California State University (CSU), Northridge Online MSW Program

California State University, Northridge offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program through its Department of Social Work in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, in collaboration with the Tseng College. The program takes a generalist approach — unlike programs that focus on a single concentration, CSUN’s curriculum prepares students to practice at all levels: micro (individual/family), mezzo (group/community), and macro (societal/policy). Its urban community focus reflects CSUN’s location in the heart of Los Angeles County’s San Fernando Valley, one of the most diverse urban regions in the country.

Learn More: Interview with Dr. Constantine Brown – Director of Online and Offsite MSW Programs at CSUN
“California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is… committed to excellence in education and service to its students…” Read more from Dr. Constantine Brown’s interview

Learn More: Interview with Jennifer Henningfield – Director of Online & Offsite Field Education at CSUN
“We take our role in the education of future MSW colleagues very seriously.” Read more from Jennifer Henningfield’s interview

Learn More: Interview with Dr. Wendy Ashley – Assistant Professor at CSUN
“Community Mental health & Urban Child Welfare.” Read more from Dr. Wendy Ashley’s interview

Learn More: Interview with Steven Sherry – Full-Time Lecturer at CSUN
“Field Education in an Urban Setting.” Read more from Steven Sherry’s interview

Learn More: Interview with Dr. Susan Love – Professor at CSUN
“Social Work & Evidence-based Practice.” Read more from Dr. Susan Love’s interview

The online program is delivered in two formats: a two-year, full-time option and a three-year, part-time option. Both follow a cohort model, which facilitates peer support, professional relationship-building, and on-time completion. All courses are taught by CSUN faculty and delivered primarily asynchronously, except for the required Practicum Education Seminar, which requires live attendance with a camera on. The program now also includes an Advanced Standing option for qualifying BSW holders, admitting students only in the fall cycle.

As of March 2026, the program is currently authorized in most U.S. states; however, it is not authorized in Iowa, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, or Rhode Island. Out-of-state applicants should confirm eligibility for their state before applying.

CSUN’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

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Program Overview

Department: Department of Social Work, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (in collaboration with Tseng College)

Degree Types: Traditional Standing (2-year or 3-year); Advanced Standing

Concentration: Advanced Generalist (Urban Community Practice)

Program Structure: Online with local field placements (no campus visits required)

Instruction Methods: Primarily asynchronous; Practicum Education Seminar requires synchronous live attendance with camera on; cohort model

Contact Information:

Phone: (818) 273-6870
GRE: Not required
State Authorization Note: As of March 2026, the program is not authorized in Iowa, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, or Rhode Island. Students in all other states should confirm eligibility before applying.
Note for international students: F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa holders admitted to the online MSW program must participate from their home country, per U.S. immigration regulations.

Program Information – Traditional Standing Students

The Traditional Standing program is open to applicants with a baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. It is offered in two formats with the same curriculum: a two-year full-time option and a three-year part-time option.

Program Requirements

Field Education Requirements: Two practicum internship placements; students complete 450/500 hours in year one and 600 hours in year two (16–20 hours per week), for a total of approximately 1,000–1,100 hours. Internship hours must be completed during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm. Students may not arrange their own placements.
Number of Credits Required: 60 credit hours (two-year) / 60 credit hours (three-year, same curriculum at a less intensive pace)

Program Length

Two-Year Option: Full-time, 4 semesters
Three-Year Option: Part-time, spread across 6 semesters including summers
Start Dates: Fall (2-year); Spring students join the 3-year cohort

Admission Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum GPA of 2.5 (cumulative or last 60 semester/90 quarter units); competitive candidates typically have a 3.0 or higher in the last 60 units
Post-baccalaureate work experience (preferred; academic credit is not given for prior life/work experience)
Personal statement and resume uploaded to the online application
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Three references submitted via the online Graduate Social Work Recommendation Form (employer, volunteer supervisor, or academic instructors preferred; not co-workers, family, or friends)
English proficiency exam (for non-U.S. degree holders only — TOEFL minimum 85 iBT, IELTS minimum 7.0, or other accepted equivalents)
GRE: Not required

Program Information – Advanced Standing Students

The Advanced Standing program is designed for applicants who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution earned within the past five years. It is offered in the fall application cycle only.