Masters Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW) Admissions Information

We are delighted that you are considering Humboldt State University's Master's of Social Work Program. Our faculty, staff and the community have closely collaborated to develop an advanced generalist program with a focus on social work within rural and Native American communities. We are dedicated to offering a quality graduate program that will prepare you for a career in social work. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Applications for the Full-Time ON CAMPUS MSW program beginning in Fall 2014 will be accepted January 1-31, 2014.

Applications for the Advanced Standing ON CAMPUS MSW program beginning in June, 2014 will be accepted January 1-31, 2014.

Applications for the 3.5 year Online MSW program beginning January, 2014 will be accepted from August 1-31, 2013

Applications for the 2 year Advanced Standing Online MSW program beginning June, 2014 will be accepted January 1-31, 2014.

Note: Advanced Standing Summer Bridge Courses are offered through the Office of Distance and Extended Education and are $511.35/unit.

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The Department of Social Work offers an online course for the first 8 weeks of each semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer) that meets the Inidigenous Studies pre-requisite. SW 420: Decolonizing Social Work with Indigenous Peoples is a 1.5 unit online course offered through the Office of Extended Education. Students can call the office at (707)826-3731 or go online to: https://extended.humboldt.edu/ee/html/register/index.php  to register. Fees are due at the time of registration (expected to be around $350.00).

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Learn more about the online MSW degree

Fees for the online MSW program are $511.35/unit. Each semester is 7.5 units (for non-stipend students). There are three semesters per year except in the final year when there is only one.

The cost per unit is expected to increase 5% in Fall 2015 to maintain the self-support nature of the program.

Please see the MSW Curriculum page for more information.

If you are interested in learning more about Humboldt State's involvement with online learning, please check out the Distributed Learning website at: http://humboldt.edu/dl.

In order to be considered for the Master of Social Work Program, applicants must:

The minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Social Work Program are as follows:

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional and will be used in considering admissions for students whose GPA does not meet minimum requirements. International student applicants need to meet the criteria for "Classified" status for graduate students (See University Catalog for International Students).

Applicants who have an accredited Bachelor's degree in Social Work may apply to enter the "Advanced Year" of the Program (See Curriculum Plans for MSW Program). In order to qualify for admission in the Advanced Standing Program, an applicant needs to meet the above criteria and have completed their undergraduate social work degree in a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program with a GPA of 3.5 or better.

 

Criteria for Admission

The MSW Program Admissions Committee will admit those applicants whose files reflect the greatest potential for completing the master's level course of study and becoming effective social work practitioners. In the review of applications, we will seek evidence of an applicant's capacity to do graduate level work and to reason logically and think creatively. A successful applicant is expected to reflect attitudes that are congruent with basic social work values, respect for the dignity of all human beings, and a sense of social responsibility. We are interested in how an applicant will maintain the stamina, perseverance and emotional well-being to meet the demands of the program and the profession. It is important to show how you have grown from your experiences, and how what you have learned might impact your social work graduate studies. It is also important to demonstrate that the profession of social work is the right profession for you and that this program, with its unique focus and intent, is the best program for you.

Applications from international students are accepted provided they meet all admission requirements plus those established by the university for foreign students, including a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. The requirements include proof of financial support for the duration of the program.

In a competitive admission situation, applicants will be chosen not only on basic criteria, but also in comparison to other applicants. Meeting the basic criteria will not guarantee admission.

The following criteria will be used to rank and evaluate applicants for admission:

Only COMPLETE applications will be reviewed. Those applications received after the deadline may be considered if space becomes available in the program.

Notification of Admission Decisions

Applications are reviewed by faculty who are a part of the admissions committee. Decisions are made by this committee and recommendations for admission are made to graduate admissions. Students will be notified of offers of admission from the department and university. Formal enrollment materials will come from the University and information about orientation and classes will come from the department. If you have questions about notification please feel free to contact us.

If offered admission, applicants must send confirmation of their attendance along with a $75 non-refundable deposit to hold their spot.

The program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.