Special Notification
- Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.
- No application fee required.
- The online MSW program option is for California residents only. Courses use a combined synchronous and asynchronous format. Practicum requirements are completed at minimum of one weekday each week in-person at approved sites (within 75 miles of student's residence).
Program Description
The part-time online 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. Courses use a combined synchronous and asynchronous format. Practicum placements are completed in person and local to the student as available and with approval of the program.Program Length
3 years (11 quarters)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
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2025 | Aug 15, 2024 | Nov 15, 2024 | Feb 15, 2025 |
Admissions Requirements
- A four-year baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university.
- 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 a completed 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. All students who are working fulltime must also submit a letter from their agency director acknowledging support in completing the practicum and educational requirements of the MSW program.
- 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 course work shows significant improvement or if they have additional attributes that demonstrate preparedness and an appropriate fit for graduate social work education.
- Work and volunteer experiences must be verified by employer/supervisor statements on official agency stationery. 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 G.P.A. 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.
Prerequisites
A four-year baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university. Individual applicants whose undergraduate degree does not reflect a liberal arts perspective may be asked to enroll in additional courses.Discipline Accrediting Agency
The 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 2024-2025
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
No quarterly enrollment fees for online students.- 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.