Social Work (MSW Online or On-Campus)

important information

Online and On-Campus MSW: Applications are open for Fall 2025! Apply by February 15, 2025. 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).
The on-campus MSW program incorporates a blend of traditional classroom experiences and some online courses to provide students with a versatile learning environment.

Advanced Clinical Specialist Program

Online Info Sessions

Join us for one of our online info sessions to learn more about our outstanding programs and get your questions answered!

MSW Program Differences

Advanced Clinical Specialization vs. Advanced Generalist

Advanced clinical practice specializations prepare students for practice in the highest level behavioral health and health care organizations, and public and private agencies, working as members of comprehensive multi- and interdisciplinary treatment teams. Apply for an Advanced Clinical MSW at LLU

Advanced generalist programs are designed to provide a broad understanding of direct practice in micro and macro social work settings.

3 MSW Program Options

Which one is right for you?

Traditional On-Campus MSW Program with 2-, 3-, and 4-year options
Online MSW Program for working individuals and distance learners
Advanced Standing MSW Program for BSW students

The Loma Linda University MSW program is now in its third decade of training advanced clinical practitioners in social work. Our graduates are leaders in the field and are recognized for contributions toward improving quality of life for consumers and refining the functioning of systems to meet the needs of the community.

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.

Graduate Story

The faculty and staff of the LLU Department of Social Work and Social Ecology were instrumental in my educational and professional growth, teaching me to always be true to myself, be kind to others, and have integrity in my practice.

Sophia M. Williams, MSW, Class of 2019
Regional Manager, Specialized Operations and Adoptions Region, Riverside County Children Services Division

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 (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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Program Director

Dr. Kim Freeman

PhD, MSW

Executive Associate Chair, Social Work and Social Ecology
Professor, Social Work and Social Ecology
Director, Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Programs

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Curriculum Guides (PDF)

Master of Social Work

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.

Play Therapy or Drug & Alcohol Counseling Certificate

Students entering an MSW degree program within the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology in academic year 2024-2025 who are interested in obtaining certification in Play Therapy or Drug & 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 & 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. See tuition waiver amounts below.

Play Therapy: 12 units (3 units per quarter at $1,125 for a total program tuition waiver of $4,500)
Drug & Alcohol Counseling: 13 units (6 units taken as part of the MSW program, including religion; 4 units of practicum at $600 and 3 units at $2,733 for a total program tuition waiver of $3,333)