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Loma Linda University's CSWE-accredited online MSW program brings advanced clinical social work training to working professionals across California—without requiring you to step away from your career or community. Designed as a flexible 3-year part-time program with evening classes and local practicum placements, the program delivers the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus MSW, rooted in a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to whole person care. You'll graduate prepared for LCSW licensure and equipped to lead in behavioral health, healthcare, and community settings.
🔔 Admissions & Program Requirements
- Applications are now open for Fall 2026! Apply by April 15, 2026. No application fee required.
- This program is open to California residents who are U.S. citizens.
- Courses use a combined synchronous and asynchronous format, with class meetings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30–9:30 PM.
- Practicum is completed in person at an approved site within 75 miles of your residence, a minimum of one weekday per week.
📸 Program Snapshot
- 78 quarter units (equivalent to 52 semester units)
- 3-year part-time program designed around your schedule
- 1080 hours of practicum, including 5 quarters of generalist practice and 6 quarters of advanced clinical practice
- Same curriculum and core faculty as all other Loma Linda University MSW program options
- Courses taught online with class attendance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30-9:30 PM; practicum one weekday per week
- Work-study available to qualified students in the amount of $18,511
- Specialization in clinical practice
- Embedded curriculum for practice with active-duty military and veterans
- Embedded professional self-care practices
- Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Rooted in a Christian commitment to compassionate, whole person care and respect for all persons
Request Information Program FAQs Program Requirements
🔎 More About Our Online Social Work Master's Program in California
The Loma Linda University Online MSW program emphasizes the biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to advanced clinical social work practice in behavioral health institutions and agencies. Students gain expertise in 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 provides students with advanced learning opportunities in integrated behavioral health, inpatient care, and global practice settings.
The program emphasizes a whole person care approach to promote wellness for individuals and families, shaped by 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:
- Advanced clinical skills and a credential recognized for LCSW licensure in California
- Required courses needed for LCSW licensure
- Preparation for advanced community and global practice within a variety of behavioral health settings
- Preparation for clinical and administrative leadership in behavioral health
➕ Add a Certificate to Your Online 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. Please note that 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; however, these units do not qualify for a tuition waiver and must be specified by their academic advisor.
💬 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.
Are the online program requirements the same as the on-campus MSW?
Yes. All program requirements—including coursework, field hours, grading policies, conduct expectations, advancement criteria, and graduation requirements—are identical to those of the on‑campus program. The online cohort simply completes coursework in an online modality.
Is field practicum completed online?
No. All field practicums are completed in-person, regardless of program modality. Online students must reserve one full weekday (Monday–Friday) during regular business hours for practicum.
How many field hours are required in the online program?
Online MSW students complete:
- 480 hours Generalist Practicum at ~10 hrs/week
- 600 hours Advanced Clinical Practicum at ~10 hrs/week
Total MSW practicum = 1,080 field hours
Can online students complete practicum in the evenings or on weekends?
No. Practicum must take place during regular business hours (Monday–Friday). Weekend or evening field placements are not permitted.
How are field placements arranged for online students?
Placements are arranged only through the Director of Field Education. Students must:
- Complete a field application in the online field practicum documents portal
- Attend Field Orientation (SOWK 578)
- Participate in a matching interview
Are background checks required?
Yes. Online students must complete:
- A University background check
- A separate agency background check (e.g., Live Scan)
Costs may fall to the student.
What are the expectations for supervision?
Online students receive:
- Individual supervision at least every other week (minimum 1 hour)
- Group supervision may supplement but cannot replace individual supervision
What assignments are required for field courses?
Online students must complete:
- Learning plan
- Time logs
- Process recordings every 4 weeks
- Wholeness journal
- Quarterly evaluations
- All documentation is completed in the online field practicum documents portal
How far might I travel for a practicum site?
Students must have reliable transportation. Sites may be >45 minutes from the student's home, and public transit is not viable.
Can online students work full time while enrolled?
Yes. Online MSW students must reserve at least one full weekday for field and meet all academic standards.