CSUSB MSW: Your Complete Guide to Admission Requirements

The MSW program at California State University, San Bernardino’s School of Social Work has been the substance of social work education in the region for 34 years. The school added its BASW program in 2003. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited both programs, which will give a quality education meeting professional standards.

Students can attend classes at the San Bernardino Campus (SBC) and Palm Desert Campus (PDC), located at 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino, California. On top of that, distance education options make the CSUSB MSW program available to students outside these locations.

The CSUSB MSW program stands out with its advanced generalist concentration. Students learn micro interventions to work with individuals, families, and groups, along with macro interventions to engage with organizations and communities. This balanced approach helps you become skilled at various social work roles, from direct practitioner to policy analyst.

The College of Social & Behavioral Sciences houses the School of Social Work at CSUSB. The school creates a dynamic community of students, faculty, staff, and agency-based social workers dedicated to improving lives. The core team brings expertise in specialized areas like gerontology, gang intervention, health disparities, HIV/AIDS, disabilities, and child welfare.

The school’s community influence stands out remarkably. MSW and BASW students provide approximately 86,520 hours of fieldwork annually—equivalent to over 40 years of individual work. This contribution reaches an estimated annual value of $750,000.

Strategic collaborations with more than 100 local social service agencies create a reliable network for student practicum placements. These partnerships let you gain hands-on experience while benefiting the agencies through your work.

The school offers more than just academics:

• Active student organizations including SWSA, StAMP, and Phi Alpha
• Specialized training through Title IV-E education programs
• Concurrent degree options like the MSW/MPA program
• Practicums that fulfill Pupil Personnel Services credential requirements

Graduates from the CSUSB MSW program work throughout the nation and globally, earning international recognition. CSWE accreditation ensures employers know they’re hiring professionals with classroom and practicum curriculum that meets professional competence standards.

The school’s thousands of alumni have become leaders in the social work community. They now head major non-profit agencies, assist elderly populations, provide culturally-sensitive mental health services, and advocate for legislative improvements.

Programs offered

CSUSB gives you multiple ways to earn your Master of Social Work degree that fit your career goals and life circumstances. The program uses an advanced generalist framework that puts equal weight on micro and macro practice.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program comes in three main formats:

• Two-Year Program (60 units) – A full-time study path you can complete in four semesters over two academic years. Each fall welcomes new students.
• Three-Year Program (60 units) – This path spreads the same coursework as the two-year program across six semesters over three academic years. Students who need to balance work and studies find this option helpful.
• Advanced Standing Program (35 units) – This program serves students with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program. You can choose between a one-year (12-month) or two-year (5-semester) completion timeline.

The school also offers a Master of Social Work/Master of Public Administration (MSW/MPA) Concurrent Degrees program (73 units). This path suits those aiming for leadership roles in social service agencies. Students in the Advanced Standing Program cannot access this option.

You can attend classes at either the San Bernardino Campus or Palm Desert Campus. The three-year MSW program runs online through the Pathway Distance Education Program with mostly asynchronous coursework. Students meet online monthly and complete field placements in their local communities.

The curriculum focuses on two key areas. Micro practice prepares you to create positive change with individuals, families, and groups. The macro practice path teaches you to work with organizations and communities while integrating policy practice.

Field education is the program’s foundation. Students in two-year and three-year programs complete 1,080 hours of supervised placement over two academic years. Advanced Standing students complete 600 hours of supervised placement in one academic year.

San Bernardino Campus schedules vary by program. Daytime classes run Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 9 am to 3:45 pm. Evening classes meet Tuesday/Thursday from 5:30-9:45 pm.

The Advanced Standing program starts in summer, while traditional MSW programs begin in fall.

About the online program

CSUSB’s Pathway Distance Education Program shows its steadfast dedication to making social work education available beyond traditional campus settings. This fully online MSW option keeps the same mission and academic standards as campus-based programs.

You can complete your degree in precisely three years through this part-time online MSW program. The program uses a cohort model where you study with the same group of peers to encourage a supportive learning community even in the online format.

Classes run mostly asynchronously, so you can study materials and submit assignments on your schedule—while meeting weekly deadlines. This flexibility works great if you need to balance work or family life with your studies. The program includes regular live sessions:

• Monthly evening seminar sessions held online from 5:00-7:30pm
• Three mandatory two-day on-campus orientations (one each year of the program, typically in August)

Your coursework happens online, but practicum stays hands-on. You’ll need to complete in-person field placements totaling 1,080 hours throughout the program. This gives you real-world experience while building your theoretical knowledge. The program finds placements in your local area, so you won’t need to move.

The online MSW follows the advanced generalist concentration model just like CSUSB’s traditional programs. You’ll learn both micro interventions (working with individuals, families, groups) and macro interventions (organizations, communities, policy).

Tuition costs $650 per unit, bringing the total program cost to about $39,000. You might qualify for financial help through the Title IV-E Public Child Welfare Stipend Program if you’re an online MSW student.

Right now, the Pathway Distance Education Program serves U.S. residents only. All the same, the school wants to include international students in the future.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the online program. This will give your degree the same professional recognition as traditional campus-based programs.

Accreditation

A vital indicator of quality for any Master of Social Work degree is accreditation. The CSUSB MSW program has managed to keep full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since February 1992. This recognition spans over three decades and shows the program’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence.

The MSW program at CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus has earned official accreditation from CSWE. This is a big deal as it means that both campus locations meet or exceed the strict standards set by the nation’s primary accrediting body for social work education.

You might wonder what CSWE accreditation means for you as a future student. Your curriculum will follow established professional standards in social work education. Employers will recognize that you’ve received proper training that meets national quality and effectiveness measures.

Your post-graduation opportunities will expand with this accreditation. A degree from a CSWE-accredited program lets you work toward professional licensing after graduation. You can pursue careers as licensed clinical social workers and leadership roles in social service sectors of all types.

California State University, San Bernardino has regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which officially accredits higher learning institutions in the western United States. CSUSB’s current “Accredited” status shows that it meets the Commission’s established standards.

The evaluation process needs a full picture. Programs must show they meet strict criteria for educational quality and effectiveness. This recognition proves the CSUSB School of Social Work’s commitment to academic excellence and proper preparation of skilled social work professionals.

The director of the School of Social Work can answer your questions about the program’s accreditation status or process. The school takes pride in these credentials that help both current students and alumni throughout their careers.

The combination of CSWE program accreditation and WASC institutional accreditation ensures quality education at CSUSB. This holds true whatever you choose – San Bernardino campus, Palm Desert campus, or online program format.

Admission Requirements

The CSUSB MSW program and the School of Social Work have set specific requirements to get into the program. You’ll submit your application materials through Cal State Apply to both organizations.

You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before starting the MSW program in fall. The program looks for a minimum 3.0 GPA in all coursework or in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units). Students with a GPA as low as 2.8 might get in if they have solid social service experience.

You’ll have to pass these three prerequisite courses before starting:

• Social Research Methods (examples: Social Work Research, Experimental Psychology)
• Human Behavior (examples: Social Psychology, Child Development)
• Human Physiology (examples: Biology, Biological Psychology)

You can still apply without these prerequisites and get conditional admission. Just complete them before classes start in mid-September. After acceptance, send an official certificate of completion or transcript to verify.

The program values candidates with social work experience. The ideal candidate has one year of full-time experience (2,080 hours) through work, internships, or volunteer service. You can still apply with less experience.

You’ll just need three references with your application. These should come from your employers, volunteer supervisors, or teachers who can speak about your potential in social work. Advanced Standing applicants must have at least one recommendation from a Practicum supervisor or liaison.

The Advanced Standing MSW program has extra requirements. You should have a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA. Your grades in all social work courses must be B- or better when you apply.

The admissions committee will learn about your personal qualities, motivation, and experience to see if you’ll make a good social worker. This all-encompassing approach helps select students with both academic strength and professional potential.

Remember to submit your official transcripts for your first semester. Missing transcripts can put holds on your registration for future semesters.

Tuition

The cost of education becomes one of the most important things to think over when you pursue the CSUSB MSW degree. Your chosen program format and enrollment status will determine your tuition costs.

The 2025-2026 academic year brings specific tuition costs for on-campus graduate students based on their unit load. Students enrolled in 0-6 units pay $2,172 per semester in tuition fees, while those with 6.1+ units pay $3,744 per semester. Students must also pay mandatory campus charges that add up to $1,094.54 for fall and $1,027.55 for spring semesters.

The online Pathway Distance Education Program has a different approach. Students pay $650 per unit, which brings the total program cost to approximately $39,000. This rate stays the same whatever your residency status, which makes budget planning easier.

Non-resident and international students need to plan for extra costs. They pay an additional $444 per unit on top of standard fees. This is a big deal as it means that non-California residents must budget for these many more expenses.

The financial aid applications for 2026-2027 open on October 1, 2025. You can submit your application through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) based on your situation.

The State University Grant (SUG) helps you cover much of your tuition costs. This need-based award can potentially cover your full tuition and fees, but doesn’t include extra campus charges. The SUG funding depends on what’s available when officials review your financial aid record.

CSUSB offers both internal and external scholarship opportunities. Students can apply for CSUSB scholarships through MyCoyote starting January 1st each year.

It’s worth mentioning that tuition and fees might increase. The Alternative Consultation Process adjusts Campus Category II Fees yearly using the Higher Education Price Index, with increases capped at 4% of prior year HEPI.

Additional Information

The CSUSB MSW program offers valuable resources that boost your educational experience beyond classroom learning. You’ll get access to industry standards and networking opportunities through the program’s ties with major professional organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The program provides support in several ways. You can connect with over 1,000 CSUSB alumni working in various settings through the Coyote Network. These experienced professionals are ready to share their stories and give career guidance, from healthcare to public administration.

The school community offers active student organizations you can join:

• Social Work Student Association (SWSA)
• Students Advocating for Macro Practice (StAMP)
• Phi Alpha Honor Society

The program gives you access to essential resources like the NASW Code of Ethics. This code sets professional behavior standards for students, faculty, and practitioners. Your coursework integrates these principles that form the foundations for ethical practice.

The practicum education component places students in more than 200 contracted agencies across Southern California. These placements cover many practice areas including mental health, medical social work, child welfare, school-based counseling, adult protective services, gerontology, forensic social work, and criminal justice.

CSUSB MSW graduates find jobs in many settings. The MSW degree’s international recognition helps alumni work nationwide and around the world.