Master of Social Work
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Higher Education Teaching CertificateOur two-year Master of Social Work (MSW) hybrid program offers online classes with an in-person internship component. Two years of continuous enrollment and completion of 60 units is required for this degree.
Enjoy the flexibility of the hybrid option that allows you to study from home while interning in-person at an agency local to your home in California. The two-year hybrid MSW program consists of two to four classes per session, including a strong internship component that runs concurrently in the Fall and Spring sessions. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 16 hours per week for internship.
The School of Social Work's mission at SJSU is a commitment to advocating for social justice and enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities.
Program Snapshot
60
units
Fall
admission
Empower Yourself and Community
Hear from the School of Social Work Director, MSW Program Coordinator, and students on how an MSW degree from San José State may benefit you.
Program Features
Transcultural perspective
Our transcultural perspective is infused in our curriculum. This diverse learning helps us be more self-aware, recognize power and privilege and work within our community as learners.
Empowering work opportunities
The MSW curriculum prepares you with specialized skill sets to work with minority groups and those in need.
CSWE accredited
Our MSW program has been accredited continuously by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1973. This accreditation helps guide our program through core competencies.
School of Social Work ranking
SJSU is #5 in College Factual’s 2024 Best Social Work Schools in California.
Career Opportunities
- As a social worker you have many options in your career and can explore many job opportunities.
Some jobs to consider are:
- child and family social worker
- clinical social worker
- school social worker
- healthcare social worker
- hospice and palliative care social worker
- medical social worker
- If you are interested in a career in social work but unsure of where to take your advanced career, bestmswprograms.com has put together a list of the 50 fastest-growing careers in social work.
“As a full-time employee, this program was very convenient and fitting to my schedule, and it allowed me to obtain my degree and still be a working adult.”
Victoria Jones
MSW Alumni
Apply To The Program
Learn more about how to apply below.
- Admission Requirements
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a GPA of at least 2.5.
- Social work related experiences and liberal arts foundation.
- Personal statements, writing sample, resume and recommendations.
- An English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) is required if a student's baccalaureate was earned outside of the US. For more information visit the graduate admissions site.
For more information and how to apply visit the program site.
*Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. Currently, the MSW program is only accepting students residing in California. If admitted, students must be able to study and do their internships in California.
- How to Apply
The application process for the MSW program requires submitting two applications, one to SJSU through Cal State Apply, and one to the School of Social Work through the MSW Program Application Portal.
Please visit the program site for information on how to apply.
- Application Deadlines
Fall 2025
- Application deadline: December 1, 2024*
*These dates are not final and are subject to change.
- FAQs
For FAQs related to the application process, visit the MSW admission page
For FAQs related to the hybrid program, visit the MSW program page
News
For news or events check out the School of Social Work Newsletter.
Events
Webinars are held each semester. Check back for updated event information.
Program Update
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Related Programs
Social Work, Advanced Standing
Join our accelerated and highly selective MSW Advanced Standing program. Graduate in just one year and begin your advanced career in social work. 37 units complete this program, with in-person internship requirements.
Pupil Personnel Services Credential
The Post-Master Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), designed for professionals with an MSW, qualifies you for certification with the state of California as a school social worker. This 10-credit program includes four units of externship done in a school setting.
Speech Language Pathology
Guided by assessment and intervention within an evidence-based, ethical, and multicultural framework, the MS in Speech Language Pathology program equips students to serve the needs of our culturally and linguistically diverse community through a blend of rigorous coursework and clinical practicum.
Contact Information
Email us
socialwork@sjsu.edu