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Social Work

Social Work (DSW) New Brunswick

Deadlines
  U.S. Non-U.S.
Fall 2025 Apr 1, 2025 N/A
Fall 2026 Apr 1, 2026 N/A

School of Social Work

Program Requirements

An MSW from a CSWE accredited program (if an international student, an MSW or equivalent from a comparable accrediting institution), 2 years post MSW experience, a license to practice social work is required (exceptions will be considered), a license to practice clinical social work is preferred, an interview for qualified applicants, a personal statement, online application fee, transcripts from all colleges attended, three letters of recommendation (choose individuals who can write about your past clinical experience, your current work, and your intentions for pursuing doctoral education), curriculum vitae, a copy of current license, and a writing sample (Theoretical Orientation and Case Vignette, Area of Inquiry). For more information on applying, visit https://socialwork.rutgers.edu/admissions/dsw/application.


Personal Statement Instructions

The admission’s committee will be reading the personal statement and writing sample for evidence of the applicant's experience, competence, and commitment. In writing the essay consider the following (Limit 2 pages):

1) Please address how you will make times to meet the demands of a doctoral program?
2) What motivates you to seek a DSW at this time in your career?
3) Why did you choose Rutgers to pursue a DSW degree?
4) What are your career objectives, and how will a doctoral degree help you to achieve them?
5) If you are not currently licensed to practice clinical social work, please tell us why.
6) Optional: if you are currently working as a supervisor or in a macro-related agency setting, please tell us how the Rutgers DSW will enhance your leadership ability.