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Arts and Sciences
Master of Social Work
Graduate
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Social Work

The Seton Hall University master's degree in social work* prepares students to take their social work career to new heights, offering concentration options in behavioral health and the only graduate forensic program in the state of New Jersey.

Ranked as a Best School for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report, the program offers two tracks, for those with and without an accredited B.S.W.

  • Students without a bachelor's degree in social work can enter the Regular Standing track, which can be completed in two years as a full-time student for up to four years part-time. Their first year consists of either on-campus or online (synchronous) coursework.
  • Students with an undergraduate degree in social work can go straight into the second year of the program — the Advanced Standing track – which consists of online (asynchronous) courses.

Both years of the Regular Standing option and the Advanced Standing year require on-site fieldwork in the community.

Outside of their studies, social work graduate students also receive a number of opportunities to see their classroom lessons in action, such as participating in Social Work Day at the United Nations, attending professional conferences such as the NASW-NJ Annual Conference, or contributing to the RIOS Lab, which brings together students and community practitioners as they engage in research to drive community wide change.

Our social work students finish the program ready to make a difference. They are prepared to work with individuals, families or groups in a variety of advanced-practice settings — including behavioral health, substance abuse, healthcare and forensic practice. With fieldwork and theoretical components, this program is open to both full- and part-time students.

What is a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Degree?

A Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree is an advanced, professional degree that prepares students for clinical and non-clinical roles in social work, emphasizing a deep understanding of social systems, human behavior, and evidence-based interventions. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on field experience, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Graduates are equipped to provide counseling, advocate for social justice, develop and manage social service programs, and influence policy, all to enhance individual and community well-being.

What Can You Do With a Master of Social Work (MSW)?

With a Master's in Social Work (MSW), you're equipped to make a profound impact on individual lives, communities, and societal structures. Social work degree graduates can pursue a range of roles tailored to human services and advocacy. Clinical Social Workers, for instance, provide therapy and counseling services to individuals, families, and groups, helping them navigate personal challenges and mental health issues. School Social Workers collaborate with educators, parents, and students to address educational barriers and enhance student well-being. Those with an interest in public policy might work as Policy Analysts or Advocates, pushing for societal change and crafting legislation to support vulnerable populations. Medical Social Workers assist patients in healthcare settings, ensuring they receive holistic care that considers emotional and social factors. Additionally, roles like Case Manager, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Child Welfare Case Worker are other avenues where social workers can make a difference. Beyond these direct services, there are opportunities in research, program development, and administration within governmental agencies, nonprofits, and NGOs. The best Master's in Social Work programs open doors to a myriad of roles dedicated to enhancing well-being, championing social justice, and making lasting positive changes in communities in social work practice.

Want to Learn More?

Attend a virtual information session and receive an overview of the program, meet our faculty and ask questions. Plus, attendees receive an application fee waiver just for attending!

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 6 p.m. ET
  • Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 6 p.m. ET

Register Now

*Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Council on Social Work EducationUS News 2023 Social Work Badge

By the Numbers

  • 2 Degree Tracks
  • 1st N.J. Catholic University to Offer M.S.W. Degree
  • 25% Job Growth Expected for Social Workers
  • 34% Job Growth Expected for Healthcare Social Workers
ArtSci By the Numbers

Master of Social Work

Learn how to contribute to the greater good of our community as a social worker. Our program consists of on-campus and online courses.

Clair Tattoli

"Seton Hall’s master’s degree in social work is an exemplary program that provides a rigorous — yet innovative — education, preparing students with relevant, results-oriented instruction to excel and prevail in the professional world."

Clair Tattoli

Curriculum

Through a carefully structured curriculum of foundational and advanced courses, students in this program reach their maximum potential. Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom, with theoretical coursework and two field placements. For full-time students, class work is spread over two years. Part-time students may take up to four years. Our advanced standing option allows students with undergraduate degrees from accredited social work programs completed in the past five years to go directly into the second year of the program. No credit can be given for work or life experience. View the detailed curriculum.

Faculty Listing

Our social work faculty members have vast experience as both academics and practitioners in the field. In addition to frequent conference presentations and article publications in the most prestigious journals in the field, the faculty have decades of teaching experience with universities and government associations, including DYFS and the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women. Faculty are also experienced professionals in the fields of psychotherapy, addiction counseling and child welfare.

View all Department faculty »

Matthew Corrigan posing
Matthew Corrigan
Chair and Associate Professor of Social Work
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Christine Heer 222 pic posing
Christine Heer
Social Work M.A. Program Lecturer, Director
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Widian Nicola 2024 posing
Widian Nicola
Associate Professor
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Juan A Rios posing
Juan A. Rios
Assistant Professor of Social Work
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Our Graduate Programs

The College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to providing graduate programs to educate the professionals, scientists, educators and leaders of the future. Our goal is to impart the skills and knowledge that graduate students need to develop and follow successful career paths and to prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society through service and/or the advancement of knowledge. We believe that an education grounded in the principles of liberal arts and dedicated to societal advancement through research and interdisciplinary studies is the best instrument for producing well-rounded citizens with intentions that are both personally fulfilling and noble.

Contact Us

  • Michael Dooney, Ph.D.
  • Associate Dean for Graduate Academic Affairs
  • (973) 275-2155
  • [email protected]

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