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Master of Social Work, M.S.W.

Engaging and inspiring tomorrow’s generation of social work leaders to meet the needs of multicultural, multilingual, and diverse populations.

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The Master of Social Work program offers a transformative graduate learning experience preparing social work practitioners to advance their abilities and careers meeting the needs of multicultural, multilingual, and diverse populations and advocating for social and economic justice.

Empowering You to Excel in Your Chosen Profession

As a student in the MSW program, you’ll develop professional competencies in clinical and cultural expertise, ethical leadership, critical thinking, conflict resolution, interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive community process, and use of technology to provide culturally competent services.

Graduates of our program have gone on to significantly impact the lives of families and communities throughout California, working as agents of positive change at places like:

  • Abode Services
  • Aspiranet
  • Alum Rock School District
  • Bay View Academy Charter School
  • Catholic Charities of Monterey County
  • Center for Community Advocacy
  • Community Bridges
  • Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
  • Dominican Hospital Santa Cruz
  • Gardner Health Services
  • Gonzales Unified School District
  • Haven of Hope
  • Hartnell College
  • Hospice of Santa Cruz County
  • Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services
  • La Casa Adult Day Health Center
  • Monarch Services
  • Monterey County Behavioral Health
  • Palo Alto Medical Foundation
  • Rebekah Children’s Services
  • Salinas Valley Hospital
  • Santa Cruz County Family and Children Services
  • Veteran’s Health Administration
  • Veterans Transition Center
  • Youth Alliance

A key strength of the MSW program is the wide range of settings in which you’ll be prepared to elevate your career, including:

  • Government departments
  • Non-profit agencies
  • Private agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Correctional facilities
  • Schools
  • Home health agencies
  • Child welfare departments
  • Counseling agencies
  • Behavioral and mental health departments
  • Youth programs
  • Substance abuse programs
  • Probation departments
  • Clinics
  • Senior centers

 

You’ll be prepared to work in a variety of professional roles, some of which include:

  • Case Manager
  • Program Coordinators
  • Therapist
  • Manager
  • Director
  • Outreach Worker
  • Medical Social Worker
  • School Social Worker
  • Forensic Social Worker
  • Research Analysts
  • Advocates
  • Educator
  • Consultant
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Public University Price, Private University Experience

A Lifetime of Value

Tuition & Fees Financial Aid

Social Work, M.S.W.

The MSW program will prepare you to become a clinically and culturally competent social work practitioner, capable of engaging in scientific inquiry and critical thinking as you advocate for social and economic justice by addressing policies that create socio-economic disparity, oppression, and discrimination.

 

Educational Objectives

Our school social work specialization will prepare you to earn the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), also known as the School Social Work Credential, with which you’ll be ready to serve as an effective school leader, change agent, and advocate for children and youth.

Our Child Welfare and Attendance Credential (CWA) is offered as an add-on specialization that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to advocate for youth with a special emphasis on at-risk and underachieving youth with attendance barriers.

Our robust practicum educational component will provide you with exceptional opportunities to apply what you’ve learned and hone your professional skills working in collaboration with community agencies throughout our region.

Our emphasis on the needs of the California Central Coast region means you’ll be uniquely prepared to work with local communities and meet the specific needs of individuals and families who call our distinctive geographic region home.

The MSW program was founded in response to a call of local social work leaders for the development of a high-quality graduate-level social work program. As such, the program maintains a special focus on the community issues of the California Central Coast region and will position you to advocate with a heightened set of skills specifically designed for local communities.

News

Read about our student success and faculty innovation in CSUMB News
maria gurrola

CSUMB changing the social landscape

The Master's in Social Work program has nearly doubled in size and is making an impact on the shortage of social workers in the tri-county region.

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the Master of Social Work program.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Learn more about how to apply to the Master of Social Work program at Cal State Monterey Bay.