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 individual, families, group, organizations and communities.

The MSW program offers a 2-year or a 3-year option and a 1-year advanced option. The 2-year or 3-year options can be completed at the main Cal State L.A. campus and the 1-Year program at the downtown Cal State LA (DTLA) campus.

Admissions

The School of Social Work Admissions Committee is guided by the following criteria:

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

Admission Requirements for the 1-Year Advanced Standing Program (ASP) at the downtown (DTLA) campus

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited college or university.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA).
• Three recommendation letters, one must be from each of the following:

1. Field instructor or field supervisor from BASW internship
2. Academic BASW professor
3. Supervisor

• Completion of all 3 prerequisites with a “C” or better grade at the time the application is submitted;
• Research Methods and Statistics (introductory to statistics class) and 8 quarter/6 semester units of upper division social science courses;
• Work or volunteer experience in social services or human services is highly desired.

Admission Requirements for 2-Year or 3-Year Options

Applicants must first apply to the University and receive their Campus Identification Number before applying to the MSW Program. 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/or statistics and 8 quarter units (6 semester units) of upper division social science courses with a grade of  “C” or better; and
• Good academic standing at the last graduate college or university attended.

Degree Requirements

Learning Outcomes  Roadmap (2017)    

Notice to Students Regarding Professional Licensure and Certification  

*All courses are offered on campus, but have the option to be taught online or as hybrids.