Cal State East Bay MSW
Cal State East Bay’s Department of Social Work has become a cornerstone of social justice education in the San Francisco Bay Area. The department started in fall 2003 and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. Its legacy includes over 1,000 alumni who make a real impact in their communities.
The department’s educational foundation connects deeply with the urban communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. Students learn to tackle complex social challenges in these varied settings. Their graduates emerge as practitioners with strong social justice values and know how to build partnerships in multicultural environments.
The department currently runs a Master of Social Work (MSW) program and will add a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in Fall 2025. The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited the MSW program, which ensures high-quality education standards.
A significant change awaits the Cal State East Bay MSW program. Starting Fall 2025, the program will move from specific concentrations to an Advanced Generalist curriculum. This new approach will give graduates skills they can use in any practice setting.
The program’s student body reflects great diversity. The demographics show 42.03% Hispanic/Latino, 24.64% Black or African American, 13.77% Asian, and 7% White or Caucasian students. Among the 138 graduate students, 78% are female and 21% are male.
The department thrives with 18 dedicated faculty members – 8 full-time and 10 part-time instructors. The teaching team includes 16 female and 2 male educators who bring unique views to their classrooms.
Students can easily reach the campus at 25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard in Hayward, California. This central Bay Area location makes it available to students from throughout the region.
Cal State East Bay’s MSW program stands out with its vision. The program creates diverse leaders who drive social change and work to improve oppressive systems alongside their communities. Students learn to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities affected by class and identity inequalities. This includes addressing challenges related to race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, immigration status, religion, and other forms of social injustice.
Students gain practical skills through academic courses and hands-on internships. This prepares them for effective social work in today’s complex multicultural society.
Programs offered
Cal State East Bay’s Department of Social Work provides strong academic programs that prepare students for successful careers in social services. The department currently offers a complete Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Students will soon have more options as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program launches in Fall 2025.
A major change awaits the Cal State East Bay MSW program. The curriculum will adopt an Advanced Generalist approach instead of specific concentrations from Fall 2025. This change gives graduates broader skills they can use in various practice settings, making them more versatile professionals.
Students in the MSW program can choose between two distinct concentrations. The Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) concentration creates paths toward careers in child welfare and family service agencies. The Community Mental Health (CMH) concentration develops professionals who serve in mental health agencies and crisis intervention services.
Students must complete these rigorous MSW degree requirements, totaling 60 semester units:
- 32 units of core courses (including Human Behavior and Social Environment, Race, Gender, and Inequality)
- 20 units of concentration-specific courses
- 4 units from elective offerings
- 4 units dedicated to a graduate research paper or thesis
Students need to maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and complete all degree requirements within five years. The program blends theoretical knowledge with ground application through structured internships. Students can practice their classroom learning in real-life settings.
The program’s quality is assured through full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. Working professionals can benefit from a three-year part-time option. This flexibility makes advanced education available to those who balance their careers with academic goals.
The new BSW program, now in pre-candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education, requires 120 total units. Students must complete 40 units in BSW major core courses. This program prepares students for generalist practice-level positions in nonprofit and public agencies. BSW graduates have an advantage when they apply to accredited MSW programs and might qualify for Advanced Standing status.
These programs embody the department’s mission to graduate culturally responsive urban social workers who are ready to tackle today’s social challenges.
About the online program
Cal State East Bay’s Extended Program delivers a mostly online MSW experience tailored for students who have work or personal commitments during the day. You can pursue your social work education while keeping up with your current commitments through this flexible format.
Students complete the Extended Program over three years by taking two courses (8 academic units) each semester. The balanced workload lets you manage both professional and personal responsibilities effectively. A Social Work Education Capacity Expansion Grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information helped create this program, showing the university’s dedication to expanding educational access.
The online learning experience blends several teaching methods together. Weekly synchronous Zoom classes happen on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, which allows live interaction with professors and peers. You’ll also need to come to the Hayward campus up to twice monthly for practice skill labs that help you develop hands-on competencies in this mostly online format.
Practical experience stands at the heart of Cal State East Bay’s MSW curriculum. You’ll complete 1,080 hours of internship experience as part of the Extended Program. The internship starts in summer before the second year and requires about 12-14 hours each week on weekdays. These field placements help you put theoretical knowledge to work in practical settings.
The program will move to an Advanced Generalist curriculum starting Fall 2025. This change will prepare you better to work in a variety of practice settings and with different populations.
Cal State East Bay’s MSW program focuses on educating students who will serve communities within the nine-county San Francisco Bay region. This local emphasis helps you gain specialized knowledge about the area’s unique social needs and available resources.
Expert faculty members, the core team, and quality online coursework will support your learning journey. The university’s award-winning online campus provides resources specifically designed for working adults who need flexible, affordable education options.
This blended learning approach will give a complete preparation to work as a social worker in today’s increasingly diverse and complex multicultural society.
Accreditation
Quality assurance in social work education programs comes through accreditation across the United States. Students looking at Cal State East Bay’s MSW program should learn about its accreditation status to understand the program’s quality and recognition better.
The Cal State East Bay MSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This prestigious recognition has stayed strong since the program started in fall 2003. The department celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. CSWE accreditation means your education meets national quality standards for social work practice.
Your future career prospects depend heavily on accreditation status. The CSWE credential shows the program meets established standards through rigorous evaluation. Many employers and state licensing boards need you to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program before you can work or get licensed.
The university continues to grow its social work education options. The new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program now has pre-candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education. This means the program completed its original steps toward full accreditation, and standards were approved in draft form.
The Department of Social Work helps students get their professional credentials beyond academic accreditation. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences gives licenses to practice social work in the state. Students get valuable support from the department during the licensing process. This support comes in two ways:
- Program courses that match pre-licensure requirements
- Step-by-step guidance throughout the process
BSW students can prepare for Wellness Coach certification through the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. Like the MSW license preparation, students get help matching courses to certification requirements and guidance through certification.
Getting into either program won’t guarantee your license or certification. Outside agencies set these requirements, not California State University. Requirements might change over time.
California State University East Bay’s institutional accreditation comes from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This university-wide accreditation works alongside the program-specific CSWE accreditation to meet detailed educational standards.
Cal State East Bay’s MSW program shows its steadfast dedication to student success through these accreditations and credentialing support. The program prepares students thoroughly for rewarding careers in social work.
Admission Requirements
The Cal State East Bay MSW program admission process needs you to meet specific qualifications and complete two steps. Let’s look at the basic requirements you need to know.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or social sciences from an accredited college or university. The program asks for a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. Your GPA falls below this mark? You can still apply by writing a brief memo (maximum 250 words) that explains any special circumstances.
You must complete two prerequisite courses before starting your studies: human biology or anatomy/physiology, and statistics. Take these courses at any higher education institution with a grade of C or better. Don’t worry if you haven’t finished these prerequisites yet – you can still apply but need to show proof of completion by the end of your first academic year.
The application process breaks down into two steps:
- Apply to the university through Cal State Apply (has a $70 application fee)
- Complete the Social Work Department application
The department application needs these items:
- A personal statement (not required for Cal State Apply – just write “statement submitted to the department”)
- A resume
- Three letters of recommendation submitted through the online system
Make sure at least one recommendation letter comes from a former professor. The other letters should come from people who know your work or volunteer experience well.
Accepted students might need to agree to a criminal background check before agency internship placements. You’ll also need to buy student professional liability insurance before starting field placements. The National Association of Social Workers offers this insurance.
Fall admission applications usually open October 1 of the previous year. The department takes a comprehensive look at your application. They understand special circumstances might have affected your undergraduate performance, so they look at post-graduate coursework and social service experience too.
Remember, life experience or previous work can’t replace a bachelor’s degree. The programs that lead to licensure don’t guarantee you’ll get a license, since agencies outside CSU’s control set these requirements.
Tuition
Financial planning plays a vital role in your graduate education. Cal State East Bay’s MSW program provides competitive tuition rates compared to other California programs.
California residents will pay $9,607 in tuition and fees for full-time enrollment during the 2025-2026 academic year across two semesters. Students enrolled in 6.1 or more units pay $4,553.50 per semester. Students taking fewer than 6 units need to pay $2,957.50 per semester.
Non-resident students must pay additional costs. Standard tuition comes with an extra $420 per unit charge. This cost difference makes California residency status valuable.
Students need to meet specific payment deadlines. The Spring 2025 tuition fee payment deadline falls on January 14, 2025. Late payments can lead to additional fees or course disenrollment.
MSW students can access several financial aid options. The State University Grant (SUG) covers mandatory tuition fees if you’re a California resident enrolled in at least half-time status (4+ units for Masters Programs). Cal Grants might be available but get prorated for enrollment below 12 units per semester.
All students pay miscellaneous fees. The Student Involvement Representation Fee (SIRF) costs $2.00 per term. This optional fee supports student leadership and advocacy programs.
In-state students spend approximately $29,000 to complete the MSW program. This amount covers tuition throughout the program’s duration.
Note that tuition rates can change. The university’s website states: “All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees”. You should stay updated about any adjustments during your educational experience.
Additional Information
California desperately needs social work leaders, which creates excellent career prospects for social work graduates. The state’s child welfare agencies alone need about 3,400 social workers, highlighting a significant shortage of master’s-level professionals.
MSW graduates can pursue exclusive roles such as clinical supervisor, licensed clinical social worker, mental health therapist, and school social worker. Their career options also include adult protective services, case management, crisis intervention, and policy analysis.
Cal State East Bay’s commitment to student success shows in its comprehensive support system. The university library provides specialized Social Services Abstracts that help with research. Students also benefit from accessibility services, advocacy services, wellness center, and health counseling resources.
Social work students have access to numerous scholarship opportunities. The NASW Foundation provides various funding options, including dedicated support for Native American, Latino/a, and LGBTQ+ students.
The program’s success speaks through its numbers. More than 1,000 alumni have joined social services since 2003. The university’s employment statistics look promising too – 61% of students land jobs after graduation, and 9 out of 10 graduates report better career prospects.
Students passionate about public child welfare, behavioral health integration, and substance use disorder treatment can explore additional stipend programs.