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Three-Year
Master of Social Work

extension.fullerton.edu/masters/msw

Learn more and register for the program

Two women talking to each other

The Three-Year MSW program at Cal State Fullerton prepares social workers to take leadership roles in public social service organizations charged with responding to societal problems such as poverty, family instability, mental illness, and child abuse. What makes this program different is that it allows students the flexibility to earn their degree while maintaining employment.

Program Length:

60 Units

Tuition:

$525 Per Unit

*fees subject to change

Location:

CSUF Campus

Program Features:

  • Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • The program is 60-units in length
  • Students can complete the program in three years
  • Classes are scheduled in the evenings during Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
  • Classes are held at the CSUF campus
  • Students progress through the program as part of a cohort
  • Generalist Practice Curriculum
  • Classes are guaranteed and the program follows a pre-determined schedule
  • Fieldwork placements are geared towards a student's chosen area of focus

Information Sessions

Participants will learn about the program, admission requirements, application instructions and specific course information. Visit the website for specific dates and times.

Apply for Fall

The application period for Fall is from October 1 to mid-January. Applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree. A complete list of admissions criteria is available on the website. If you have questions regarding admissions, prerequisites, transfer credits or student advising, please contact the MSW Admissions Coordinator: Kelly Segovia at (657) 278-8452 or email applymsw@fullerton.edu .

Tuition

Tuition is currently $525 per units. Textbooks, parking and other instructional materials must be purchased seperately. Fees are subject to change.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid is avaliable in the form of long-term, low interest loans. CalSWEC stipends are avaliable if you are currently employed by a public child welfare services agency in California. Since the Three-Year MSW program is not supported by state funds, students admitted to this program are not eligible for State University Grants, Cal Grants or graduate Equity Fellowship Grants.

The Three-Year Master of Social Work program is a 60-unit, on-campus program which can be completed in around three years.

Year 1

Fall

MSW 501:
Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior I

MSW 510:
Social Work Practice I

MSW 520:
Social Welfare Policy and Services I

Spring

MSW 502:
Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior II

MSW 511:
Social Welfare Practice II

MSW 521:
Social Welfare Policy and Services II

Summer

MSW Elective 1

MSW Elective 2

Year 2

Fall

MSW 503:
Social Work Perspectives on Human Behavior III

MSW 540:
Social Work Field Instruction I

MSW 550:
Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations

Spring

MSW 530:
Applied Social Work Research Methods I

MSW 541: Social Work Field Instruction II

MSW 564: Professional Issues in Social Work; Supervision, Grant and Finance

Summer

MSW Elective 3

MSW Elective 4

Year 3

Fall

MSW 542: Advanced Social Work Field Instruction I

MSW 596: Master's Project Development

MSW Elective 3 (optional, if not yet taken)

Spring

MSW 543: Advanced Social Work Field Instruction II

MSW 597: Master's Project

MSW Elective 4 (optional, if not yet taken)

Electives

Four elective courses are required, one must be practice-specific

  • MSW 512: Child Welfare: Advanced Social Work Practice
  • MSW 514: Community Mental Health: Advanced Social Work Practice
  • MSW 570: Social Work Practice in Substance Abuse Treatment
  • MSW 571: Social Work Perspectives on Developmental Psychopathology and Family Context
  • MSW 573: Trauma-Focused Social Work
  • MSW 575: International Social Work
  • MSW 576: Social Work Practice in School Settings
  • MSW 578: Social Work Practice with Latino/a Populations
  •  

Practicum Learning Experiences

You will complete two nine-month long practicum learning experiences—tailored to your area of social work practice interest—consisting of 16 hours per week at a community-based social work agency.