Master of Social Work
Transform Lives Through Social Work
The hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW) program is rooted in a history of social justice that defines our campus culture. The interdisciplinary MSW curriculum prepares you with specialized skill sets to work with minority groups and those in need.
The skills you gain at SJSU will give you an edge in careers as licensed clinical social workers, change agents and program administrators. Complete your course work online and benefit from focused training across the lifespan — including mental health interventions, family practice, trauma-informed care and community organizing. Graduate with the field internship hours and portfolio skills modern employers look for.
You will also connect with premier health networks, county social services and school districts across California and nationwide. SJSU has been a trusted leader preparing elite social work professionals for over 50 years and has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1973.
Program Information
Modality
Hybrid
Program Length
2 years · 60 units
Cost Per Unit
$695* for Fall 2027 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
August 1 – December 1 for Fall start
Start Terms
Fall
How to Apply
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Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
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Minimum overall GPA of 2.5
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Previous social work-related experiences or course work and/or a liberal arts background.
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Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
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A personal statement/essay detailing your commitment to social justice and the mission of the program.
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Three letters of recommendation and a professional resumé.
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GRE is not required for admission.
Out-of-State Eligibility
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Currently, the MSW program is only accepting students residing in California. If admitted, students must be able to study and do their internships in California.
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An English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required if a student's baccalaureate was earned outside of the US. For more information, visit the graduate admissions site.
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Application opens August 1; deadline of December 1 for Fall admission.
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Apply through Cal State Apply and submit the required documents.
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Submit a School of Social Work application through the MSW Program Application Portal.
Attend a Virtual Info Session
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Valuable Learning Experiences
Gain hands-on experiences that explore cutting-edge social work theory, receive mentorship and complete supervised field internship hours to fulfill the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) credentialing requirements.
- Complete Field Placements and Earn Internship Hours Locally: In addition to the online courses, you may choose to complete your 1,200 hours within your own geographic community under the guidance of MSW field instructors and mentors.
- Become Versed in Social Policies: Courses offer an in-depth exploration of local, state and federal social welfare policies, equipping you with the tools to advocate for systemic equity and institutional change.
- Gain Expertise in Social Work Practices: You’ll learn evidence-based intervention methodologies for working effectively with individuals, families, groups and diverse communities.
- Receive Training in Social Work Research Methodologies: Qualitative and quantitative data collection, program evaluation and research frameworks to drive data-informed clinical decisions will be explored.
Featured Courses
What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Social Work?
The hybrid MSW degree offers synchronous online academic courses and traditional in-person internship field education that prepares you to pursue Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentialing and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) school social work services credentials. The curriculum focuses on developing competencies in human development across all ages, social welfare policies, social work practices and research. You will graduate prepared with the tools to advocate for systemic equity and institutional change; and the ability to work effectively with individuals, families, groups and diverse communities.
- In-Demand Skills: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for social workers are projected to grow much faster than average due to an increasing demand for healthcare and mental health services.
- High-Value Markets: California employers post a significant number of social work, mental health and community leadership positions, ensuring strong regional career security.
- Bay Area Salaries: Social workers in the Bay Area earn an average annual salary of $62,000 - $94,000, according to Glassdoor.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, companies and job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Clinician
- Equity Policy Manager
- Executive Director
- Housing Coordinator
- Mental Health Specialist
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation Counselor
- School Social Worker
Top Companies
- Kaiser Permanente
- Contra Costa County
- County of Santa Clara
- University of California, San Francisco
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- Seneca Family of Agencies
- Solano County
- East Side Union High School District
Top Sectors
- Government - Local, State and Federal
- Healthcare Services
- K-12 Education
- Nonprofit organizations
- Social Assistance Services
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Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Graduate Admissions
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Costs and Financial Aid
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