Program Mission
CSUSB’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students to implement advanced generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, and policies at all levels of practice: micro, mezzo, macro. Guided by scientific inquiry, our program’s competency-based curriculum provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values required to become collaborative, research-informed practitioners, leaders, and change agents in interprofessional practice contexts.
Grounded in the core social work professional values of service, social justice, the dignity and worth of every person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, and human rights, our MSW program equips students to challenge oppression and advocate for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
Our MSW programs prepare students to disrupt systems of oppression, empower and advocate for historically disenfranchised and diverse communities, and engage in ethical and inclusive national and global practice. Our MSW program’s San Bernardino and Palm Desert Campus options are located within two of the largest and most geographically and socio-economically diverse counties in the United States, while our Pathway Distance Education MSW Program has national reach. In all programs, we prepare students to serve culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations across urban, suburban, and rural settings of their local areas.
About the Major
The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program through CSUSB School of Social Work is modeled on the requirements of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national accrediting body for social work programs. To accommodate student needs, the School of Social Work offers many opportunities for students to attain a Master of Social Work Degree. MSW courses are offered online or in person at the San Bernardino Campus (SBC) or the Palm Desert Campus (PDC).
MSW Program Details
All MSW options below are offered at the San Bernardino Campus and the Palm Desert Campus. Online options are available as indicated.
- MSW Advanced Standing Program: (35 units) New students begin each Summer. The curriculum is equivalent to the curriculum for MSW students in their advanced year of the 2-year MSW Program, beginning with summer courses.
- MSW Advanced Standing (1-year option). Completed within 12 months.
- MSW Advanced Standing (2-year option). Completed in 5 semesters.
- The Two-Year Program: (60 units) New students begin each Fall. Two academic years (4 semesters) of coursework.
- The Three-Year Program: (60 units) New students begin each Fall. Three academic years (6 semesters) of coursework. Same coursework as the two-year program, but spread out over three years.
- Offered in person, face-to-face instruction
- Offered online through the school's Pathway Distance Education Program
- Master of Social Work / Master of Public Administration Concurrent Degrees (MSW/MPA): (73 units) The MSW/MPA concurrent degrees program serves students who envision a career path that includes high-level administrative roles in social service agencies. The Two-Year and Three-Year program (on campus or online) offers the MSW/MPA concurrent degree. The MSW/MPA degrees program is not available to students in the MSW Advanced Standing Program. The MSW/MPA Concurrent Degrees Program class schedule is determined by the MSW Program to which students are admitted, either the MSW 2-year option or the MSW 3-year option. Students will need to include additional courses, as required, in Public Administration and as outlined in the Sample Course Plans.
For all MSW Course Descriptions, please visit the Campus Bulletin.
In addition to classroom learning, MSW students concurrently complete their Practicum Education.
Interested applicants must meet admission requirements and apply during the application process.