Special Notification
- Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.
- No application fee required.
Program Description
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a 78-unit program emphasizing the biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to advanced clinical social work practice in behavioral health institutions and agencies. Students gain expertise in cutting-edge and evidenced-based trauma- and resiliency-informed interventions that support prevention, early intervention, diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. Experiential learning through Loma Linda University's internationally recognized health system provides students with advanced learning opportunities in integrated behavioral health, tertiary level inpatient care, and global practice settings.
The MSW degree can be completed through the 2-, 3-, or 4-year in person curriculum options. A 12-month Advanced Standing option for recent Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduates is also available.
Program Length
2-, 3-, or 4-year in person curriculum options. (12-month advanced standing program also available.)
Possible Careers
Clinical Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker, Medical Social Worker, Child and Family Social Worker, Geriatric Social Worker, Hospice Social Worker, Forensic Mental Health Social Worker, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker, Community Social Worker, Healthcare Administrator, Public Health Administrator, Research Social Worker, and Social Work Educator.
Application Deadlines
There are currently no published application deadlines.Admissions Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- U.S. citizenship.
- The MSW curriculum is built on a liberal arts perspective. Individual applicants whose undergraduate degree does not reflect this perspective may be asked to enroll in additional courses.
- Applicants must submit an application, including a personal statement; application fee; all college and/or university transcripts; and at least three letters of recommendation—preferably one of which is from an academic source and one from a work supervisor.
- Students enrolled in the online program must commit, in writing, to one full weekday (Monday-Friday) of practicum each week. Weekend and after-hour options are not available.
- Applicants must meet the minimum academic and professional compatibility criteria established by the program. These criteria include:
- A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with lower grade point averages will be considered if the last 45 quarter credits (30 semester units) of non-field practica coursework shows significant improvement or if they have additional attributes that demonstrate preparedness and an appropriate fit for graduate social work education. Further consideration will also be given to individuals who provide evidence of additional graduate coursework, certifications, and/or training that illustrate preliminary preparation for a career in social work. Students who are admitted to the Social Work Program with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 may be required to participate in individualized academic assessment and a targeted learning assistance program.
- Demonstration, through the application and interview processes, of compatibility with the profession of social work, ability to develop and nurture interpersonal relationships, communication skills, self-awareness, professional comportment, critical thinking skills, fit with the mission and values of Loma Linda University and the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology, and the capacity to successfully complete the Master of Social Work curriculum. Interview content and process may vary based on integration agreements with CSWE accredited BSW programs.
Prerequisites
The MSW curriculum is built on a liberal arts perspective. Although there are no specific course prerequisites, individual applicants whose undergraduate degree does not reflect this perspective may be asked to enroll in additional courses.
Discipline Accrediting Agency
The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) to provide master's degree-level education, with the next reaffirmation to be completed in 2025.
State Accrediting Agency
Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC] Senior College and University Commission).
Expected Cost of Attendance
The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.
Required Program Costs
Academic Year 2026-2027
| Year of Program Months Enrolled |
Year 1 9 |
Year 2 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $39,440 | $38,188 |
|
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance (May or may not be purchased through the school) |
$2,654 | $1,775 |
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
Most Social Work and Social Ecology students receive financial aid.- Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
- Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
- To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.