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Apply to MSW Program

New students are admitted into our MSW Program only in the fall term of each academic year.  Applications for Fall 2024 will open October 1, 2023.  The priority deadline to apply to the School of Social Work is January 15th, 2024.   All applications that are considered complete by the priority deadline will be reviewed and considered for admission.  Applications are evaluated on a competitive bases and space is limited.

MSW Application Deadlines
Semester Application Opens MSW Application Priority Deadline MSW Application Close Date
Fall 2024 October 1, 2023 January 15th, 2024* Once slots are full and before March 15th, 2024

Fall 2025

October 1, 2024

January 15th, 2025*

Once slots are full and before March 15th, 2025

**Student cohorts are filled primarily from applicants that submit by the January 15th, 2024 priority deadline.  For this reason, most applications received after the priority deadline are not reviewed

How to start an application  

Applicants must apply both to the University and the School of Social Work for consideration. Cal State Apply is the host for the University application and the School of Social Work MSW Program application.  Applicants need to log in to review all MSW application materials. 

Step 1

Begin application online at Cal State Apply.

Step 2

 Add the MSW Application into your CSUSB University Application

  • Select Campus: CSU San Bernardino
  • Select Start Term: Select Fall 2024
  • Choose Program Choice:
MSW Application Steps
Select 1st Choice, MSW Program Option

Select Location:

Select Campus Name:

Select Program:

MSW Advanced Standing

San Bernardino Graduate  CSU San Bernardino

Social Work

MSW 2 Year San Bernardino Graduate 

CSU San Bernardino

Social Work

MSW 3 Year

San Bernardino Graduate 

CSU San Bernardino

Social Work

MSW 3 Year (online)

San Bernardino Extension

CSU San Bernardino

Social Work – Pathway Distance Education
MSW / MPA Concurrent Degrees (online) San Bernardino Extension CSU San Bernardino Social Work – Pathway Distance Education

MSW / MPA Concurrent Degrees (in person)

San Bernardino Graduate 

CSU San Bernardino

Social Work and Public Administration Concurrent Degrees

Step 3

Once CSUSB MSW application is added to applicant’s CSU Apply application, click on the Program Materials to follow additional application instructions as outlined in the Home Tab of Program Materials.

As part of the application, applicants will be required to request 3 references to submit an online Graduate Social Work Recommendations on their behalf. (Applicant will submit requests in the Recommendation Section of the Social Work application). 

  •  Preferred/recommended references include an employer, volunteer supervisor, or instructors who are in a position to judge your potential for social work practice***.  It is best to request references from people who supervise and/or who evaluate applicant’s work, studies, commitment to the helping professions, professionalism, work ethic, etc., and not from co-workers, family, friends, etc.  References are confidential and must be submitted by individuals selected to be your reference.
  • Applicants applying to the Advanced Standing Program Option must select references from each of the following: (1) Academic Reference, Social Work faculty/advisor and (2) Field Instructor and (3) Field Liaison.  Recommendation should directly address the ability to manage an accelerated MSW program.

Access all required application materials and detailed instructions in Cal State Apply. If you have questions, please send an email to socialwork@csusb.edu

MSW Information Sessions

MSW Degree Options

Admission Requirements