What is Social Work? Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities
enhance their well-being and overcome life’s challenges through advocacy, support,
and access to resources. It combines compassion with practical skills to address issues
such as poverty, mental health, child welfare, healthcare access, and social justice.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree equips students with advanced clinical, policy,
and leadership training, preparing them for careers in diverse settings such as schools,
hospitals, nonprofits, government agencies, and private practice. People pursue an
MSW to deepen their knowledge, expand their career opportunities, and make a meaningful
impact in the lives of others.
What are the program’s admission deadlines? The MSW program accepts students year-round for a Fall start date. The priority deadline
date is May 15, with final deadline of July 15 for a Fall start date. If you do not
meet the deadline for Fall, you will be considered for admission for the following
academic year. The program only has a Fall start date. Students cannot start the program
in Spring or Summer.
How long does the admissions process take? The process for reviewing completed applications, scheduling interviews and notifications
is around 2-3 weeks.
What is the GPA Requirement? Admission to the MSW program is based on a holistic review of your entire application,
including GPA, transcripts, essay, interview, and other individual factors. Since
academic performance alone does not capture your full potential, we carefully evaluate
the complete admissions packet when making decisions. The minimum GPA requirement
for admission is 2.75; however, if admitted, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain
in the program. Applicants from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply. Applicants
with a GPA below the requirement would only be considered under exceptional circumstances.
Those who fall below the requirement should contact an admissions counselor to determine
if any alternative options may be available.
Do I need work or volunteer experience in social services before applying? Prior work or volunteer experience in social services is not required to apply to
the MSW program. However, relevant experience can strengthen your application by showing
your commitment to the field and your familiarity with social work practice. Many
of our students come from various professional or academic backgrounds and pursue
social work as a calling, bringing unique perspectives and skills that enrich the
program. Whether you are continuing from related experience or starting a new path,
our MSW program is designed to prepare you for success in the field.
Is the MSW degree accredited? The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at California Baptist University is fully
accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring that our curriculum
meets the highest standards of professional social work education. In addition, California
Baptist University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University
Commission (WSCUC), which affirms the university’s commitment to academic excellence
and institutional integrity.
How long does the program take to complete? The program is a two-year, full-time program. Students take classes in both Fall and
Spring, for two academic years. If candidates with a Bachelor of Social Work degree
meet advanced standing criteria, they complete the program in one academic year completing
coursework in Fall and Spring. This program does not have a part-time option.
What program options do you have? The MSW program offers two pathways: an in-person/hybrid option and a fully online
option, providing flexibility for working professionals and students with unique scheduling
needs. Both options are designed to accommodate the demands of busy lives while ensuring
access to high-quality social work education. Whether you prefer the structure of
scheduled in-person classes in a hybrid format or the convenience of completing coursework
online with campus residencies, the program allows you to choose the pathway that
best aligns with your personal and professional responsibilities.
When do classes meet? In-Person/Hybrid Option: Students join a cohort and attend classes on one of the following
schedules: Monday/Wednesday evenings, Tuesday/Thursday evenings, or Saturdays from
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. In addition, field classes meet biweekly on Fridays. Because this
is a hybrid format, classes alternate between in-person meetings (every other week)
and asynchronous online learning, so students are not on campus every week for all
courses, but maintain their cohort meeting days weekly.
Online Option: Students complete their four academic courses asynchronously with weekly
engagement requirements. They also attend an in-person residency on campus at the
end of each semester. The Field Seminar course meets live via Zoom every other Friday.
For both program options, Field Seminar is offered in three time options: 9:00 a.m.–12:00
p.m., 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., or 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
What are the Field Practicum Requirements? Students are required to complete 900 hours of field practicum hours during the two-year
program. This breaks down into about 400 hours/16 hours a week in the first year and
500 hours/20-24 hours a week in the second year. The Field Director works with students
to place them at a community agency near their residence. In some situations where
students work in a social service agency, an employment-based practicum may be considered,
only if certain criteria are met. Most placements are completed during normal business
hours, though we do have some limited partnerships with agencies that provide night,
weekend and remote placements. Students that are accepted as Advanced Standing complete
500 hours throughout the academic year.
Will I have access to the required courses when I need them to stay on track for graduation? As part of the MSW program, your Student Success Coach will work with you each semester
to register you for the classes you need. From your first semester through graduation,
your Student Success Coach ensures that your courses are scheduled in the correct
sequence so you can stay on track and focus on your studies without the stress of
planning out which classes to take or when they will be offered.
What types of jobs can someone with an MSW get? Graduates with a Master of Social Work (MSW) are prepared for a wide range of professional
roles across many settings. With advanced training in clinical practice, policy, and
leadership, MSW graduates can pursue careers as clinical social workers and therapists
in hospitals, community agencies, private practice, and schools. They may also serve
as school social workers, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy
to support student success. In child welfare, MSWs work with foster care, adoption,
and family preservation programs to strengthen and protect families. Many graduates
also enter healthcare as medical or hospital social workers, guiding patients and
families through treatment planning and support services. Beyond direct practice,
MSWs often take on leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, government agencies,
and advocacy groups, shaping programs and influencing policy to promote social justice.
For those pursuing clinical licensure (LCSW), even more opportunities are available
in advanced practice and leadership across the field of social work.
