San José State University (SJSU) Hybrid MSW Program
The School of Social Work at San José State University offers an online/hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for working professionals and students living throughout California. Grounded in a Transcultural Perspective — which honors the strengths of diverse cultures, promotes the well-being of individuals and families, and advocates for social and economic justice — the program infuses diversity, equity, and culturally competent practice throughout all coursework. The curriculum emphasizes work with Latinx communities, other minority groups, and populations that are disenfranchised, oppressed, or marginalized.
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The hybrid program offers online coursework with an in-person internship component, allowing students to study from home while completing their field education at a local agency in California. Academic courses are delivered online with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous sessions; synchronous sessions are typically scheduled on weekday evenings after 6:00 PM. Internships are completed in person at agencies during regular weekday business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM); weekend-only and evening-only placements are rare and should not be expected.
The program requires continuous enrollment, meaning students must take classes every session — Fall, Spring A, Spring B, and Summer — without breaks between sessions from their first session through graduation.
The program currently accepts only California residents. Admitted students must be able to study and complete their internships in California. To participate in online coursework, a student’s state of residence must also have a reciprocity agreement with CSU.
Two options are available through the online/hybrid format: a two-year Regular Standing option and a one-year Advanced Standing option for qualifying BSW holders.
SJSU’s School of Social Work has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1973. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Program Overview
- Department: School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Sciences
- Degree Types: Regular Standing (two-year); Advanced Standing (one-year)
- Concentration: Transcultural Perspective; Advanced Generalist Practice (micro, mezzo, macro)
- Program Structure: Online/hybrid — online coursework with in-person local field internship (no campus visits required)
- Instruction Methods: Mix of asynchronous and synchronous online instruction; synchronous sessions typically scheduled weekday evenings after 6:00 PM; continuous enrollment required across all sessions (Fall, Spring A, Spring B, Summer)
- GRE: Not required
- Contact Information:
- Phone: 408-924-5800
- General Email: socialwork@sjsu.edu
Program Information – Regular Standing Students
The two-year Online/Hybrid MSW program is a 60-unit program. Year one focuses on 35 units of foundational coursework; year two focuses on 25 units of advanced coursework. Admitted students are expected to complete summer readings, a writing preparation skills course, mandatory orientation sessions, and a field internship fair prior to their first fall session.
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: Minimum of 16 hours per week during field internship sessions; many agencies require up to 24 hours per week during the final year. Internship hours must occur during regular agency business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Students cannot switch between the on-campus and online/hybrid programs after admission.
- Number of Credits Required: 60 units
Program Length
- 2 years (continuous enrollment across Fall, Spring A, Spring B, and Summer sessions)
- Start Dates: Fall only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any field
- Minimum GPA of 2.50 (evaluated by SJSU’s Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluation office)
- Social work-related experience: significant volunteer, internship, and/or paid experience with marginalized or underserved populations is strongly preferred; retail experience does not qualify
- Liberal arts foundation demonstrated through general education or major coursework in the humanities, arts, and social sciences
- Three recommendation forms submitted through the MSW Application Portal (from professors, managers, or supervisors; not from relatives, friends, or personal therapists)
- Personal statement (maximum 3,000 words, double-spaced, 12-point font) addressing five specific prompts covering personal background, professional experience, identity and privilege, professional goals, and program fit
- Writing sample demonstrating analytical ability (an upper-division or graduate course paper, professional report, or other strong example)
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
- TOEFL (550 paper / 80 internet / 213 computer) or IELTS (6.5 minimum) for applicants whose baccalaureate was earned outside the U.S.
- GRE: Not required
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
The one-year Online/Hybrid MSW Advanced Standing program is a 37-unit accelerated option for students who already hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. Students begin with bridge courses in the summer before entering the specialized final year of the program. The program is described as highly selective.
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: In-person internship with same hours expectations as Regular Standing (minimum 16 hours/week during regular business hours, Monday–Friday)
- Number of Credits Required: 37 units
Program Length
- 1 year (summer bridge + specialized year)
- Start Dates: Fall only (summer bridge begins the summer before fall)
Application Deadline
- Same as Regular Standing (Cal State Apply and MSW Application Portal: December 1)
- Advanced Standing applicants may also be considered for Regular Standing if they indicate that preference in their application; no separate application is needed
Admission Requirements (Advanced Standing)
- GRE: Not required
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, earned within the last seven years
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 overall and a minimum grade of A- in all BSW/BASW social work major courses
- At least 400 hours of recent social work-related experience (cumulative internship, paid, or volunteer) beyond the minimum internship hours required for the BSW/BASW degree
- BSW/BASW field internship evaluations submitted as part of the application
- Personal interview required as part of the application process
- All other materials as required for Regular Standing (three recommendation forms, personal statement, writing sample, transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS if applicable)
San José State University’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.
If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.