Program & Degree Information

This page will be updated soon to include information about our new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. For now, please visit this page.

MSW Program Overview

The Department of Social Work offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Social Work (MSW). The program is designed to prepare students for a career in social work, and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 


MSW Program Learning Outcomes

Our program supports students in meeting the nine Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies.  For consistency with past University policy, we developed Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) that are linked to the CSWE competencies as well as our University Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs). However, we are in the process of replacing the PLOs with the CSWE competencies in the University Catalog. 

CSWE Competency

Associated Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Associated Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Values and Ethics 

Professional Use of Self

Sustainability

Specialized Discipline

Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and  Environmental Justice

Advocacy

Communication

Communication

Sustainability

Specialized Discipline

Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice

Diversity

Diversity

Specialized Discipline

Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

Critical Thinking

Thinking and Reasoning

Collaboration

Specialized Discipline

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

Critical Thinking

Communication

Thinking and Reasoning

Collaboration

Specialized Discipline

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,  and Communities

Applying Theory

Communication

Communication

Collaboration

Specialized Discipline

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Applying Theory

Communication

Communication

Collaboration

Specialized Discipline

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,  and Communities

Applying Theory

Communication

Communication

Collaboration

Specialized Discipline

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,  and Communities

Critical Thinking

Thinking and Reasoning

Specialized Discipline

 

MSW Degree Requirements

The MSW degree program requires completion of 60 semester units, distributed among core courses (32 units), concentration courses (20 units), an elective course (4 units), and a graduate research paper, either a yearlong research project or department or university thesis (4 units). Only graduate-level courses, those numbered 600-699 (or equivalent if taken elsewhere), may be used as part of the 60-unit graduate degree program.

A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained in the 60 units taken to satisfy the degree requirements. All graduate degree requirements must be completed within the five (5) years prior to graduation. 

See the University Catalog for a full description of degree requirements.

Useful Documents

Course Sequences for Students who Entered in Fall 2025

Course Sequences for Students who Entered in Fall 2024 or earlier

Curricular Requirements

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  • Students will take 32 units of required coursework. All courses are 4 units.

    • SW 600  Human Behavior and Social Environment
    • SW 601  Race, Gender, and Inequality
    • SW 602  Introduction to Social Welfare Policy
    • SW 603  Introduction to Social Welfare Research
    • SW 611  Generalist Practice I
    • SW 612  Generalist Practice II
    • SW 695a Social Work Practicum I
    • SW 695b Social Work Practicum II

  • Students will select one concentration and take 20 units of required coursework. All courses are 4 units.

    1. Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)

      • SW 621a  Advanced Practice I: CYF: Individuals and Families
      • SW 621b  Advanced Practice II: CYF: Groups, Organizations, and Communities
      • SW 689    Community-Based Research in Social Work Practice
      • SW 695c  Social Work Practicum III
      • SW 695d  Social Work Practicum IV

    2. Community Mental Health (CMH)

      • SW 622a  Advanced Practice I: CMH: Individuals and Families
      • SW 622b  Advanced Practice II: CMH: Groups, Organizations, and Communities
      • SW 689    Community-Based Research in Social Work Practice
      • SW 695c  Social Work Practicum III
      • SW 695d  Social Work Practicum IV

  • Students will select one 4-unit course. Not all elective courses will be offered each semester. Students may take more than one elective but only 4-units are required for the degree. SW690 and SW697 are only offered under special circumstances.

    • SW 630  The Recovery Model in Community Mental Health
    • SW 631  Advanced Psychosocial Assessment and Diagnosis
    • SW 632  Family Violence Across the Lifespan
    • SW 633  Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse in Social Work Practice
    • SW 634  Legal Issues in Social Work Practice
    • SW 690  Independent Study (1-4 units)
    • SW 697  Issues in Social Work (1-4 units)

  • Students will complete a capstone experience consisting of a yearlong research project that the student begins in SW689 Community-Based Research and completes in SW693 Integrative Project, with the same instructor. Under special circumstances and with approval by a faculty committee, students may choose to complete a Departmental or University Thesis in lieu of the yearlong research project. All courses are 4 units. Students will select one 4-unit course.

    • SW 693  Integrative Project
    • SW 699  Departmental Thesis
    • SW 691  University Thesis