Cal State San Bernardino’s online Master of Social Work program in the School of Social Work has been ranked No. 4 among the nation’s most affordable programs for 2027 by MastersInSocialWorkOnline.

The university’s fully online Pathway Distance Education MSW was recognized in the organization’s national rankings of programs preparing students for careers in social work, behavioral health, human services and related fields.

“The mission of our Pathway Online MSW program is to provide high-quality, accessible MSW training to students across California and the country who, for whatever reason, cannot attend an in-person MSW program,” said Deirdre Lanesskog, director of CSUSB’s School of Social Work. “We are so proud of our graduates who come from a variety of backgrounds and geographic regions, and who have gone on to lead exceptional careers in their home communities, whether here in the Inland Empire, in North or Central California, or several states away.”

The program’s 60-unit degree costs approximately $41,340, according to MastersInSocialWorkOnline. The per-unit rate is $689 as of fall 2026 but remains below the cost of many private online programs, the organization said.

This 3-year program is competency-based and uses an advanced generalist curriculum which prepares students to work in micro, mezzo, and macro practice settings. Students complete 1,080 hours of in-person practicum placement with two human service agencies during their second and third years of the program. Students also may pursue a joint MSW/MPA degree designed for those interested in public management careers.

CSUSB also offers in-person bachelor’s and 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year master’s of social work degrees at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert Campuses. Students in these programs benefit from even more affordable state-supported tuition rates of approximately $5,500 per semester.

The recognition highlights CSUSB’s role in providing accessible graduate education for students preparing to serve individuals, families and communities through social work and related professions.