Why California State University – Northridge?
Tseng College at California State University – Northridge recruits applicants for its online program of Master of Social Work. California State University – Northridge, a large public research university in Los Angeles, California, prefers applicants to hold undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology or liberal arts.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | California State University – Northridge |
| Location | Los Angeles |
| State | California |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Tseng College |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $752.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $45,120 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | prefer degree in psychology, sociology or liberal arts |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | none |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
|
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Faculty research includes projects on child welfare, gender identity, HIV-AIDS, sexual orientation, fathers’ involvement in families, mental and physical health, gerontology, political social work, racial equity and inclusion, and others; emphasis on urban environments and policy. |
| Program Objectives | Prepares graduates to work successfully within a variety of environments, cultures and organizational systems; Emphasizes critical and creative thinking that enables graduates to initiate, evaluate and adapt interventions appropriate to the relevant contexts – local, regional, national or global; Creates a context for professional, ethical and effective practice by incorporating content on the profession’s history, philosophy and values |
| Program Description | Emphasizing urban environments and policy, this online Master of Social work program offers a curriculum teaching a range of skills and interventions, as well as foundational theory and history. A capstone is required and all students must complete a practicum. |
What will I Learn?
The Cal State Northridge program prepares graduates to work successfully within a variety of environments, cultures and organizational systems. The curriculum emphasizes critical and creative thinking that enables graduates to initiate, evaluate and adapt interventions appropriate to local, regional, national or global contexts. The program teaches students content on the profession’s history, philosophy and values in order to educate ethical and effective professionals.
Students learn to understand their clients through required courses in Human Behavior and Social Environment (I and II) and Social Work Practice in Multicultural Contexts. Key clinical skills are covered in Psychosocial Assessment and Diagnostic Formulation and Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice I and II. The required practicum experience is accompanied by Foundations of Field Education and Placement I and II and Advanced Field Practicum with Urban Families and Placement I and II
Students dig deeper into social problems and social work solutions in Social Welfare Policy and Services, Social Work Research Methods I and II, Advanced Social Work Practice with Urban Families I and II, and Advanced Social Work Practice in Urban Communities. Family Crisis, Trauma and Grief equips students to intervene in these stressful, while Urban Social Policy and Advocacy and Selected Topics in Social Work prepare them to be leaders in their field. A required capstone gives students an opportunity to consolidate and reflect on their acquired knowledge.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $752.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $45,120 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous , meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 3 years. Students enter the program in Fall.
Summary
The California State University – Northridge Master of Social Work program has a selective admissions policy leading to high-quality experiences for motivated students. Faculty are engaged in a number of research and service projects pertaining to children, domestic violence, sexual orientation, homelessness, and other topics. The curriculum emphasizes urban environments and policy. In terms of cost, the program is in the middle of the range for comparable programs.
