Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)

MSW 1-Year Program, 2025-2026
The One-Year Program is available to apply to if you have or will earn an undergraduate degree in Social Work (BASW) within the past five years.

MSW DL 1-Year Program, 2025-2026
The One-Year Program distance learning program is available to apply to if you have or will earn an undergraduate degree in Social Work (BASW) within the past five years. This is a Hybrid program with summer 2024 courses and on-line learning and two weekends per semester of on-campus classes.

MSW 2-Year Program, 2024-2026
The Two-Year Program is available to applicants with any undergraduate background.

MSW 3-Year Program, 2024-2027 (Starts every 3 years)
The Three-Year Program is available to applicants with any undergraduate background. This is a Hybrid program which includes on-line learning and two weekends per semester of on-campus classes. Next application cycle opens in Fall 2026 for the next 3 year cohort-Fall 2027-2030

The following are guides and resources for applying to the Master's program. 

• MSW Application Guide

MSW One-Year & One-Year Distributed Learning (DL) Programs

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Have earned the BSW within the last five years at the time of starting the MSW program.
• No additional prerequisite courses are required.

SW Two-Year & Three-Year Distributed Learning (DL) Programs

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Have completed (or in the process of completing) three prerequisite courses (each 3 units or more, with a grade of C or higher):
  1. Statistics / Research Methods / Data Analysis - a course covering basic statistics, research, or data analysis.
  2. Human Biology / Human Anatomy / Human Physiology - a course with substantial human biological content
  3. Ethnic Diversity / Multicultural Studies - a course emphasizing diversity, culture, or identity

Not Sure if a Course Qualifies?

If you’re uncertain whether a course meets a prerequisite, complete the MSW Prerequisite Verification Request Form (Google Form; Gmail required).
You’ll need:

• College/university name
• Semester and year completed
• Course number and title
• Units and grade
• Course description and (if available) course URL

Questions?
Email MSW Director / Graduate Coordinator Meka Klungtvet-Morano at mklungtvet-morano@csuchico.edu.

International Applicants:

International academic documents will all be assessed by International Admissions and/or the Office of Graduate Studies during the application review process. This includes the review of prerequisites and transcripts. For your application, please list the courses you think meet the prerequisites.

Personal Statement Instructions

The personal statement is the heart of your application. It is where the admissions committee learns about you from your voice, your experiences, and your reflections. It also serves as a writing sample. Write honestly and in your own words. The strongest statements are thoughtful and specific. Please do not use Generative AI to write your personal statement.

What to Write

• Respond to the required prompt, which is the same for all applicants (see Part 1 below).

• Choose three additional prompts from the list. Pick prompts that show us different sides of you and draw on different experiences across your responses (see Part 2 below).

• If the situation-specific prompt applies to you (see Part 3 below), respond to it as well. These are in addition to the four required responses. 

• Applications missing the required prompts (including the situation-specific prompts) are incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Format

• One full page per response

• Double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point common and widely available font

• A clear heading for each prompt

• You will upload your personal statement in Cal State Apply

Personal Statement Prompts

PART 1: Required Prompt (everyone answers this one)

• Tell us a story about when you realized you wanted to be a social worker. Who or what influenced you to pursue this path? What is it asking of you now?

PART 2: Choose 3 Prompts (select exactly 3 of the 8 below)

1. Some learning is shaped by grades, deadlines, and other people's expectations. Some learning simply pulls us in. Think of something you learned with no grade attached. How did you know, while it was happening and after, that you were really learning it?

2. Share a story that has been passed down to you that touches on care, helping, healing, or belonging. The story itself is exactly what we are hoping to learn.

3. Describe a time when growth didn’t feel like growth when it was happening. What made you decide to keep going or to shift away from it? 

4. Imagine a future five years after completing your MSW. At the end of a meaningful (and perhaps exhausting) day, reflect on the relationships, communities, and collective efforts you are part of. Where are you, who are you accountable to, and whose knowledge has shaped the work you do? 

5. Tell us about a time when engaging with a community whose experiences or identities differ from your own invited you to examine your assumptions, social location, or ways of knowing. How did you listen to and learn from the community’s lived experience and knowledge, and how did this shape your approach to supporting them? 

6. Imagine you need to make a tough decision. Describe your process for making choices when you don’t necessarily know the “right” answer.

7. What is a unique perspective or lived experience that you would bring to social work and how might it shape your understanding of a particular social issue or problem?

8. Describe a time you saw a policy, practice, or structure that made things harder for the people it was meant to serve. What did you notice and what did you come to understand about it?

PART 3: Situation-Specific Prompts (answer only if the situation applies; these are in addition to the four prompts required above)

• If your cumulative GPA is lower than 3.0:
  If your GPA is below 3.0, please share why you feel it is not reflective of your ability to succeed in graduate school.

• If you are applying to the Distributed Learning (DL) program:
  If you are applying to the Distributed Learning (DL) program, please share how the DL option is a good fit for your educational goals and emphasize your commitment to the north state after graduation.

• If you are applying to the MSW One-Year or MSW One-Year DL program and cannot secure a Practicum Liaison reference:
  Please share detailed information on why you are not including a Practicum Liaison (or Director of Practicum Education) reference with your application. Ensure you are sharing the diligent efforts you have made to attempt to secure a Practicum Liaison reference, including efforts to contact them, your communication with the Director of Practicum Education, and the results of these efforts.

The information below outlines the academic and regional expectations needed to apply.

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred (not required), as it aligns with the graduate requirement to maintain a 3.0 once admitted. We also recognize that access, life circumstances, or other challenges may have affected grades, and we encourage applicants below a 3.0 to apply.
• Prerequisite coursework is required for the 2-Year and 3-Year options (see the Prerequisite Information section).
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Note: The degree can be conferred or "in progress" at the time of applying and must be completed prior to the start of the MSW Program.
• BASW/BSW is required for the 1-Year campus-based and 1-Year Distributed Learning options (from within 5 years of the start of the MSW Program).
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for our MSW programs.
• All applicants must be able to complete practicum placements in California’s 18 northernmost counties (see Service Region section).

Applicants must list three (and only three) references in the Recommendations section of the Cal State Apply application. Once submitted, Cal State Apply will automatically email each reference a link to complete their recommendation form.

Tips for Applicants:

• Let your references know to expect the automated email (check spam/junk folders).
• Monitor your application; statuses change from “requested” to “completed” when forms are submitted.

Review the Sample Recommendation Form.

MSW One-Year and One-Year Distributed Learning (DL) Programs
Three references are required, one from each category below:

1. Academic Reference
   1. Preferably from an academic advisor or major professor.
   2. If you’ve been out of school for several years, a department chair or second Work Experience reference is acceptable.
      
      
2. Work Experience Reference
   1. From a supervisor familiar with your professional, volunteer, or practicum work.
   2. Preference may be given to references who can speak to your employment skills (minimally one year) in social work and human services.
      
      
3. Faculty Practicum Liaison (Required)
   1. Must be the university faculty who taught your BASW practicum/seminar course.
   2. This is not your internship Task Supervisor or Practicum Instructor.
   3. If you cannot reach your Practicum Liaison after reasonable effort:
      1. Contact the Director of Practicum Education to serve as your reference.
      2. If still unavailable, provide an additional Academic or Work reference and explain the situation in your Personal Statement.

MSW Two-Year and Three-Year Distributed Learning (DL) Programs
Three references are required, one-to-two from each category below:

1. Academic Reference
   1. Preferably from an academic advisor or major professor.
   2. If you’ve been out of school for several years, a department chair or second Work Experience reference is acceptable.
      
      
2. Work Experience Reference
   1. From a supervisor familiar with your professional, volunteer, or practicum work.
   2. Preference may be given to references who can speak to your employment skills (minimally one year) in social work and human services.

I’m not sure if social work is right for me. Who can I talk to?
Attend one of our MSW Informational Meetings to learn more about the program and the profession. If you still have questions, contact MSW Program Director/Graduate Coordinator, Meka Klungtvet-Morano at mklungtvet-morano@csuchico.edu

Which MSW Program can I apply to?

• Applicants who earned a BASW within the past five years are eligible to apply to the One-Year and One-Year DL programs; the Two-Year and Three-Year programs are also options.
• Applicants with any undergraduate degree are eligible to apply to the Two-Year and Three-Year DL programs.
• Note: International students may only apply to on-campus programs (not DL).

Do I have a better chance of being accepted into the One-Year or Two-Year Program?
It varies by year. Apply to the program that best fits your background and goals.

Is there only one application period per year?
Yes. The application period runs October 1 – January 15 each year.

Can someone review my application before I submit?
No. The School of Social Work cannot review or pre-approve applications. 

How do I report prerequisite courses?
Follow the instructions in the Prerequisite Information section of this website.
If you’re unsure about a course, complete the MSW Prerequisite Verification Request Form (Gmail required).

Who should I ask to be a reference?
One-Year / One-Year DL (three references required):

1. Faculty/Practicum Liaison (required; university faculty who taught your practicum seminar).
2. Academic reference (advisor or major faculty).
3. Work/volunteer/practicum supervisor.
4. Do not submit references from friends, relatives, or therapists. 

Two-Year / Three-Year DL (three references required):

1. Academic reference (advisor or major faculty).
2. Work/volunteer/practicum supervisor.
3. Additional academic or work reference.
4. Do not submit references from friends, relatives, or therapists.

Who is my Practicum Liaison?
Your Practicum Liaison is the university faculty who taught your practicum/seminar course, not your agency supervisor or practicum instructor.

Can my reference email a letter directly to the School of Social Work?
No. References must submit their forms through the Cal State Apply system using the link they receive by email. 

My reference didn’t receive the email link, so what should I do?
Ask them to check their spam/junk folder. If still missing, you can resend it yourself by editing the reference in your application and selecting “Resend Recommendation Request.” 

How do I know if my references have submitted their forms?
Log in to Cal State Apply:

• “Requested” = pending
• “Accepted” = received by reference
• “Completed” = reference form submitted

My reference forgot to submit before the deadline, so can they still submit?
No. References must be submitted by the application deadline.

What if I can’t provide an academic reference because I’ve been out of school for a while?
If you cannot provide an academic reference, submit an additional work-related reference instead.

Can I submit an application after the deadline?
No. The deadline (January 15) is firm. Late applications are not accepted.

Will my application be reviewed if it’s missing materials?
No. Only complete applications are reviewed. You will not be contacted about missing items.

Can I check if something’s missing?
Yes. You can verify your submission status anytime by logging into Cal State Apply.

Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required. However, a strong GRE score may strengthen your application if your GPA is low. 

How will I be notified of my admission decision?
All notifications are sent by email to the address listed in your Cal State Apply application.

Admission offers are time-limited, so check your email regularly.

How much does the MSW program cost?
Visit the Student Financial Services and Financial Aid & Scholarship Office websites for tuition and aid information.

What can I do if I am not accepted?
If you are not admitted, you may appeal the decision through the Office of Graduate Studies or reapply next year. While we cannot discuss individual admission decisions, you can strengthen a future application by raising your GPA through additional coursework, succeeding in a graduate-level course via Open University, and gaining further experience in human services.

What do I do if I am on the waitlist?
There is no action required while waiting, other than regularly checking your email. Waitlist notifications can occur late into the summer.

Do I need to write a personal statement or letter of intent?
Yes. All applicants must submit a Personal Statement as part of their Cal State Apply application. Detailed instructions are in the Personal Statement section of this website.

Please contact the School of Social Work with any questions regarding the application process:

530-898-6204
swrk@csuchico.edu

Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies, Cal State Apply, or International Admissions with any questions regarding the Cal State Apply application and process:

Office of Graduate Studies
530-898-6880
graduatestudies@csuchico.edu

Cal State Apply
857-304-2087

International Admissions
530-898-5415
apply@csuchico.edu

What courses do I sign up for?

On-Campus MSW Program

• MSW One-Year Program Course Sequence (2026-2027 cohort)
• MSW Two-Year Program Course Sequence (2025-2027 cohort)
• MSW Two-Year Program Course Sequence (2026-2028 cohort)

Distributed Learning MSW Program

• MSW Three-Year DL Program Course Sequence (2024-2027)
• MSW One-Year DL Program Course Sequence (2026-2027)

To view all SWRK Course Descriptions and Course Offerings visit the University Catalog.

Courses must be taken in the sequence listed. If you require any of this information in an accessible format, please contact the School of Social Work at 530-898-6204 or the Office of Accessible Technology at 530-898-6532.

Thesis
A thesis is a scholarly research study that contributes to social work knowledge and prepares students for research or academic roles. Students design and carry out an original study under faculty guidance, complete a thesis, and formally defend it. The process typically spans two semesters and may require IRB approval if human subjects are involved.

• Must follow university formatting and submission requirements
• Must be completed within five years of starting the MSW (extensions possible via GRST 899)
• Requires forming a faculty committee (Chair + one member minimally)
• Review the MSW Thesis/Project Student Guide (Google Doc) for guidance

Research Project
A research project allows students to apply professional skills by creating a practice-focused product—such as a handbook, curriculum, intervention, or training—grounded in research. Students work with a faculty committee to develop a written document, produce the project, and present an oral defense. Projects typically take two semesters and may require IRB approval.

• Must include a written document, professional product, and oral defense
• Must be completed within five years of starting the MSW (extensions possible via GRST 899
• Requires forming a faculty committee (Chair + one member minimally)
• Review the MSW Thesis/Project Student Guide (Google Doc) for guidance

Comprehensive Case Review
The comprehensive case review integrates coursework and practicum experience by analyzing a real case from the student’s concentration-year placement. Students may complete a written paper or oral presentation demonstrating advanced generalist practice, critical thinking, and application of theory. Workshops support preparation, and the review is completed in the final semester.

• Case must come from the concentration-year practicum
• Students have one opportunity to revise/resubmit if needed
• Requires completion of two additional electives
• Review the MSW Comprehensive Case Review Student Guide (Google Doc) for guidance

The MSW Student Association is an official campus organization for Chico State MSW students. Participation in the MSW club provides opportunities for those interested in volunteer activities on campus and in the community in a variety of settings to develop and strengthen the skills and knowledge as professional social workers. Visit Masters of Social Work Student Association (MSW) on CatsConnect for more information.

Club Officers
New officers needed.

Faculty Advisor

TBA

View the Chico State MSW Student Handbook.