Master of Social Work
The mission of Stockton’s MSW Program is to educate social workers who are prepared for specialized practice with diverse individuals, families and communities.
The Program aims to produce graduates who understand the human condition and the commonalities that all people everywhere share, while respecting and honoring differences in personal and communal history, social class, race, color, ethnicity, culture, language, immigration status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, political ideology, religion, and disability status.
The curriculum focuses on developing practitioners who are able creatively to develop
an in-depth understanding of diverse worldviews and incorporate a global perspective;
empower diverse people to expand their capacities, resources, and opportunities; and
advocate for policies and services that address social conditions that limit the quality
of life for all people.
New specialization and curricula will be in effect as of Fall 2025.
Click here to register for our MSW Virtual Information Session, Thursday, January 30, at 12:00 pm.
About the Program
The Program is built upon a strong foundation of generalist social work practice values, knowledge, skills, and cognitive and affective processes. Students are expected to understand and be able to apply an ecological systems perspective, strengths perspective, and such theories including positionality and intersectionality. They develop a deep understanding of the negative effects of racism, oppression, discrimination, marginalization and other social forces that create systems and structures that impede the ability to meet basic human needs with dignity. They are expected to critically examine multiple theories, perspectives and approaches as they become acquainted with research literature and as they develop experience in social work practice. As a competency-based profession, Stockton’s MSW Program is designed to ensure that students are able to demonstrate the integration and application of social work educational competencies in practice.
The MSW Program aims to produce graduates who have a lifelong commitment to upholding human rights, respecting human diversity and working towards social justice in their professional and personal lives, as aligned with the National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics.
In addition to our Program's area of specialized practice (concentration), we prepare students for advanced-level practice to work with marginalized populations using a social justice lens, . In addition, we offer opportunities for students to develop expertise in other areas of social work practice, such as an elective track in clinical social work, including elective courses on trauma informed social work practice.
Accreditation Information
Stockton University's Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on
Social Work Education (CSWE). Click here to view the most recent Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes (Form AS 4M).
Stockton University's MSW Program earned its initial accreditation in October 2012,
retroactive to October 2009. Its accreditation was reaffirmed in October 2016. Its
most recent Assessment Report is included here:
Academic Year 2022-23 Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
Robert Barney
Guia Calicdan-Apostle
Lisa Cox
Diane Falk
Jeffrey A. Feldman
Robin Hernandez-Mekonnen
Dawn Konrady Fanslau
Loretta Mooney
John Searight
Lori Tomaro
Ian Zapcic
Curriculum
The curriculum provides two basic models for two different groups of students: a) those who are coming to the University with a completed non-social work bachelor’s degree and wish to earn a master’s degree; and b) those who are coming to the University with a CSWE accredited social work bachelor's degree awarded within the last ten years and wish to earn a master's degree.
In the MSW program, student learning outcomes are described as competencies and practice behaviors. For a full discussion of these competencies and practice behaviors at both the Generalist and Specialized Practice levels, please click here.
Master of Social Work Curriculum Worksheet
To earn an MSW Degree, students must successfully complete a minimum of 60 credits in the prescribed MSW curriculum. Stockton's MSW Program consists of a generalist practice year and a specialized practice year.
In the generalist MSW courses, students will learn about the value base of the social work profession and about ethical decision-making. They will learn to understand the history of social welfare. They will develop an understanding of the social work profession, including its commitment to diversity and to working with oppressed groups. They will develop an understanding of research methodology and of how to apply research findings to practice. Students will develop an understanding of social work perspectives and theories, including ecological and systems theories, the person-in-environment perspective, the strengths perspective, and the empowerment approach. They will learn to integrate classroom learning with practicum experience, applying social work knowledge, values, and skills in an agency setting with client systems.
Finally, students will be free to choose three elective courses. You may elect to combine your electives to earn an elective track in leadership and management, or in clinical social work. Students who desire to take electives outside the program must obtain prior approval from their advisors.
MSW Full-time, Two-Year Program Curriculum - 60 credits
|
Generalist Year-30 credits Year 1: Fall |
Year 1: Spring |
|
SOWK 5101 Human Behavior and the Social Environment SOWK 5130 Social Welfare Policy SOWK 5150 Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity: Implications for Social Work SOWK 5601 Generalist Social Work Practice I SOWK 5901 Practicum I |
SOWK 5102 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II SOWK 5120 Social Organizations and Environments Practice SOWK 5140 Social Work Research I SOWK 5602 Generalist Social Work Practice II SOWK 5902 Practicum II |
|
Specialized Practice Year- 30 credits Year 2: Fall |
Year 2: Spring |
|
SOWK 5250 Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility SOWK 5240 Social Work Research II SOWK 5603 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities I SOWK 5903 Practicum III Elective* |
SOWK 5230 Social Justice: Policy and Advocacy Elective* SOWK 5604 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities II SOWK 5904 Practicum IV Elective* |
MSW Part-time, Three-Year, Curriculum - 60 credits
The MSW program offers a part-time option to the generalist program. This option will
only be made available to those taking the generalist 60 credit program curriculum.
Those students wanting to complete the part-time option will take 60 credit hours
over the course of 3 years instead of two. The number of part-time seats will be limited.
Those not admitted to the part-time option may still be offered seats in the generalist
two-year program
| Year 1: Fall | Year 1: Spring | Year 1: Summer |
|
SOWK 5101 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I SOWK 5150 Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity: Implications for Social Work Practice |
SOWK 5102 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II SOWK 5140 Social Work Research I
|
1 or 2 Electives* |
| Year 2: Fall | Year 2: Spring | Year 3: Summer |
|
SOWK 5130 Social Welfare Policy SOWK 5601 Generalist Social Work Practice I SOWK 5901 Practicum I (200 hours) |
SOWK 5120 Social Organizations and Environments SOWK 5602 Generalist Social Work Practice II SOWK 5902 Practicum II (200 hours) |
1 or 2 Electives* |
| Year 3: Fall | Year 3: Spring | Year 3: Summer |
|
SOWK 5240 Social Work Research II SOWK 5603 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities I SOWK 5903 Practicum III (250 hours) |
SOWK 5230 Social Justice: Policy and Advocacy SOWK 5604 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities II SOWK 5904 Practicum IV (250 hours) |
SOWK 5250 Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility And/Or Elective* |
For course descriptions, please visit The University's Course Catalog.
|
*ELECTIVE OPTIONS: MSW Students must take a total of 3 electives. It is permissible to take one elective outside the MSW program with approval. Electives will be offered every semester, but for part-time students it is recommended that the electives be taken over the summers in order to complete the degree in three years. |
Advanced Standing is open to individuals who have earned baccalaureate degrees in social work from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last ten years. MSW Full-time, One-Year Advanced Standing, Curriculum- 30 credits
In the Advanced Standing Program, students complete the specialized practice year of the One-Year Program.
|
Year 1: Fall |
Year 1: Spring |
|
SOWK 5250 Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility SOWK 5240 Social Work Research II SOWK 5603 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities I SOWK 5903 Practicum III Elective* |
SOWK 5230 Social Justice: Policy and Advocacy Elective* SOWK 5604 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities II SOWK 5904 Practicum IV Elective* |
MSW Part-time, Two-Year Advanced Standing, Curriculum- 30 credits
Beginning in the Fall 2022 semester, the MSW program will be offering an additional
part time advanced standing option. Those students wanting to complete the part time
advanced standing option will take 30 credit hours over the course of two years instead
of one. The number of part time seats will be limited. Those not admitted to the part
time option may still be offered seats in the advanced standing one-year program.
| Year 1: Fall | Year 1: Spring | Summer |
|
SOWK 5250 Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility SOWK 5240 Social Work Research II
|
SOWK 5230 Social Justice: Policy and Advocacy Elective
|
1 or 2 Electives* |
| Year 2: Fall | Year 2: Spring | Summer |
|
SOWK 5603 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities I SOWK 5903 Practicum III (250 hours) |
SOWK 5604 Specialized Social Work Practice with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities II SOWK 5904 Practicum IV (250 hours) |
1 or 2 Electives* |
For course descriptions, please visit The University's Course Catalog.
*ELECTIVE OPTIONS: MSW Students must take a total of three electives. It is permissible to take one elective outside the MSW program with approval. Electives will be offered every semester, but for part-time students it is recommended that two electives be taken over the summers to complete the degree in two years. Students can decide to take one or two electives for their first summer. If a student chooses to take one elective their first summer, they will need to take an additional elective their second summer.
Stockton's MSW program requires students to complete 9 credit hours of electives during the specialized practice year. Students can choose to take any combination of electives that they desire. Below is a listing of some of the most recent electives offered in the program.
Clinical Electives
- SOWK 5512 Clinical Social Work Practice With Groups
- SOWK 5515 Clinical Social Work Practice in Health Settings
- SOWK 5528 Psychopathology Using a Competency Based Assessment Model
- SOWK 5530 Psychopathology, Psychopharmacology, and Cultural Neuroscience
- SOWK 5532 Suicide Assessment and Intervention
- SOWK 5535 Substance Abuse: Treatment and Recovery
- SOWK 5538 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- SOWK 5540 Clinical Gerontological Social Work Practice
- SOWK 5562 Leadership & Management II: Clinical Supervision and Consultation
- SOWK 5570 Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice
- SOWK 5573 Core Components and Intervention Skills for Trauma - Informed Practice
- SOWK 5575 Forensic Interviewing of Children
Leadership and Management Electives
- SOWK 5561 Leadership & Management I: Leading and Managing Human Service Organizations
- SOWK 5562 Leadership & Management II: Clinical Supervision and Consultation
- SOWK 5563 Leadership & Management III: Program Planning, Development, and Funding
General Electives
- SOWK 5550 International Social Work
- SOWK 5552 Child Migration and U.S. Immigration Policy: Faculty Led Program
- SOWK 5590 Empowering Groups and Communities for Social Change
Masters Child Welfare Education Program Electives
- SOWK 5571 Trauma-Informed Child Welfare Practice
- SOWK 5572 Child Welfare Leadership and Supervision
For course descriptions, please visit The University's Course Catalog.
Elective Tracks
Students who complete SOWK 5561, 5562, and 5563 will earn an Elective Track in Leadership and Management, in addition to the Program’s Specialized Practice in Working with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities. Electives are offered based upon demand, therefore elective tracks cannot be guaranteed if there is not sufficient student enrollment.
Students who complete three of the available Clinical Electives (choosing from SOWK
5512, 5515, 5528, 5530, 5532, 5535, 5538, 5540, 5562, 5570, or 5575) will earn an
Elective Track in Clinical Social Work, in addition to the Program’s Specialized Practice
in Working with Diverse Individuals, Families, and Communities. Students should note
that the regular curriculum courses include additional content relating to clinical
social work.
Practicum Program
Welcome to Stockton University’s Master in Social Work (MSW) Practicum Program. As part of the social work curriculum, practicum education provides important learning experiences for students to integrate classroom learning with applied experiences within human service agencies. Practicum placements are therefore necessary to achieve curriculum learning outcomes. Through partnerships with students, human service agencies, and the Social Work Program, practicum placements are developed to enhance professional growth and competencies that better serve an increasingly diverse community of service providers and consumers.
Students accepted in the generalist year are required to complete 200 practicum hours per semester with a total of 400 for the academic year. Students entering the specialized second year of the program and advanced standing students are required to complete 250 hours per semester with a total of 500 for the academic year.
General Information
Practicum Instructor Forms
Seminar in Practicum Instruction (SIPI)
Practicum instructors who have an interest in supervising students require a training in practicum instruction. Please contact Lori Tomaro, the MSW Assistant Practicum Coordinator for the dates of the practicum instruction (SIPI) training as well as the online option of the course.
Application Deadline
Fall 2025: March 14, 2025
Prerequisite Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0;
- Adequate foundation in the liberal arts (at least 24 credits, as demonstrated in your official transcript);
- Facility in a second language (other than English) will be considered a strength in the applicant's file.
- Advanced Standing is open to individuals who have earned baccalaureate degrees in social work from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last ten years.
To be considered for admission to the MSW program, applicants must submit the following:
- Click here to start your application.
- Application fee: $50 (non-refundable), submitted with your online application
- Graduate application essay
- MSW Program Essays (this includes brief essays in response to questions posed in the application)
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required and must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions). Advanced Standing applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in social work awarded within the last ten years from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education ;
- Three current letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant's work (academic work, paid employment, or volunteer work in social welfare) sent electronically via the online application. Advanced Standing applicants must ensure that at least one of their letters of reference are from a BSW practicum instructor or field supervisor who can speak to their abilities in the practicum , or from a supervisor at a social work agency where they have recently been employed.
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton) should be emailed, mailed, or dropped off directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
By mail:
Office of Graduate Admissions, N-Wing 007a
101 Vera King Farris Drive
Galloway, NJ 08205-9441
Electronically:
gradschool@stockton.edu - An interview and/or writing sample may be required
- Candidates for who English is their second language must submit English proficiency test results and scores through TOEFL, IELTS, or ELS EAP Level 112. To review international applicant deadlines and admission criteria, please click here.
For additional information about Graduate Admissions and the MSW application process, click here or call (609) 626-3640.
For specific questions regarding the MSW Program, contact:
Dr. Robin Hernandez-Mekonnen
MSW Program Chair
robin.hernandez-mekonnen@stockton.edu
Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Stockton's MSW Program is an advanced professional degree that prepares its graduates for careers as social work practitioners, supervisors, leaders, and managers in a broad spectrum of settings, including social agencies and institutions, educational facilities, community organizations, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations. For further information about social work careers, explore this website: http://careers.socialworkers.org/
MSW Program classes are held on the following days:
- Monday evenings (hybrid style): 6:00 p.m. -8:50 p.m.
- Wednesday evenings beginning at 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday morning/afternoon from 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. with one hour break provided for lunch.
All classes are held at Stockton’s Atlantic City campus. Practicum work must generally be done in the daytime during the work week. Additionally, a practicum seminar will be held every other week in the late afternoon hours on Wednesdays.
The Program's area of specialized practice (concentration) is on preparing students for advanced-level practice with diverse individuals, families, and communities. It prepares graduates to understand diverse world views; to empower people to expand their capacities, resources, and opportunities; and to advocate for policies and services that address social conditions that limit the quality of life for people. All students are enrolled in this specialized practice. Some students may also choose to add an elective track in Clinical Social Work by taking three elective courses covering topics in clinical social work.
Starting Fall 2025:
The Program's area of specialized practice (concentration) is on preparing students for advanced-level practice to work with marginalized populations using a social justice lens. It prepares graduates to creatively develop an understanding of intersectional worldviews; incorporate an anti-racist perspective into their work; learn approaches to challenging structures and systems that oppress and marginalize; and to advocate for social justice in policies and services to uphold human rights. All students are enrolled in this specialized practice. Some students may also choose to add an elective track in Clinical Social Work by taking three elective courses covering topics in clinical social work.
Yes, Stockton offers advanced standing to applications who have completed a baccalaureate degree in social work from a program that is accredited by the council on social work education within the past ten years.
Yes. You will also be able to take the New Jersey LCSW (License in Clinical Social Work) examination after you have obtained the LSW, the necessary post-MSW clinical experience and supervision, and after you have completed the necessary clinical coursework. For further information on licensure, visit the website of the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners or the National Association of Social Workers, New Jersey Chapter. Please keep in mind that state licensing requirements are different outside the state of New Jersey.
You must have completed a baccalaureate degree (in any subject), including 24 credits in liberal arts. A course in statistics is strongly recommended but not required for admission. To enroll in the Advanced Standing Program, you must have completed an undergraduate degree in social work from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Additional Information
Faculty, staff, alumni, field instructors, and interested community members are working together to fund dedicated scholarships that will be reserved exclusively for the support of future MSW students. If you are interested in contributing toward this effort, your donation, small or large, will help.
Support Stockton MSW students by giving to the MSW Endowed Scholarship Fund, by completing this form. Please make sure to designate the MSW Endowed Scholarship. Your gift will go directly to help our students!
If you are a student interested in applying for the MSW Scholarship or any other Stockton Foundation scholarship, please click HERE to learn more about submitting an application.
The Masters Child Welfare Education Program (MCWEP) is a partnership of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and a consortium of four New Jersey MSW programs— Monmouth University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, and Stockton University. With Stockton University as the consortium’s Lead Institution, the program is only open to current Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), SCR, and Adoptions Operations Casework Supervisors and Supervisors. MCWEP gives those individuals the opportunity to strengthen their skills in clinical social work practice and supervision, obtain an advanced credential in social work (MSW), and ultimately to enhance the capacity of the Division to deliver the highest quality services to the vulnerable children and families that it serves.
Click HERE to view the brochure for MCWEP students at Stockton or visit the full MCWEP website at www.stockton.edu/MCWEP.
Stockton University's MSW Program earned its initial accreditation in October 2012, retroactive to October 2009. Its accreditation was reaffirmed in October 2016. Its most recent Assessment Report is included here:
Academic Year 2022-23 Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
- Licensure
- Loan Forgiveness/Repayment
- Online Social Work Journals and Blogs
- Professional Organizations
- Council on Social Work Education (has list of all accredited and in-candidacy BSW and MSW social work programs)
- International Association of Schools of Social Work
- International Federation of Social Workers
- National Association of Black Social Workers
- National Association of Social Workers, National site
- National Association of Social Workers, New Jersey Chapter
- Network for Social Work Management
- Research Assistance
- Social Work Education
Apply today. If you have further questions you can Request More Information, contact Dr. Robin Hernandez-Mekonnen , MSW Program Chair at robin.hernandez-mekonnen@stockton.edu, or call the Office of Graduate Admissions at (609) 626-3640 or E-mail gradschool@stockton.edu.
