Fall 2025 Cohort

Consideration for admission requires an application to CSUB and the CSUB MSW Program through Cal State Apply. Both applications will be available on October 1, 2024, and are due by January 31, 2025. The Department of Social Work reviews applications after the deadline and provides admissions decisions in the spring.

Admissions

Overall Evaluation

Admission to the MSW Program is based on an overall evaluation of the applicant on the following criteria:
1) intellectual and academic potential, 2) relevant human services experience, 3) leadership potential, and 4) quality of reference letters.

Prerequisites

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• A cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
  • The Department of Social Work may consider applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.50 and 2.99. Applicants may request that their last 60-semester units or 90-quarter units GPA be considered instead of their cumulative GPA if their cumulative GPA is below 3.00. The last 60-semester or 90-quarter units GPA must be higher than the cumulative GPA. Applicants wanting to make such a request should email mswadmissions@csub.edu.
• Proof of writing proficiency as determined by the Department of Social Work. 
  • The department reviews the applicant's MSW Writing Exam to determine writing proficiency. 

Additional Prerequisites for Advanced-Standing

• A BSW degree earned from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Completion of the BSW within five years prior to admission to the graduate program
• An overall (cumulative) GPA of 3.00 or higher for the BSW degree
• A grade of B or better in all social work courses

Application Process

The application to CSUB and the CSUB MSW Program will be available through Cal State Apply on October 1, 2024. Here is what you need for Cal State Apply:

• Your personal information (name, address, etc.)
• Your academic history for all colleges and universities attended (GPA, etc.)
• Your resume (using the template provided by the Department of Social Work)
• Verification of all employment and volunteer experiences listed on your resume
• Names and email addresses of three references (academic or professional)
• Documents for the CalSWEC Title IV-E Stipend Application (if applying for the stipend)

All applicants also need to provide:

• Official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Proof of writing proficiency requirement

Review the application checklist provided by the department for more details about the application process.

Funding Opportunities

The department encourages applicants to learn more about the various funding opportunities available to assist with the costs of graduate education.

• The Department of Social Work offers two funding opportunities:
  • For students pursuing social work in public behavioral health (PBH)
  • For students pursuing social work in public child welfare (CalSWEC Title IV-E)
• The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students learn more about financial aid opportunities.
• The Graduate Student Center provides a list of funding opportunities for graduate students.
• The NASW Foundation provides information on funding opportunities designed for students pursuing degrees in social work.
• The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides information on funding opportunities designed for students pursuing degrees in social work.

Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All

Is your program offered online?

Our program is not offered online.

How long is your program?

Our program has three programs of study:

• 1-Year: for advanced-standing students
• 2-Year: for full-time students
• 3-Year: for part-time students

How competitive is admission to the program?

Admission to the program is competitive. Strong applications to the program often include: 

• 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  

How many practicum hours do I need each week?

You need 20 hours each week once you start your practicum experience.

• 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.

When does practicum take place?

Typically, practicum takes place between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for advanced-standing and full-time students. Part-time students can complete practicum between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Can I complete my practicum hours at my employer?

Yes, you can complete your practicum hours at your employer with approval from your employer and the Department of Social Work. More information about employment-based practicum can be found in the practicum manual.

Can I work and complete the program at the same time?

We encourage applicants to consider the time commitment needed to complete the CSUB MSW Program. Advanced-standing and full-time students complete fifteen (15) units per semester and part-time students complete nine (9) units per semester. These units are in addition to assignments, practicum hours, and other individual commitments.

How much does the program cost?

We encourage applicants to review the cost of attendance provided by the CSUB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at (661) 654-3016 or finaid@csub.edu.

Where do I send my transcripts?

Please send your transcripts to incomingtranscripts@csub.edu.

Can I apply to both the full-time and part-time cohorts?

Applicants can only apply to one cohort: advanced-standing, full-time, or part-time. You will select your cohort when you apply to the program through Cal State Apply.