According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), community and social service occupations accounted for 1.9% of employment in the New York–Newark–Jersey City metro area in May 2024 (vs. 1.7% nationally), and the area’s mean hourly wage for this major group was $35.26 (vs. $30.31 nationally). 

If you want to learn how to become a social worker in New Jersey, this guide outlines education and licensing requirements as well as options for social work programs and New Jersey social work organizations to join. First, review the steps required to become a social worker in New Jersey.

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University of Denver

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Syracuse University

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Simmons University

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Howard University

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The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

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Common Steps to Become a New Jersey Social Worker

The journey to becoming a social worker in New Jersey starts with education. Entry-level social work positions are available, but to advance in NJ, there are additional educational and exam requirements. The information below was retrieved from the New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners. 

Information below was retrieved January 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.

1. Complete Accredited Social Work Education 

All social work education requirements in NJ should be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). To become a certified social worker (CSW) in NJ, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is required for application. To become a licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required. You will be required to complete clinical hours or an internship experience as part of your accredited social work degree program. Only LCSW licensure requires post-MSW supervised clinical experience; CSW and LSW do not require post-degree hours, though your BSW/MSW program will include field education.

2. Pass the ASWB Exam — for LSW and LCSW Applicants

Before applying to the state of NJ for licensure as an LSW or LCSW in New Jersey, social workers are required to submit passing scores on exams from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for either the master’s exam for LSW licensure or clinical exam for LCSW licensure. 

3. Gain Clinical Experience — for LCSW Applicants 

According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) New Jersey Chapter, to apply for a LCSW license in NJ, social workers must be able to provide documentation for 3,000 hours in 2–4 years, including at least 1,920 hours of face-to-face client contact, with half of those in psychotherapeutic counseling. These hours must have been completed under the supervision of an appropriate and approved supervisor. In most cases, NJ social workers are licensed as LSWs while earning these hours.

4. Apply for Licensure 

Unless you have applied for the CSW license after submitting proof of your completed BSW degree, you likely have completed and passed the appropriate ASWB exam for the LSW and LCSW license requirements and completed clinical hours for the LCSW application. Once your education, exam and hours are complete, you may submit your application to the State Board of Social Work Examiners. New Jersey also requires applicants to submit a signed consent acknowledging the Board will conduct a criminal history background check as part of the credentialing process.

Your path to a social work education in New Jersey can look a little different depending on your starting point and your long-term licensing goals.

Some students begin with an associate degree to complete general education or foundational human services coursework before transferring into a bachelor’s program. For example, Thomas Edison State University offers an Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Human Services, which is designed as a foundation for work in human services fields.

New Jersey has multiple CSWE-accredited (and candidate) social work programs at both the BSW and MSW levels. Because program status can change, the most reliable way to confirm current options is to check CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

A BSW typically covers generalist social work practice and includes required field education. An MSW program builds advanced skills and often allows students to select a concentration; it also includes supervised field placements/practicum.

Choosing your degree level depends on what you plan to do after graduation. In New Jersey, the CSW credential is commonly associated with BSW-level preparation, while LSW and LCSW require MSW-level education.New Jersey also offers doctoral-level study. Rutgers University, for example, has a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program. CSWE has also moved beyond a pilot and began accrediting practice doctorate programs in 2025, though not every DSW program is CSWE-accredited, so it’s smart to verify any doctoral program’s current status in the CSWE directory.

There are several MSW programs in New Jersey that are accredited by the CSWE or are currently in candidacy for accreditation. Most programs offer both full-time and part-time options. All offer advanced standing MSW programs, which means if a student already has a BSW, they can apply that coursework towards the MSW program and accelerate their program. The following are all fully CSWE-accredited MSW programs in New Jersey:

Several New Jersey universities offer MSW coursework in an online format. For example, Rutgers School of Social Work has a 100% online MSW that can typically be completed in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time), and an advanced standing option that can be completed in four semesters. Kean University also offers an online MSW option alongside its on-campus pathways.

In addition, Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a Master of Social Work (Online) with both traditional and advanced-standing tracks, including in-person practicum/field placement requirements.

You may also consider online programs outside of the state, such as other online clinical social work programs or an online MSW program with no GRE requirement. Be sure to review your ideal university program’s requirements for residency.

New Jersey’s State Board of Social Work Examiners issues three social work credentials: Certified Social Worker (CSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In general, the Board certifies social workers at the bachelor’s level (CSW) and licenses social workers at the master’s level (LSW and LCSW).

Each credential aligns with a different scope of practice and set of responsibilities. The information below is based on the New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC), Title 13, Chapter 44G, which governs the State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey allows you to provide clinical social work services, which may include clinical assessment/diagnosis, psychotherapeutic counseling, clinical consultation, and clinical supervision, as defined in the New Jersey Administrative Code.

Learn more about how to become an LCSW.

A licensed social worker (LSW) in New Jersey can provide all the social work services a CSW can perform, as well as clinical social work services when supervised by an LCSW.

A certified social worker (CSW) in New Jersey can provide social work services including assessment, administration, client-centered advocacy, consultation and counseling, planning and community organization, research and policy.

The average social worker salary in New Jersey depends on factors like experience, work setting and title. Data from this table was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in January 2026.

Information on the above social work salaries in New Jersey was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates New Jersey in January 2026

Learn more about different social work salaries.

If you’re interested in attending social work school in New Jersey, there are social work scholarships in New Jersey that can help you pay for school.

You may also check with your preferred university or for more scholarship opportunities through the NJ.gov Grants, Financial Aid and Scholarships listings.

Social work organizations in New Jersey provide networking opportunities, job leads and resources for future and current social workers in New Jersey. Connect with a relevant chapter to meet other New Jersey social workers and stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the field.

New Jersey does not have broad “license reciprocity” agreements, but it does allow licensure by endorsement for applicants who are already licensed/registered in another U.S. jurisdiction. If the other jurisdiction’s requirements are substantially similar and you’ve passed a comparable exam, you may be eligible for an exam exemption, but you still must apply to the New Jersey Board and meet New Jersey’s requirements.

The social work CE requirements in New Jersey vary by licensure type. All licensed or certified New Jersey social workers applying for license renewal must complete at least one credit of CE related to topics concerning prescription opioid drugs. According to the State Board of Social Work Examiners NJ Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 44G (PDF, 432 KB):

Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

To look up a social work license in New Jersey, use the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) online license verification system. Start from the State Board of Social Work Examiners License Verification page and follow the link to the public lookup tool, or search directly through MyLicense by entering the licensee’s name and/or license number. This will display your license status and other publicly available details.

Last updated in January 2026.