CSUN MSW Program

The Department of Social Work at California State University, Northridge serves as the core of social work education in the Greater Los Angeles region.

The Cal State Northridge MSW program started a mission to prepare professional social workers who promote well-being in urban settings as anti-oppressive, socially just agents of change. This mission shapes the program’s curriculum and educational approach.

The CSUN MSW program boasts an impressive 93% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The program’s selective admission process shows a 46% acceptance rate. The latest numbers reveal that from 713 applicants, 205 received acceptance letters, and 111 students enrolled.

Student diversity stands out as one of the department’s strengths. The student body has 84% women and 15% men, with rich racial and ethnic representation. Hispanic or Latino students lead at 56.15%, though some sources suggest this number could be as high as 63%. The remaining student population consists of 21% White or Caucasian, 8.85% Black or African American, 1.92% Asian, 0.38% American Indian or Alaska Native, 4.23% identifying as two or more races, and 3.85% unknown.

The CSUN MSW online program and its on-campus version maintain excellence through dual accreditation. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides national accreditation, while the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) offers additional certification.

Students receive training as advanced generalists with urban community focus. They become skilled at working across all levels: individual/family (micro), group/community (mezzo), and societal/policy (macro). This complete approach creates more career opportunities than traditional social work programs.

The department currently serves 260 graduate students, with 3% coming from international backgrounds.

Programs offered

CSUN’s Department of Social Work provides complete programs that prepare students at different stages of their professional journey. Students can choose from both undergraduate and graduate education paths based on their needs.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gives you the fundamental knowledge needed in social work practice. This program builds strong foundations for entry-level positions and advanced degree pursuits. BSW students develop vital skills through approximately 400 hours of supervised fieldwork. They also study human behavior, social welfare policy, and research methods.

The Cal State Northridge MSW program stands out because of its flexibility and integrated approach. Many institutions offer specialized tracks, but the CSUN MSW program uses a generalist model that focuses on urban families. This approach substantially increases career opportunities by preparing graduates to work at all levels: individual/family (micro), group/community (mezzo), and societal/policy (macro).

The Master of Social Work degree comes with several program options:

• Traditional Two-Year Program – A full-time, on-campus experience with daytime classes two days per week for four semesters. Students complete internships two days per week in the first year and three days in the second year
• Three-Year Part-Time Program – Evening classes twice weekly for eight semesters (including summers). Students complete internships two days per week during two of the three years
• Online MSW Program – The complete curriculum delivered in a flexible online format, available in both two-year and three-year timelines

The CSUN MSW online program maintains the same high standards as its on-campus version through collaboration between the Department of Social Work and The Tseng College.

The MSW programs require 60 total units, with 12 credits dedicated to practicum internship placements. First-year students learn generalist content across micro, mezzo and macro practice areas. Second-year students build on these foundations with specialized content.

Students in the CSUN MSW program move through the curriculum together in cohorts. This approach creates a supportive learning community and builds professional networks that last beyond graduation.

MSW students gain valuable experience through more than 900 hours of supervised field placements in various settings. This hands-on training and urban focus prepare graduates for diverse careers, from clinical practice to administration and policy development.

Curriculum

The Cal State Northridge MSW program’s success speaks through numbers – 93% of graduates find jobs within six months after completing their degree. These impressive results show the program’s ability to prepare students for real-life challenges in social work.

Students can complete their MSW degree through flexible pathways while meeting high academic standards. Hands-on experience stands at the program’s core through extensive field education. Students spend over 900 hours in supervised field placements at various settings. This practical experience bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional work.

The program’s cohort-based structure helps students progress through their coursework together in supportive learning groups. Students build strong professional networks that last beyond graduation and create valuable career connections.

Social workers from this program learn to work at multiple levels:

• Individual/family (micro)
• Group/community (mezzo)
• Societal/policy (macro)

CSUN’s MSW program stands out from traditional programs by using an advanced generalist model focused on urban communities. This approach substantially increases the graduate’s career options instead of limiting them to specialized tracks.

Students start with foundational knowledge across all practice areas in their first year. Second-year coursework builds deeper expertise with specialized content. The 60-unit program dedicates 12 credits to practicum internship placements.

The online MSW option delivers similar curriculum standards as on-campus learning. The Department of Social Work and The Tseng College’s partnership ensures students get quality education with flexibility.

The Social Work Department enriches learning through its diverse community of 260 graduate students, including 3% international students. This mix brings varied viewpoints and backgrounds to the classroom experience.

About the online program

The Cal State Northridge MSW online program combines the expertise of the Department of Social Work and The Tseng College. Students get the same high-quality curriculum as on-campus students with more scheduling flexibility. Students progress through the program together in cohorts, which builds a supportive learning community and strong professional connections.

Students can choose between two versions of the CSUN MSW online program:

• A two-year (four-semester) full-time option with an intensive curriculum to graduate quickly
• A three-year (eight-semester) part-time option that starts each Spring Semester in even years (2026, 2028, etc.) at a slower pace

The full-time online program helps students manage their studies alongside other life commitments. The structure includes two eight-week courses taken at the same time, adding up to 20 classes (60 graduate units) plus ongoing 16-week practicum education classes. Students can complete most coursework at their own pace since it’s asynchronous, without fixed online meeting times.

Students only need to attend one required session – a weekly hour-long online practicum education class. The program doesn’t require any visits to the CSUN campus.

Hands-on field education plays a vital role in the CSUN MSW online experience. Students complete 16 weekly practicum hours throughout the program, with placements available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Students can’t do evening or weekend practicum placements or complete internships at their current workplace.

CSUN’s urban location shapes the program’s focus on urban community practice. This prepares graduates to help vulnerable populations. Students learn skills across all practice levels: individual/family (micro), group/community (mezzo), and societal/policy (macro).

Students interested in learning more about the online program can reach The Tseng College. Applicants should read the Practicum Education Manual and Student Manual to understand the policies for practicum internship and academic program before applying.

Accreditation

Strong accreditation credentials are the foundations of the Cal State Northridge MSW program’s stellar reputation. The program has accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national standard-setter for social work education in the United States.

CSWE accreditation is vital for graduates who plan to pursue licensure. The CSUN MSW program’s prestigious credential allows graduates to take the licensure examination after completing 3,000 supervised post-MSW practice hours. Most states require this accreditation for social work licensure, which makes it a significant part of the program’s value.

The program also benefits from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) institutional accreditation. These two accreditations prove that the program meets high standards professionally and institutionally.

The CSUN MSW online program carries similar accreditation credentials to its on-campus version. Students receive the same recognized qualification whatever program format they choose. Every CSUN social work graduate completes a fully accredited program that meets national quality standards.

The department’s steadfast dedication to quality education shows in its accreditation history. CSWE first accredited the program in 2008, with successful reaccreditations in 2012 and 2020. The program’s current accreditation extends through 2028, cementing CSUN’s position as a qualified social work education provider.

California stands at the forefront of social work education with 29 fully-accredited MSW programs, the highest number nationwide according to CSWE. The CSUN MSW program enhances this robust educational landscape while focusing on urban communities.

The curriculum aligns with California’s pre-licensure requirements and covers key topics like human sexuality, substance dependency, child abuse assessment, and professional ethics.

Admission Requirements

The Cal State Northridge MSW program has specific requirements and needs a complete application package. You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university. The program welcomes degrees from all disciplines. Students with backgrounds in Sociology, Psychology, the Liberal Arts, or similar programs have an advantage.

Your academic record matters a lot during admission. The CSUN MSW program looks for a minimum 3.0 GPA. All the same, you might qualify as a “Conditionally Classified” student even if you don’t meet every requirement. This status means you need to achieve full “Classified” standing before completing more than 12 units of graduate coursework.

Your application package should have:

• A completed Social Work program application form with answers to supplemental questions
• Official transcripts from every post-secondary institution you attended
• An applicant contract with your initials
• A comprehensive resume showing your paid and volunteer experience

Your resume should show total hours worked for each role and fit within 1-2 pages. The document needs to showcase your current work experience, professional social work background, volunteer work, leadership positions, and relevant awards.

International students from non-English speaking countries face additional requirements. You need a minimum TOEFL score of 88 with at least 22 points in each of the four sections. You can also submit an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher.

CSUN MSW online applicants can’t apply to both online and on-campus programs at once. The department won’t review incomplete applications. The system closes automatically when applications reach capacity.

Your admission requires maintaining good academic standing throughout your program.

Tuition

The Cal State Northridge MSW program offers a straightforward cost structure. Students pay $48,780 total tuition to complete the degree, which breaks down to $813 per unit for 60 units. The program requires a $70 university application fee, plus you’ll need to budget for books and supplies.

The CSUN MSW program delivers excellent value. You’ll pay nowhere near what private universities charge – about half the cost while getting education that matches or exceeds their quality. This makes the program a smart choice for students who want quality credentials without breaking the bank.

Many students can take advantage of financial support programs. The CalSWEC Stipend Program uses Title IV-E federal funding to support students pursuing child welfare training. Full-time students who choose the two-year on-campus program receive $18,500 per academic year, totaling $37,000. Part-time students working in public child welfare agencies might get up to $14,164 yearly in tuition reimbursement.

Mental health stipends of $18,500 are available to students in all program formats, though you’ll need to work with county mental health programs for one year after graduating. On top of that, the GSWEC stipend ($400-$600) helps students who focus on geriatric social work.

The university’s Veterans Affairs Office provides specialized help to U.S. military veterans and dependents who qualify for VA Educational Benefits. Students should submit their financial aid applications early to ensure priority processing.

Additional Information

The Cal State Northridge MSW program connects you to more than just academics. You’ll join a community of over 434,000 CSUN alumni who work in a variety of professional fields, from business leaders to Pulitzer Prize winners. CSUN Alumni Association members get free access and ongoing career support through webinars, workshops, and mentoring programs.

Your MSW journey gets valuable direction from the Program Advisory Board. Students, alumni, faculty, and community social workers make up this board. They work together to generate financial support, organize continuing education workshops, and promote the CSUN MSW program in the broader community.

CSUN provides complete student support services right when you need them. Research shows about 11% of CSU students experience houselessness and 40% face food insecurity. The university created CSUN with a Heart to address these challenges. This initiative brings together resources for housing, food, financial assistance, and health services. Students can also access:

• The DREAM Center for undocumented/DACAmented students
• Student Legal Support Clinic offering free or low-cost services
• Emergency housing and relief grants for crisis situations

The CSUN MSW online students get similar support systems. Students can head over to the Career Center during their studies and for a full year after graduation. This helps ensure a smooth transition into their professional careers.