Social Work, M.S.W.

Program Admission Requirements

You must complete the following requirements before being considered for admission:

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year liberal arts institution.
GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of academic coursework (recommended).
Completion of the following courses (with a grade of “C” or better): elementary statistics (math, psychology, or sociology; MATH 103 does not count); a course related to Native American studies. The course must include a general introduction to the history of Native peoples of America and the unique and sovereign relationship between tribal nations and local, state, and federal governments.
See Admission Information in this catalog, the Office of Admissions website or the Department of Social Work website for additional graduate application information.

Conditional Program Admission

Students who lack adequate undergraduate preparation may receive conditional program admission. Conditionally admitted students must complete all undergraduate coursework prior to beginning the master’s program, including the elementary statistics and Native American studies prerequisites with a “C” or better.

Program Schedule Options

The full-time master’s program schedule consists of 60 units over two years of study. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program can apply for the Advanced Standing Program which consists of 36 units taken over 3 semesters of study, beginning with 6 units offered through the College of Extended Education & Global Engagement in the summer.

Part-Time Distributed Learning MSW Program

The department offers a part-time (3.5 year) Distributed Learning MSW Program through the College of Extended Education & Global Engagement. The program is delivered through online coursework, an annual on-campus intensive, and other learning methodologies. Foundation coursework is completed over the first 5 semesters, while advanced coursework is completed over the final 5 semesters. A Part-Time Advanced Standing Distributed Learning MSW program (2 years) is also offered, which adds 6 units of summer bridge courses before advanced coursework. Distributed Learning MSW students enroll in an additional 1.5 unit “Distributed Learning Community Seminar” each semester they are in the program. For more information, contact the MSW Programs Office at 707-826-4443.

Requirements for the Degree (60 units)

For a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below see, “Master’s Degree Requirements ”.

Foundation Coursework (30 Units)

SW 530 - Social Policy and Services Units: 3
SW 540 - Generalist Social Work Practice Units: 3
SW 541 - GSWP: Native American and Rural Units: 3
SW 543 - GSWP II: Macro Practice Units: 3
SW 550 - Human Development, Diversity and Relations Units: 3
SW 555 - Foundation Internship Units: 3 (3 unit course taken twice)
SW 570 - Dynamics of Groups, Agencies, Organizations Units: 3
SW 582 - Research I: Philosophy and Methods Units: 3
SW 583 - Research II: Qualitative and Indigenous Research Methods Units: 3

Advanced Coursework (30 Units)

SW 640 - AGP: Child and Family Welfare Units: 3
SW 641 - AGP: Integrated Clinical Practice Units: 3
SW 643 - AGP: Community and Organization Units: 3
SW 648 - AGP: Advanced Clinical Practice Units: 3
SW 649 - AGP: Wellness and Sustainability Units: 3
SW 651 - AGP: Indigenous Peoples Units: 3
SW 655 - Advanced Internship Units: 3 (3 unit course taken twice)
SW 682 - Masters Project Development Units: 3
SW 683 - Masters Project Implementation Units: 3

Culminating Experience

Prior to graduation students must successfully complete a comprehensive exam.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential - Social Work (PPSC-SW)

The PPSC-SSW prepares graduates to practice school social work. This is a post-MSW credential program consisting of two 3-unit online courses. These courses are offered each summer through the College of Extended Education & Global Engagement. Completion of a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program is required prior to beginning this credential program. Contact the PPSC Coordinator for more information

Program Learning Outcomes

See the Department of Social Work website for specific social work competencies and behaviors recognized as the framework for social work education.

Students completing this program will have demonstrated the ability to:

demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
engage diversity and difference in practice, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
engage in policy practice, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.
evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, particularly with respect to work with Indigenous and rural communities, consistent with advanced generalist practice.

Programs Leading to Licensure and Credentialing

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Office of Academic Affairs, Siemens Hall 216, 707-826-3722.

The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).