About This Program
Unlike many social work programs, CSUN’s Master of Social Work expands students' career possibilities by offering a generalist approach. The curriculum also enables students to gain the skills and perspective to work at any level: individual/family (micro); group/community (mezzo); and societal/policy (macro).
Programs Highlights
Outstanding support - Students admitted to the program are guaranteed enrollment in all required courses. What’s more, the complete and on-going support of a designated Program Manager, from application to graduation, frees them to focus on their studies and their practicum placement requirements.
A cohesive and supportive learning community – The cohort format of this program facilitates on-time completion of the degree through student interaction on weekly assignments, which also leads to the development of strong professional relationships.
Well-designed, effective distance learning - As one of the first American universities to offer graduate degrees online, CSUN does not entrust its learning community to commercial providers. Rather, CSUN faculty and practitioners receive training and support to ensure instructional excellence. Students also benefit from the beginning-to-end support of the Tseng College's professional Distance Learning staff.
Job Outlook: Public Sector
Job Outlook: Social Services
Master of Social Work (MSW) CSUN
All courses are taught by distinguished CSUN faculty members who are experts in their fields. Delivered fully online, the program offers outstanding instructional quality together with personalized support, at a state-university price. In fact, CSUN’s online program can prepare students in less time, and can cost half as much, as a private university program.
All CSUN academic programs are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This program is also fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Two- and Three-year Options
Designed in collaboration with the Department of Social Work in CSUN's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the program is offered fully online in two- and three-year formats. The two-year option is a full-time program with an intensive curriculum designed to help students complete their degrees and enter the field in as little time as possible. The three-year option, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for those who would prefer the same great curriculum at a less intensive pace.
Students starting in Spring 2026 will be part of the 3-year option.
What do MSW graduates do?
In addition to these roles, graduates have also gone on to hold titles such as:
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Counselors, Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Social Workers
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts
- School Social Workers
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Meet your Faculty
Career Connections
As a CSUN graduate, you become part of an extensive network of over 435,000 alumni—an invaluable source of support for your professional success.
CSUN's Master of Social Work graduates have built successful careers in these organizations and many others: Los Angeles Unified School District, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles County Department Of Children And Family Services, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, California State University-Northridge, Los Angeles County Department Of Mental Health, Child And Family Guidance Center, County Of Ventura, University of California, and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.
Students Success stories
