School of Social Work
Wondering whether an MSW might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-6204
Email: swrk@csuchico.edu
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Social Work MSW
Program Type Graduate
Delivery Type Hybrid
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.
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.
Specializations and Options
One-Year MSW Program
Students who have obtained a social work baccalaureate accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) within five years, and who meet other School of Social Work criteria for entry into the One-Year Program, may be eligible for the One-Year MSW Program. Students complete 720 hours of practicum education in our service region. This program requires a total of 34-36 units (depending on the program plan) of coursework.
Two-Year MSW Program
Students who have obtained a baccalaureate degree other than in social work, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and are admitted into the Two-Year MSW Program, must complete 31 units of 600-level social work Professional Foundation courses prior to the 30-32 units of 600-level social work Concentration courses. Students complete a total of 1200 hours total of practicum education in our service region. This program requires a total of 61-63 units (depending on program plan) of coursework.
One-Year MSW Program: Distributed Learning Format
The One-Year MSW DL Program has the same degree requirements and provides the same curriculum as the campus-based One-Year MSW Program, except it is delivered in a DL format over one year (including a summer term). This program admits students once each year. Through the DL program, curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online asynchronous coursework, online synchronous coursework, and face-to-face class sessions on the Chico State campus. Students are expected to attend three class sessions on Zoom and class sessions on campus during two weekends each semester (summer, fall, and spring) for each hybrid course.
Three-Year MSW Program: Distributed Learning Format
The Three-Year MSW DL Program has the same degree requirements and provides the same curriculum as the Two-Year MSW Program, except it is delivered in a DL format over three years. This program admits students once every three years. Through the DL program, curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format that combines online asynchronous coursework, online synchronous coursework, and face-to-face class sessions on the Chico State campus. Students are expected to attend three class sessions on Zoom and class sessions on campus during two weekends each semester (fall, spring, and summer) for each hybrid course.
Diverse Job Opportunities Helping People
MSW degree holders are expert generalists who understand how global issues—human trafficking, wars, natural disasters, epidemics and outbreaks—affect the people they serve. Graduates of a high-quality MSW program are equipped to work in a broad spectrum of settings, including:
- Child protective services agencies
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
- School-based settings
- Long-term care facilities
- Home-based programs
- Hospitals and other health care settings
- Human rights and advocacy organizations
- Criminal justice and legal service organizations
- Local, state, and federal agencies
Empowering Future Leaders in Social Services and Advocacy
Students are prepared with a comprehensive skill set to assume leadership roles within social service agencies and communities across Northern California and beyond.
Title IV-E Child Welfare Program
Chico State is a participant in the statewide Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program. The primary goal is to professionalize public child welfare services by increasing the number of bachelor's- and master's-degreed social workers who provide services to children and their families.
Behavioral Health Program
Our MSW Behavioral Health Program (BHP) recruits, educates, and places MSW students from culturally and linguistically diverse sociodemographic backgrounds and other characteristics of historically underserved communities into behavioral health settings in the North State. Students pursuing their MSW can apply for acceptance in the BHP program for one academic year at a time. They can participate in the program for a maximum of two academic years.
CalSWEC Public Behavioral Health Program
The CalSWEC PBH program is a funding initiative that aims to better prepare MSW students to provide effective and evidence-based behavioral healthcare in publicly funded programs and settings. As part of this program, 10 MSW students are awarded a $25,000 yearly stipend. The CalSWEC PBH training program has a post-graduation service obligation.
CalSWEC Adult Protective Services Training Program
The Adult Protective Services (APS) Training Program prepares MSW students to provide effective, evidence-based professional social work services in county and Tribal Adult Protective Services units. Students interested in learning about the issues, challenges, and needs specific to social work practice with aging and vulnerable adults can receive up to $20,000 per academic year in the program.
Get Involved with the Official Club for MSW Students
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. Engaging in campus- and community-based research with faculty mentors allows students to witness research in action.
Discover Stories and More
Chico State Today
Thorpe Leads Throng of Chico State Alumni Caring for Community Youth in Crisis
Chico State is producing great neighbors in the North State. One shining example: The North Valley Community Foundation’s CARE Team, created to connect struggling kids to caring adults and vital resources. The team, 16 deep, is led by alumna Michele Thorpe and includes 12 other Chico State grads.
Alumna Chooses Nature to Nurture Others
Blake Ellis is at the leading edge of harnessing the natural world’s healing powers—even when that environment itself may trigger anxiety.
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Thorpe Leads Throng of Chico State Alumni Caring for Community Youth in Crisis
Chico State is producing great neighbors in the North State. One shining example: The North Valley Community Foundation’s CARE Team, created to connect struggling kids to caring adults and vital resources. The team, 16 deep, is led by alumna Michele Thorpe and includes 12 other Chico State grads.
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Alumna Chooses Nature to Nurture Others
Blake Ellis is at the leading edge of harnessing the natural world’s healing powers—even when that environment itself may trigger anxiety.
Additional Information
Ready to pursue your MSW at Chico State? Read on.
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
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
Graduate students can qualify for traditional 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 this 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 our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.
Phone: 530-898-6204
Email: swrk@csuchico.edu