3 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in New Jersey

New Jersey is a small state, but its proximity to New York City means that social workers, especially mental health and substance abuse social workers, are in high demand. Unfortunately, the cost and time commitment of higher education can make it harder for students to earn their social work degrees.

Students in New Jersey can earn affordable online social work degrees through schools in-state and across the country. Keep reading to discover some affordable online social work degree programs in New Jersey.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in New Jersey

A few affordable online colleges in New Jersey offer Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs. We've highlighted these below, and all are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

1. Farleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private, nonprofit school based in Teaneck, NJ. It offers an online master's degree in social work that covers core topics such as:

• human behavior and the social environment
• social justice
• social welfare policy
• social work practice

This program offers a 60-credit traditional track as well as a 30-credit advanced standing track for students who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Both programs require research and fieldwork internships and cost $926 per credit hour.

2. Kean University

Through Kean University, students can earn a Master of Social Work through an online program. This is a two-and-a-half-year program that includes fundamental coursework on generalist social work practice as well as field placements.

Kean University is a public institution in Union, NJ. It charges $927.66 per credit hour for this online degree.

3. Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers an online MSW program through its School of Social Work. Rutgers is a public research institution in New Brunswick, NJ.

The traditional program is 60 credits and offers a full-time two-year option for full-time students and a three-year schedule option for part-time students. The advanced standing program is two years and requires 39 credits.

Students can choose from specializations in clinical social work and management and policy. This program costs $1,047 per credit hour.

Other Affordable Online Social Work Programs in the U.S.

There are only a few online social work degrees in New Jersey, but online students have the benefit of learning programs from schools out of state as well. Below, we've highlighted a few additional affordable online social work programs in the U.S. All are CSWE-accredited programs.

1. State University of New York at Plattsburgh

The State University of New York at Plattsburgh is a public institution in Plattsburgh, NY. It offers an online Bachelor of Social Work degree that includes core courses and electives on topics like:

• generalist social work practice
• human behavior
• human services
• mental health

This program is fully online, except for any required in-person field practicums. The tuition rate is $3,535 per semester for in-state, full-time students and $4,240 per semester for full-time out-of-state students.

2. Touro University

Through Touro University Worldwide, students can earn an online bachelor's degree in social work. This program includes courses on human behavior and social work practice, as well as electives on topics like child welfare and substance abuse. Practicums and a capstone are also included.

Touro University Worldwide is the online campus of Touro University, a private, nonprofit Jewish institution. This online learning program costs $500 per credit hour.

Touro's New York City campuses offer an online MSW program. This program offers full-time and part-time schedules and costs $855 per credit hour.

3. UMass Global

UMass Global offers a BSW and an MSW to online learners. UMass Global is a private, nonprofit online college affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System.

The bachelor's degree program covers numerous topics, including social policy, child welfare, substance abuse, and victim advocacy. It includes a field education requirement and costs $500 per credit hour.

The MSW program covers many similar topics as well as competencies in healthcare social work and school social work. Both an advanced standing program and a traditional program are available for $730 per credit hour.

4. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is a public research institution in Memphis, TN. It offers a bachelor's and a master's in social work.

The bachelor's degree program focuses primarily on generalist direct practice in social work but also offers a concentration for those wanting to be school social workers. It costs $447 per credit, with no additional fee to out-of-state students.

In the MSW program, students learn online through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses, with both a traditional and advanced standing track available. Additionally, the university offers an online Doctor of Social Work. Both graduate degrees cost $646 per credit hour.

FAQs About Online Social Work Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online social work degrees.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Social Work Degree Programs?

The admissions requirements for online social work degree programs depend on whether you're pursuing a BSW or an MSW. Some bachelor's programs may require students to finish all their general education requirements before starting their major courses, while others let them begin major courses in the first year.

Master's degrees in social work usually have stricter requirements. You must have a bachelor's degree � and if you want to pursue an advanced standing track, you'll need a bachelor's from a CSWE-accredited program.

Many colleges also have specific GPA requirements. You may also need to submit GRE scores, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

The cost of an online social work degree depends on several factors, like the level of degree you're earning, the school you choose, whether you're in-state or out-of-state, and whether you study full-time or part-time.

In New Jersey, online MSW programs range from $926 to $1,047 per credit hour. However, that does not include financial aid coverage.

Many colleges and universities offer scholarships and grants to social work students. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see what they qualify for.

What Can I Do with a Master's in Social Work?

There are many career paths you can take with a master's in social work, including jobs in criminal justice, healthcare, social justice advocacy, and social services. These include:

• child and family caseworker
• healthcare social worker
• mental health counselor
• school social worker
• social services administrator
• substance abuse counselor
• victim advocate

If you want to focus your social work career on clinical practice, you must obtain licensure from your state. To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey, you'll need an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, two years of supervised social work experience, and to pass the clinical exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

Start your path toward reaching your social work career goals today by checking out the online bachelor's degrees featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools for more information.