Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The MSW curriculum combines classroom learning, research methods and supervised field education to develop clinical, policy and community practice skills. Core topics typically include human behaviour and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research methods for social work, ethics and professional practice.

Practice-focused modules address social work with individuals and families, group work, community and organisational practice, and trauma-informed interventions. Electives commonly cover clinical assessment and diagnosis, substance misuse, mental health practice, child and family welfare, gerontology, and school social work.

A substantial practicum component places students in supervised field placements in public, non-profit and private settings such as hospitals, community mental health centres, schools, child welfare agencies and substance abuse programmes. The programme offers both standard and advanced-standing pathways for students with qualifying prior social work credentials, and flexible scheduling options to accommodate part-time study.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited programme may be eligible for advanced standing; applicants with degrees in other fields follow the regular MSW track. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and relevant experience, a current CV or résumé, and letters of recommendation.

Other common requirements include an interview and documentation of relevant volunteer or work experience in human services. For clinical placements, students must complete background checks and health/immunisation documentation as required by placement sites. International applicants are usually required to demonstrate English language proficiency and may need a credential evaluation for undergraduate transcripts.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across health care, education, government and the non-profit sector. Typical positions include clinical social worker, mental health counsellor, child and family practitioner, school social worker, medical social worker, substance abuse counsellor, and community organiser or programme manager.

The MSW curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for clinical licensure pathways (such as licensure as a clinical social worker), depending on state licensing requirements and supervised practice hours. Alumni also move into policy, administration, advocacy and research roles within human services organisations.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers an MSW grounded in practical field education and taught by faculty with professional experience in clinical and community practice. The university’s campus locations and local partnerships provide access to a diverse range of practicum placements, including hospitals, schools and community agencies, enabling students to gain applied experience across settings.

The programme emphasises culturally responsive practice, ethics and evidence-informed interventions, with options for specialisation and flexible study formats to suit working professionals. As an accredited social work programme, it prepares students for licensure and careers across the public and private sectors while supporting professional development and networking opportunities within the region.