Prospective Students

We are social workers dedicated to pursuing a more just, global society by advancing anti-racist social work education, research, and community-centered practice.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program program at CSUDH prides itself on being the first and only known MSW program in the country that undergirds its curriculum with an explicit focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality.

Accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), the program requires sixty (60) units of coursework in addition to 1,028 hours of field practicum. Our graduates meet educational requirements to register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) toward a License of Clinical Social Work (LCSW) through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

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Application Dates

Applications for the upcoming Fall term will be accepted starting October 1, and are due by February 1 of the starting term year. Starting Fall 2024, applications received by December 1 will receive Priority Status*. Applications are reviewed using a rolling admissions process, and will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis until spaces are filled. Incomplete or late application materials may not be forwarded for review.

Admission to the Master of Social Work program is limited to the fall semester of each academic year only; we do not offer spring or summer enrollment.

*Priority Status

Priority Status eligibility requires MSW applicants to submit and complete all required elements of the Cal State Apply application and CSU Dominguez Hills MSW Program application, including: 1) receipt of a minimum three (3) Letters of Recommendation and 2) receipt of all Official Transcripts by the University prior to December 1st.

Please note: Applicants who are currently completing coursework during the Fall 2024 term will not be eligible to apply under Priority Status since Fall grades will not have been posted in the official transcripts by their institution by the December 1st priority status deadline.

Admissions Decisions

Due to the volume of applications received each application cycle, faculty review committee decisions are released on a rolling basis between late-January and early-April. 

Admissions Requirements

The CSUDH MSW Program Admissions Committee welcomes applicants that can demonstrate high academic achievement and potential for professional social work practice.

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required. Applicants who are in the last phase of degree completion are eligible to apply. A liberal arts degree is preferred, but not required.

Application Fee

Applicants must pay a $70 application fee to submit an application via Cal State Apply.

Please note: Application fee waivers and appeals are provided only to undergraduate, first-time freshman and transfer applicants who qualify and consider California their permanent home. Graduate-level applicants are not considered for fee waivers at this time.

Transcripts

Official transcripts must also be submitted to the University Admissions office*. Applicants will not need to submit transcripts for any coursework taken or degrees obtained at CSUDH. However, all applicants must submit official transcripts reflecting any and all coursework that was not taken at CSUDH.

*Please submit all official transcripts to the University directly. The Department of Social Work is unable to process officials transcripts on the applicant's behalf. 

CLICK HERE to learn more on How to Submit Transcripts to the University. 

Prerequisites

To be completed with a “C” or better:

• (3) Social and/or Behavioral Sciences
  • Includes coursework in psychology, sociology, economics, education, political science, and interdisciplinary studies 
• (2) Humanities
  • Includes coursework in philosophy, history, anthropology, literature and language, religious studies, and the arts
• (1) Human Lifespan Development or its equivalent [PDF]
  • Coursework studies human growth and development over a lifetime or period of time. Includes childhood development, adolescent development, and geriatric development
• (1) Elementary Statistics or its equivalent [PDF]

Supplemental Materials

• Personal statement
  • As part of your application for admission, please submit a personal statement that incorporates each of the questions, below. Your statement should be well-crafted and demonstrate: critical thinking capability; creativity in the management of complex material; analytical and self-reflective capacities; advanced writing skills; synthesis of life/professional experiences; and desire to work in the field of social work. Failure to address all items or adhere to the guidelines and instructions may affect the admission decision.
  • The statement should be between four (4) to six (6) double-spaced pages (one-inch margins, 12-point, typed font) and should be written in essay format. Additional pages may be discarded.
    1. Discuss how your interest in social work evolved and the philosophy upon which this interest is based. Illustrate this discussion using examples from educational, vocational, and/or personal experiences.
    2. The social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These values are: service; social justice; dignity and worth of a person; importance of human relationships; integrity and competence. Explain how your own values are aligned with those of the social work profession
    3. The MSW program at CSUDH emphasizes Critical Race Studies and Intersectionality as frameworks to inform Social Work practice. Please discuss your understanding of systems of oppression (race, class, gender) and how they interact and affect disenfranchised communities (low income, LGBTQ, homeless, immigrant populations, etc.).
    4. Which personal strengths will assist you in your graduate education and as a professional social worker?
    5. Please share at least one personal limitation that you are aware of that can be challenging to you as you pursue your graduate education and career as a professional social worker.
• Financial and time management statements
• Work experience details
  • Beginning Fall 2024, we require submission of a resume only, any additional 'work experience' documentation is optional. Work experience documentation includes work-related certifications, trainings completed, licensure, etc. That said, your application will not be impacted if you do not have additional work experience documentation. To bypass this section you may reupload your resume. 
• (3) academic and/or professional references

GPA

The preferred minimum GPA for the MSW program is 2.75 in the most recent 60 units (or last 90 quarter units) of coursework. Cumulative GPA is also acceptable. Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered based on their meeting other criteria. These applicants should include an explanation for fluctuations in their GPA in their personal statement. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are strongly recommended if student’s GPA is below 3.0.

What to Expect After Applying

It is important to note that once you have submitted your final application via Cal State Apply your application must go through a dual admissions process.

After your application has been received by the University, our Office of Admissions and Records will review your application for completion, i.e.: confirm that your official transcripts and letters of recommendation have been received, and verify that you have met the University's minimum requirements for admittance. Once you have been admitted into the University, the Office of Admissions and Records submits your application to the Department of Social Work for review. Understanding that this process takes time, please extend grace and patience.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Graduate Admissions process.

Cost of Attendance

Note Contact the CSUDH Financial Aid Office for information regarding current tuition rates and questions about financial aid for both the 2-year, full-time and the 3-year, part-time option.

Resources for Prospective Students

Master of Social Work Program