Master of Social Work

The profession of social work is committed to social and economic justice, ethics, diversity, and advocacy. The Master of Social Work education prepares social workers with an advanced knowledge base and skills to address complex social problems and to promote the well-being of individuals and society.

The Central Coast Tri-County area in particular is facing a critical shortage of MSW-level social workers. The MSW program at CSUMB is a response to community needs and focuses on local multicultural diversity and social justice. The purpose of the MSW program is to fulfill the local needs that have been historically neglected. It will prepare future generations of MSW-level social workers to serve the needs of local residents and communities in California’s Central Coast.

The scope of the program focuses on preparing social work professionals with clinical skills of which the local communities are in dire need. The MSW program is devoted to provide quality graduate education, build alliances with social work employers, as well as maintain strong relationships with the local communities of diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and economic structures.

Required Courses

Complete the following core courses:

• SW 501
• SW 510
• SW 520
• SW 530
• SW 540
• SW 541
• SW 550
• SW 551
• SW 570
• SW 596
• SW 598
• SW 600
• SW 601
• SW 670
• SW 696
• SW 698

Complete a minimum of FOUR elective courses from the following three groups:

Complete none, one, or up to two of the following Foundation elective courses:

• SW 561
• SW 562
• SW 563
• SW 564
• SW 565
• SW 566

Complete at least ONE of the following Core elective courses:

• SW 610
• SW 611
• SW 612

Complete at least ONE of the following Advanced Practice elective courses:

• SW 660
• SW 662
• SW 663
• SW 664
• SW 666
• SW 669

Learning Outcomes

SW LO 1 ~ Ethics

Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.

SW LO 2 ~ Diversity

Engage diversity and difference in practice.

SW LO 3 ~ Social Justice

Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

SW LO 4 ~ Research

Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.

SW LO 5 ~ Policy

Engage in policy practice.

SW LO 6 ~ Engagement

Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

SW LO 7 ~ Assessment

Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

SW LO 8 ~ Intervention

Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

SW LO 9 ~ Evaluation

Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.