School of Graduate and Continuing Studies

Master of Social Work (MSW)

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Stockton’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Program is designed to educate social workers who are prepared for advanced-level practice with diverse individuals, families, and communities. The Program aims to produce graduates who understand the human condition and the commonalities that all people everywhere share, while respecting and honoring differences in personal and communal history, social class, race, color, ethnicity, culture, language, immigration status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, political ideology, religion, and disability status.

The Program will establish and build upon a strong foundation of generalist social work practice values, knowledge, and skills. Students will be expected to understand and be able to apply an ecosystems perspective, the strengths perspective, and empowerment practice theory. They will develop a thorough acquaintance with the negative effects of oppression, discrimination, marginalization, and other social forces that block people’s ability to meet their basic human needs. They will develop familiarity with multiple theories, perspectives, and approaches that will strengthen their ability to work effectively with diverse populations. They will be expected to critically examine these theories, perspectives, and approaches as they become acquainted with research literature and as they develop experience in agency practice.

Continuing the central focus of Stockton's undergraduate program, the MSW Program aims to produce graduates who have a lifetime commitment to upholding human rights, respecting human diversity, and working towards social justice in their professional and personal lives.

The MSW curriculum focuses on developing practitioners who are able creatively to develop an in-depth understanding of diverse worldviews; empower diverse people to expand their capacities, resources, and opportunities; and advocate for policies and services that address social conditions that limit the quality of life for all people

Admission Criteria

To be considered for admission to the MSW Program, applicants must submit the following:

Completed application. This includes brief essays in response to questions posed in the application;
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts from all colleges attended are required);
Adequate foundation in the liberal arts (at least 24 credits, as demonstrated in the transcript);
Completion of a statistics course;
Three letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant’s work (academic work, paid employment, or volunteer work in social welfare);
Cumulative GPA of 3.0;
An interview; (Applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview after committee review of completed application file) and;
A writing sample to be completed at the time of the interview.
The TOEFL exam is required of students for whom English is a second language.
Facility in a second language (other than English) will be considered a strength in the applicant’s file.

All of the above factors will be carefully weighed in the admissions process. Applicants with the strongest overall record in the above areas will be offered admission. Once available slots are filled, qualified applicants who were not able to be offered admission will be placed on a waiting list for slots that might open up.

Stockton’s MSW program will not grant credit for life experience or previous work experience.
Apply today to take the initial step toward "The Degree You Need to Achieve”. For more information or questions about the MSW program please contact:

Diane Falk, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW,
MSW Program Director
Diane.Falk@stockton.edu (609) 652-4736