California Baptist University MSW

California Baptist University sits in the heart of Riverside’s historic Magnolia Avenue district. The beautiful 162-acre campus puts students just a short drive from popular beaches and mountain resorts. Founded in 1950 by the Los Angeles Southern Baptist Association, CBU started small with 42 students in its first fall semester. The student body grew to 120 during that initial academic year.

CBU has evolved into one of Southern California’s premier private Christian universities. The university provides an educational experience that blends academic excellence with spiritual and social growth. Students learn that God created each person with a unique purpose, and the university helps them discover this purpose through Christ-centered education.

The Division of Social Work belongs to the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, one of CBU’s oldest and largest schools. Faith serves as the cornerstone for community involvement, relationship building, and social service in this college. The Division of Social Work has earned its place among Southern California’s leading social work programs. The California Baptist University MSW program stands out by combining social work principles with faith to help diverse communities.

The university’s faculty includes dedicated professionals who bring extensive social work experience to the classroom. These experts guide students and prepare them for successful careers in social work after graduation. CBU remains dedicated to serving the local community, promoting social justice, and bringing glory to His kingdom.

Accreditation plays a vital role for students choosing a masters in social work in California, especially with Christian MSW programs online or on-campus. California Baptist University holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Master of Social Work program has earned specific accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, which ensures the degree meets professional standards.

CBU’s student body showcases diversity with 8,417 undergraduate students and 3,485 graduate students enrolled as of fall 2024, totaling 11,902. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for meaningful educational interactions.

The campus preserves its mission revival architectural charm while featuring modern, tech-savvy facilities. The university expanded its campus with a 5,050-seat Events Center and Magnolia Crossing, a four-story apartment complex.

Programs offered

California Baptist University’s Division of Social Work has three degree programs that prepare students to serve professionally at different levels. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program stands at the heart of these offerings. Students can choose from several formats that fit their schedule and lifestyle.

The standard MSW program takes 60 units spread over four semesters. Students complete this two-year program with eight foundation courses, five generalist requirements, nine electives, and four practicum requirements. Classes run during fall and spring semesters, and students get summers off. The program requires 900 field practicum hours at social service or community agencies with professional supervision.

Students who already have a BSW degree can take advantage of CBU’s Advanced Standing MSW option, which needs just 30 units. This fast-track program lets students earn their graduate degree in just one year. These students follow the second-year course sequence and complete 500 field practicum hours instead of 900.

CBU knows that working professionals and people with families need more flexibility, so they created an online MSW track. This option maintains the program’s high standards while giving students more freedom in their schedule. Online students can:

• Do their coursework remotely on their own time
• Come to Riverside for four 3-day residencies (8 hours each day)
• Complete similar field practicum requirements
• Use their workplace for practicum hours when possible
• Join campus events and use university services

Both traditional and online students follow the same curriculum, so everyone gets the same quality education whatever way they choose to study. Every CBU social work program focuses on evidence-based training, professional growth, and hands-on learning that makes a difference.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits CBU’s MSW program, and graduates can work in many different settings. The program meets California’s requirements for social worker licensure. Students who want to get licensed in other states should check with their state’s licensing agency about educational and other requirements before they enroll.

Tuition costs $822.00 per unit plus some extra fees. All the same, this investment opens doors to great career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that social worker jobs will grow by 7 percent over the next decade, and right now there aren’t enough social workers to meet the demand.

CBU rounds out its social work education with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) for those starting their careers and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) for professionals aiming for leadership positions.

About the online program

CBU’s online Master of Social Work program offers an exceptional option if you have students seeking flexibility without compromising educational quality. Working professionals will find this remote learning track delivers a similar curriculum, faculty expertise, and program requirements as the on-campus experience.

Students can balance work, family responsibilities, or live outside the Riverside area while the online MSW upholds CBU’s commitment to excellence. This format works well for current social service professionals, those changing careers while working full-time, and veterans or military families.

The program blends asynchronous learning with strategic in-person components. You can complete coursework remotely on your schedule, which gives you flexibility to manage your educational goals. This approach lets you earn your degree while meeting professional and personal commitments.

We designed the program with four required residencies throughout your studies. Each residency takes three days (8 hours daily) at the Riverside campus and gives you face-to-face time with professors and peers. These focused sessions improve your educational experience without frequent campus visits.

Online students must complete the same field experience as traditional students for practicum requirements. Standard program participants need 900 total hours while Advanced Standing students complete 500 hours. The program has employment-based practicum options—perfect for online students who can blend their work experiences into educational requirements.

The California Baptist University MSW online program mirrors the on-campus version’s academic structure. It has 60 units over four semesters with classes in fall and spring terms (no summer sessions). You get a complete masters in social work California education that meets all professional standards.

Online students can access campus resources including library services, faculty office hours, and various university events. This setup will give a strong connection to the university community.

The program meets current requirements to become a licensed social worker in California. Students planning to practice in other states should check licensing requirements with appropriate state agencies before enrolling.

This Christian MSW program online provides a detailed educational experience that prepares you for professional success while fitting into adult learners’ busy lives.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital quality marker for any social work program and shows adherence to strict educational standards. The Master of Social Work program at California Baptist University proudly holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation proves graduates receive education that meets professional measures set by the industry.

CSWE accreditation means much more than a simple credential. The recognition comes through a detailed peer-review process. It balances requirements for comparable outcomes across programs yet allows institutions to create their unique approach based on specific contexts. The accreditation covers all approved locations and delivery methods. Both on-campus and online formats qualify when the degree comes from that program and social work appears as the program of study.

The Council on Social Work Education has a clear vision: “To ensure a well-educated social work profession equipped to promote health, well-being, and justice for all people in a diverse society”. Programs under CSWE oversight must show their steadfast dedication to meeting strict educational policy and accreditation standards.

Programs seeking CSWE recognition go through thorough evaluation and usually fall under one of several statuses:

• Accredited – Fully meeting all standards
• Accredited (Conditional) – Meeting most standards with documented noncompliance that must be addressed within one year
• Accredited (Withdrawal in Progress) – Programs with planned closure dates
• Candidacy – Programs that have completed at least one year of the candidacy process
• Pre-Candidacy – Programs with standards approved in draft form

Students pursuing a masters in social work California program get several clear benefits from CSWE accreditation. Your degree meets California’s licensure requirements. Your program follows standards the profession has set. Employers know you’ve received education that meets national measures.

California Baptist University’s institutional accreditation comes from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This further proves the university’s overall academic quality.

CBU’s MSW program’s accreditation highlights its dedication to meeting social work education’s highest standards. This perfectly matches the university’s broader mission. Your coursework and field experiences meet all requirements the profession’s governing body has established.

Students looking at Christian MSW programs online should make accreditation status their top priority. It directly affects your chances to get licensure after graduation and ensures your education meets professional standards.

Admission Requirements

The California Baptist University MSW program looks at your academic performance, professional potential, and how well you match the university’s values when considering your admission.

The standard MSW program needs these application materials:

• Completed application form with a non-refundable $45.00 application fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale to qualify for unconditional admission
• Statistics prerequisite completed with a grade of “C” or better
• A complete essay of 3-4 pages addressing specific topics
• An interview with the Social Work program’s Director

Your essay plays a vital role in your application. You need to write about why you want to join the program, what experiences led you to social work, your career goals, your qualifications, social justice issues you care about, your religious background, and why you chose CBU.

BSW graduates who want Advanced Standing admission face different requirements. You must have earned your bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, ideally within the past seven years. You also need a minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission, which is higher than the 2.75 GPA needed for standard admission.

Advanced Standing spots are competitive. The program favors applicants who finished their BSW within the last seven years and earned a 3.0 GPA or higher in all social work practice and field courses. Candidates whose degrees are older than seven years can still qualify if they show continued field involvement, ongoing education, and professional dedication during their admission interview.

Students from other countries must prove their English language skills. They can do this with an IELTS score of 6.0 (no individual band score below 5.0) or a TOEFL score of 80 IBT.

Make sure you finish your bachelor’s degree before starting graduate classes. The Graduate Admissions Office should receive all your official transcripts directly.

Tuition

The MSW program at California Baptist University represents a significant investment in your future. Students pay $822.00 per unit plus additional fees. The standard 60-unit track costs approximately $49,320 for the complete program. Advanced Standing students need only 30 units, which totals around $24,660.

CBU provides various financial support options to help manage educational costs. Students seeking federal or state financial aid must complete the FAFSA (CBU school code: 001125). Federal aid eligibility requires at least half-time enrollment (5 units) in degree-applicable classes.

Financial aid opportunities include:

• Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program – Students who received Cal Grant as undergraduates within the past 15 months can apply (requires G-44 form submission)
• Preferred Partner Benefits – For employees of partner organizations
• Lancer Loyalty Graduate School Grant – CBU alumni can receive $500 to $3,000 based on academic merit, financial need, and program selection
• Private Scholarships – From organizations, foundations, or companies

Federal loan programs provide additional financing options:

• Unsubsidized Loans – Fixed interest rate of 7.94% (valid July 2025-June 2026) with a 1.057% loan fee
• Graduate PLUS Loans – Fixed interest rate of 8.94% with a 4.228% loan fee
• Graduate students can borrow up to $138,500 including undergraduate loans

Students needing additional funding or those who don’t qualify for federal programs can explore private educational loans based on creditworthiness.

CBU works hard to maintain competitive tuition costs among California’s masters in social work programs. The university states, “As tuition has steadily increased at many colleges and universities around the country, California Baptist University has chosen to hold the line as much as possible”. This steadfast dedication to keeping education available makes Christian MSW programs online from CBU achievable for many aspiring social workers.

The university’s commitment shows results – 98% of incoming students receive some form of financial aid. Graduate student assistance packages vary based on financial need and program selection.

Additional Information

Field education is the cornerstone of California Baptist University’s MSW program. Students gain practical skills through supervised practicum placements that connect classroom concepts with ground applications. The Office of Field Education collaborates with more than 200 community agencies to address social work’s grand challenges.

Your California Baptist University MSW experience includes substantial fieldwork hours based on your program level:

• First-year MSW students intern 16-20 hours weekly, totaling 400 hours per academic year
• Second-year MSW students intern 20-24 hours weekly, totaling 500 hours per academic year

MSW-qualified professionals provide weekly supervision that enhances the learning process. Students receive either one hour of individual supervision or two hours of group supervision. The university can provide an MSW supervisor if your agency doesn’t have one onsite.

The program’s partnership with Maze of Life Resource Center creates additional learning opportunities. Students follow well-laid-out learning plans that emphasize ethical decision-making, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care. These strategic collaborations demonstrate CBU’s steadfast dedication to developing skilled social workers who improve lives.

Students in this Christian MSW program, whether online or on-campus, actively engage in community service across Southern California. Activities range from supporting Riverside County’s Adoption Day to facilitating sessions at the Mayor’s Faith Summit.