California State University, San Marcos
California State University, San Marcos

333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, California, USA

Master of Social Work - Social Work

Master's Degree

Program Summary

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at California State University San Marcos is designed to develop culturally informed, ethical, and effective professionals for direct social work practice with diverse populations. The program prepares students for direct practice in a variety of settings including public, private, and nonprofit agencies and organizations, in social services, child welfare services, human services, healthcare, and mental/behavioral health.

The goals of the program are to prepare advanced generalist practitioners who:
  • Identify as professional social workers committed to reflective, ethical, conscientious, and collaborative practice.
  • Are grounded in core social work values and principles including: person in environment, strengths perspective, cultural humility, self-determination, recovery, and trauma informed approaches.
  • Serve as leaders engaged in empathic, competent, interdisciplinary, and research-informed practice.
  • Are committed to advancing social, economic, and environmental justice, promoting human rights, and engaging in social action that motivates and empowers culturally, economically, and socially diverse communities.
The Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) for social workers are defined by the national accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and encompass the following 9 competencies:
  • 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.

Academic Background

Minimum Level of Education Completed

3-Year Bachelor's Degree

Minimum GPA

77%

Minimum Language Test Scores

Reading

5.5

Writing

6

Listening

5.5

Speaking

5.5

Reading

10

Writing

10

Listening

10

Speaking

10

Program Intakes

Open date

October 7, 2024

Submission deadline

June 1, 2025

Open date

May 1, 2025

Submission deadline

November 1, 2025

Cost and Duration

Master's Degree

Program Level

2 year master's degree including an internship

Program Length

$20644 USD

Cost of Living

$70 USD

Application fee

$17158 USD / First Year

Gross Tuition

Other Fees

Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment Fees: $1,061 per year
Mandatory Fees: $1,998 per year
I20/Deposit Fee: $500 (one-time)