Social Work (MSW), Children, Youth and Families Concentration at Montclair State University

Social Work (MSW), Children, Youth and Families Concentration

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Social Work (MSW), Children, Youth and Families Concentration

The MSW program prepared me for my current position as a therapist by providing me with a solid foundation in clinical techniques and therapeutic approaches. The program’s hands-on training and field placements allowed me to practice and refine my skills in real-world settings. Additionally, the focus on understanding diverse populations and complex social issues equipped me to address a wide range of client needs effectively. Overall, the program’s emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical experience was key in shaping my approach and confidence as a therapist.

~Jamie Fekete, MSW Alum ’23

The MSW program prepares leaders in social work practice with children, youth and families in a diverse local and global society. The program aims to prepare advanced practitioners to provide a range of clinical and advocacy services to vulnerable children, adolescents and their families. Graduates will promote the well-being and functioning of their clients by engaging in ethical, culturally competent, and evidence-informed practice and by demonstrating a strong commitment to social/economic justice.

Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings serving children, youth and families, including, but not limited to, mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, community centers, state and local government and private practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024 – faster than the average for all occupations.

Starting Fall 2025, there will be an Online Master of Social Work.

Social Work (MSW)

Program Program Length Location Cohort Day Schedule Evening Schedule
60-credit Full-time 2 years On campus Day option or Evening option Tuesday & Fridays 8:15 am- 5:00 pm Mondays 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 pm- 10:45 pm
60-credit Part-time 3 or 4 years On campus Day or Evening option Tuesday & Fridays 8:15 am- 5:00 pm Mondays 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 pm- 10:45 pm
60-credit Part-time 3 years (Starting Fall 2025) Online—Zoom and asynchronous classes Evening option only Monday 6:00- 8:45 pm and/or Wednesday 6:00-8:45 pm

*The cost of the traditional 60-credit master’s program is $38,750 for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Advanced standing (33 credits):

The Advanced Standing MSW is an option only for students who have earned a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) The BSW degree must be obtained within the last 5 years.

Please note: Those with BSW degrees earned overseas will need an additional evaluation submitted from CSWE https://cswe.org/Accreditation/Other/International-Degree-Review.aspx.

The Advanced Standing MSW option allows you to save an entire year of coursework and tuition payments. Admitted students will be required to complete 1 course (3 credits) during the summer semester before continuing with the remaining 30 credits of the MSW program. This accelerated program is full-time and all classes meet on-campus:

Advanced Standing program options Program Length Location Cohort Day Schedule Evening Schedule
Advanced Standing Full-time 1 year On campus Day or Evening option Tuesday & Fridays 8:15 am- 5:00 pm Mondays 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 pm- 10:45 pm
Advanced Standing Part-time 2 years On campus Day or Evening option Tuesday & Fridays 8:15 am- 5:00 pm Mondays 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 pm- 10:45 pm

Interested in learning about our NEW Graduate Certificate in Harm Reduction Approach in Substance Abuse? Click here to request more information.

Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.