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

The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the international applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.

In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all of corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.

• Priority Deadline:
  • In Person, On Campus: January 15th. Applications that are complete as of the January 15th deadline will receive priority review, and can expect an admissions decision no later than February 15th.
  • Online Program: May 15th. Applications that are complete as of the May 15th deadline will receive priority review, and can expect an admissions decision no later than June 15th. 

*Please note: Upon offer of admission, you will be asked to submit an enrollment deposit of $200 for both modalities.

• Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.

The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Social Work (MSW), Children, Youth and Families Concentration program:

• Transcript: One from each college attended.
• Personal Statement
  • In-Person, On Campus Essay Prompt

  • Online Essay Prompt

• Letters of Recommendation: Two.
• Resume: Required. The program faculty for the Master of Social Work program suggests you format your resume similar to this example.
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.

Additional Requirements for applicants to the Advanced Standing MSW

• Final Field Evaluation: Applicants applying to the Advanced Standing program are required to submit a final field evaluation to be reviewed for admission to the Montclair State University MSW program. The admissions committee expects to see the following components on a final field evaluation:
  • Student Name
  • School Name
  • Agency Name/Placement Site Name
  • Rating/commentary of performance in social work competencies as outlined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • Signatures from Field Instructor and student

  If an applicant’s field placement is still in progress at the time their application is complete, a midterm field evaluation may be submitted for admission decision review. If admitted into the program, a final field evaluation is required prior to enrolling in the program. All the above requirements also apply to any midterm evaluations that are submitted.

• Recommendation for Advanced Standing: Applicants applying to the Advanced Standing program are required to submit an assessment and recommendation by the applicant’s social work program director. Download this recommendation form here.

The MSW is a 60-credit, full-time program. Students enjoy frequent interaction with faculty, small class sizes and a climate that is conducive to in-depth learning. Our program uses a unique, cohort-based model such that all students progress through the curriculum together and develop close relationships with peers and faculty. Throughout their studies, students engage in classroom learning, as well as supervised field experiences in various human service agencies. Field placements may include mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, child welfare agencies, disability services, substance abuse clinics, correctional facilities, etc.

For more information, please visit the Social Work (MSW), Children, Youth and Families Concentration program listing in the University Catalog.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869

If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Social Work (MSW), Children, Youth and Families Concentration Program Coordinator:

*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Click to find the updated summer chair for this program.*

Program Coordinator: Dr. Lynette Reitz
Email: reitzl@montclair.edu