Rutgers University School of Social Work: An Overview
Rutgers University School of Social Work stands as a leading institution dedicated to advancing social justice through education, research, and community engagement. With a commitment to innovation, excellence, collaboration, and community, the school strives to prepare students for impactful careers in social work. Its comprehensive programs, flexible formats, and dedication to diversity and inclusion make it a prominent choice for aspiring social work professionals.
Academic Programs
The School of Social Work at Rutgers offers a range of academic programs designed to meet the diverse needs and goals of its students. These programs include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs and dual degree options.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Rutgers offers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a social work major through the School of Social Work and the Camden College of Arts and Sciences and the New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences. This outstanding professional degree program prepares graduates for foundation-level social work practice. The major in social work is equivalent to the BSW, BASW, and BSSW degrees and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Students interested in pursuing a BA in Social Work should declare the social work major early in the spring semester of their sophomore year to begin classes at the beginning of their junior year. All social work majors are assigned a faculty advisor within the School of Social Work to provide guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
To maintain continuous enrollment in the major, students must achieve a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA), with no grade lower than a C in all social work core courses. A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required in courses making up the liberal arts foundation. Students must also maintain a 3.0 grade-point average in social work courses.
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Practicum is an integral part of the social work experience at the bachelor's level. Students will begin planning for their practicum during their second semester in the major and begin field hours in year two. Practicum sites frequently require a background check and/or drug screening.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Rutgers School of Social Work offers Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs that are flexible, accessible, and affordable. The MSW program is offered in a variety of formats including traditional on-campus, 100% online, blended online, and intensive weekend.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a generalist foundation in social work practice, followed by opportunities for specialization. A specialization focuses on advanced methods of social work practice by size and type of client system and are designed to develop greater depth in knowledge and skills building upon the generalist foundation required for all MSW students.
Rutgers School of Social Work offers five embedded MSW certificate programs. In an effort to offer as many opportunities as possible, Rutgers School of Social Work offers graduate dual degrees.
Students enrolled in the Intensive Weekend Master of Social Work (MSW) program are now eligible to earn a Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment (LISTA) Certificate.
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Dual Degree Programs
To further enhance the educational experience, Rutgers School of Social Work offers graduate dual degrees, allowing students to combine their MSW with another graduate program. These dual degree options provide students with a unique interdisciplinary perspective and expanded career opportunities.
Doctoral Program
The School of Social Work also offers a Ph.D. program for students seeking to advance social work knowledge and research.
Curriculum and Specializations
The curriculum at Rutgers School of Social Work is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, practice, and policy. The school emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and cultural competence.
IIDEA is infused throughout the entire curriculum in each of the School of Social Work's programs.
Specializations
MSW students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of social work practice. These specializations allow students to develop in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific field, such as:
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- Clinical Social Work
- Management and Policy
- Children and Families
- Health
- Gerontology
Field Education
Field education is a cornerstone of the social work program at Rutgers. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised internships in a variety of settings, such as:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Community organizations
- Government agencies
These field placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations and develop essential practice skills.
Global Engagement
Rutgers School of Social Work recognizes the importance of global perspectives in social work education. The School of Social Work has several study abroad programs that offer students an incredible opportunity to examine social welfare policy and social work practice in other countries, as well as a deeper understanding of another culture. These programs allow students to learn about social welfare systems and social work practices in different countries and to develop a deeper understanding of global social issues.
Research and Innovation
Rutgers School of Social Work is committed to advancing social work knowledge through research and innovation. Faculty members conduct research on a wide range of topics, including:
- Poverty
- Mental health
- Child welfare
- Substance abuse
- Aging
This research informs the school's curriculum and contributes to the development of effective social work interventions.
Strategic Plan
Rutgers School of Social Work's strategic plan, "Toward a More Just Future: A Five-Year Strategic Plan," envisions a future for our country and our world that is grounded in justice. We commit to leading for justice, through a focus on innovation, excellence, collaboration and community.
Accreditation
The social work programs at Rutgers University are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality and prepare graduates for professional practice. Accreditation extends to programs in the U.S. or Canada, by the Council on Social Work Education.
Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program (BCWEP)
BCWEP is an acronym for the Baccalaureate Child Welfare Education Program. Any social work major in good standing enrolled at one of the participating colleges or universities may apply.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)'s 71st Annual Program Meeting
Rutgers School of Social Work will be represented at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)'s 71st Annual Program Meeting from October 23-26, 2025 by a number of presentations being hosted by our faculty, postdocs, Ph.D.
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