Rutgers School of Social Work prepares passionate, committed students to become global leaders in the field. As one of the nation’s largest and most highly regarded schools of social work, we offer students nationally recognized faculty, rigorous academics, and unbeatable real-world experience.
Our programs prepare graduates to serve society in clinical, academic, government, non-profit, and corporate settings throughout the world.
Our faculty members are a dynamic community of leaders — tenured professors advancing the field of social work through original, published research, and professors of teaching and professional practice and part-time lecturers actively working in local communities and bringing those experiences into the classroom. Our dedicated staff members work on cutting edge research, training, student support, continuing education, alumni support, and many other invaluable areas.
Founded in 1766 and located in the heart of the New Jersey-New York-Pennsylvania region, Rutgers University has always offered students a top-notch, affordable education. As a part of Rutgers since 1954, the School of Social Work carries on that tradition, turning passionate, committed students into leaders who serve society in policy, academic, clinical, and corporate settings.
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
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Expository Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)
Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)
Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)
Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)
Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)
Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit)
Total Credits: 15-16
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Major Exploration Course(s) Recommended for Incoming First-Year Students
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
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Course Title
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Course Number
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Credits
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Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
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General Psychology
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01:830:101
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3
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Psychology (830) |
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Intro to Sociology
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01:920:101
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3
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Sociology (920) |
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Biology, Society, & Biomedical Issues
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01:119:150
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3
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Biological Sciences (119) |
Course recommendations beyond this department
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.
Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.
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Course Title
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Course Number
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Credits
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Subject on University Schedule of Classes
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| Introduction to Gender, Race and Sexuality |
01:988:101 |
3 |
Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (988) |
| Intro to Social Justice |
01:904:201 |
3 |
Social Justice (904) |
| Introduction to Race & Ethnicity in America |
01:050:102 |
3 |
American Studies (050) |
Related Subjects/Departments
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.
To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:
1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
American Studies (050)
Psychology (830)
Social Justice (904)
Sociology (920)
3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.
Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
Additional Information Beyond the Classroom
For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning.
In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options!
What opportunities exist in the department for beyond the classroom learning (internships, research, field work, etc.)?
RA Research Assistant program
Field Practicum I and II ~Field Placement ~Field work is an integral part of your social work experience. You will begin planning for your placement during your second semester in the major and begin field hours in year two. Placement sites frequently require a background check and/or drug screening. Students unable to meet these requirements and secure a field placement may not be able to continue in the social work major.
Study Abroad options:
•Social Welfare System in China 910:959
•Israel, an Exploration of People, Places, and Challenges 959:358
•Empowerment Through Community Engagement in the Yucatan 959:396
•Romania's [R]Evolution: Investing in Children and Families Across the Life Cycle 959:396
Is there a departmental Honors track or program?
The Honors Seminar is designed for seniors in the BASW Program. It will focus on contemporary social problems using the political environment and its values and ideologies as a lens to understand, evaluate, and assess current social problems. The contemporary social problems that will be discussed include: Covid-19, child welfare, mass incarceration, immigration, poverty, racism, health inequities, and homelessness, to name a few. Students will increase their knowledge relevant to practice, policy, and research. Additionally, students will gain transferable skills that will help them to think more critically and creatively, and to write and speak more effectively using appropriate oral, written, and visual means to communicate ideas to others in small and large settings. A final capstone project will integrate the student’s knowledge acquired in the course.
