Master of Social Work: Curriculum
Our Master of Social Work (MSW) program provides you with a theoretical and professional practice focused curriculum in social work that promotes an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and its importance to competent advanced generalist practice.
The 60-credit MSW program begins in the fall. The full-time, two-year program requires five semesters (summer included). The part-time regular track takes three years; students must register for at least six credits in the fall, spring and summer terms, are required to follow the plan for appropriate course sequencing, and must complete degree requirements within six years.
If you're a student with advanced standing (bachelor's degrees in social work from CSWE accredited programs), review our advanced standing curriculum.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 12 credits of prior MSW course work and three credits of related graduate course work may be submitted for faculty review. Transfer credits must have been completed within six years of entrance into the program, must have a grade of "B" or better and must be the equivalent of any courses they replace. No credit is given for life experiences, previous work experiences or non-course credit work.
Get a description of each of Cal U's social work courses from our Course Catalog.
Below is a recommended framework of courses to earn your MSW degree.
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
Foundation Year, Fall Term |
|
SWK 707: Human Diversity and the Social Environment | 3 |
| *SWK 709: Social Welfare Policy, Services and Program Design | 3 |
| SWK 729: First Year Field Practicum I | 6 |
| |
| *SWK 702: Generalist Practice II | 3 |
| *SWK 705: Human Behavior and the Social Environment | 3 |
| *SWK 716: Social Work Research Methodology and Data Analysis | 3 |
| SWK 730: First Year Field Practicum II | 6 |
| Concentration Year Two, Fall Term | |
| SWK 801: Advanced Generalist Practice | 3 |
| SWK 803: Differential Assessment | 3 |
| SWK 806: Rural Family and Community Policy | 3 |
| SWK 829: Advanced Field Practicum I | 6 |
| Concentration Year Two, Spring Term | |
| SWK 808: Advanced Practice Evaluation | 3 |
| SWK 812: Practice in Supervision and Administration | 3 |
| SWK: Advanced Practice/ SWK840 Special Topic | 3 |
| SWK 830: Advanced Field Practicum II | 6 |
*May be waived through examination
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | |
SWK 707: Human Diversity and the Social Environment | 3 |
SWK 715: Research, Policy and Rural SW Practice | 3 |
SWK 801: Advanced Generalist Practice | 3 |
SWK 829: Advanced Field Practicum I | 6 |
| |
SWK 812: Practice in Supervision and Administration | 3 |
SWK 808: Advanced Practice Evaluation | 3 |
SWK 830: Advanced Field Practicum II | 6 |
Fall Term | |
SWK 803: Differential Assessment | 3 |
SWK 806: Rural Family and Community Policy | 3 |
SWK Advanced Practice/SWK 840 Special Topic | 3 |
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
SWK 811: Practice with Aging | 3 |
SWK 813: Practice in Health Care and Health Planning | 3 |
SWK 814: Practice in MH/MR | 3 |
SWK 815: Juvenile and Adult Justice System Practice | 3 |
SWK 816: Practice with Children and Youth | 3 |
| SWK 821: Social Work with Substance Abuse/Addictions | 3 |
| SWK 840: Special Topics (varied) | 3 |
