The School of Social Work at Cal State San Bernardino has expanded its Master of Social Work (MSW) program by giving students the opportunity to obtain their MSW degree within 12 months. The MSW Advanced Standing Program will launch this summer 2021.

“I’m very proud of the work the School of Social Work has done in preparation for our first Advanced Standing Cohort,” said Carolyn McAllister, director of the School of Social Work. “We are ready to provide qualified Bachelor of Social Work students the opportunity to complete their MSW in three academic terms.”

The curriculum will be equivalent to MSW students in their advanced year of the traditional MSW program, along with a summer bridge. 

The 36-unit program, compared to 60 units, will allow CSUSB to increase the number of MSW graduates each year, increasing the number of MSW social workers into the field.

“The Advanced Standing Program will allow qualified social workers who are committed to the field of child welfare to join the workforce earlier than the standard two or three year MSW program,” said Susan Culbertson, project coordinator of the Title IV-E Public Child Welfare Stipend Program, noting that the MSW Advanced Standing Program will include students in the Title IV-E Stipend Program. “In these critical times the essential work by CWS workers is more important than ever to keep children safe.”

The MSW Advanced Standing Program option will be taught at the San Bernardino campus.  Applications are currently being accepted and the deadline to submit an application is Jan. 15, 2021.

The option is targeted for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited degree program and a 3.5 GPA. For more information on eligibility and program requirements, visit the Master of Social Work page.