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Social Work, B.S.W.
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The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at NJCU is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This means that you can be assured that our program is adhering to the educational standards established for social work education. Students who graduate with a B.S.W. can apply for a Certification of Social Work (CSW) with the State of New Jersey. Students are also eligible for the one-year advanced standing MSW degree.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gives students the knowledge and skills to succeed in the social work field. The BSW program will prepare students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The BSW program emphasizes social justice for underserved and/or vulnerable populations.
There will be admission requirements to pursue the BSW major at NJCU. The acceptance process will include a review of the following: 1) grade point average of 2.75; 2) resume; and 3) essay explaining the applicant’s motivations to major in social work and acknowledgement of the rigorous internship requirement. Additionally, transfer students will be assessed individually based on comparable courses and credits completed, and comparable learning outcomes.
Why Become a Social Worker?
Social workers have been fierce advocates and competent professionals who work to empower individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The National Association of Social Workers defines social work is “a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment.â€
Social work promotes human and social well-being. Practitioners use a range of prevention and intervention methods in their practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities based on scientific inquiry and best practices.
They also engage diversity in their practices and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. They recognize, ÃÛÌÒtv, and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings.
What Kind of Job Will I Have When I Graduate?
The B.S.W. program at NJCU is designed to develop culturally informed, ethical, and effective professionals for direct social work practice with diverse populations. The program prepares students for a broad scope of practice in a variety of generalist practice settings, including public, private, and nonprofit agencies and organizations, in social services, child welfare services, human services, healthcare, and mental/behavioral health.
Timing & Course Logistics
You may apply to the B.S.W. program on a rolling basis. Once in the program, students will fulfill general education requirements during the first two years and focus on major classes during the junior and senior years. The program has been designed so that students starting at NJCU as freshman can major in social work and sociology or another second major with careful course planning. Students who are transferring from community colleges can major in social work and often complete a minor in sociology or another area with careful course planning. The program faculty and staff work to ensure that you are gaining the most from your educational experience. The B.S.W. program offers a combination of online and in-person classes to facilitate efficient time use for your studies and life obligations.
Please see some of the department highlights below:
2022-22024 DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Reach out to the program director for more information:
Social Work Program Inquiries
Dr. Jennifer A. Pax (jpax@njcu.edu), Director of Bachelor of Social Work Program