Distributed Learning

Curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online and face-to-face coursework. Students complete approximately 75% of the course content asynchronously online and 25% in a synchronously face-to-face format.

Students attend courses on the Chico State campus two weekends per semester (fall, spring, and summer) and attend regularly scheduled live class sessions through Zoom webinar platform.  Attendance is compulsory.  It is a requirement of the program and is mandated to ensure student success.

The program requires five prerequisite courses, including three Social Work core prerequisite courses, for the Bachelor of Social Work at CSU, Chico. These courses may be completed at Chico State, or equivalent courses may be completed at various community colleges in our region.

We have outlined Prerequisite Courses and Equivalents for you. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” grade or higher before continuing in the social work program.

It is very important that if you are interested in pursuing a BSW to consult with the DL Advisor as some courses at your community college/transfer institution may be equivalent to our prerequisites.

The coursework for the BSW Distributed Learning program is the same, fully-accredited curriculum as the traditional, campus-based BSW program. The program consists of 12 Professional Sequence courses, including one social work elective course (37 units). Students must also complete all university requirements for graduation.

Coursework is completed sequentially using the following course plan:

BSW Distributed Learning Course Plan

Step 1:

Attend an information meeting with the program advisor.

Step 2:

Apply to the University through Cal State Apply.

Get information regarding how to apply and important deadlines from the Office of Admissions.

Step 3:
Admission to Chico State does not guarantee acceptance to the BSW Professional Sequence. You must apply to the BSW program using the online Professional Sequence Verification, Aug. 1–Sept. 15.

The BSW Professional Sequence courses begin each spring semester. However, we recommend applying for fall admission to the University, so that you can complete the required core courses for the major. If you have already completed these courses, you can take the required upper division GE Pathways courses which will ease your course load during the remainder of the program.

If you have all prerequisites met and have completed all core courses, spring admission may be an option. If this timeframe applies to you, you must schedule a meeting with the advisor to discuss this option.

Please note: Applying to the BSW program while currently enrolled in the social work core courses (SWRK 170, SWRK 200, and SWRK 202) is common. SOCI 100 and PSYCH 101 are not typically offered online at Chico State; please plan accordingly

The three-year MSW Distributed Learning program offers the same, fully-accredited curriculum as the campus-based two-year program. The one-year MSW Distributed Learning program offers the same, fully-accredited curriculum as the campus-based one-year program.

Through the DL program, however, curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online and face-to-face coursework in a part-time, three-year course plan and the one-year accelerated advanced-standing program.

Students complete 75% of the course content online and 25% in a face-to-face format. Students attend courses on the Chico State campus two weekends per semester (fall, spring, and summer) and attend regularly scheduled live class sessions through Zoom webinar platform. Attendance is compulsory. It is a requirement of the program and is mandated to ensure student success.

In addition to coursework, the program requires 720-1200 hours of practicum in the Chico State service region.

For information about prerequisite courses, visit our Social Work MSW: Info and Application page.

• One-year, full-time, year-round, accelerated, advanced-standing one-year Course Sequence.
• Three-year, part-time, year-round three-year Course Sequence.
• See MSW Course Sequences

One Year Program
The One-Year MSW DL program is an accelerated, advanced-standing program offered every year.

The application period is open from October 1st to January 15th every year. Applicants will complete one application through Cal State Apply.

Three Year Program
The Three-Year MSW DL program admits students once every three years, with the next cohort of students starting fall 2024.

The application period will open fall 2023 for the next three-year cohort, the 2024-2027 cohort. Applicants will complete one application through Cal State Apply.

Office of Graduate Studies
Visit for admission and program information.