The social work major prepares students to enter a 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.

After acceptance to the college, students must apply for admission to the major. Applications are submitted directly via the Department of Social Work website. Details are found on the department website, but in part include:

Overall Rutgers University-Newark GPA minimum of 2.7, minimum of one semester at Rutgers-Newark, demographic survey, essay, successful completion of at least one 21:910 social work course with a C or better, and accumulation of at least 24 credits.

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)
21:910:333 Social Work Professional Development (1)
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 (3)
21:910:414 Social Work Senior Seminar II (3)
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 (3,3); or 21:830:301 Psychology Statistical Methods (4) and 21:830:302 Psychology Research Methods (4); or 47:202:301 Criminal Justice Research Methods (3) and 47:202:302 Data Analysis in Criminal Justice (3)

5. Biology

A minimum of 3 credits in a human biology course

6. Political Science
21:790:201 American National Government (3)