Social Work (MSW Online or On-Campus)

3 MSW Program Options

Which one is right for you?

• Traditional On-Campus MSW — Flexible 2-, 3-, and 4-year options
• Online MSW — Designed for working professionals and distance learners
• Advanced Standing MSW — Accelerated pathway for students with a BSW

Now in its third decade, the Loma Linda University MSW program has a long-standing reputation for preparing highly skilled clinical practitioners. Our graduates are recognized leaders who advance the field, enhance quality of life for individuals and families, and strengthen systems to better serve their communities.

Our MSW program intentionally prepares students to work within a variety of integrative healthcare settings. This is accomplished by requiring students to have a deep clinical understanding of the complex issues that consumers typically present with along with specific coursework and practicum experiences in the areas of integrative behavioral health. These experiences uniquely equip our students to approach consumers from a wholistic perspective that moves away from and overcomes the often segregated and fragmented approach to health care.

At a Glance

• Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• All program options include 29 academic units of advanced clinical specialization and a 1-year clinical practicum
• Available as a dual master's degree with Criminal Justice MS (emphasis in Forensic Mental Health)
• Certificate in Play Therapy also available
• Small class size with diverse students and faculty for maximum learning experience, along with embedded professional self-care
• Specialized content in working with active duty military and veterans
• Christian environment emphasizing integrated learning and compassionate whole person care
• Successful completion rate of over 98%
• Preferred employment interviewing within Loma Linda University Health upon graduation

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Curriculum Guides (PDF)

Master of Social Work

• 1-Year Advanced Standing
• 2-Year On-Campus
• 3-Year On-Campus
• 3-Year Online (Fall Cohort)
• 4-Year Online (Fall Cohort)
• 4-Year Online (Winter Cohort)

Dual Degree

• 2-Year MSW with Criminal Justice MS

Selectives

• Schedule of Selective Courses

All posted schedules are subject to change based on program scheduling needs.

Add a Certificate to Your MSW Program

Students entering an MSW degree program within the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology who are interested in obtaining certification in Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling will receive a tuition waiver for the certificate program of their choice. Courses taken as part of the Play Therapy certificate do not count toward the MSW degree (core requirements and electives). Students taking the Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate can apply 6 units to their MSW program (these units do not qualify for a tuition waiver). These 6 units must be specified by their academic advisor.

Resources (PDF)

• MSW Student Handbook 2025-26
• MSW Field Education Manual 2025-26
• MSW Field Forms