2027 Cohorts
Applications are completed in Cal State Apply. Admissions decisions are sent in the spring.
This page is for the MSW Program offered at the CSUB Bakersfield campus. For the Antelope Valley campus, visit the CSUB Extended Education MSW Program site.
Application Cycles
- Fall Term (2-Year and 3-Year Cohorts): Application opens August 1, 2026.
- Summer Term (1-Year Cohort): Application opens February 1, 2027.
How Applications Are Reviewed
Complete applications are reviewed based on:
- Academic performance and preparation
- Relevant experience in human services or social work
- Leadership potential
- Recommendations
Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must:
- Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred)*
- Demonstrate graduate-level writing on the MSW Writing Exam
You must also submit a complete application in Cal State Apply, including recommendations. Official transcripts are submitted when requested in myCSUB.
*Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered if their GPA is 2.5 or higher.
Additional Requirements for the 1-Year (Advanced-Standing) Track
If you are applying to the 1-year track, you must also:
- Have a BSW degree from a program a CSWE-accredited program
- Have completed your BSW within the past 5 years
- Have a 3.0 GPA in your BSW
- Have earned a grade of B or better in all social work courses
You may apply while finishing your BSW, but it must be completed before starting the program.
Application Process
To apply to the CSUB MSW Program, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Complete your application in Cal State Apply (this includes both your CSUB
and MSW applications)
Step 2: Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
(do not submit CSUB transcripts). Wait for instructions in myCSUB before submitting.
Step 3: Complete the MSW Writing Exam at the CSUB Testing Center
Step 4: Check your email and myCSUB for updates
For more detailed guidance, you may review the MSW Application Checklist.
International Applicants
We welcome applications from international students.
This page outlines admissions requirements for the MSW Program. For university admissions
information, including visa requirements and financial documentation, visit CSUB’s International Students and Programs Office website.
Important Admissions Notes
Submitting a complete application by the deadline, including all required materials
and meeting eligibility criteria, does not guarantee admission. Admission is competitive
and space is limited.
Applicants who were previously admitted and later withdrew from the program are not
guaranteed re-admission in a future term.
The department does not provide individual feedback on admissions decisions.
Funding Opportunities
We encourage applicants to explore funding opportunities to help cover the cost of graduate education.
The Department of Social Work offers limited, competitive funding opportunities that are not guaranteed, including:
- Public Behavioral Health (PBH) training opportunities
- Public Child Welfare (California Title IV-E) Education Program
Additional funding resources:
- Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Graduate Student Center
- NASW Foundation
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
- 1-Year: For advanced-standing students (typically begins in Summer)
- 2-Year: For full-time students (begins in Fall)
- 3-Year: For part-time students (begins in Fall)
Applicants can indicate their preferred cohort (either the 2-Year or 3-Year option) when completing their application through Cal State Apply. This preference will be considered during the application review process.
- A GPA above 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
- Direct verifiable experience (work/paid or volunteer/unpaid) in human services/social work
- References who can speak to the applicant's academic or professional skills
- Proficiency in more than one language
- Graduate-level writing proficiency
- Advanced-standing students start practicum in their first semester.
- Full-time students start practicum in their second semester.
- Part-time students start practicum in their fifth semester.