Q. What can I do with a Social Work degree?
A. For more information please click on the link
Q. What is considered Social Work experience?
A. Experience working in the social work field, case management, health and human services, case management, and/or has been supervised by a credentialed social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., L.C.S.W., Ph.D., or D.S.W.)
Q. Where can I volunteer to get more Social Work experience?
A. We don't keep a list of local agencies looking for staff or volunteers. You can search online for agencies that interest you and contact them for more information.
Q. How can I find out more information about getting an LCSW?
A. For more information please click on the link
Q. When is the deadline to apply to the Advanced Standing, Full Time and Part Time Program?
A. The deadline to apply to the School of Social Work is February 15, 2013. For Fall 2013, the deadline to apply to the University is also February 15th.
Q. When do you start accepting applications?
A. The School of Social Work will begin accepting applications for Fall 2013 October 1, 2012. If you are an International student, you will also need to apply to the Center for International Education (CIE). The CIE will begin accepting applications for Fall 2013 October 1st - please check with them for their requirements and deadlines.
Q. How long is my file kept on record with the School?
A. Once you have confirmed with the Social Work Admissions Office your intent to reapply to the MSW program, your file is kept on record with the School until the end of the Fall 2013 admissions cycle.
Q. What do I need to do in order to reapply for the next Admission cycle?
A. An email is sent to individuals who applied during the admissions cycle for Fall 2012. The email provides detailed instructions regarding reapplication for the next admission cycle. In short, you will need to resubmit a complete application packet to the School of Social Work and reapply with CSU Mentor to CSULB. Please remember to submit copies of updated transcripts to University Enrollment Services, if needed.
Q. Do you have Spring Admission?
A. No. The Admissions process takes place only during the Fall of each year. Students enter the MSW program in the summer and fall only. Summer admission applies only to those applicants admitted into the Advanced Standing program.
Q. Do I need to mail my application or can I drop it off in person?
A. You can mail in your application or drop it off in person. Our office is located in the Social Sciences/Public Affairs (SS/PA) building, room 246.
Q. When will I know the status of my application?
A. The School of Social Work has a rolling admissions process that allows for applications to be evaluated and decisions made once they are received.
Q. Do I have to have a B.A. degree?
A. Yes. You will need to submit official transcripts to Enrollment Services to verify that your Bachelor’s Degree has been conferred. The School of Social Work does not require official or unofficial transcripts.
Q. Do I have to have a degree in Social Work in order to apply to the program?
A. No. As long as you hold a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Q. Is the GRE required?
A. No. The GRE is not required.
Q. Can I apply to the program with a low GPA?
A. No. The minimum GPA to apply is a 2.8 cumulative GPA. If your GPA falls below the minium, you can calculate your last 60-semester/90-quarter units to see if that number is at the 2.8 GPA threshold. If not, you must raise your GPA prior to applying.
Q. How can I increase my GPA?
A. The only way to increase your GPA for consideration into the MSW program is by taking upper division (300 or 400 level) courses in social work related areas (such as human behavior, health and human services, gerontology, anthropology, sociology, or psychology) through the CSULB College of Continuing and Professional Education. You can also take upper division undergraduate courses at another college or university ONLY WHILE ENROLLED AT THAT FACILITY. These courses MAY NOT be taken through continuing education at other universities.
Q. How long does the Personal Statement have to be?
A. Instructions for writing the personal statement are on page 6 of the MSW application
Q. Do I have to have an Academic and a Professional reference?
A. Yes. In order to apply to the MSW program, you must have three (3) references; one academic, one professional, and one either academic or professional. Personal references are not appropriate and will not be accepted.
If you graduated more than five years ago, please contact our office for alternative arrangements for the academic reference.
Q. What are the prerequisites for the MSW program?
A. You must complete a prerequisite course in Elementary Statistics with a ‘C’ or better.
Q. How can I know if the statistics class I took is equivalent to the Elementary Statistics prerequisite?
A. Fax a copy of the description of the course in question to the Admissions Coordinator at (562) 985-5514 for review.
Q. Where can I take the Elementary Statistics class?
A. The list of equivalent courses that can be taken at a community college can be found on the department website.
Q. What are the specific requirements for the Advanced Standing option?
A. Refer to this link regarding the specific requirements for the Advanced Standing program.
Q. Do I need official transcripts from all of the colleges that I’ve attended?A. CSULB University Enrollment Services requires officials from all colleges that the applicant has attended. The transcript deadline for Fall 2013 is February 15, 2013.
Q. What is the difference between the CYF and OAF concentrations?
A. The MSW program offers two areas of concentration: Children, Youth, & Families (CYF) or Older Adults and Families (OAF). The concentrations are distinguished by the type of client-system that a student engages -- some courses as well as thesis are concentration specific.
Q. What is the difference between the Advanced Standing, 2-Year, and 3-Year programs?
A. The MSW program offers 3 program models: Advanced Standing (accelerated, 1- year), 2-Year (full-time), and 3-Year (full-time). Program model descriptions can be found on the department website at www.csulb.edu/depts/socialwk click ‘Course Description’ link, then click ‘SW_Grad_Programs’ link.
Q. What is the course schedule for each program?
A. Details regarding the program schedules can be found on the School of Social Work website.
Q. What is the degree cost?
A. Refer to the most current Schedule of Classes for course fees per semester. The fees differ according to program model. Degree costs are are subject to change.
