The social work major prepares students to enter a helping profession that has a long history of concern and action for the well being of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students are prepared for beginning level, competency-based, generalist practice, with emphasis on special populations including youth and families, the elderly, and those at risk.
The department is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and includes academic coursework and supervised field practice. Graduates are eligible for certification by the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners and also for advanced standing if they pursue graduate study in social work. Students must apply for admission to the major. The major may be declared after completing at least 24 credits, including one of the following courses, taken at Rutgers University-Newark, with a grade of C or better: 21:910:220, 322, 341, 342, 345; Rutgers GPA of 2.7, résumé, and application essay. Academic credit is not given for life experience. Students should contact the department for advisement.
The requirements for the social work major include:
1. Social Work
21:910:220 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3)
21:910:322 Human Behavior and the Social Environment (3)
21:910:324 Social Work Junior Field Practice (3)
21:910:341 Social Welfare Policies To the 1930s (3)
21:910:342 Contemporary Social Welfare Policies (3)
21:910:345 Human Diversity (3)
21:910:346 Social Work Theory and Methods I (3)
21:910:411 Social Work Theory and Methods II (3)
21:910:412 Social Work Theory and Methods III (3)
21:910:413 Social Work Senior Seminar I (2)
21:910:414 Social Work Senior Seminar II (2)
21:910:471 Senior Field Practice in Social Work I (4)
21:910:472 Senior Field Practice in Social Work II (4)
* Note: Field placement, although usually available, cannot be guaranteed
for evenings or weekends; arrangements must be made with the department
and followed through the semester prior to the placement.
2. Sociology
21:920:201 Introduction to Sociology (3)
3. Psychology
21:830:102 Principles of Psychology (3)
4. Research
21:920:301-302 Social Research (4,4) or 21:830:301 Statistical Methods for the Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences (4) and 21:830:302 Experimental Methods for the Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences (4)
5. Biology
A minimum of 3 credits in a human biology course
6. Political Science
21:790:201 American National Government (3)
