{"id":7,"date":"2025-06-09T16:18:34","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T16:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/?page_id=7"},"modified":"2026-03-09T19:39:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T19:39:51","slug":"master-of-social-work","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/master-of-social-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Master of Social Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"7\" class=\"elementor elementor-7\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ecfbb6f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2ecfbb6f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dab94f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3dab94f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><em>Promoting Justice and the Common Good<\/em><\/strong><\/p><p>The Master\u2019s in Social Work (MSW) program at Saint Peter\u2019s University is designed to prepare students for advanced professional social work practice. This program develops highly skilled social workers equipped to address complex social issues through ethical, evidence-based practice. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible for licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in New Jersey, with the option to pursue certification from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) as a certified school social worker.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ff7304 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3ff7304\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0bba116 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"0bba116\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75e4524 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75e4524\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Program Mission Statement<\/h3><p>\u00a0<br \/>The mission of the Master of Social Work Program at Saint Peter\u2019s University is to educate and prepare ethically grounded, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed advanced social work practitioners committed to promoting human dignity, advancing social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and engaging in transformative practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of service, leadership, and social responsibility, the program integrates scientific inquiry, critical reflection, and a global perspective to prepare graduates to meet complex social challenges and advocate for equity, human rights, and the well-being of all people.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13eb026 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"13eb026\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15bb24a elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"15bb24a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60dd693 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"60dd693\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>MSW Program At-a-Glance<\/h3><p><strong>Course Format:<\/strong> Hybrid (in-person and online classes) and fully online<br \/><strong>Program Duration:<\/strong> Part-time: 4 years, Full-time: 2 years, Advanced Standing: 1 year<br \/><strong>Credits:<\/strong> 60 credits<br \/><strong>Tuition:<\/strong> $900 per credit<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4099ec1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4099ec1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5830dc6 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"5830dc6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3af3024 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3af3024\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Program Overview<\/h3><p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/306\/files\/2025\/09\/MSW-table-300x176.jpg\" alt=\"photo of a social worker at a table with a young boy\" width=\"300\" height=\"176\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-46 alignleft\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/306\/files\/2025\/09\/MSW-table-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/306\/files\/2025\/09\/MSW-table-1024x599.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/306\/files\/2025\/09\/MSW-table-768x449.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/306\/files\/2025\/09\/MSW-table-1536x899.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/306\/files\/2025\/09\/MSW-table-2048x1198.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/306\/files\/2025\/09\/MSW-table-120x70.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The 60 credit curriculum of the MSW program aligns closely with the accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).<\/p><p>Our program provides students with the essential knowledge and skills, as well as advanced specialized courses designed to deepen their expertise in key areas of practice.<\/p><p>Coursework includes:<\/p><p><\/p><ul><li><strong>Social Problems and Programs:<\/strong> Understanding the historical, political, and economic contexts shaping social welfare policies and practices.<\/li><li><strong>Social Policy Analysis:<\/strong> Developing critical analytical skills to evaluate social policies and advocate for effective changes.<\/li><li><strong>Human Behavior and Social Environments:<\/strong> Examining theoretical frameworks for understanding individual and community behaviors within diverse social contexts.<\/li><li><strong>Theory and Practice I, II, and III:<\/strong> Progressive development of essential social work practice skills, from foundational engagement techniques to advanced clinical interventions.<\/li><li><strong>Field Education with Integrated Seminars:<\/strong> Structured internships complemented by reflective seminars to integrate academic knowledge with practical experience.<\/li><li><strong>Research Methods in Social Work:<\/strong> Training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies essential for evidence-based practice.<\/li><li><strong>Specialized courses in Mental Health and Psychopathology, Substance Abuse Theory, School Social Work:<\/strong> Focused coursework to equip students with the advanced skills necessary to practice effectively in these specialized areas.<\/li><\/ul><p>Practicum education is the cornerstone of the MSW program at Saint Peter\u2019s University. Students will engage in experiential learning through supervised field internships across diverse settings such as healthcare facilities, schools, social service agencies, and community organizations. These placements will be strategically aligned with the students&#8217; areas of specialization, ensuring that your field experiences are both relevant and impactful.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0aad88 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a0aad88\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-97c9b7e elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"97c9b7e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77f8fc8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"77f8fc8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>The Center for Child and Human Development (CCHD)<\/h3><p><span>Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of service, justice, and care for the whole person, the Center for Child and Human Development is committed to advancing the dignity, well-being, and potential of every individual\u2014especially children and families who are most vulnerable.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9addbd elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"e9addbd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/center-for-child-and-human-development\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Learn More about CCHD<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ce9c2c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0ce9c2c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e94d966 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"e94d966\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-995738f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"995738f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Advanced Standing MSW<\/h3>\nIf you earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), you are eligible for advanced standing.  This plan of study waives your first year of courses, entering the second year of the MSW program.  Allowing you to earn your MSW in 1 year.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26026c3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"26026c3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-050c66c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"050c66c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d69d82 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5d69d82\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Why Study Social Work at Saint Peter&#8217;s University?<\/h3><p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2025\/11\/1809af-4055_28428308608_o-1-1-230x155.jpg\" width=\"254\" height=\"171\" class=\" alignright\" \/>Saint Peter\u2019s University, with its rich Jesuit tradition, emphasizes a holistic educational approach known as <em>cura personalis<\/em>, or care for the whole person, and social justice. The MSW program aligns with these values by training students, not only in academic and professional skills, but also in ethical decision-making, cultural competency and advocacy for justice. Graduates should be able to respond effectively to individual and societal challenges, prioritizing service to marginalized communities and promoting overall human dignity and well-being.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d46083c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d46083c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73edd49 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"73edd49\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d8ac83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3d8ac83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>How Does an MSW Prepare Students for the Future?<\/h3><p>Graduates of the MSW program at Saint Peter\u2019s University will emerge as leaders capable of influencing policy, transforming communities and enhancing individual and collective well-being. Guided by the Jesuit principle of &#8220;men and women for others,&#8221; they will be uniquely positioned to address mental health, child welfare and substance abuse as part of the workforce dedicated to service and justice \u2014 values that are at the heart of Saint Peter\u2019s mission.<\/p><p>Graduates could pursue such careers paths as:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Clinical Social Worker:<\/strong> provide therapy and mental health support to individuals, families, and groups in various settings like private practices, hospitals, and mental health clinics.<\/li><li><strong>Child Welfare Specialist:<\/strong> advocate for at-risk children and families, working in areas like child protective services and foster care.<\/li><li><strong>Community Programs Manager:<\/strong> oversee the planning, development, and implementation of social service programs.<\/li><li><strong>Public Policy Analyst:<\/strong> analyze and evaluate social welfare policies and programs.<\/li><li><strong>Academic Advisor\/Professor:<\/strong> work in educational settings, providing guidance and support to students.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-775b625 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"775b625\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85489fd elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"85489fd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8ef3b0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8ef3b0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Program Director<\/h3><p><strong>Dr. Megan Callahan Sherman, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW<\/strong><br \/><em>MSW Program Director<\/em><br \/><em>Professor, Caulfield School of Education<\/em><br \/><em>Director of the Center for Child and Human Development<\/em><\/p><p>Dr. Sherman graduated from Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Social Work. Dr. Sherman holds the following licences and certifications: New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker, New Jersey Department of Education Certified Supervisor, New Jersey Department of Education Certified School Social Worker, Certified Clinical Social Work Supervisor. Dr. Sherman has over 22 years of experience in Education, Higher Education teaching and research, Supervision and Administration, and Social Work.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Promoting Justice and the Common Good The Master\u2019s in Social Work (MSW) program at Saint Peter\u2019s University is designed to prepare students for advanced professional social work practice. This program develops highly skilled social workers equipped to address complex social issues through ethical, evidence-based practice. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible for licensure as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1293,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1293"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":73,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions\/73"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-social-work\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}