Social Work M.S.W.
Admission to the Program
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
2. A grade point average of 3.0 ("B") or better in all course work;
3. A grade point average of 3.0 ("B") or better in the last 90 quarter units or last 60 semester units;
4. An academic background in the liberal arts;
5. Completion of the graduate entrance writing requirement;
6. A year of full-time paid experience, one year internship in a social agency, or relevant volunteer service (this requirement may be waived);
7. Evidence of personal qualifications, motivation and potential that give promise of a successful social worker; an autobiographical statement, three letters of reference from individuals who are familiar with the student's academic work potential and level of maturity;
8. The following courses or their equivalents:
A. SOC 307. Social Research I
B. SOC 339. Socialization
C. A course in biology or health science, which would give the student an understanding of basic human physiology.
Course Waivers
Students are permitted to satisfy course requirements in the foundation year curriculum by passing a challenge assessment in each required course. Courses which are successfully challenged must be substituted with an approved elective so that a total of 90 units is completed for the master's degree. Field work courses are not subject to waiver.
Students with BSW degrees from universities or colleges with accredited BSW programs are required to meet with their faculty advisor prior to beginning course work to determine whether any foundation year MSW courses are redundant with their undergraduate preparation. Such determination may be based on course syllabi, texts, informal evaluation or formal examination. Each course waived for the qualified BSW applicant must be substituted with an approved elective so that a total of 90 units is completed for the master's degree.
Advancement to Candidacy
To be advanced to candidacy, a student must have:
1. Achieved classified status;
2. Satisfied the general university requirements for advancement to candidacy;
3. Selected a thesis committee and gained approval of the thesis topic by the thesis committee if a thesis is chosen;
4. Completed with a grade point average of 3.0 ("B"), at least 48 quarter units of course work;
5. Demonstrated academic and professional competence in field and classroom.
Please refer to the University catalog for official information.