The M.S.W. degree program is open to students planning a career in social work who have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and who have earned an overall grade point average of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale). Students with a GPA below 2.8 may be admitted based on an evaluation of their student profile, including work experience, resume, letters of recommendation, and personal statement (see below).

In addition to the online university application at CALSTATE Apply, all applicants should submit:

A completed departmental application form,
A personal statement (3 pages) with their application stating their reasons for pursuing the M.S.W. degree, describing their relevant work experience, and explaining their past academic performance,
Three letters of recommendation (letters from prior instructors and/or supervisors preferred), and
A resume. Successful experience in social work or social work-related positions will be considered in evaluating applications.

Admission to the university and admission to the M.S.W. degree program are separate steps. It is suggested that application for admission to the university be filed together with the form for entry into the degree program.

English language demonstration is required for all applicants processed in International Admissions. We accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT version or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic version of the exams.
TOEFL iBT Total Score - 80
IELTS Academic Overall Score - 6.5