College of Arts and Sciences
A better world starts with compassionate leaders. With a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to advocate for those who need it the most —and transform lives, communities and systems for the better.
At Seton Hall, our M.S.W. prepares students to lead with compassion, nurturing the values, knowledge and critical skills that can help create a lasting impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Ranked among the Best Schools for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report, we offer flexible options for full-time and part-time study, with specialized concentrations in behavioral health and forensic social work – the only graduate forensic program in New Jersey.
Whether you’re new to field or already have a B.S.W., our Regular Standing and Advanced Standing tracks help you earn your degree while balancing work and life. Through field placements, you’ll turn theory into practice, gaining experience in a real-world setting as you grow into the leader your communities need.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) —the highest mark of excellence in social work education—our M.S.W. gives you a competitive edge, opening the door to licensure and a lifetime of other opportunities.
Accreditation & Awards
"Social work is really a profession that chooses you. Students arrive at our door with that sense of ‘this is where they’re meant to be in life’ or ‘this is what they’re meant to do’."
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants are required to complete our online graduate application and submit the following materials:
- Required application fee ($75, waivers available)
- Personal statement (750-1000 words)
- Resume
- Official academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
In addition to the general University requirements, the Department of Social Work and Public Administration has additional pre-requisite admissions requirements.
Deadlines
-
Full-time (Fall admission)
April 30
-
Full-time (Spring admission)
November 30
-
Part-time
Rolling Admissions
International Students Welcome!
Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.
Curriculum Overview
Our program was built with flexibility in mind, offering two pathways to help you balance work, life and everything in between.
Regular Standing
If you don’t have a bachelor's degree in social work (B.S.W.), you can complete the
program in as little as two years full-time or up to four years part-time. The first
year focuses on foundational courses, taken either on-campus or online (synchronous).
Advanced Standing
For those with an accredited B.S.W., the Advanced Standing option fast-tracks your
degree in just one year. Students go straight into the second year, which consists
of online (asynchronous) courses.
Both paths are enriched by field placements, where students apply classroom knowledge to diverse settings while gaining practical experience. Faculty with expertise in trauma, substance abuse, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues and more guide students through a curriculum designed to develop social work skills.
Focus on What Matters Most
With concentrations in Behavioral Health or Forensic Social Work, you can specialize
in the areas and issues you care most about, whether that’s mental health, addiction
recovery or working within the criminal justice system.
No matter which path, our students finish the program ready to make a difference and work with individuals, families or groups in a variety of advanced-practice settings — including behavioral health, substance abuse, healthcare and forensic practice.
-
2
Degree Tracks
-
1st
Catholic university to offer a M.S.W degree
-
Top 30%
Rank among all M.S.W. programs in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
Experiential Learning
Students learn from and work alongside faculty and community partners to turn classroom lessons into real-world impact.
Conduct research through the RIOS Lab.
Students visit the U.N. for Annual Social Work Day.
Present at dynamic on-campus conferences and events.
Career Opportunities
With an M.S.W., you can deeply impact individual lives, communities and societal structures. Our graduates go on to pursue a wide range of meaningful roles, each dedicated to improving well-being, championing social justice and fostering positive change through their practice.
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. Other roles like Case Manager, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Child Welfare Case Worker are additional ways where social workers can make an impact. Beyond these direct services, there are opportunities in research, program development, and administration within governmental agencies, nonprofits and NGOs.
67,000+
Projected job openings for social workers each year, on average, through 2033 (BLS)
+10%
Projected employment growth for healthcare social workers from 2023-33 (BLS)
+11%
Projected employment growth for mental health and substance abuse social workers from 2023-33 (BLS)
Our alumni work at the best organizations around the world.
Our Faculty and Students
Community Empowerment Through Participatory Research
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Seton Hall’s M.S.W. Among Top 30 Percent in the Nation
In Focus: M.S.W. Students in the Field
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
-
50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will an M.S.W. help? Why should I consider a M.S.W.?
While many states will grant licensure to those with a bachelor’s degree in social work, master’s level social workers are eligible for licensing in all states. According to the National Association of Social Workers, an M.S.W. is often required for social work roles in healthcare and is always required for clinical positions. Both concentrations at Seton Hall are clinical concentrations.
Plus, as healthcare spending and treatment continue to grow, clinical social workers are seeing increased opportunities compared to their counterparts who do not provide treatment services.
What does field experience look like in the M.S.W. program?
Fieldwork is a critical component of any master’s level social work degree. It is in the field where students apply and test theoretical knowledge. Where they acquire, refine and evaluate their skills and techniques. Where they develop their unique style within the framework of ethical, professional values.
Both the Regular Standing and Advanced Standing options include on-site fieldwork in the community. In consultation with the Director of Field Education, you’ll be able to engage in a variety of settings— such as healthcare, schools, social service agencies and community organizations—during your first and second years (for Regular Standing students) or during your advanced year (for Advanced Standing students).
Where can I access additional FAQ's?
Additional Resources
What is Advanced Standing?
Field Education Manual (PDF)
Program Handbook
Department of Social Work and Public Administration
B.S.W.
Request More Information
Loading Master of Social Work ...
About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
-
14
Miles from New York City
-
90+
Career-Building Graduate Programs
