The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program will prepare students for advanced level social work practice in a variety of settings. Master level Social Workers work as clinicians, community practitioners, social service administrators, advanced case managers, child welfare workers, medical social workers, international social workers, and in many other roles. The program is in the accreditation process with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and has been granted Candidacy status. The accreditation process takes three years and is on the 2019 accreditation schedule. All students accepted to the program while in candidacy will retroactively be recognized as having graduated from an accredited program.

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
2. Prerequisites (completed with a “C” or better)
   • Statistics
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
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