Applicants to the School of Social Work MSW program must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution. Strong applicants for the MSW demonstrate academic success and a commitment to helping and social justice.
Applicants to the MSW are encouraged to apply in advance and submit all required materials by the priority deadlines. Prospective students who complete the application by the deadlines below are given priority in committee review and consideration for scholarships. Applications completed after the priority deadlines are subject to space availability.
Please contact us with any questions about applying at, Admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu or 848-932-7520.
Traditional MSW Program, MSW/MA in CJ, MSW/MPH & MSW/MPP
Traditional Advanced Standing MSW Program
Intensive Weekend MSW Program
Intensive Weekend Advanced Standing MSW Program
100% Online MSW Advanced Standing Program
100% Online MSW Program
Deadlines for the 2 yr and 3 yr degree options differ
100% Online MSW Program
Deadlines for the 2 year and 3 year degree options differ
100% Online MSW Program
Deadlines for the 2 year and 3 year degree options differ
Blended Online MSW Program
Professional Credit Courses (PCC)
Professional Credit Courses (PCC)
Professional Credit Courses (PCC)
Eligible candidates for admission to the School of Social Work should have:
Note: Applicants to the Advanced Standing programs must also demonstrate competency in all undergraduate social work courses.
Applicants interested in Professional Credit Courses (PCC) may view the application process and requirements here.
Applications are considered complete and will be reviewed only when all of the following materials have been received
Please see below for further guidance on these specific requirements.
*Applicants to the Intensive Weekend program must include one letter of recommendation from their current supervisor.
Mail/submit all admission supporting materials to:
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Proctor Hall, Suite 308
65 Davidson Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Your two letters of recommendation should be current and come from individuals who are familiar with your academic and/or professional experiences and abilities. If you are a recent graduate or are currently enrolled in school, we recommend that you seek letters from faculty members. If this is not possible, consider asking individuals who are able to address your current work, abilities and your potential to succeed in graduate school and in the field of social work. The most valuable letters come from those individuals who you have worked for or volunteered with in some capacity. We are looking for specific information regarding your academic and intellectual abilities, work performance and potential. Letters from friends, family, or professionals that you know on an exclusively social basis should not be submitted. *Applicants to the Intensive Weekend MSW must include one letter of recommendation from their current supervisor. Letters of recommendation may be submitted by providing your recommenders email address on your application. These individuals then receive a message providing access to upload their letters. Letters may also be sent directly to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. We request that the envelope seal be signed by the recommendation letter writer to ensure confidentiality.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. If you are finishing undergraduate coursework during the application process, please submit a current transcript. Once coursework is completed, a final official transcript that includes the final grades and the date the degree was conferred is required. If you have taken any Professional Credit Courses (PCC's) through the Continuing Education Department, you must specifically request transcripts to be sent to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Please do not assume that we are aware you are taking or have taken PCC’s. For additional information about submitting transcripts, see the Graduate Admissions supporting materials guidelines.
A current resume, including degree's completed and all professional positions held must be submitted. Please include any positions of leadership that you have held and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
Candidates for the advanced standing MSW degree program are required to submit a copy of their practicum supervisor evaluation form. If currently enrolled in a practicum placement, please submit the evaluation received at the end of your first semester in the placement. Candidates who have graduated and completed their undergraduate placement more than five years ago may contact admissions to request a waiver of this requirement.
*Please keep in mind that completion of a bachelors or masters degree in the United States does not waive the English language proficiency exam requirement.
Students who have completed their education outside of the US:
Applicants who have completed their education outside of the U.S. are required to obtain an official evaluation of their foreign transcript through an accredited organization such as World Education Services (WES) or Globe Language Services. The evaluation must certify the transcripts for authenticity and for U.S. degree and grade equivalency. An official evaluation of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent to Rutgers Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Applicants to the Advanced Standing MSW must also submit verification from the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) that their international social work degree is equivalent to a CSWE-accredited program.
Obtaining a Visa:
International applicants recommended for admission must document total financial resources before an official Certificate of Admission and Eligibility (I-20 and DS-2019) can be issued by graduate admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides Certificates of Admission and Eligibility (I-20 and DS-2019) forms with their notification of admission. Admitted international students must submit a completed financial documentation form.
Transfer students complete the Graduate application and follow the instructions to submit all application requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a letter of recommendation from a faculty member at their previous institution as one of their three reference letters. Graduate coursework that has been completed at a CSWE-accredited institution will be considered for transfer credit toward the MSW at the time of admission. MSW coursework completed at Rutgers or another CSWE-accredited institution is eligible for transfer if completed within 10 years of the semester that you plan to enroll at Rutgers School of Social Work. Other graduate credits that may be equivalent to coursework within the MSW program can also be considered after admission to the program. Rutgers SSW will consider equivalent courses that have been completed within 10 years of application and where a minimum grade of B was earned. A maximum of 18 credits may be transferred toward the Rutgers MSW degree. Students may be asked to submit course descriptions and/or syllabi to verify equivalency of coursework. Professional work and/or life experience may not be considered for transfer credit to the MSW. Transfer credit may affect the term start date for students admitted to Rutgers MSW program.
Applicants admitted to the MSW degree program must agree with the following statement: If admitted to the Rutgers School of Social Work, I understand that in order to complete the MSW program, I will be required to complete a practicum or practicums with an agency, organization or facility and such facilities may require a criminal background and a drug screen to determine whether I am qualified to participate in the practicum. In addition, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether I have been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony or illegal act. I understand that it is my responsibility to comply with and secure the necessary background checks required by Rutgers, licensing agency and/or a practicum site. Should I fail a check, clearance and/or drug screen, I understand that the Rutgers School of Social Work cannot guarantee a practicum, and that these results may detrimentally affect my ability to complete the MSW program requirements and my future ability to be licensed. For further information, contact us at Admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu or 848-932-7520 Ext 2.
Admitted Students
Completed applications for the MSW programs and Professional Credit Courses are typically reviewed October through May. Applicants applying for the spring semester are informed of a decision between October and early January. Applicants for the summer semester are informed of a decision between December and April, and most applicants for the fall programs are informed of a decision between January and May. Applicants will be notified of an offer of admission by email and they may also check their status online. Please keep in mind that only completed applications, including all supporting materials, are reviewed for a decision. Written notification of a change of address must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
The School consistently receives more qualified applications than it has available space. Therefore, once an applicant receives an offer of admission, they must confirm their enrollment in the program by submitting a non-refundable two hundred dollar ($200) deposit to the School of Social Work.
Admitted students may choose to defer their enrollment for up to one year by submitting a written request to the School of Social Work Office of Admissions at admissions@ssw.rutgers.edu. The non-refundable two hundred dollar deposit is required in order to defer enrollment.
Denial Decisions
Due to the competitive nature of our application review and a limited number of seats, we are unable to admit all of the promising applicants to the School. While admission decisions are final, applicants who are denied admission to the School are welcome to apply for a future semester. It is recommended that denied applicants wait at least one year before reapplying. If you decide to reapply, we encourage you to review the reapplication process and also consider speaking with an admissions representative regarding ways to strengthen a future application.