2026 Cohorts
Fall 2026 MSW 2- and 3-Year Cohort Applications Are Now Closed.
Summer 2026 MSW 1-Year/Advanced-Standing Cohort Applications Available February 1–28,
2026.
Consideration for admission requires an application to CSUB and the CSUB MSW Program through Cal State Apply. The Department of Social Work reviews applications after the deadline and provides admissions decisions in the spring.
The information provided on this page applies specifically to the CSUB MSW Program offered at the CSUB Bakersfield Campus. If you're interested in the MSW Program at the Antelope Valley Campus, please visit the CSUB Extended Education MSW Program site for more information.
Admissions
Application Cycles
The CSUB MSW Program offers two admission terms based on cohort type:
- Fall Term: For the 2-year and 3-year tracks.
- Summer Term: For the 1-year (advanced-standing) track.
For more details about each cohort, please visit our Curriculum Page.
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.
Requirements
- 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 answer the applicable questions in Cal State Apply.
- 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 Requirements 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.
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 two references (academic or professional)
- Documents for the California Title IV-E Education Program (if applying for the stipend)
All applicants also need to:
- Provide official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Complete the MSW Writing Exam at the CSUB Testing Center
Review the application checklist provided by the department for more details about the application process.
International Applicants
We welcome applications from international students! This page outlines admissions requirements specific to the Master of Social Work program. For university-wide admissions guidance—including visa requirements, financial documentation, and other steps—please visit CSUB’s International Students and Programs Office website.
Important Admissions Notes
Please note: Submitting a complete application by the deadline, including all required materials
and meeting eligibility criteria, does not guarantee admission to the CSUB MSW Program.
Admission is competitive and space is limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does
not ensure acceptance. 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
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 (California Title IV-E Education Program)
- 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
- 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.