Program Overview

Admission to the On-Campus MSW Program

The On-Campus MSW Program at California State University, Northridge requires individuals to demonstrate evidence of personal maturity, including the ability to withstand difficult emotional challenges, a commitment to interpersonal processing within the parameters of cultural expectations, respect for others and for their life decisions, a readiness to learn advanced clinical and macro practice and research skills, a capacity for flexibility and creativity, and commitment to social justice and to the profession's Code of Ethics.

University Requirements

To be admitted to CSUN as a graduate student, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
3. Have satisfied one of the following conditions:
4. Attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in a baccalaureate degree program.
5. Attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
6. Hold a post-baccalaureate degree earned at a regionally accredited institution and 2.5 GPA in either the undergraduate cumulative GPA or the last 60 units.
7. Meet the professional, personal, scholastic and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations or other screening processes as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe.

Step 1: Meet the University Requirements for Graduate Programs

Applicants are considered for admission to CSUN when they meet university and individual department eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Apply to the University

This step is required for all applicants interested in the on-campus MSW Program.

• Deadline: January 5, 2026
• Apply online
• Gather and Submit Your Documents
• Application fee: $70
• Submit official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records by mail, or digitally

Additional Information for International Students

International students must provide:

• Official TOEFL score
• Affidavit of Financial Support
• Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended, and all official English translations

Step 3: Apply to the MSW Department

Complete the Department Application for the MSW Program.

• Application fee: $35
• A completed application packet is required for all applicants and will include the following items:
  • Supplemental Questions
  • Program Preference Questionnaire
  • Educational Background
  • Coursework GPA Calculator
  • Test Scores
  • Resume
  • Applicant Contract

Step 4: After You Apply

• Activate CSUN email address
• Verify official transcripts are received by Admissions and Records
• All applicants will be notified by May 2026
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances
• Application deadline is January 5, 2026