Loma Linda’s MSW Programs

Loma Linda University’s Master of Social Work program shines as one of California’s finest MSW programs. This 30-year-old program has grown into a top destination for students who want advanced clinical training in social work. A local government representative called it the “platinum MSW program in the region”, and that’s no exaggeration.

The program’s excellence shows in its rankings. It holds the #17 spot among social work master’s degree programs nationwide and ranks #3 in California. This puts it in the top 5% of social work programs across the country, which proves its academic excellence and real-world value.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this southern California MSW program special. Built on Loma Linda University’s motto “To make man whole,” the program uses an all-encompassing approach that looks at biopsychosocial-spiritual aspects. This prepares students to handle their clients’ complex needs. Students learn to see clients as whole people rather than just a list of symptoms, which helps them work better in our often disconnected healthcare system.

The program’s success rates tell an impressive story. Students complete the program at an exceptional rate of over 98%. Small class sizes and diverse faculty members create the perfect setting for learning.

The student body’s makeup shows the program’s strong commitment to diversity. During 2018-2019, 55 students earned their master’s degrees in social work. Women made up 83.6% of graduates, and 74.5% were racial-ethnic minorities. This is substantially higher than the nationwide average of 41% for similar programs.

Loma Linda University, a 118-year-old institution, operates within the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education. Students get hands-on experience through the university’s internationally known health system, where they practice integrated behavioral health and tertiary-level inpatient care.

Program Director Dr. Talolo Lepale (DSW, MSW, MBA, LCSW) leads the program with expertise in acceptance and commitment therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Under his guidance, the program focuses on developing skilled clinical practitioners.

Working professionals can choose from several paths to complete their degree. Recent BSW graduates can finish their online MSW advanced standing option in just 12 months. This quick path works well for those with relevant undergraduate degrees who want to advance their careers.

Graduates often become leaders in their field. They improve people’s quality of life and help create better systems that serve community needs.

Programs offered

Loma Linda University’s MSW program puts flexibility first with several paths that match your career goals and life situation. The complete 78-unit curriculum builds expertise in evidence-based trauma and resiliency-informed interventions that help people from all backgrounds.

Traditional On-Campus Program
The traditional on-campus program lets you choose from three flexible timeframes:

• 2-year full-time option (most students choose this)
• 3-year part-time option that works well for professionals
• 4-year part-time option when you need extra flexibility

Students experience a mix of classroom learning and selected online courses in this versatile program. Core classes usually run Tuesdays and Thursdays, while practicum work happens on other weekdays.

Online MSW Program
California residents who are U.S. citizens can choose the online MSW option without compromising on quality. The program blends live and self-paced learning, with virtual classes running Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-9:30 PM. Students must spend at least one weekday at an approved location within 75 miles of their home.

Advanced Standing Option
Recent BSW graduates can take advantage of the advanced standing path, which needs just 52 quarter units (35 semester units equivalent). Students can finish this efficient option in 12 months. Classes start mid-July, making it easy to transition from BSW graduation into advanced MSW studies.

Loma Linda’s program includes 29 academic units of advanced clinical specialization and a year of hands-on clinical practice. The curriculum takes an all-encompassing approach to support wellness for people and families in various settings.

Students can boost their professional credentials with additional certifications:

• Play Therapy certification
• Drug and Alcohol Counseling certification
• Dual master’s degree with Criminal Justice MS (Forensic Mental Health emphasis)

The program includes specialized training to work with military personnel and veterans. Students learn to work in healthcare environments of all types, moving past the scattered approach common in traditional settings.

Small class sizes and a mix of students and faculty make Loma Linda stand out among southern California MSW programs. This creates an ideal setting for shared learning and professional growth.

About the online program

Loma Linda University’s online MSW program serves California residents with U.S. citizenship. The program offers a flexible yet challenging educational path. Their 78-unit curriculum (equal to 52 semester units) matches the quality of on-campus learning.

Students benefit from a mix of live and self-paced learning formats. Live virtual classes run Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30-9:30 PM. This schedule lets you keep your day job while pursuing your degree. You can plan your work and personal life better with these fixed class times.

The online MSW builds on a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to advanced clinical social work in behavioral health. This complete framework helps you learn state-of-the-art, evidence-based methods that focus on trauma treatment and building resilience. You’ll develop skills to support prevention, early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment for people of all ages—from children to adults facing difficult challenges.

The virtual program stays connected to hands-on experience. Students need to meet these in-person practicum requirements:

• One full weekday (Monday-Friday) for practicum each week
• Placement sites within 75 miles of your home
• No weekend or after-hour practicum options

Students often train in Loma Linda University’s world-class health system. This gives them exceptional learning opportunities in integrated behavioral health and tertiary-level inpatient care. The hands-on work helps build ground clinical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

The program accepts applications for upcoming cohorts. Deadlines are October 15 for Winter entry and February 15 for Fall admission. The online program doesn’t charge an application fee.

Students can pursue additional credentials, including a dual degree with the MS in Criminal Justice and an online Play Therapy certificate. These specialized credentials can boost your career prospects in specific practice areas.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program, with reaffirmation due in 2025. This accreditation shows the degree meets national standards for professional social work education.

Accreditation

Loma Linda University’s MSW program stands on the foundations of professional credibility and quality assurance. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE is the only recognized accrediting organization for master’s-level social work education in the United States. The program will need to verify this credential again in 2025. This shows their dedication to excellent education standards.

Loma Linda University also has regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This recognition verifies the quality of education in all university programs.

CSWE accreditation plays a vital role in evaluating California MSW programs. This designation will give a guarantee that the curriculum meets detailed national standards for professional social work education. The accreditation process looks at program structure, faculty qualifications, student resources, and curriculum content. This makes sure graduates are ready for professional practice.

Students can benefit from CSWE accreditation in several ways:

• Licensure Eligibility: Only graduates from CSWE-accredited programs qualify for social work licensure in California
• Quality Assurance: Accreditation verifies that the program delivers competent education and training for future social workers
• Standardized Curriculum: CSWE holds universities accountable for offering foundational and advanced courses needed for professional success

Loma Linda’s MSW program has managed to keep this prestigious accreditation for over 20 years. The program is one of 29 fully CSWE-accredited MSW programs in California. California leads the nation with more accredited MSW programs than any other state.

The program’s accreditation covers all approved program delivery methods. This means both on-campus and online formats meet the same high standards. The MSW advanced standing online option benefits from identical accreditation credentials as traditional pathways.

CSWE accreditation, which is 70 years old, helps ensure California social workers graduate from rigorous MSW programs. These programs are the foundations for effective social work practice. Through regular reviews, accredited programs like Loma Linda University keep improving their educational offerings while staying current with professional standards.

Admission Requirements

Getting into Loma Linda University’s MSW program needs several qualifications that maintain the program’s academic standards and professional values. The admissions team reviews both academic readiness and professional fit for a social work career.

Loma Linda MSW pathways require these core qualifications:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• S. citizenship status
• Compatibility with a liberal arts educational foundation

Your application package should include a completed application with personal statement, all college and university transcripts, and at least three letters of recommendation. The program suggests getting at least one reference letter from an academic source and another from a work supervisor to provide a complete picture of your abilities.

The program expects a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). In spite of that, applicants with lower GPAs might qualify if they show substantial improvement in their final 45 quarter credits (30 semester units) of non-practicum coursework. Additional graduate coursework, certifications, or relevant training can strengthen applications from candidates with lower GPAs.

Students who enter with GPAs below 3.0 may need to join individualized academic assessment and targeted learning assistance programs. This support helps ensure student success in the rigorous curriculum.

The admissions committee reviews candidates through application materials and interviews for these professional qualities:

• Compatibility with social work professional values
• Interpersonal relationship skills
• Communication abilities
• Self-awareness and professional comportment
• Critical thinking capabilities
• Match with Loma Linda University’s mission and values

Online MSW applicants must provide written commitment to complete one full weekday (Monday-Friday) of practicum each week. Note that weekend and after-hours practicum options are not available.

Your educational background determines the specific application process. MSW advanced standing online applicants need a recent BSW from a CSWE-accredited program along with standard admission requirements.

The program accepts applications for upcoming cohorts with these deadlines: October 15, 2025 for Winter 2026 entry, and February 15, 2026 for Fall 2026 admission. Prospective students will be pleased to know that no application fee applies.

Tuition

Smart financial planning helps you invest in your education, especially when you have California MSW programs in mind. Loma Linda University’s on-campus MSW program comes with a clear cost structure that needs careful thought.

The on-campus full-time MSW program’s total cost was $65,512 for the 2023-2024 academic year without Federal Work Study (FWS). Students with FWS benefits pay $47,001. These numbers cover tuition at $879 per unit for 78 required units ($68,562 total). You’ll also pay university fees of $975 per term for six terms ($5,850). The practicum fees add $3,600 more to cover insurance, supervision, and assessment needs.

Students should set aside money for books too. First-year books cost about $1,925 at full retail prices, while second-year books run around $1,730. These book expenses stay separate from the program’s total cost estimate.

Financial aid can make your education more affordable. FWS-qualified students get a big tuition break spread across six quarters. Students earn $17.14/hour for practicum hours. This means you could save $18,511 just through clinical practicum work.

Part-time students and those taking extra credits pay $899 per credit. Loma Linda University’s graduate tuition and fees have grown steadily from $30,380 in 2019-2020 to $32,900 for 2023-2024.

The five-year period shows an 8.3% tuition increase. This matches inflation rates in professional education. Base tuition makes up $29,000 of current costs, and fees add another $3,900.

Students looking at southern California MSW programs should apply for federal financial aid. The MSW advanced standing online option follows similar tuition rules, though fees differ slightly.

Additional Information

Loma Linda University’s MSW program offers more than just academic education. The university has built a powerful alumni community that makes the program even more valuable. Graduates become part of a network with over 55,000 alumni who serve worldwide. This professional community stays available to help you throughout your career.

The Alumni Association does more than just connect graduates. It creates meaningful relationships between alumni and current students. These connections become valuable assets as you move from your studies into your professional life.

Many experienced graduates give back to the community. They help by answering questions, hosting traveling students during interviews, reviewing resumes, and mentoring current students. You’ll learn from professionals who’ve walked the same path. These relationships often turn into lifelong connections that create opportunities well after graduation.

Loma Linda MSW graduates have shown exceptional career success among California MSW programs. The numbers speak for themselves – 93% of graduates find jobs, and they get preferred interview spots at Loma Linda University Health after graduation.

Students who qualify can earn up to $18,511 through work-study programs. This helps offset education costs by a lot. On top of that, graduate students can apply for three to twelve-month internships through the Wholeness Institute. These internships let you work directly with Loma Linda University’s leaders and health services.