Monmouth University MSW
Monmouth University’s School of Social Work leads the way in human rights and social justice education. U.S. News & World Report ranked it among the best social work graduate programs nationwide. This recognition shows the school’s commitment to quality education that helps students become change makers.
The school’s mission is clear and powerful. Students learn to protect human rights by promoting social, economic, and environmental justice for vulnerable populations. This focus on social justice runs through every part of the learning experience – from classroom discussions to hands-on field work.
Monmouth University MSW stands out with its complete approach to social work education. The program builds on three key viewpoints:
- Social and economic justice through the advancement of human rights
- Strengths-based support
- Practice with families within a global context
These principles are the foundations of both undergraduate and graduate programs. Students develop essential knowledge and skills to tackle complex social challenges.
Monmouth University has earned a special place as one of just two Schools of Social Work in New Jersey that meets the LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) academic requirements. This qualification gives students specialized training and better career options in substance abuse counseling.
The program’s global reach sets it apart. Students work with faculty who are active members of prestigious groups like the International Federation of Social Workers at the United Nations and the International Red Cross. These connections are a great way to get practical experience and learn about worldwide social issues.
The school grew bigger in 2022 with its new Doctor of Social Work (DSW) in Human Rights Leadership. This program helps practicing social workers become leaders who champion human rights and drive change in local, national, and global communities.
Social workers play a crucial role in society. They help improve life quality for people who feel disconnected from their communities. The program gives students hands-on experience and practical tools to work at every level – from helping individual children to shaping community policies and government decisions.
Programs offered
Monmouth University provides a wide range of social work programs that prepare students at different educational levels to become professional practitioners. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is essential to their graduate offerings, with options that fit different student schedules.
Students can pursue the MSW program through in-person classes or fully-online synchronous pathways (starting Fall 2026). The program lets you choose full-time or part-time study based on your schedule. Students with a BSW can take the Advanced Standing option of 30 credits and finish in just 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Those without a BSW need 54 credits, taking 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time to complete.
The program offers two specialized tracks:
- Clinical Practice with Families and Children: This track prepares you to help at-risk populations and tackle issues from poverty and homelessness to substance abuse and behavior disorders. It stands out as New Jersey’s only MSW program that meets educational requirements to become a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC).
- Global and Community Practice: This one-of-a-kind specialization gives you skills to meet the needs of groups, communities, and organizations locally and globally. You’ll learn about environmental justice, public policy, and global development. North America has no other program like this.
The university also offers an 18-credit graduate certificate in Clinical Social Work that meets the educational requirements for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam. This certificate helps professionals advance into leadership roles at mental health facilities, substance abuse centers, and private practices.
The program has essential courses such as Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Social Welfare Policy, Research, Human Behavior in Social Environment, and Practice in Groups. Field work plays a vital role, with students completing 500-900+ hours of practical education at more than 500 partner human service agencies. International opportunities exist in Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Ireland, Nepal, and Vietnam.
Monmouth University launched their Doctor of Social Work (DSW) in Human Rights Leadership in 2022. This program helps practicing social workers become leaders who champion human rights in local, national, and global communities.
Mental health professionals working with children and adolescents can earn an 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Play and Expressive Therapies.
About the online program
Monmouth University’s MSW program will launch a fully-online synchronous pathway in Fall 2026. Students will have more flexibility in their educational experience. This new online option helps students with busy schedules and those living far from campus.
The online synchronous format keeps the interactive feel of regular classrooms without the need to commute. Students who choose the Full-Time Online Synchronous Pathway will attend classes on Tuesday evenings and Fridays. The university will announce different scheduling options for part-time students in October.
BSW degree holders pursuing Advanced Standing will follow the same schedule – Tuesday evenings and Fridays for full-time study. Part-time schedule details will be available soon.
The Global and Community Practice specialization runs completely online. Students can work on community development projects with under-resourced communities from anywhere. Full-time regular standing students will complete their foundation credits in the first year through hybrid learning. The second year moves entirely online, adding up to 54 credits. Advanced standing students can finish their 30-credit MSW program online, whether studying full-time or part-time.
Monmouth’s online program stands out because campus faculty members design and teach these courses. Each faculty member’s unique point of view shapes their course content. They use technology and activities that best fit their teaching material. This approach maintains high quality standards across all program formats.
The online program works great for graduate students who juggle full-time jobs and packed schedules. Faculty members bring their research and professional experience to the virtual classroom. Their peers recognize them for their scholarly achievements. Monmouth University’s faculty shows their steadfast dedication to helping students reach their full potential, whatever the learning environment.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has given full accreditation to Monmouth University’s Master of Social Work program, proving it right that the program meets national social work practice standards. This recognition will give a high standard of education through its curriculum, field experiences, and specialized concentrations. So graduates can seek licensure not only in New Jersey but in any state, though requirements may differ by location.
Monmouth University is one of just eight MSW programs in New Jersey with full CSWE accreditation, which shows its dedication to quality education. The accreditation process assesses programs against tough standards that prepare graduates to work as professionals. This detailed review looks at course content, teaching methods, faculty’s qualifications, student resources, and field education.
CSWE accreditation means more than just recognition – it opens doors for your professional growth. Your degree meets national standards needed for professional license exams. A degree from a CSWE-accredited program will help you get advanced positions or specialized certifications throughout your career.
The accreditation covers all approved program locations and ways to study, including campus-based and online options. Whatever way you choose to complete your MSW at Monmouth, the same high standards apply to your degree.
Monmouth University also has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This university-wide recognition shows the institution’s quality of education and its push for improvement.
The School of Social Work’s accreditation goes through regular reviews to meet evolving standards. CSWE has several accreditation levels: Fully Accredited (Monmouth’s current status), Accredited (Conditional), Accredited (Withdrawal in Progress), Candidacy, and Pre-Candidacy. Each level shows how well programs meet established standards.
Yes, it is this strict accreditation process that has helped Monmouth become one of the top social work programs in the country according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. The publication only ranks programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education that were in good standing during their fall 2021 and early 2022 survey period.
Admission Requirements
The Monmouth University MSW program has specific academic requirements and documentation needs for admission. Students need a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.75 overall GPA and must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate major.
A strong liberal arts background forms the program’s foundation. Students must complete college-level courses in English, Math, and Psychology. These courses need to be credit-bearing classes, not College Level Examination Program credits. The program values additional coursework in History, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, and Economics to build a detailed background.
The application package should include:
- Three Monmouth University School of Social Work recommendation forms from academic or professional references (not friends or relatives)
- A four to five-page, double-spaced narrative that answers questions on the Autobiographical Statement form
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
Advanced Standing status comes with extra requirements. Students must have earned their BSW from an accredited program within six years of applying. They need to meet 600+ level GPA requirements and submit Monmouth University’s Advanced Standing Field Evaluation form. A statistics course completed within the last six years with a ‘B’ grade or higher is also required.
The admissions committee takes a comprehensive look at each application. Some candidates might need to attend a personal interview if questions come up about their references, personal statement, or academic record.
DSW program candidates face stricter requirements. They need a minimum 3.0 GPA from their master’s program and 3-5 years of social work experience. Their application must include a curriculum vitae, three recommendation letters, and a 1,000-1,500 word personal statement.
International students must submit English proficiency scores from tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
The review process looks at academic performance, professional and volunteer work, personal statements, and recommendations to get a full picture of each candidate’s fit for the program and their potential success in social work.
Tuition
You need to plan your MSW degree’s financial investment at Monmouth University carefully. Starting February 27, 2025, Master’s level programs will cost $995.00 per credit. This applies to all programs except Speech-Language Pathology and Physician Assistant. MSW students typically pay $2,985.00 for 3 credits, $5,970.00 for 6 credits, $8,955.00 for 9 credits, and $11,940.00 for a full 12-credit load.
Your program pathway determines the total cost. Regular Standing students need 54 credits to graduate, while Advanced Standing students with a BSW complete 30 credits. The total tuition ranges from $29,850 for Advanced Standing to $53,730 for Regular Standing students.
Students must also pay several additional fees. The complete fee helps fund student services that include the Student Center, Student Engagement, Health Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Career Development, Counseling, and campus technology programs. The fee structure works this way:
- Less than 9 credits: $200.00 per semester
- 9 or more credits: $400.00 per semester
These mandatory fees also apply:
- Application Fee: $60.00
- Clinical Laboratory and Practicum Fee: $300.00
- Graduation Fee: $100.00
Monmouth University’s estimated cost of attendance budgets help students plan better. These budgets include both direct costs that the university bills and indirect expenses. Your residency status, academic level, and registration status affect these budgets.
International students should expect to pay approximately $54,821.00 for one academic year (9 months). This amount covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Many students can get substantial financial support. Peace Corps Fellows receive a fellowship worth $17,664.00, which brings their program cost down to $21,092.00.
The MSW program’s specialized graduate education costs are competitive when matched against undergraduate rates. The university charges undergraduate students a flat rate for full-time study, while graduate students pay per credit.
Additional Information
MSW graduates enjoy excellent career prospects as job market forecasts show continued growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social work jobs will grow faster than other occupations through 2033. Specialized roles like community service managers and substance abuse counselors are seeing higher demand.
Your Monmouth University MSW degree opens doors to jobs in many settings. You can work in alcohol and drug prevention programs, correctional facilities, disaster relief organizations, healthcare institutions, mental health centers, private clinics, public health agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and retirement facilities.
Real-world experience is the foundation of your education. Students complete 500-900+ hours of practicum education through strategic collaborations with over 500 human service agencies in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Students who want a global view can choose international internships in Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Ireland, Nepal, and Vietnam.
The School of Social Work at Monmouth runs several innovative programs that improve the educational experience. These include the Coming Home Project that helps military personnel and their families, the Virginia A. Cory Community Garden that promotes community participation, and the LGBT+ Older Adult Project that aims to improve aging LGBT+ individuals’ quality of life. The university continues to support graduates through an active Social Work Alumni Society after graduation.
The school understands students’ financial challenges and provides various scholarships, particularly for students in the Global and Community Practice specialization. This financial support and comprehensive career preparation help Monmouth MSW graduates succeed in their careers immediately.