Admission Requirements

Master of Social Work Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Specific application requirements for the Social Work program are:

1. Grade Point Average
   • A minimum 2.75 GPA for unconditional admission
   • Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered for conditional admission based on the personal statement and interview
   • Advanced Standing students must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in their previous social work courses*
2. Prerequisites (completed with a “C” or better)
   • Statistics
   • Advanced Standing Students must have a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited university, preferably within the last seven years.*
3. Three Recommendations, completed on forms provided, from sources who can address your potential for scholarly and professional success. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations. At least one reference must be from a Social Work Faculty  member or Field Instructor for Advanced Standing students.*
4. Comprehensive Essay of at least 5-7 pages that includes the following elements:
   • Purpose for entering the program
   • Experiences that have directed your interest toward social work
   • Long term professional goals
   • What makes you a good candidate for the profession and for graduate student
   • Issues of social justice you are most passionate about and why
   • Religious background, present pattern of spiritual growth, fundamentals of personal faith and the relationship between your faith and professional goals
   • Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University.
5. Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Social Work program

*Students who have a bachelor’s degree (BSW) in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited university are eligible to apply for Advanced Standing into CBU’s MSW program. If admitted, students may complete their MSW in 30-38 units. Preference will be given to students who have completed their BSW degree no more than seven years prior to applying to the MSW program, and who achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher in all social work practice and field work courses. Students whose BSW degree was conferred more than seven years ago will be asked to demonstrate their ongoing engagement in the field, continuing education and commitment to the profession in the admission interview with the program director.

Program Requirements (60-68 units)