School of Social Work

About Us

The School of Social Work at Chico State offers an undergraduate degree (BSW) in Social Work as well as a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) which may be completed in a one-year, two-year or three year program.  All of our Programs combine a robust curriculum with practicum experience for future social workers wishing to work with children, families, groups and communities. 

All of our programs include practical skills training in the form of internships in non-profit, government and private organizations, which we call Practicum Education (PDF). Practicum is known as the signature pedagogy for social work and, along with critical coursework, provides students the practical opportunities they need to be competent and prepared to enter the workforce. The Practicum Education Program is a requirement to graduate with a social work degree and for future employment as a social worker.  

BSW and MSW Foundation Year students are placed in a social service agency in our Service Region (PDF) for 16 hours per week over the course of two semesters. Students in our MSW one-year Program and concentration year MSW students are placed in an agency for 24 hours per week over the course of two semesters.  This practical training means our students are prepared for immediate career entry upon graduation. 

Our Programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education(opens in new window). We have a particularly strong training program in Child Welfare as well as a Distributed Learning Program, which allows students to take courses largely on-line with periodic visits to campus for in-person instruction.  

The teaching and learning opportunities available throughout the northern California region motivate our students to quickly develop leadership skills and find careers in highly dynamic and innovative government and non-profit organizations across the State and beyond.  Students will find that they leave Chico State highly employable and ready to put their skills to work.