New Licensure Prep Seminar Strengthens Path to Practice for Graduate Social Work Students

For graduate students in social work, passing the master’s licensing exam is one of the most pivotal steps in advancing their career. Starting this year, Seton Hall University’s Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program now offers an intensive licensure preparation seminar, designed to help students approach the exam with confidence through practical preparation.

Led by Dawn Apgar, Ph.D., associate professor and nationally recognized author of social work exam guides, the three-day seminar was offered for the first time to M.S.W. students graduating in May 2026. Over the course of three days, students engaged in a comprehensive review of social work content, learned targeted test-taking strategies and gained valuable insight into the structure and expectations of the exam. Students also received practical advice from Apgar on managing the exam process, from pacing and question breakdown to exam-day logistics.

Attendees also received long-term benefits to support their continued exam readiness. To extend learning beyond the seminar, each student gained free access to a professional test preparation package valued at $130, which includes 500 study questions and additional practice resources. This access allows students to continue building skills and confidence, with supplemental support available throughout the academic year.

For many students, the seminar significantly reduced anxiety and replaced uncertainty with confidence, reporting that the combination of in-person instruction and online support sharpened their readiness. “Before the seminar weekend, I really hadn’t thought much about the exam,” said Jessica Sabatini, an M.S.W. student pursuing the forensic concentration. “This helped me organize my thoughts and review everything from my B.S.W. program. Between the weekend seminar and the online platform, I know I’ll be more than prepared.”

Structured test preparation has been shown to improve performance and reduce anxiety on professional exams. Practice exams and guided reviews not only enhance knowledge retention, but also help students develop the confidence and test-taking skills necessary for high-stakes assessments.

Another student, Amy Avila Maradiaga, emphasized how Apgar’s approach transformed her outlook. “Dr. Apgar broke down complicated material in a way that felt approachable and gave me the confidence needed to pass the exam. Her teaching style made me feel supported rather than overwhelmed. I went from feeling anxious and uncertain to focused and prepared.”

Students also remarked that the seminar demonstrated Seton Hall’s investment in their long-term success. “Completing coursework gives us the knowledge,” Amy added, “but preparing for the licensure exam requires a different level of focus, strategy and confidence. This seminar bridged that gap.”

About the Master of Social Work Program
Seton Hall’s Master of Social (M.S.W.) program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice in social work. The program offers two pathways: Regular Standing for those without a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) and Advanced Standing for B.S.W. graduates. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, Seton Hall’s M.S.W. program has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Schools for Social Work.

The curriculum integrates foundational and advanced coursework with practical practicum placements, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Specializations in behavioral health and forensic social work are available, with the latter being the only graduate forensic program in New Jersey. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue licensure and engage in diverse social work roles across various sectors.

To learn more about the program, please visit Master of Social Work or contact Associate Dean Michael Dooney at [email protected].

Categories: Education, Faith and Service