Application Process

The Behavioral Health Expansion Program (BHEP) application for the 2024-2025 cohort will open in late March 2024 and will close at 5:00pm on April 30, 2024

Thank you for your interest in the California State University, Chico Master of Social Work (MSW) Behavioral Health Expansion Program (BHEP). The MSW BHEP $10,000 stipend is available to incoming MSW students. Though any incoming MSW student interested in the program could apply, students committed to engaging and providing behavioral health services to children, youth through the age of 25, and their families/caregivers, and/or students who have utilized behavioral health services in under-resourced and underserved communities in Northern California are especially encouraged to apply.

The MSW BHEP Application includes the following:

• MSW BHEP Application
• Brief essay questions - In 300 words or less for each question, please answer the four questions below.  We ask that you copy and paste the prompts onto Microsoft Word, respond to each question individually, and check your response word count before uploading the document.  Be very specific and clear in your response.
  • Why are you interested in the MSW Behavioral Health Expansion Program?
  • What are the personal strengths and attributes that you bring to the MSW Behavioral Health Expansion Program?
  • What do you see as one of the significant issues facing children, youth, and families with behavioral health needs?  How would you address that issue as a social worker in the behavioral health system?
  • Describe your background and commitment to providing behavioral health services in under-Resourced and underserved communities within the 18 counties of the Superior Region in Northern California (PDF)
• Current Resume
• One recommendation letter from someone outside of the CSU, Chico School of Social Work, who can speak to your commitment to providing behavioral health services to children, youth, families, and young adults in under-resourced and/or underserved populations in underserved communities within the 18 counties of the Superior Region in Northern California. We ask that the recommender submit the letter of recommendation electronically. 

The MSW BHEP admissions committee will ONLY review completed applications. Applications, including the letters of recommendation received after the due date will not be reviewed. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the recommendation letter is submitted by 5:00pm, April 30, 2024. Students will be notified of the status of their application within approximately two weeks from the submission deadline. Selected candidates will be interviewed in mid-May to early June. Students accepted into the MSW BHEP are required to sign an agreement contract, attend an orientation in August, and participate in all MSW BHEP meetings, including in-person trainings on campus.

*NOTE: Paid employment or agency stipends/financial awards do not preclude your participation in this program. The exception is current Title IV-E participants.

Contact: If you would like further information about the MSW BHEP, please contact Judy Vang, Program Coordinator at tvang@csuchico.edu