Focus on social justice
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

List of New Jersey Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Galloway, NJ

Stockton University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Advanced Standing available
    • Social justice concentration
    • Clinical social work elective track
    • 400-500 practicum hours
    • Fall semester start
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit MSW program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Advanced Standing available
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Specialized practice concentration
    • 400-500 practicum hours
    • Clinical social work elective track
    • No GRE required
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Leadership and Management - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit comprehensive MSW program
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Advanced Standing available
    • Social justice-focused curriculum
    • 400-500 practicum hours
    • Clinical Social Work elective track
    • No GRE required for admission

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Specialization in Mental Health
    • 900 field education hours
    • 59 minimum credit program
    • Fall 2025 enrollment open
    • Priority deadline March 15, 2025
    • Prepare for LSW/LCSW exams
    • 9 core social work competencies
    • Comprehensive clinical preparation
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Mental Health, Equity and Well-being - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Full-time 2-3 year program
    • 59 total graduate credits
    • 900 hours field experience
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Mental health specialization
    • Advanced standing available
    • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
    • Fall priority deadline: March 15

Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online, asynchronous format
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Two program tracks available
    • 500-900 field experience hours
    • Traditional track: 60 credits
    • Advanced standing: 30 credits
    • Minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA required
    • 18-36 month completion time

Teaneck, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online asynchronous format
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Traditional and advanced tracks
    • 500-900 field experience hours
    • 30-60 total credits
    • 18-36 months completion time
    • Minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA required
    • BSW or liberal arts bachelor's degree
*Official data: NCES IPEDS 2023 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Online NJ MSW Program Options

Explore affordable online MSW programs in New Jersey for 2026. These options include degrees like Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, and Doctorate, all available through distance learning. Online programs make education more accessible, allowing students to study from anywhere in the state, including areas like Newark or Jersey City, without the need to commute. This flexibility supports busy professionals and those seeking to advance their careers in social work through virtual methods.
Stockton University
  • 60-credit MSW program
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Advanced Standing available
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Specialized practice concentration
  • 400-500 practicum hours
  • Clinical social work elective track
  • No GRE required
  • $13,200 - $19,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $18,600 - $27,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
  • Online asynchronous format
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Traditional and advanced tracks
  • 500-900 field experience hours
  • 30-60 total credits
  • 18-36 months completion time
  • Minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA required
  • BSW or liberal arts bachelor's degree
  • $14,800 - $22,100 (Graduate)
Rowan University
  • Specialization in Mental Health
  • 900 field education hours
  • 59 minimum credit program
  • Fall 2025 enrollment open
  • Priority deadline March 15, 2025
  • Prepare for LSW/LCSW exams
  • 9 core social work competencies
  • Comprehensive clinical preparation
  • $14,100 - $21,200 (Graduate)
Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Online, asynchronous format
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Two program tracks available
  • 500-900 field experience hours
  • Traditional track: 60 credits
  • Advanced standing: 30 credits
  • Minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA required
  • 18-36 month completion time
  • $19,500 - $29,200 (Graduate)
*Original data: IPEDS 2023, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

List of New Jersey Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

New Jersey’s advanced standing MSW programs cater to BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited schools, providing a compressed master’s degree pathway that builds upon their foundational social work education. With an emphasis on urban social issues, healthcare integration, and diverse population services, these accelerated programs prepare students to tackle the complex challenges found throughout New Jersey’s densely populated corridors, from bustling metropolitan areas to historic shore communities.

Jump to City:

Camden, NJ

Rutgers University-Camden

  • Master's - Advanced Standing MSW

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 39 credit program.
    • Hybrid learning option.
    • Complete in 1-2 years.
    • 500 practicum learning hours.
    • CSWE-accredited BSW required.
    • Starts summer 2025.
    • Flexible full or part-time.
    • Focus on real-world skills.
  • Master's - Advanced Standing MSW

    Online Learning - Website

    • 39 credit program
    • 1-2 years completion
    • Traditional, Online, Weekend options
    • CSWE-accredited BSW required
    • 500 practicum hours
    • Flexible scheduling
    • Financial aid available
    • Starts summer 2025

Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Master's - Social Work MSW

    Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE accredited program.
    • Online, asynchronous format.
    • Two tracks: Traditional and Advanced Standing.
    • 900 field hours for Traditional track.
    • 500 field hours for Advanced Standing.
    • 60 credits for Traditional track.
    • 30 credits for Advanced Standing.
    • Prepares for advanced social work practice.

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University

  • Master's - MSW Advanced Standing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 39 credit program.
    • Online and campus options.
    • Full-time or part-time.
    • 500 practicum hours.
    • CSWE-accredited BSW required.

Newark, NJ

Rutgers University-Newark

  • Master's - MSW Advanced Standing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 39 credit program
    • Hybrid learning options
    • Full-time or part-time
    • 500 practicum hours
    • CSWE-accredited BSW required
    • Starts summer 2025
    • Flexible scheduling
  • Master's - MSW Advanced Standing

    Online Learning - Website

    • 39-credit Advanced Standing MSW
    • Multiple program format options
    • Full/part-time study available
    • CSWE-accredited program
    • 500 practicum learning hours

South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: behavioral health, forensic social work - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Behavioral health concentration
    • Forensic social work focus
    • CSWE accredited
    • Flexible full-time/part-time options
    • Real-world field placements
    • Prepares for licensure
    • Admissions requirements detailed

Teaneck, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

  • Master's - Social Work MSW

    Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE accredited program.
    • Online, asynchronous format.
    • Two tracks: Traditional and Advanced Standing.
    • 900 field hours for Traditional track.
    • 500 field hours for Advanced Standing.
    • 60 credits for Traditional track.
    • 30 credits for Advanced Standing.
    • Focus on social justice and human rights.

West Long Branch, NJ

Monmouth University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Global and Community Practice - Online Learning - Website

    • 54-credit program.
    • Online Global and Community Practice specialization.
    • Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates.
    • Prepares for licensure.
    • Focus on social justice.
    • Flexible full-time or part-time enrollment.
    • Diverse career opportunities.
    • Admission requires academic criteria.
*Original data from: National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDS program (2023).

2026 Affordable Online New Jersey Advanced Standing MSW Programs

This guide explores 10 affordable online advanced standing MSW programs in New Jersey for 2026, offering degrees like Bachelor's, Master's, and more. These virtual options provide flexibility for students across cities like Newark and Jersey City, making distance learning accessible and convenient for busy schedules.
Rutgers University-Camden
  • 39 credit program.
  • Hybrid learning option.
  • Complete in 1-2 years.
  • 500 practicum learning hours.
  • CSWE-accredited BSW required.
  • Starts summer 2025.
  • Flexible full or part-time.
  • Focus on real-world skills.
  • $18,000 - $27,000 (Graduate In-State)
  • $28,300 - $42,400 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Rutgers University-Newark
  • 39 credit program
  • Hybrid learning options
  • Full-time or part-time
  • 500 practicum hours
  • CSWE-accredited BSW required
  • Starts summer 2025
  • Flexible scheduling
  • $17,900 - $26,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $29,000 - $43,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
  • CSWE accredited program.
  • Online, asynchronous format.
  • Two tracks: Traditional and Advanced Standing.
  • 900 field hours for Traditional track.
  • 500 field hours for Advanced Standing.
  • 60 credits for Traditional track.
  • 30 credits for Advanced Standing.
  • Focus on social justice and human rights.
  • $14,800 - $22,100 (Graduate)
Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • CSWE accredited program.
  • Online, asynchronous format.
  • Two tracks: Traditional and Advanced Standing.
  • 900 field hours for Traditional track.
  • 500 field hours for Advanced Standing.
  • 60 credits for Traditional track.
  • 30 credits for Advanced Standing.
  • Prepares for advanced social work practice.
  • $19,500 - $29,200 (Graduate)
Monmouth University
  • 54-credit program.
  • Online Global and Community Practice specialization.
  • Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates.
  • Prepares for licensure.
  • Focus on social justice.
  • Flexible full-time or part-time enrollment.
  • Diverse career opportunities.
  • Admission requires academic criteria.
  • $21,600 - $32,400 (Graduate)
Rutgers University
  • 39 credit program.
  • Online and campus options.
  • Full-time or part-time.
  • 500 practicum hours.
  • CSWE-accredited BSW required.
  • $17,900 - $26,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $29,000 - $43,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Seton Hall University
  • Hybrid program format
  • Behavioral health concentration
  • Forensic social work focus
  • CSWE accredited
  • Flexible full-time/part-time options
  • Real-world field placements
  • Prepares for licensure
  • Admissions requirements detailed
  • $28,900 - $43,300 (Graduate)
*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/