Master of Social Work (MSW) Admissions

About Our Program

The School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) welcomes your interest in our School and the programs we offer.  We are pleased you are committed to a career in social work, a profession dedicated to the development of a just society. Our mission is to educate and graduate diverse, ethical and competent social work students; engage in collaborative, community-based research; and provide meaningful service to the community and the profession.  Our goal is to prepare students to enter professional, multicultural social work practice.

Our Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and prepares graduates to serve as professional social workers who excel in all levels of practice in economically and socially diverse environments. Students learn to practice as professional social workers with persons and groups representing the range of human diversity and with all size systems (individuals, families, groups, communities and institutions). In addition, students are prepared for advanced, specialized practice in one of the following specializations: Child and Family Wellbeing, Adulthood and Aging, or Integrated Health.

Our MSW Program emphasizes ecological and systems perspectives which focus on the fit and interactions of a person or system in relation to the various environments likely to be encountered. Within these perspectives, knowledge, values, and skills are used in a change-oriented process within a multicultural context to help individuals and social systems achieve an improved quality of life and social participation, including advocacy for just institutions and equitable access to opportunities and resources. Graduates of our program are prepared to work with diverse populations, advocate in a variety of settings, ensure equitable access for disenfranchised populations and promote social justice. We address community challenges related to child welfare, health and behavioral health integrated care, substance use, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, the growing aging population, and social change.  We educate students for micro and macro practice and leadership in government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and non-traditional settings.

The MSW degree requires the completion of 60-semester units over the course of a 2-year program or 3-year program plan. We also offer an Advanced Standing option for those applicants who have completed a recent undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. In addition to on-campus courses, the MSW curriculum includes a practicum sequence which allows students to apply their knowledge, social work practice and intervention skills in a community agency setting under the supervision of qualified instructors during two 500-hour placements. 

The School of Social Work at CSULB offers three program plans for the completion of the MSW degree: 2-Year, 3-Year, and an Advanced Standing option. In addition, we offer a Distance Education option that follows the 3-year program plan.

2-Year MSW Program

Students admitted to the 2-Year MSW program must complete 60-semester units of coursework. Students enroll in 15 units of coursework (5 courses total) each semester for four (4) semesters as follows: Fall/Spring/Fall/Spring.  Students attend classes on Mondays and Fridays during the daytime.

In addition, each student must complete two practicum placements: one in the first year of the program and one in the second year of the program. Each placement involves 500 hours of practicum experience, with a total of 1000 hours completed to fulfill degree requirements. Students complete 16 hours of practicum placement each week between the months of September and May. Practicum hours are completed Tuesday through Thursday in either two 8-hour weekdays, or one 8-hour weekday & two 4-hour weekday periods.

3-Year MSW Program

Students admitted to the 3-Year MSW program must complete 60-semester units of coursework. Students enroll in 6-9 units of coursework each semester for eight (8) semesters as follows: Fall/Spring/ Summer/Fall/Spring/Summer/Fall/Spring. Students attend classes on Monday evenings, Wednesday evenings, and Saturdays during the daytime.

In addition, each student must complete two practicum placements: one in the second year of the program and one in the third year of the program. Each placement involves 500 hours of fieldwork, with a total of 1000 hours completed to fulfill degree requirements. Students complete 16 hours of practicum placement each week between the months of September and May. Practicum hours are completed Monday through Friday in either two 8-hour weekdays, or one 8-hour weekday & two 4-hour weekday periods.

Advanced Standing MSW Program

Since 2005, our Advanced Standing program has offered students with an undergraduate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program the opportunity to obtain their MSW degree within 12 months (one summer, one fall & one spring semester). Upon successful completion of an intensive Summer Bridge Program, Advanced Standing MSW students complete 30 units of advanced coursework in the fall and spring semesters. Advanced Standing MSW students attend classes on Mondays and Fridays during the daytime (with additional days in the summer) and complete one 660-hour practicum experience that starts in June and ends the following May. Students complete 16 hours of practicum placement each week (Tuesday through Thursday) in either two 8-hour weekdays, or one 8-hour weekday & two 4-hour weekday periods.

Distance Education

The MSW program is also offered at off-campus locations throughout the state. Current distance education sites are in the Sonoma County and Ventura County areas. Courses are taught using face-to-face instruction, as well as interactive television and web-based instructional support. The distance education MSW is offered using a 3-year program plan in the Child and Family Wellbeing specialization. Students attend classes on Saturdays and complete practicum experience requirements during the second and third academic years of the program. The next distance education cohorts are scheduled to begin in Fall 2025.  That admission cycle will begin October 1, 2024.  

CSULB Distance Education MSW Program Flyer (PDF)

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree offers an opportunity for study in one of three areas of specialization: Child and Family Wellbeing, Adulthood and Aging, or Integrated Health. Students are assigned a specialization during their first year in the program. The second-year courses and practicum experience will be determined by this specialization. Program stipend recipients and students who choose to complete the Pupil Personnel Services Credential will be assigned to a specific specialization. 

Child and Family Wellbeing Specialization

The Child and Family Wellbeing specialization prepares students to use strength-based and evidence-based approaches to promote positive child and family functioning across diverse populations. Through coursework and practicum experiences, students will acquire and enhance their skills to effectively engage, assess and intervene with children and families both preventively and with those experiencing challenges.  Students will also gain knowledge of the policies most salient to the lives of children and families and skills to effectively influence such policies. This specialization provides a solid framework for students interested in working in child protective services, schools, and other public agencies or community-based non-profits.

Adulthood and Aging Specialization

The Adulthood and Aging specialization prepares students to use strength-based and evidence-based approaches to promote positive adult, older adult, and family functioning across diverse populations. Through coursework and practicum experiences, students will acquire and enhance their skills to effectively engage, assess, and intervene with adults and older adults. Students will gain knowledge of the unique psychosocial needs facing adults, older adults, and their families. Students will examine adulthood and the aging processes from multiple perspectives: biomedical, psychological, socioeconomic, spiritual and cultural while examining contemporary trends that are shaping aging policy, practice, and theory.  This specialization provides a solid framework for students interested in working in the areas of adult protective services, supportive services for family caregivers, Alzheimer’s and dementia care services, hospice services, the prison system and community corrections, promotion of healthy aging, long-term care, and health care collaborations.

Integrated Health Specialization

The Integrated Health specialization prepares students to use strength-based and evidence-based approaches to meeting the changing needs of people from diverse populations with physical, behavioral health, and substance use challenges. Through coursework and practicum experiences, students will acquire and enhance their skills to effectively engage, assess, and intervene with individuals who face chronic diseases and co-occurring conditions of mental health challenges and/or substance use. Students will learn to utilize prevention and brief intervention models critical to integrated care and how to work effectively on an interdisciplinary team.  Students will learn how evidence-based practice, along with recovery-oriented and strengths-based care philosophies, can foster changes in practice settings and policies. This specialization provides a solid framework for students interested in working to deliver services in outpatient or primary care facilities, community-based behavioral health agencies, hospitals, and acute, chronic and long-term care settings.

The practicum education sequence has an integral role in the MSW curriculum. The experience offers an opportunity for students to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and social work practice and intervention skills in a community agency setting under the supervision of a qualified practicum instructor. A variety of agencies within the surrounding counties are utilized, reflecting the diverse settings in which social workers are employed. University practicum faculty select the most appropriate practicum placement site for students.

Each student has two practicum placements and concurrent enrollment in practice courses during the course of study. Each placement involves 500 hours of internship in a community agency setting and attendance and participation in an integrated practicum seminar that meets weekly on campus. The practicum education sequence encompasses a total of 1000 hours, for which 12 units of academic credit are given. The academic year schedule begins in September and continues through mid-May. Practicum work includes attendance in a practicum seminar as well as an internship in the community. Students complete 16 hours per week. This must include either two 8-hour weekdays or one 8-hour weekday and two 4-hour weekday blocks. No weekend placements are available. Students admitted to the Advanced Standing program complete one field placement for a total of 660 hours that begins in June and continues through mid-May.

Students who are employed in social service agencies may request that their agency be evaluated as a site for the second-year practicum internship only. The agency must be able to meet all criteria established by the School of Social Work to ensure the educational focus of practicum education and provide a significantly different experience than the student's current job duties. Evaluation of practicum placement sites and approval to utilize an agency of employment as a practicum site will be completed by the practicum faculty.

The School of Social Work will reject an applicant or disqualify an enrolled student whose record of academic achievement or performance in practicum education does not meet the minimum standards of the profession.

For detailed information about the Required Courses and Sequence of Courses for the MSW program, including course descriptions, please refer to to the Social Work, M.S.W. section of the CSULB Course Catalog.

For a detailed descriptions of current courses offered in the MSW programs (Advanced Standing, 2-Year, 3-Year and Distance Education), please refer to the most recent CSULB Course Catalog.  

Applicants must meet certain minimum requirements for admission to our MSW program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to our program. Please refer to the Fall 2025 admission requirements below for our MSW program plan options.

2-Year MSW / 3-Year MSW / Distance Education MSW

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university no later than Spring 2025
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of an Elementary Statistics prerequisite course with a letter grade of “C” or better no later than Spring 2025 [NOTE: A grade of “C minus (C-)“ does not meet this requirement.]

Advanced Standing MSW

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited social work program no later than Spring 2025 (degree must have been completed within the last 5 years)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of an Elementary Statistics prerequisite course with a letter grade of “C” or better no later than Spring 2025 [NOTE: A grade of “C minus (C-)“ does not meet this requirement.]
• NOTE: Specific references and an additional question in the Personal Statement are required for applicants to the Advanced Standing MSW program. Please refer to the “Application Process” section for details.

GRE/Admissions Tests

We do not require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or any other admission tests for our MSW programs.

Interviews

Interviews may be required if further clarification is needed in order for the evaluators to make an informed decision on the application.

School of Social Work Approved Elementary Statistics Courses - Fall 2025 (PDF)

Applicants are admitted to the CSULB Master of Social Work (MSW) program for the Fall semester only; we do not offer Spring admission. Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis beginning October 1, 2024, and are reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis until spaces are filled. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application early.  The deadline for all application materials is January 15, 2025.

The School of Social Work at CSULB offers the following three program plans for the completion of the MSW degree: 2-Year, 3-Year, and an Advanced Standing option. For more information regarding the MSW program and the various program options, please review the “MSW Program Overview - Program Plans” tab above.  Additionally, the 3-Year MSW Program is also offered at off-campus locations throughout the state.  Distance Education applications will be accepted next for the Fall 2025 admission cycle, beginning October 1, 2024.  Please review the “Distance Education” flyer in the "MSW Program Overview - Program Plans" tab above.

To be considered for the Advanced Standing MSW program, applicants must meet additional eligibility requirements. In addition, applicants are required to respond to an additional question in their Personal Statement and include specific references in their application via Cal State Apply. Applicants to the Advanced Standing MSW program should read through these application guidelines closely to ensure they have met all of these requirements. Applicants are provisionally admitted to the Advanced Standing MSW program until they have successfully completed the Summer Bridge program. Refer to the “MSW Program Overview - Program Overview” tab for more details.

Information Meetings

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of our information meetings for timely information regarding admission requirements and the application process. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions, meet others who are also interested in the social work field and assess the educational opportunities provided by the MSW program at CSULB. 

For Fall 2025 admission, Information Meetings may be held virtually.  Please see the MSW Information Meeting accordion tab for more information.  

Tuition Cost*

Tuition fees are set by University Enrollment Services (fall & spring classes) and the College of Continuing & Professional Education (summer classes) and are subject to change. Total tuition costs for the CSULB MSW program varies by program plan and California residency status. The table below provides estimated tuition costs for the three MSW program plans for California residents (as of 6/20/2024). These costs are for tuition and fees only and do not include the costs for books, room and board, or other living expenses.

• Advanced Standing (California Resident): $13,402.00
• 2-Year (California Resident): $17,804.00
• 3-Year (California Resident): $28,370.00
• Distance Education (California Resident): See Distance Education page on the School of Social Work website for more information about tuition for the DE program.

*IMPORTANT: These estimated tuition costs are based on the fee schedule posted on 6/20/2024 and are subject to change at any time. Non-residents are required to pay an additional $420 per unit. International students must meet minimum enrollment requirements that may incur additional tuition costs and should contact the Center for International Education for more information. The School of Social Work does not set tuition fees for the MSW program. Applicants should consult the University Enrollment Services website for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

Financial Aid

Graduate students are eligible to apply for financial aid, so applicants to the MSW program at CSULB can apply for financial aid. Applicants who need more information on financial aid and how to finance their education should consult the CSULB Financial Aid website.

Application Process

The application process to the MSW program has two distinct parts. Each applicant must apply online to the University (CSULB) by completing Quadrants One through Three. Each applicant also must complete Quadrant Four, including the Recommendation requests and Document uploads, for the School of Social Work. All Quadrants are submitted simultaneously. The following information provides details about the application process.  

STEP 1: Application to the University (CSULB) as a Graduate Student

Quadrants One through Three via Cal State Apply

Each applicant must apply to the University as a graduate student by completing Quadrants One through Three of Cal State Apply. There is a $70.00 application fee for the University application. Each applicant must have official transcripts from the postsecondary school where your degree is either in-progress or was completed sent directly to “CSULB Enrollment Services/Admissions, CSU Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840.” Refer to the “Transcripts” section for more information.

NOTE TO DISTANCE EDUCATION APPLICANTS ONLY: When applying to the University, applicants to the Distance Education MSW program must choose “Long Beach Campus” as the Campus/Program to which they are applying and must select “Master of Social Work” under “Long Beach Extension.”

STEP 2: Application to the School of Social Work MSW Program

Quadrant Four via Cal State Apply

The second step in the application process is to complete the School of Social Work specific questions, recommendation requests and document uploads in Quadrant Four via Cal State Apply.

A complete MSW Application must include the following:

• Quadrant Four School of Social Work Questions
• Professional, Volunteer and Social Services Experience/Résumé Document
• Personal Statement Document
• Unofficial Transcript Document (if Elementary Statistics Course does not appear on under official transcript from undergraduate degree institution)
• At least three (3) References, submitted via Cal State Apply 
• Elementary Statistics Course Syllabus (if applicable, see instructions - submitted via email)

The following includes a detailed description and instructions for the MSW application materials:

(A) Cal State Apply Quadrant Four - School of Social Work Specific Questions

Complete the questions in Quadrant Four of the Cal State Apply application for the CSULB School of Social Work.  

• The applicant must complete these questions.
• The applicant must agree to the Acknowledgement Box to be considered an applicant to the MSW program.
   
• Please note, the CalSWEC Stipend program has changed names to become the California Title IV-E Education Program.  

(B) Professional, Volunteer and Social Service Experience/Résumé Document

Please submit a document that includes relevant experience.  

• The applicant should include all paid, internship, and volunteer experience in the résumé and list the most recent Social Work or Social Work-related experience first.
• For each position, the applicant must include all of the information requested under the document instructions on the Documents tab of Quadrant Four of the Cal State Apply application.
• Upload document via Cal State Apply.  
• Please note: the School, University and Council on Social Work Education regulations do not permit the substitution of life or work experience for curriculum or degree requirements.  

(C)  Personal Statement Document

The statement must include the applicant’s responses to the specific questions under the document instructions on the Documents tab of Quadrant Four of the Cal State Apply application.

• The statement must be typed, double-spaced, 12-pt font, and 4 - 6 pages in length.
• Advanced Standing applicants must respond to Question #10 in addition to Questions #1 - 9 in their statement.
• Upload document via Cal State Apply.  

(D)  Unofficial Transcripts

The University requires an official transcript from the institution where you received your undergraduate degree.  If you completed your elementary statistics course at a different institution, upload the unofficial transcript document that includes this course for verification you completed the prerequisite.  

• Upload document via Cal State Apply.  

(E)  At Least Three (3) References

Applicants must request at least three (3) References via Cal State Apply from the following individuals:

• One reference must be from an academic source (e.g., professor, instructor)
• One reference must be from a professional source (e.g., supervisor, program or agency director)
• The third reference can be from either an academic or professional source
• A fourth reference can be requested as a back-up, but only three will be evaluated.  Applicants should rank their choices for evaluation in Quadrant Four under the Questions tab on Cal State Apply, there is a specific field for identifying and ranking references.
• Applicants should provide references from professors or professionals who are able to comment on the applicant’s qualifications for graduate study in social work.
• Recommenders will have the ability to provide additional detail in a comments section on the form.
• Once you have saved an electronic recommendation request in Cal State Apply, an email request will automatically be sent to the recommender on your behalf.  Please advise the recommender to look for this email in their inbox, as well as their spam or junk-mail folder, as emails do occasionally get filtered out.  
• Please request that the recommender submit the recommendation form within three-to-six weeks after the initial request to support the evaluation process.
• Recommendations are required by the School of Social Work, but considered by the University to be additional documents during the application process.  It is possible for an application be forwarded to the School of Social Work with one or more of the Recommendations not received; the School of Social Work considers these applications to be still incomplete and will not evaluate these applications.  Be sure to follow-up with your Recommenders during this process.  

Advanced Standing Applicants only:

• Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to the Advanced Standing program must submit references from the following individuals.  Please also identify the references as outlined in Quadrant Four under the Questions tab on Cal State Apply.

1. The applicant’s Senior-Year field instructor/field supervisor or field liaison or the Director/Coordinator of field education for the applicant’s BASW/BSW program or if you graduated two or more years ago and work in the social work field, your current supervisor
2. The applicant’s Social Work Academic Advisor or a Social Work (BASW/BSW) professor whose course the applicant completed or is currently taking
3. The third reference must be from a professional source (i.e. a supervisor from a paid or volunteer position NOT from the BSW internship)

(F) Elementary Course (Elementary Course Syllabus, if applicable)

The applicant must earn a grade of “C” or better in an approved statistics course no later than Spring 2025 [a grade of “C minus (C-)“ does not meet this requirement]. The School of Social Work has posted a list of approved statistics courses on the School website, linked below.  The applicant must verify that the prerequisite course in elementary statistics s/he completed is included on the list of approved courses.

If the course is not included on the approved list, the applicant must submit a copy of the course syllabus via email to the following email address for evaluation - CHHS-SWApplications@csulb.edu.

The syllabus will be reviewed, and the applicant will be notified via email as to whether or not the course is approved.

School of Social Work Approved Elementary Statistics Courses - Fall 2025 (PDF)

Submission of Application

To be considered an applicant to the MSW program, the application and uploaded documents must be submitted via the Cal State Apply application by the deadline.  

Admission Decisions

Decisions will be sent after the supplemental School of Social Work application materials are evaluated and a decision is rendered, that decision can be as late as the end of May each admission cycle.

Acceptance and Denial emails from the University will be sent to the email address you supplied via Cal State Apply, Acceptance Documents specific to the School of Social Work will also be sent from the School of Social Work Admissions Office if you are accepted into the MSW program.   

Please note, starting with Fall 2024 Admission, CSULB will require an enrollment deposit of $150 when graduate applicants confirm their acceptance via the MyCSULB Student Center.  Waivers are available, please consult with the University Admissions website for more information.  

Official Transcripts

Applicants must have an official transcript from the postsecondary school where you received your undergraduate degree or your undergraduate degree is in-progress sent directly to “CSULB Enrollment Services/Admissions, CSU Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840” or electronically to CSULB Enrollment Services at ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu by January 15, 2025. Please note the following guidelines regarding transcript submission:

• CSULB Graduates: Applicants who completed (or are completing) their undergraduate degree at CSULB do not need to request transcripts.
• Reapplying Applicants: If an applicant submitted a transcript that shows degree conferral to University Enrollment Services at the time of their initial application and has not completed any additional coursework, they do not need to submit new transcripts.  If the degree has been conferred after the initial application, an updated transcript will need to be submitted to verify completion of degree.  
• Degree in Progress: Applicants who have a degree in progress at the time of application must send another updated transcript that reflects the degree conferral to University Enrollment Services no later than July 1, 2025.
• Statistics Course In-Progress: Applicants who have a statistics course in-progress at the time of application must send another updated unofficial transcript that reflects the statistics course grade to the School of Social Work via email (CHHS-SW@csulb.edu) no later than July 1, 2025.

Incomplete or Late Applications

Incomplete applications will not be processed.  Late applications will not be considered.  Once the application closes, you will be unable to update or submit an application.  

Reapplying Applicants

Applicants who applied to the CSULB MSW program in a previous year are welcome to reapply in a future term. Applicants who choose to reapply must meet the eligibility criteria of the term for which they are reapplying and follow the complete application process. Applicants who are reapplying should also refer to the “Transcripts” section for more information.

International Applicants

International applicants who hold a non-immigrant (student or exchange) visa must review the information posted on the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) website for University admission requirements. In addition to University admission requirements, international applicants must complete the Social Work specific questions and documents under Quadrant Four of Cal State Apply. Please confer with the CPaCE website for all updated deadlines and policies regarding international admission requirements.

Application Deadline

The MSW application deadline is January 15, 2025.  The Cal State Apply online application system closes at midnight on January 15, 2025.

Due to the complexity of the application process, applicants should be mindful of the requirements and the time needed to compile and submit the application.  

Applicants must also have an original transcripts from the postsecondary school where you received your undergraduate degree or your undergraduate degree is in-progress sent directly to “CSULB Enrollment Services/Admissions, CSU Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90840” or to the U.E.S. email address (ES-IDPTrans@csulb.edu) by the January 15th deadline.

Transfer Credit

Applicants cannot “transfer” from one MSW program into the MSW program at CSULB. Applicants who have completed approved graduate education related to social work in another institution with a grade of B or better may be allowed to transfer up to 6 semester credit hours providing:

• The maximum amount of transfer credit is no more than 6 semester credit hours
• All requirements for the degree are satisfied, including completion of all transfer and School of Social Work courses, within the required time limit (7 years)
• The student is in good standing with the previous social work program
• The student has a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better
• The Practicum Director reports the student was in good standing in practicum placements

Units accepted must be for CSWE-accredited courses only. No continuing education courses or non-accredited training courses qualify for transfer into the MSW program. The Graduate Program Director will make the final decision regarding the acceptance of units.   

Questions?

Please attend one of the information meetings for the most current and up-to-date program criteria and information. Specific questions regarding the MSW application process should be directed to:

School of Social Work -  Admissions Office
California State University, Long Beach
SS/PA Building - Room 162
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840-4602

Phone: 562) 985-5654
Fax: 562) 985-5514
Email: CHHS-SW@csulb.edu

SOCIAL WORK EXPERIENCE QUESTIONS

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, 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. Check out the VolunteerMatch website to get started!

Q. How can I find out more information about getting an LCSW?
A.  For more information please review the information posted on the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) website.

APPLICATION PROCESS QUESTIONS

Q. When is the deadline to apply to the MSW Program?
A. The deadline to apply to the School of Social Work MSW Program is January 15th. The deadline to apply to the University is also January 15th.  

Q. When do you start accepting applications?
A. The School of Social Work will begin accepting applications for Fall 2025 on October 1st.

Q. Do you have Spring admissions?
A. No. We only admit students for fall semester.

Q. Do I need to mail my application or can I drop it off in person?
A. Applications are submitted electronically via Cal State Apply website.

Q. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the MSW Program, what does that mean for me as an applicant? 
A. Applications are processed on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Evaluation is done as soon as an application is deemed complete, in Department Review by University Enrollment Services and ready for review; applications are evaluated until available spaces are filled. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early. 

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENT QUESTIONS

Q. Do I have to have a Bachelor's degree?
A. Yes. If your degree is "in progress" when you submit your application, it must be completed no later than the end of Spring 2025. You will need to submit official transcripts to Enrollment Services to verify that your Bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

Q. Do I have to have a degree in Social Work in order to apply to the MSW program?
A.  No. As long as you hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, you may apply to the MSW program.

ADMISSIONS TESTS / GRE QUESTIONS

Q. Is the GRE required?
A. No. The GRE is not required.

GPA QUESTIONS

Q. Can I apply to the program with a low GPA?
A. No. The minimum GPA to apply is a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

GPA Calculator

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 through Open University at the CSULB College of Professional and International 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.

REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS QUESTIONS

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 reference must be from an academic source (i.e. a professor or instructor), one reference must be from a professional source (i.e. a supervisor in a volunteer or paid position), and the third reference can be from either an academic or professional source.  You can submit a fourth Recommendation in case one of the first three individuals doesn't follow through, but will rank them in Cal State Apply because the application will only be evaluated with three recommendations.  Personal references are not appropriate and will not be accepted.

If you graduated more than four years ago, please contact our office for alternative arrangements for academic reference.

PREREQUISITES FOR MSW QUESTIONS

Q. What are the prerequisites for the MSW program?
A. You must complete a prerequisite course in Elementary Statistics with a grade of "C" or better no later than Spring 2025. A grade of "C minus (C-)" does NOT meet this requirement.

Q. How can I verify that the statistics class I took is equivalent to the Elementary Statistics prerequisite?
A. We have posted a list of approved statistics courses linked below. If the course you took is not included on the posted list, you must submit a course syllabus to the School of Social Work Admissions Office via email for evaluation.  You will receive an email confirmation as to whether the course was approved or denied.  

School of Social Work Approved Elementary Statistics Courses - Fall 2025 (PDF)

TRANSCRIPT QUESTIONS

Q. Do I need official transcripts from all of the colleges that I’ve attended?
A. University Enrollment Services requires an official transcript from the postsecondary school where you received your undergraduate degree or your undergraduate degree is in-progress.  The transcript deadline is the same as the application deadline, January 15, 2025 for Fall 2025 admission.

Q. Do I need unofficial transcripts from all of the colleges that I’ve attended?
A. The School of Social work requests an unofficial transcript be uploaded via Quadrant Four in Cal State Apply if your elementary statistics course was done at a different institution from your undergraduate degree.  If the course is in-progress at the time the application is submitted, you need to email an updated unofficial transcript once the coursework is complete.  

TRANSFER CREDIT QUESTIONS

Q. Can I transfer credit from another MSW program?
A. Graduate credit for social work courses taken in another accredited graduate social work program may be recommended for transfer of credits up to 6 semester credit hours.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Q. Does CSULB have services available for veterans?
A. Yes. CSULB Veterans Services provides veterans with information about applying for admissions to CSULB. Check out their website for more information.

Q. Does CSULB offer services for students with disabilities?
A. Yes. The Bob Murphy Access Center assists students with disabilities as they secure their university degrees at CSULB. Check out their website for more information.

Are you interested in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at CSULB? Plan to attend an MSW Information Meeting before you apply!

• Information meetings are offered in the fall semester.
• For on-campus Information Meetings, no RSVP is required to attend.  All Fall 2024 Information Meetings will be held virtually, registrations links are posted below.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.  
• This is an opportunity to learn more about the the program and the application process, ask questions, meet others who are interested in the social work field and assess the education opportunities provided by the MSW program at CSULB.

INFORMATION MEETING DATES

MSW Information Meetings will be offered on the following dates and times:

• Friday, August 23, 2024 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
• Saturday, August 24, 2024 - 10am to 12pm
• Friday, October 4, 2024 - 6pm to 8pm
• Saturday, October 5, 2024 - 10am to 12pm
• Thursday, November 7, 2024 - 6pm to 8pm
• Saturday, December 7 , 2024 - 10am to 12pm

Please note, registration for these sessions may be limited.  If you are unable to attend or the registration for the virtual meetings is full, we will have recorded a Fall 2024 Information Meeting for later viewing.  Please find the link below.      

• MSW Information Meeting - Fall 2025 Admission 

To access the recorded session, use the following passcode: Xs=^z7yp

Please note, you may have to type the passcode in rather than utilizing copy/paste to access the recorded session.  

The following information provides details about the application process. Applicants are admitted to our MSW program for the fall semester only. The application process to the MSW program via Cal State Apply has two distinct parts, submitted at one time. Each applicant must apply online to the University (CSULB) by completing Quadrants One through Three. Then each applicant must complete Quadrant Four, including the Recommendation requests and Document uploads, for the School of Social Work.  The application period is October 1 through January 15th.  Applicants should read the entire application carefully for full instructions as they are expected to provide complete and accurate information.