Because of New Jersey’s geographical and ethnic makeup, there are lots of opportunities for educated social workers to serve the various communities in the state. In spite of its small size, New Jersey has almost 8.9 million residents. There are 1195.5 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 87.4 people per square mile. As a result, New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the country.
In addition to its population density, which has its own effect on people, the ethnic makeup of New Jersey demands culturally sensitive social workers. 14.7% of the state’s population is African-American and 9% is Asian-American, compared to the national averages of 13.1% and 5.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Social workers in the state should know how to deliver culturally competent care to people in these minority groups.
New Jersey is home to nine schools with MSW programs, including some with non-traditional study options. Overall, the average cost of tuition is $19,998, which is considerably lower than the average cost in many other New England states. In addition to a lower tuition rate, New Jersey has an average scholarship award of $10,641.
Most MSW programs run classes during the day, while allowing time for practicum hours. However, some schools, like the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, have options for students that are working. If you attend this program, you can attend classes on Saturdays and one day during the week.
The goals of an MSW program are multifaceted: you want to leave your program knowing how to deliver evidence-based care, understanding how social policies affect your patience, and understanding what your role is in the healthcare services of your community. During your first year, you work on these skills by taking a variety of core classes. During this time, you may begin to figure out what concentration area interests you most, in addition to deciding what your career goals might be.
In your second year, you can either choose a formal concentration or create your own area of focus by a selecting electives that help you meet your career goals. Throughout your entire MSW program, you complete a total of 900 clinical hours. You need to demonstrate considerable growth in each practicum class, as this is how your clinical site supervisor will assess your performance in the program.
The knowledge and skills you gain in an MSW degree can be put to good use in many different fields and industries. If you choose a concentration in school, it will play a big part in your career options once you graduate. In general, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare organizations and government agencies are the largest employers of social workers.
In New Jersey, some of the largest social work employers are Rose Garden Nursing and Rehab, Carrier Clinic, VNA Health Group, and Center for Family Guidance. After gaining advanced licensure, you may also open a private practice and work independently.
When you decide to live and work in New Jersey, you must be licensed by the State Board of Social Work Examiners. You can send in your application and sit for the Licensed Social Worker examination. Upon passing your exam, you receive your license.
If you want to become an LCSW and expand your career choices, you must complete 1,920 of supervised work experience over the course of three years. Once you submit proof of your hours to the board, you can receive your LCSW license.
Overall, social workers in New Jersey earn salaries that are higher than national averages. You may earn more money with higher licensure levels and extensive experience in the field.
Family social workers earn high salaries in New Jersey, as O*Net reports that they earn an average salary of $57,400 per year. Social workers in the healthcare typically earn an average salary of $55,500 per year (O*Net, 2012). Mental health social workers earn, on average, $50,500 per year (O*Net, 2012).
In New Jersey, there is a great need for educated social workers. Healthcare social workers are in high demand, with anticipated job growth of 18% through 2020 (O*Net, 2012). The field of mental health can expect a 13% increase in demand for social workers in the same time frame (O*Net, 2012).
Schools in New Jersey Offering Masters in Social Work Programs
Fairleigh Dickinson University-College at Florham
(Madison, NJ)
- Masters in Community and Social Psychology
- $35,412 Tuition Cost
- $19,274 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Kean University
(Union, NJ)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $6,925 Tuition Cost
- $2,904 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Monmouth University
(West Long Branch, NJ)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $29,082 Tuition Cost
- $10,529 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Montclair State University
(Montclair, NJ)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $7,982 Tuition Cost
- $2,896 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
New Jersey Institute of Technology
(Newark, NJ)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $12,400 Tuition Cost
- $10,159 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Princeton University
(Princeton, NJ)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $38,650 Tuition Cost
- $32,754 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
(New Brunswick, NJ)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $10,356 Tuition Cost
- $6,258 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Rutgers University-Newark
(Newark, NJ)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $10,356 Tuition Cost
- $5,194 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
(Galloway, NJ)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $7,948 Tuition Cost
- $5,799 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting