Wondering whether an MSW might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Meka Klungtvet-Morano to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-6874
Email: mklungtvet-morano@csuchico.edu
Are you passionate about human rights, social justice, and helping at-risk populations? Interested in working with families, youth, or providing mental health counseling? If you dream of leading a social service agency and enjoy diverse communities, a Master of Social Work could be perfect for you.
The MSW program prepares students for advanced generalist practice that consists of a broad-based set of knowledge, values, and skills necessary for advanced social work practice with multi-level systems. From building relationships to advocating for positive policy and system changes, you'll focus on emphases related to direct services to individuals, families, and groups, as well as community and organizational practice. Your specific electives, comprehensive case review, and thesis or project will augment your advanced practice expertise.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: January 15 (December 15 for international applicants).
- Spring: No spring admission
Requirements
Three letters of recommendation, personal statement, and a resume.
Program Coordinator
Meka Klungtvet-Morano
Courses
View Curriculum
Hands-on Learning in Northern California
Students gain hands-on experience through internships in community-based social work settings, where they apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations under close supervision of experienced social workers. Depending on the program, students complete 480–1,200 internship hours, which must be done in Chico State’s service region.
Choose Your Path
One-Year MSW Program: Campus-Based Format
If you’ve earned a social work baccalaureate (BASW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the past five years—and meet other criteria set by the School of Social Work—you may be eligible for the One-Year MSW Program. In this advanced standing program, you'll complete up to 720 hours of practicum education in our service region, along with 36 units of coursework. The program admits students once each year.
Two-Year MSW Program: Campus-Based Format
If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited university and are admitted into the Two-Year MSW Program, you'll first complete 30 units of 600-level social work Professional Foundation courses before moving on to 30–32 units of 600-level Concentration courses. You’ll also complete up to 1,200 hours of practicum education in our service region. The program requires a total of 62 units of coursework and admits students once each year.
One-Year MSW Program: Distributed Learning Format
The One-Year MSW Distributed Learning (DL) Program has the same degree requirements and curriculum as the campus-based One-Year MSW Program, but it's delivered in a DL format over one year (including a summer term). In this hybrid program, you’ll complete a mix of online asynchronous coursework, online synchronous sessions, and face-to-face class meetings on the Chico State campus. You’ll be expected to attend one Zoom class session and participate in on-campus sessions during two weekends each semester (summer, fall, and spring). The program admits students once each year.
Three-Year MSW Program: Distributed Learning Format
The Three-Year MSW Distributed Learning (DL) Program has the same degree requirements and curriculum as the Two-Year MSW Program, but it's delivered in a DL format over three years. In this hybrid program, you’ll complete a combination of online asynchronous coursework, online synchronous sessions, and face-to-face class meetings on the Chico State campus. You’ll be expected to attend one Zoom class session and participate in on-campus sessions during two weekends each semester (fall, spring, and summer). The program admits students once every three years.
Diverse Job Opportunities Helping People
MSW degree holders are advanced generalists who understand how social justice issues affect the people they serve. Graduates of a high-quality MSW program are equipped to work in a broad spectrum of settings, including:
- Child and family agencies
- Criminal justice and legal service organizations
- Home-based programs
- Hospitals and other health care settings
- Human rights and advocacy organizations
- Local, state, and federal agencies
- Long-term care facilities
- Mental health and substance treatment programs
- Non-profit settings focused on community needs
- Private practice, clinical settings
- School-based settings
Pay and Job Outlook
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows the following outlook for Social Workers:
Median Pay
$50,390 per year / $24.23 per hour
Job Outlook
9% (Faster than average)
Work Environment
Social workers are employed in social service agencies, healthcare providers, and schools. Most work full time; some work evenings and weekends.
Specialized Learning Pathways in Social Work
If you're ready to turn your passion for social justice into focused expertise, these specialized learning pathways offer advanced preparation in critical areas of social work—child welfare, behavioral health, adult services, and school settings. You'll build the skills and confidence to serve where you're needed most.
California Title IV-E Educational Program
If you're interested in a career in public or Tribal child welfare, the Title IV-E Program is designed to support and prepare you. The program aims to diversify and professionalize public child welfare services by increasing the number of bachelor’s- and master’s-level social workers serving children and families. As a Chico State social work student, you may be eligible to receive between $19,141 and $25,000 in financial support per academic year.
Aging and Adult Services MSW Training Program
If you're drawn to working with aging and vulnerable adults, the Aging and Adult Services (AAS) Program offers specialized education, training, and stipends to prepare you for a career in California’s public systems. You’ll explore the unique issues, challenges, and needs involved in serving older adults, and may receive between $11,250 and $22,500 in financial support per academic year.
Behavioral Health Program
The Behavioral Health Program (BHP) supports MSW students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds—and those from historically underserved communities—preparing you for placement in behavioral health settings throughout the North State. BHP includes three options: the Behavioral Health Expansion Program, the Public Behavioral Health MSW Training Program, and the Bilingual and Bicultural Behavioral Health Program. You can apply to participate for one academic year at a time, with a maximum of two years. Financial support ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 per year.
Pupil Personnel Services Credential - School Social Work (PPSC-SSW)
If you are interested in becoming a School Social Worker, you will receive specialized advising during your graduate education to access the post-masters PPSC-SSW program offered through Chico State’s Professional and Continuing Education. As a result of your graduate practicum and that credential program, you'll build the knowledge, skills, and values required for social work practice in educational settings.
Build Community and Your Resume
Participating in the Chico State MSW Student Association offers students numerous opportunities to volunteer in diverse settings, enhancing their skills and knowledge as professional social workers. Engage with a faculty advisor and practice leadership skills by being a club officer.
Discover Stories and More
Chico State TodayApplication Information
Ready to pursue your MSW at Chico State? Learn more about how and when to apply.
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall: January 15 (December 15 for international applicants)
Spring: No spring admission
Supplemental Materials
- Personal Statement
- Current resumé
- Three recommendation forms
How to Apply
Meka Klungtvet-Morano
530-898-6874
mklungtvet-morano@csuchico.edu
Graduate students may qualify for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
You can still pursue the MSW degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field. It will require prerequisites to bring you up to speed. Talk to the graduate coordinator for details.
Related Programs
School of Social Work
Wondering whether an MSW might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Meka Klungtvet-Morano to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-6874
Email: mklungtvet-morano@csuchico.edu