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Loma Linda University's CSWE-accredited on-campus Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers an immersive, clinically focused path for students ready to fully commit to their social work education. Available in 2-, 3-, and 4-year options, the program combines classroom instruction with 1,080 hours of hands-on practicum through Loma Linda University Health's internationally recognized health system and community agencies. You'll graduate equipped for LCSW licensure and prepared for advanced practice in behavioral health, grounded in a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to whole person care.
đź”” Admissions & Program Requirements
- Applications are now open for Fall 2026! Apply by June 15, 2026. No application fee required.
- This on-campus program incorporates a blend of traditional classroom experiences and some online courses to provide students with a versatile learning environment.
📸 Program Snapshot
- 78 quarter units (equivalent to 52 semester units)
- 1,080 hours of practicum, including one year of generalist practice and one year of advanced clinical practice
- 2-, 3-, and 4-year program options
- Core courses taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays with practicum on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- 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
- Preferred employment interviewing for qualified candidates at Loma Linda University Health upon graduation
When comparing programs, it's important to consider all costs, as many programs only post tuition costs without the associated fees.
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🔎 More About Our Social Work Master's Program in California
The Loma Linda University 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.
đź’¬ Student Story
The Loma Linda University MSW program with Play Therapy Certificate has challenged me in new ways, significantly supporting my professional development while providing an incredibly supportive environment, including faculty and staff, my cohort, and alumni. This experience, alongside the invaluable knowledge from my courses and faculty, is precisely what I need to pursue my passion: helping children develop the skills for a brighter future.
🗓️ Program Timeline
These sample plans of study are provided as general guides to illustrate the typical sequence of courses for this program. Course offerings, sequencing, and scheduling are subject to change based on curricular revisions, faculty availability, and student progression. Students who take a Leave of Absence (LOA) or enroll on a part-time basis should expect their program completion term to be extended. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor for individualized academic planning.
Classes are generally held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Note: For additional sample plans of study, please contact the department at [email protected].
Sample Plans of Study
Most 2-year candidates enter the on-campus MSW program in Fall Quarter and complete at the end of Spring Quarter the following year. This requires six quarters of full-time coursework and commitment to the practicum experience. Summer Quarter attendance is not required for the 2-year option.
Year 1
| Fall | Units | Winter | Units | Spring | Units |
| SOWK 513 | 4 | SOWK 518 | 3 | RELR 540 | 3 |
| SOWK 514 | 4 | SOWK 548 | 5 | SOWK 520 | 3 |
| SOWK 517 | 4 | SOWK 510 | 3 | SOWK 519 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | 2 | SOWK 574 | 3 | SOWK 585 | 3 |
| SOWK 578 | 0 | SOWK 757B | 20 | SOWK 757C | 20 |
| SOWK 757A | 20 | SOWK 700 | 160 | SOWK 700 | 160 |
| SOWK 700 | 160 | ||||
| Total Quarter Units | 14 | 14 | 12 |
Total Year 1 Units: 40 units
Year 2
| Fall | Units | Winter | Units | Spring | Units |
| SOWK 695A | 2 | SOWK 695B | 2 | SOWK 695C | 2 |
| SOWK 613 | 4 | SOWK 620 | 2 | SOWK 647 | 3 |
| SOWK 663 | 3 | SOWK 661 | 4 | SOWK 617 | 3 |
| SOWK 662 | 4 | SOWK 648 | 3 | SOWK 681 | 2 |
| SOWK 787A | 20* | Selective | 2 | Selective | 2 |
| SOWK 705 | 200* | SOWK 787B | 20* | SOWK 787C | 20* |
| SOWK 705 | 200* | SOWK 705 | 200* | ||
| Total Quarter Units | 13 | 13 | 12 |
Total Year 2 Units: 38 units
Total Program Units: 78 units
*These courses reflect practicum hours, which are charged at a lower rate than academic units.
Please Note: A Qualifying Review must be taken before the end of the first Spring Quarter.
Most 3-year candidates enter the on-campus MSW program in Fall Quarter and complete at the end of Spring Quarter of their third year. This requires ten quarters of coursework and commitment to the practicum experience. Summer Quarter attendance is required in the third year of the 3-year option.
Year 1
| Fall | Units | Winter | Units | Spring | Units |
| SOWK 514 | 4 | SOWK 548 | 5 | RELR 540 | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | 2 | Selective | 2 | SOWK 585 | 3 |
| Selective | 2 | ||||
| Total Quarter Units | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Total Year 1 Units: 21 units
Year 2
| Fall | Units | Winter | Units | Spring | Units |
| SOWK 513 | 4 | SOWK 518 | 3 | SOWK 520 | 3 |
| SOWK 517 | 4 | SOWK 510 | 3 | SOWK 519 | 3 |
| SOWK 578 | 0 | SOWK 574 | 3 | SOWK 757C | 20* |
| SOWK 757A | 20* | SOWK 757B | 20* | SOWK 700 | 160* |
| SOWK 700 | 160* | SOWK 700 | 160* | ||
| Total Quarter Units | 8 | 9 | 6 |
Total Year 2 Units: 23 units
| Summer | Units | Fall | Units | Winter | Units | Spring | Units |
| SOWK 648 | 3 | SOWK 695A | 2 | SOWK 695B | 2 | SOWK 695C | 2 |
| SOWK 663 | 3 | SOWK 613 | 4 | SOWK 620 | 2 | SOWK 647 | 3 |
| SOWK 662 | 4 | SOWK 661 | 4 | SOWK 617 | 3 | ||
| SOWK 787A | 20* | SOWK 787B | 20* | SOWK 681 | 2 | ||
| SOWK 705 | 200* | SOWK 705 | 200* | SOWK 787C | 20* | ||
| SOWK 705 | 200* | ||||||
| Total Quarter Units | 6 | 10 | 8 | 10 |
Total Year 3 Units: 34 units
*These courses reflect practicum hours, which are charged at a lower rate than academic units.
Please Note: A Qualifying Review must be taken before the end of the second Spring Quarter.
âž• 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. 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.
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Yes! Our Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which means you'll receive a high quality education that meets national professional standards and prepares you for future licensure and practice.
To apply, you'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Applicants interested in advanced standing must have a BSW within the last 5 years from a CSWE-accredited program.
Students in the full time MSW program are not able to work full-time, as the academic and field education requirements are intensive. However, our 3-year online MSW program is specifically designed for students who need work full-time while earning their degree.
Field education is a key part of your training and allows you to gain hands on experience in real world social work settings. Placements are arranged in partnership with community agencies and are supported by our Field Education team to ensure a strong match.
Yes. Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for social work licensure in California. Because licensing requirements vary by state, we encourage students to review the specific requirements for the state where they plan to practice.
Our MSW program is strictly an advanced clinical program designed to prepare students for high level clinical social work practice. Students complete in depth coursework in areas such as DSM diagnosis, psychopharmacology for social work practice, crisis and trauma intervention, and evidence based clinical approaches including psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive therapies. This rigorous clinical training prepares graduates for advanced mental and behavioral health settings and clinical licensure.
Course delivery depends on the program track. Students may enroll in our on-campus option which includes some online and hybrid courses, or our fully online option. The 3-year online program provides flexibility for students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Our graduates are working in a wide range of settings, including healthcare, mental health agencies, schools, child welfare organizations, community nonprofits, policy and advocacy roles, and private practice.
Class sizes typically range from 8 to 30 students, depending on the course. This small‑class structure ensures that students have regular, meaningful access to faculty, both during and outside of class. Professors are experienced social work practitioners who are approachable, actively engaged with students, and provide individualized guidance and mentorship throughout the program.
Students have access to a wide range of support services, including academic advising, field education support, career resources, and student wellness services. Our goal is to support you both academically and personally as you progress through the program.