Three people sit at a desk, talking to each other

Overview

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work online program prepares you to make a positive impact on social and economic justice, human rights and quality of life for diverse populations. In this program, you will develop valuable skills to promote physical, psychological and social well-being for clients in various settings and regions of practice.

The online MSW curriculum combines didactic and practical learning through coursework delivered in an online format. It provides a competency-based education, preparing you to work as an advanced social work practitioner capable of leading developmental efforts in both public and private social service arenas. This program is designed for a variety of students to include: traditional students, working professionals and adult learners.

Get More Information

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

FDU’s Master of Social Work online program includes extensive field practicum experience. You will have the opportunity to apply the theory, skills and approaches learned in the course work to real-world situations. Placement opportunities include those in hospitals and other healthcare settings, schools, criminal justice settings, grassroots organizations, mental health services and more. You will work closely with a dedicated field coordinator to identify placements for your field experience hours.

FDU MSW Virtual Information Sessions

March 19, 2025, 6pm-7:30pm EST
Click Here to Register

April 22nd at 6pm-7:30pm EST
Click Here to Register

In Accordance With CSWE, Our Online MSW Program Prepares You To:

  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice.
  • Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
  • Engage in policy practice.
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Program Outcomes

Open the PDF to view program outcomes for FDU’s Master of Social Work online program.

Program’s Mission Statement

The mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work (FDU’s MSW) program is focused on producing competent professionals to serve diverse clients and systems while promoting social and economic justice and enhancing human rights for oppressed and vulnerable populations in various geographical locations. FDU’s MSW program strives to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for all individuals and communities through the application of evidence-based practices and scientific inquiry. The education and training provided will reflect the purpose and values of the social work profession.

Courses and Requirements

The Master of Social Work online program provides a comprehensive learning experience that combines social work theory with practical application. The online MSW degree features two program options, advanced standing and traditional. These tracks allow you to choose the course of study that best aligns with your previous educational experience. If you have previously earned a BSW, you may qualify for Advanced Standing and complete 30 hours of concentration courses and 500 hours of fields experience The traditional program is ideal for students who have not previously studied social work, featuring 900 hours of field experience and a total of 60 credit hours.

Traditional Program

900 hours of field experience

Advanced Standing Track

500 hours of field experience

  • MSW 7000 Advanced Micro Practice
  • MSW 7100 Advanced Mezzo Practice
  • MSW 7200 Advanced Macro Practice
  • MSW 7400 Social Policy II (4 credits)
  • MSW 7500 Empirical Practice (4 credits)
  • MSW 7600 Field Internship III (4 credits)
  • MSW 7620 Field Internship IV (4 credits)
  • Elective
  • Elective

Student Testimonial

Megan Warshauer: I wasn’t sure what going back to school would look like for me, after being out of academia for almost 10 years. I was always a dedicated student and made studying and schoolwork my top priority, but I was a mom now. Could I manage to excel in a master’s program and find a way to make time for homework, housework, and a bedtime story?

I found Fairleigh Dickinson University while searching for a program that would allow for me to take asynchronous classes in an online format. This way, I didn’t have to worry about finding child care or missing class on a sick day, but I could still place a major importance on my education. After the first week of classes, I knew I made the perfect decision.

This program has really reignited my excitement for learning. The curriculum is balanced so purposefully with coursework that is focused on promoting social justice and bringing about social change, with and on behalf of clients. And the faculty: I’m continuously impressed by their passion for teaching, their devotion to the field of social work, and the dedication they show to their students.

I’m Megan Warshauer and I welcome you to come take a look around Fairleigh Dickinson University. I love it here, and I think you might, too.

MSW Faculty

Admissions Requirements

Traditional Track

To be eligible for admission into the traditional program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree inclusive of coursework from the liberal arts; and
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.75.

Advanced Standing Track

To be eligible for admission into the advanced standing program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and
  • A minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

State Licensure Requirements

The Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Social Work Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). For all fifty states, this accredited status satisfies the educational requirements for licensure, but state licensure requirements can change at any time. The requirements and names of social work licenses can vary from state to state. States also determine social workers’ scope of practice as well as the titles they can use. While most states have processes for reciprocity and for transferring licenses from another state, some states will require you to go through the application process as a new applicant.

These links provide detailed information about licensing guidelines and requirements in each state.

State Licensure Requirements

For more information about licensure and social work practice, you can visit the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) website.

Fieldwork Overview

The fieldwork component of Social Work education is an essential facet to advancing students into practitioners. At the graduate level, this practice experience is critical in the preparation of competent professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of clients and constituencies. Field education allows students to apply theory, research, and practice approaches learned in the classroom to real-world situations, while functioning within agencies, providing Social Work services to clients and constituencies. This opportunity allows students to observe and participate in professional Social Work practices with various populations, organizational settings, problems/needs, and approaches.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s MSW (FDU MSW) program relies upon agencies and associated Social Work entities to deliver high-quality experiential education to its students. Maintaining strong relationships between the university and our field partners are critically important and continued communication a necessity. Each student will work with: a field instructor, an identified field supervisor; a faculty liaison, an FDU faculty member and point person to keep the agency and university connected; and the FDU MSW field coordinator, director of all fieldwork experience. Providing the student with such supports allows them to thrive and balance their education and fieldwork experiences. It also ensures students’ education and professional development remains the focus of all experiences.

Review Frequently Asked Questions about the Fieldwork requirement.

Field Instructor Requirements

  1. Hold an MSW degree with 2+ years’ experience and capable of engaging the student(s) in supervision on a regular basis
  2. Maintain or able to complete any state/regional supervisory certification(s) as necessary, as well as available to complete any programmatic FDU MSW field instructor training(s)
  3. Demonstrate sound judgement, leadership, and practice skills that are aligned with the professional ethics and values of social work
  4. Able to collaborate with student(s) on the development of learning tasks, complete evaluations, and take part in site visits (once a semester/in-person or virtual)

If you have any questions or would like to become a field instructor, please contact Dr. Andrea Cole (a.cole@fdu.edu) for more information.

To Apply

Those applying for admission into the online MSW program will be required to submit the following items:

  • A graduate application
  • Official transcripts
  • Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume
  • Personal statement
    • When formulating your personal statement, please use the prompts listed below as paragraph headings:
      1. Your reasons for selecting the FDU Masters of Social Work program and your thoughts on how the program’s mission statement addresses your short and long-term career goals.
      2. Successes and/or challenges you’ve experienced in your pursuit of higher education and motivating factors that led you to where you are today.
      3. Your plan for managing the demands of graduate study with the required field practicum and personal obligations.

How to Get Started on Your MSW Degree

Ready to take the next step towards your degree? Apply now or click here to request more information. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Apply Now