Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work degree at CSUN provides students with a strong academic program and professional skill development, offering social services to various communities. The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and offers one specialization: advanced generalist practice with a focus on urban communities.

Program Description

This full-time program consists of two academic years and 20 courses, equaling 60 credits, of which 12 are in practicum internship placements. The first year, or generalist year, includes core course content such as social work micro, mezzo, and macro practice, multicultural practice, DSM diagnosis, human behavior, and social environment. The second year, or specialized year, builds on the core content taught in the first year and includes other required content for professional accreditation.

Program Requirements

A. Admission Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, with preferred fields including Sociology, Psychology, the Liberal Arts, or similar programs.
• A GPA of 3.0 is recommended.
• Submission of a Social Work program application form, including responses to supplemental questions.
• Official transcripts.
• An applicant contract.
• A resume.
• For applicants from countries where the official language is not English, a minimum TOEFL score of 88, with at least 22 on each of the four individual sections, or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.

B. Course Requirements

1. Foundation Courses (30-33 units)

• SWRK 501 Human Behavior and Social Environment I (3)
• SWRK 502 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3)
• SWRK 503 Psychosocial Assessment and Diagnostic Formulation (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 Generalist Practicum Education I and Placement (2/1)
• SWRK 523/P Generalist Practicum Education II and Placement (2/1)
• SWRK 525 Social Welfare Policy and Services (3)
• SWRK 535 Social Work Research Methods I (3)

2. 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 Specialist Practicum Education with Urban Communities I and Placement (2/1)
    • SWRK 623/P Specialist Practicum Education with Urban Communities 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)
  • Culminating Experience:
    • SWRK 698 Capstone Project (3)
  • Electives (3 units):
    • SWRK 650A-Z Selected Topics in Social Work (3)

Total Units Required for the M.S.W. Degree: 60-63

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Master of Social Work will be able to:

1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
2. Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
3. Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
5. Engage in policy practice.
6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.