Why Rutgers University?
Rutgers University. Rutgers University, a large public research university in New Brunswick, New Jersey, recruits students for its online Master of Social Work program. Applicants to the program can hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, but they must have completed at least one course in introductory statistics.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Rutgers University |
| Location | New Brunswick |
| State | New Jersey |
| Niche.com Grade | A |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $1,194.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | Introductory statistics |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Program Concentrations | Concentration in clinical social work |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
|
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | N0 |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Once admitted to the MSW, 100% online students may also apply to the Violence Against Women and Children Certificate (VAWC) program or LISTA (Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment) Certificate. Both certificate programs offer specialized courses that complement field placements for students with this area of interest; emphasis on social work in global perspective including partnerships with agencies in China, Romania, and Israel |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; Engage diversity and difference in practice; Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice; Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; engage in policy practice; Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program prepares students to be globally-informed practitioners in all areas of Social Work. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. Certificates in Violence Against Women studies and Latinx Studies are offered. |
What will I Learn?
As with all programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Master of Social Work program at Rutgers focuses on teaching students professional ethics and foundations. Students learn to engage with issues of diversity and difference, and to understand the role of human rights and social justice in social work theory and practice. All coursework is guided by a basis in evidence and research, and students learn to assess and evaluate their own practice, and to be active in policymaking.
Required courses in the program include 7 semesters of Field Education to accompany the required practicum experience. In addition, students learn key skills in courses on Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis, and two Courses in Social Work Practice. Theoretical foundations are covered in Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis, and Diversity and Oppression. Leadership skills are taught in Methods of Social Work Research I and II, as well as in Social Welfare Policy and Services and the Advanced Contemporary Policy Requirement.
In addition to the core program, students in the Master’s degree can apply to the Violence Against Women and Children Certificate (VAWC) program or LISTA (Latina/o/x Initiatives for Service, Training, and Assessment) Certificate. Both certificate programs offer specialized courses that complement field placements for students with this area of interest. Overall, the Rutgers program has an emphasis on social work in global perspective including partnerships with agencies in China, Romania, and Israel.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $1,194.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or just under $72,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous, meaning that students complete the coursework for each week on their own schedule. No visit to campus is required. Most students complete the program in 3 years. Students can enter the program in Spring, Summer or Fall semesters.
Summary
The Rutgers University online Master of Social Work program provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue professional training in social work with a global perspective, including international partnerships. Students may also be attracted by the available certificates in Violence Against Women and Children and Latinx perspectives. The Rutgers program is higher in cost than many online M.S.W. programs but applicants may find that the advantages of the program outweigh the additional cost.
