Why Humboldt State University?
The online Master of Social Work offered by Humboldt State University requires all applicants to have completed undegraduate coursework in both Elementary Statistics and Native American Studies. Humboldt State University, a smaller public university in Arcata, California, requires all online students to reside in California for the duration of the program.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Humboldt State University |
| Location | Arcata |
| State | California |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Department of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $510.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $30,600 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | Elementary Statistics; Native American Studies |
| Campus Visit Required? | One to Two Visits Required Per Year |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring |
| Program Concentrations | Advanced Generalist |
| Synchronous Classes | Some Yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Online students must live in the state of California while completing the degree; required Master’s project; emphasis on Native American and rural communities |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | 1. Prepare students for professional social work practice responsive to the challenges and resources present in rural areas and indigenous communities; 2. Present local, historical, and contemporary social issues within a global perspective. |
| Program Description | With an emphasis on serving Native American and rural communities, this 60-credit program is open to students who will be resident in California while completing their degree. All students complete a required Master’s Project as a capstone, in addition to completing a required practicum. Two visits to campus are required each year. |
What will I Learn?
The Humboldt State University online Master of Social Work program aims to prepare students for professional social work practice responsive to the challenges and resources present in rural areas and indigenous communities. Faculty and staff present local, historical, and contemporary social issues within a global perspective as they teach students the theory and skills needed for the practice of social work.
Required courses reflect the program’s focus on rural and native communities. Students complete courses in Social Work Practice in Native American and Rural Communities and Human Development, Diversity, & Relationships: Change through the Life Course. They consolidate their learning in required Distributed Learning Community courses as well as Internship Seminar courses. Students learn key professional skills in Generalist Social Work Practice, Generalist Practice II, Integrated Clinical Practice, and Clinical Social Work Practice. They learn key theories for practice inDynamics of Groups, Agencies, Organizations, and Communities, and Wellness and Sustainability. The use of research-based evidence in practice is covered in Research I: Philosophy & Methods, Social Policy, and Research II: Qualitative & Indigenous Research Methods. Students have an opportunity to deepen their approach as social workers in Advanced Practice and Indigenous and Rural Communities, Child and Family Welfare, and Communities & Organizations.
All students must complete a required Master’s research project as a capstone to the program, accompanied by two courses: Master’s Project Development, and Master’s Project Implementation.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within and pay $510.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $30,600 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
Some classes are synchronous, meaning students meet online at a set time each week for a “live” class session. Some classes are asynchronous meaning that students can complete coursework each week on their own schedule, including viewing pre-recorded lectures. Two visits to the campus are required each year.
Summary
This online Master of Social Work program reaches a targeted audience of California residents who wish to focus on social work practice in indigenous and rural communities. The curriculum provides many opportunities to build connections with a community of peers, including two required visits to campus per year. A required capstone project allows students an opportunity to consolidate and apply their learning. The tuition is fairly low.
