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important information
- Applications are open for Fall 2025! Apply by July 31, 2025. No application fee required. (No international students.)
- The online MSW program option is for California residents who are UC citizens 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).
Our Program
The Loma Linda University MSW 3-Year Part-Time Online program emphasizes the biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to advanced clinical social work practice in behavioral health institutions and agencies. Students gain expertise in cutting-edge and evidence-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 Health's internationally recognized health system and specialized community agencies provide students with advanced learning opportunities in integrated behavioral health, inpatient care, and global practice settings.
A whole-person care approach is utilized to promote wellness for individuals and families. The program is based on the institutional and professional values of compassion, integrity, excellence, freedom, and justice.
The Loma Linda University MSW program is specifically designed to provide you with:
- a meaningful career as a clinical social worker;
- required courses needed for LCSW licensure;
- preparation for advanced community and global practice within a diversity of behavioral health settings; and
- preparation for clinical and administrative leadership in behavioral health.
At a Glance
- 78 quarter units (equivalent to 52 semester units)
- Same curriculum and core faculty as all other Loma Linda University MSW program options (see curriculum guides)
- 1080 hours of practicum, including one year of generalist practice and one year of advanced clinical practice in a modified format to meet the needs of working individuals
- Courses taught in an online format with class attendance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30-9:30 PM, and practicum occurring one weekday per week
- Work-study available to qualified students in the amount of $18,511
- Specialization in clinical practice
- Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
*When comparing programs, it is important to consider all costs, as many programs only post tuition costs without the associated fees.
Student Story
My experience at Loma Linda University has been so meaningful. All of the professors in the MSW program are both knowledgeable educators and practicing clinical social workers who bring real-world experience into every class. Their support has made such a huge difference in my learning. I know LLU's academic rigor and clinical focus will provide me with a strong foundation that will carry over into my future career in the social work field. I am incredibly proud to be a student at LLU and part of such an amazing community.
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)