Kean University MSW

Kean University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program serves as a complete training ground for aspiring social workers. The program prepares and trains social workers to become direct practitioners who can improve problem-solving abilities of individuals, families, groups, communities, and social organizations. You’ll develop expertise to work with people from different backgrounds through clinical skills based on proven practices.

The MSW program’s mission matches the social work profession’s core values perfectly. Students learn in an inclusive and supportive environment that helps them become skilled clinical practitioners who promote positive change in clinical practice. The program adopts these six core values of the profession:

• Service
• Social Justice
• Dignity and Worth of a Person
• Importance of Human Relationship
• Integrity
• Competence

U.S. News & World Report recognizes Kean University as one of the country’s most ethnically diverse universities. This diversity shows in the student body and curriculum. Racial-ethnic minorities make up 82% of social work master’s program graduates—39% better than the national average.

Graduates achieve excellent outcomes from this program. The curriculum helps you prepare for state licensure exams and builds a steadfast dedication to continuous learning. The program’s emphasis on direct clinical practice sets it apart from other MSW programs. Students and faculty create strong personal connections in a community focused on helping others.

The Council on Social Work Education considers field education the signature teaching method of the MSW program. You’ll apply classroom skills through practical experience. Selected social service agencies affiliated with the program offer internships under experienced MSW field instructors’ supervision.

After graduation, you can work in mental health agencies, school districts, hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. Students from local, national, and international communities get expanded learning opportunities. The program promotes knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes.

The program develops clinically skilled and ethical social workers. These practitioners use evidence-based clinical methods and research-backed advocacy to promote social, economic, and environmental justice for diverse individuals, families, and groups.

Students must complete 60 credits through specific course sequences that build expertise step by step.

Programs offered

Kean University’s Department of Graduate Social Work gives you multiple ways to earn your Master of Social Work degree. Each path lets you study flexibly while focusing strongly on direct clinical practice.

Students can choose from four MSW program options that fit different backgrounds and schedules:

• Advanced Standing Program – This 30-credit fast-track option works best for students with a BSW from an accredited university in the last five years. You can complete it in just one year if you have a 3.5 or higher BSW GPA and research coursework. Your BSW field education should total at least 425 hours.
• Two-Year Full-Time Program – A thorough 60-credit program you can finish in two years. You’ll learn both in class and through hands-on field work right from your first year.
• Three-Year Extended Program – Perfect for students who need a more flexible schedule. You can start your field work in the second year, which helps balance your studies with life’s other demands.
• Online Option – A distance learning choice that needs at least 2.5 years of social work experience.

Each pathway delivers quality instruction to prepare you for evidence-based clinical practice. You’ll develop skills in research, human behavior, policy, and clinical work.

Field education plays a vital role in every program option. First-year students spend 16 hours weekly at internships, while second-year placements need 20 hours per week. These experiences help you apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings.

Advanced Standing students take specialized courses in Clinical Social Work Practice, Psychopathology, Field Education, Evaluation Research, and electives. The full-time program starts with foundation courses like Generalist Social Work Practice, Field Experience, Social Welfare Policy, Integrative Seminar, and Human Behavior before moving to specialized topics.

The three-year extended option spreads your coursework and field placements over six semesters. This careful planning gives part-time students complete training at a manageable pace without sacrificing quality.

Your GPA must stay at 3.0 or above, while Advanced Standing students need to maintain a 3.2 GPA. Any of these paths will help you become a skilled, competent professional social worker.

About the online program

Kean University’s online Master of Social Work program offers student-centered learning that fits easily into your busy schedule. A 160-year tradition of excellence in higher education backs Kean’s flexible approach that lets you complete your degree at your preferred time and location. You can gain valuable skills and build professional connections without visiting the campus.

The online MSW program at Kean follows identical curriculum standards as its on-campus version. The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program. So, you’ll receive the same thorough preparation guided by 2015 EPAS competencies that prepare you for professional social work practice.

A detailed focus on direct clinical practice makes Kean’s online MSW program stand out. The program builds personal connections between students and faculty members, even in a remote setting. This creates a supportive community that helps others and stays true to social and economic justice principles. Expert faculty members guide your learning experience toward career success.

The well-laid-out curriculum improves your ability to work with individuals, families, and groups. You’ll develop clinical skills based on evidence while building competencies in research, policy analysis, and cultural diversity. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Kean University as one of the country’s top ethnically diverse universities, and this cultural awareness runs through the entire program.

Kean’s online MSW program stands out for its affordability along with academic excellence. The university offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates among public and private institutions. Kean students graduate with 32% less debt than the national average, which makes this future investment particularly valuable.

The program includes an online SIFI (Supervision in Field Instruction) course to help those seeking supervisory positions. New supervisors can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon completion. This extra credential adds to your professional skills and job prospects.

Your online learning experience includes a supportive virtual community that helps create lasting industry connections. These professional networks become great assets as you advance in your social work career with clinical, research, and advocacy skills needed to create meaningful change in various communities.

Accreditation

Quality accreditation is a vital marker for any professional degree program. The Kean University MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation shows the program meets rigorous national standards for social work education. The program received an eight-year re-accreditation in 2019, which shows its steadfast dedication to educational excellence.

CSWE accreditation means more than just recognition. Your professional future will benefit directly from it. A degree from Kean’s accredited MSW program lets you apply for social work licensure in New Jersey and other states. Most states require candidates to graduate from CSWE-accredited programs before taking licensure exams.

Kean University’s curriculum aligns with the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). These standards set educational competencies that all accredited MSW programs must include in their teaching and assessment. The program combines all elements smoothly to match its established goals and objectives.

The CSWE’s accreditation framework bases social work education in liberal arts. It builds a complete professional foundation that leads to advanced practice curriculum at the graduate level. This approach will give a full training that meets national measures for professional competence.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation and authorization from New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education add to Kean University’s credibility. The university has many program-specific accreditations across its colleges. The MSW program is one of several professionally accredited programs in the College of Health Professions and Human Services.

Both Kean University’s MSW and MSW online programs follow a curriculum with set competency standards. These standards are guided by practice behaviors outlined in the EPAS. Students get similar preparation for professional social work practice in both campus-based and online formats.

Kean’s MSW program is one of only eight programs in New Jersey with full CSWE accreditation. This puts Kean in an elite group and assures students that their education meets the highest professional standards in social work.

Admission Requirements

Getting into Kean University’s MSW program means meeting several important criteria that show you’re ready for graduate-level social work education. The admissions team will assess your academic background, professional experience, and readiness for clinical training.

You must submit a complete application package to be eligible. The Kean University MSW program needs:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (applicants with lower GPAs might qualify based on overall application strength)
• Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
• Three letters of recommendation highlighting your professional and academic capabilities
• Professional resume or CV
• Personal statement responding to specific essay questions
• Non-refundable application fee of $75.00

Your personal statement carries significant weight in the selection process. The MSW Admissions Committee looks at this document to assess your writing skills and readiness for graduate-level social work education. You’ll select one of four essay options that focus on your motivation to pursue an MSW, career goals in clinical practice, experiences with diversity, or interest in social justice issues.

International applicants need to submit official TOEFL or IELTS score reports. The minimum scores accepted are 550 (paper-based) or 79 (internet-based) for TOEFL, and 6.5 for IELTS.

The Advanced Standing program has stricter requirements. You’ll need:

• A BSW degree earned within the past five years from an accredited institution
• BSW GPA of 3.5 or better, including research courses
• Documentation of at least 425 hours of field education at the BSW level

Kean University doesn’t award credit for prior work or life experience toward the MSW degree. This policy lines up with CSWE accreditation standards.

The admission committee takes an integrated approach to review applications. They look at academic performance along with professional experience and personal qualities. The program maintains a competitive but available acceptance rate, with 102 students accepted from 140 applications in a recent cycle.

Tuition

Your education at Kean University’s MSW program is an important financial investment. The university has clear pricing that varies based on your enrollment status and where you live.

The MSW program has a special tuition structure. Full-time MSW students who take 9 or more credits per semester during 2025-2026 will pay a flat rate of $10,818.61 if they’re state residents. This amount has $9,722.15 in tuition and $1,046.46 in mandatory fees. Students from other states who enroll full-time will need to pay $14,605.12 each semester – $13,558.66 for tuition plus the same mandatory fees.

Part-time students taking less than 9 credits pay by credit instead. State residents pay $992.60 per credit and $90.34 in mandatory fees, which adds up to $1,082.94 per credit. Out-of-state part-time students pay $1,371.62 per credit plus these fees, totaling $1,461.96 per credit.

The mandatory university fees have two main parts:

• Capital Improvement Fee that funds renovation and construction projects
• University Center Fee that helps run campus facilities and programs

You’ll need to pay a non-refundable $75 application fee. Once accepted, MSW students must also pay a $175 tuition deposit, which later counts toward their tuition.

Kean University’s tuition rates are among the most affordable in New Jersey. The Board of Trustees made a big change starting Fall 2026 – all students will pay in-state tuition rates, whatever their residency status.

Right now, you might need to pay other fees during your experience here. These include a $100 graduation fee and other program-specific charges. Eligible students can tap into financial aid through federal loan programs and possibly university scholarships or grants.

Additional Information

Kean University supports MSW students well beyond the classroom. The Cougar Connections Center of Social Work helps students feel at home through integrated support services. These include food resources, emergency financial help, and life skills training. Students who need food assistance can visit the Cougar Pantry to get nonperishable foods and hygiene products.

The Social Work Club runs activities that boost professional growth. Students can attend guest speaker sessions and prepare for tests. High-achieving students qualify to join Phi Alpha, the social work honor society. Members get access to networking events and seminars.

Students can get writing help both in-person and online at the Writing Center. They can submit drafts for review through e-tutoring or get live feedback through online sessions. The Learning Commons combines information and learning support with computer clusters, printing services, and student resources.

The job market looks promising with 9% growth expected through 2031. MSW graduates work in:

• Mental health agencies and hospitals
• School districts and correctional facilities
• Government divisions and nonprofit organizations

Field education supervisors need three years of post-MSW experience and a Seminar in Field Instruction certificate. Kean’s Career Services team helps students start their careers through one-on-one meetings, workshops, and connections with employers.