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.
MSW students must select one of the two following pathways and complete all requirements therein:
Complete the following core courses:
Complete a minimum of THREE elective courses from the sections below:
Complete none, one, or up to two of the following Foundation Practice elective courses:
Complete at least ONE of the following Advanced Practice elective courses:
By successfully completing all of the following coursework, students will earn their MSW degree and be eligible for the Pupil Personnel Services Credentials in School Social Work, and in Child Welfare & Attendance.
Complete all of the following courses:
The learning outcomes below are directly aligned to the core competencies, as required by the Council on Social Work Education for accreditation.
Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
Engage diversity and difference in practice.
Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
Engage in policy practice.
Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.