The Master of Social Work Degree at CSUN provides students with a strong academic Program with professional skill development that provides social services to the San Fernando Valley adjacent cities as well as state, national and global communities. This full-time Program consists of two academic years and 20 courses equaling 60 credits, of which 12 are in field placement. The first year or foundation year of the Program consists of two semesters for all students, including Core course content of social work micro, mezzo and macro practice; multicultural practice; DSM diagnosis; human behavior and the social environment; social welfare policy and advocacy; and social research and field placement. Other required content for professional accreditation includes social work values and ethics, populations-at-risk, diversity, and social and economic justice. The total units (minimum of 60) in the Program meet the requirements for professional accreditation.

The two-year, full-time program consists of two calendar years, including a minimum of 20 courses (at least 12 units of which are field courses) and completion of two field internship placements.

The three-year, part-time student cohorts complete their course of study over a three-year period. Students take two or three courses per semester taking place on weekday evenings and some Saturdays. The field placement for the three-year, part-time program consists of a minimum of 16 hours of field internship per week during two of the three years.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate Degree from an accredited University in Sociology, Psychology, the liberal arts or similar program;
2. A GPA of 3.0 is recommended;
3. Submit a Social Work Program application form that includes a personal statement; and
4. Submit three letters of recommendation, at least two from an academic institution; and
5. Official transcripts.

Foundation Courses (30-33 units)

SWRK 501 Human Behavior and Social Environment I (3)
SWRK 502 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3)
SWRK 510 Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice I (3)
SWRK 520 Social Work Practice in Multicultural Contexts (3)
SWRK 521 Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice II (3)
SWRK 522/P Foundations of Field Education I (2/1)
SWRK 523/P Foundations of Field Education II (2-1)
SWRK 525 Social Welfare Policy and Services (3)
SWRK 535 Social Work Research Methods I (3)
SWRK 503 Psychosocial Assessment and Diagnostic Formulation (3)

Advanced Concentration Courses (30 units)

Focus: Advanced Practice with Urban Families

Required (27 units)

SWRK 601 Advanced Social Work Practice with Urban Families I (3)
SWRK 602 Advanced Social Work Practice with Urban Families II (3)
SWRK 621 Advanced Social Work Practice in Urban Communities (3)
SWRK 622/P Advanced Field Practicum with Urban Families I and Placement (2/1)
SWRK 623/P Advanced Field Practicum with Urban Families II and Placement (2/1)
SWRK 630 Family Crisis, Trauma and Grief (3)
SWRK 635 Social Work Research Methods II (3)
SWRK 645 Urban Social Policy and Advocacy (3)
SWRK 698 Capstone Project (3)

Electives (3 units)

SWRK 650A Child Welfare Services (3)
SWRK 650B Addictions (3)
SWRK 650C Mental Health Wellness and Recovery (3)
SWRK 650D Practice in Child Welfare Settings (3)
SWRK 650G Supervision (3)
SWRK 650I Aging and Families (3)
SWRK 650J Immigration (3)
SWRK 650K Dreams (3)
SWRK 650L LGBT (3)
SWRK 650M Group Therapy (3)
SWRK 650N Couples Therapy (3)
SWRK 650O Health-Care Settings (3)
SWRK 650P Family Therapy (3)
SWRK 650Q Pre-Licensure Course (3)
SWRK 650R Social Work in Schools (3)