The Master of Social Work degree prepares graduate students for entry into advanced and specialized social work practice where they will be able to provide effective services to individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

The MSW program can be completed in a two year sequence or in a three year sequence.

The foundation year consists of generalist courses. The advanced year consists of advanced generalist courses and courses in one of three concentrations.

The Children, Youth, Women and Families concentration prepares students for practice in settings addressing the needs of children and their families, and consists of SW551, SW558, and SW575.

The Aging and Families concentration prepares students for practice in settings addressing the needs of older adults and their families and consists of SW552, SW559, and SW576.

The Forensic Social Work concentration prepares students for practice with children, adults and their families in forensic settings, and consists of SW556, SW560 and SW577.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must apply simultaneously to the University and to the School of Social Work. Admission to the school does not guarantee admission to the College of Health and Human Services and/or the University. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the school and/or College. In addition to an evaluation of the applicant’s potential for advanced practice in the profession of social work, the minimum requirements for admission are:

• Acceptable bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; 
• Minimum 2.75 grade point average in the last 90 quarter units (60 semester units);
• Completion of a course in research and statistics and 8 quarter units (6 semester units ) of upper division social science courses with a grade of “C” or better.
• Good academic standing at the last college or university attended; and

In addition, the School Admissions Committee is guided by the following criteria:

• Voluntary and/or paid experience in human services;
• Professional promise, which includes social consciousness and commitment to the values of the profession and the specific mission of the program, personal readiness, motivation, and ability to relate as an effective helping person to individual, organizational and societal needs.