Master of Social Work Overview
Social workers in an advanced clinical practice rely on skills in emotional intelligence, communication, organization and problem-solving, all combined with a desire to help individuals, groups, and communities. They implement outreach programs to create social change that is inclusive and empowering for all. In the master's degree program in social work at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP), you'll gain the knowledge and develop the skills to enter this rewarding and meaningful social service career. You will learn the impact of social policy in shaping the future of this profession in your social work education.
If you have the desire for higher education, you can enter the master's in social work program with a bachelor's degree in any subject as long as it's from an accredited institution. An accredited online MSW program not only meets rigorous academic standards but also ensures that you receive a quality education, recognized and respected in the field.
One of the advantages of an MSW online is the flexibility it offers. To learn more about this social work online program and other offerings, visit our CSPP-dedicated microsite. You’ll find videos featuring our university president, dean of CSPP, and faculty, along with numerous interactive features!
Program Highlights
Online Course Instruction
The master’s program courses are ideal for working adults and career changers with fully online course instruction.
Professional Practice
Provides advanced, practice-based training in the social work profession to prepare you for direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, and macro practice at the community and organization levels.
Cultural Competence
The program is designed for the human service, social welfare, and social work profession where you apply principles of cultural competency, cultural humility, and inclusive awareness to help reduce inequities and disparities among systems.
Field Education Opportunities
Field placement or internship is an integral part of your social work program. Practicum opportunities in organizations that CSPP has established relationships will help you gain field experience with real-world relevance to your studies and future employment.Learn More
Admissions
Learn About Admissions Requirements
Faculty
Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty
Degree Information
The degree curriculum is designed to train you for professional practice as a licensed social worker, using practice-based training. Your graduate certificate in MA social work online qualifies you to participate in any community practice. The broad curriculum of the MSW degree online incorporates both direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, and macro practice at the community and organizational levels. Social Justice, Human Behavior, and the Social Environment are among the courses you will learn in this continuing education program.
The online MSW program:
- Contributes to knowledge that advances professional social work practice using innovative deliveries and technologies
- Teaches MSW students to apply principles of cultural competency, cultural humility, and inclusive awareness to help reduce inequities and disparities
- Trains students to engage community members and partners to identify community needs, develop interventions and strategies for change, and promote community health and wellness
As with many other CSPP programs, the graduate school masters in social work online is structured to be clinically focused with exam prep built into the courses. The online program is geared toward students who want to do clinical work as they prepare for licensure and a career in advanced social work practice. It integrates online classroom learning with real-world experiences in practicum settings to prepare graduates for the social welfare tasks and responsibilities of a professional clinical social worker.
Program Learning Outcomes and Goals
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Engage diversity and difference in practice
- Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Assess, intervene with, and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Post-Graduation Licensure
Students of the advanced standing masters in social work in California who successfully complete the degree requirements for the program are eligible to apply for licensure through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). ASWB is a nonprofit organization composed of the social work regulatory boards and colleges of all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and all 10 Canadian provinces. They are the only nonprofit organization dedicated to social work regulation to keep the highest standards in social service practice. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. Students should contact the licensing board in the state they wish to apply for licensure.
Accreditation
Alliant Masters of Social Work program is conditionally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Visit our accreditation resource page for more information about our social work accreditation status, plus get answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Links and Downloads
Program Outcomes
Completing this degree online can help equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to explore various clinical social work positions, including:
- Social workers who specialize in children, families, and schools.
- Social workers in the healthcare sectors
- Social workers for mental health, substance abuse, and social justice
Completing this degree qualifies you to work in different clinical social work settings:
- General and surgical hospital facilities
- Private services
- Insurance agencies
- Appointed posts of other healthcare professionals
Every career path may need additional experience, training, credentials or other factors other than earning a master's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MSW degree online worth it?
By earning an online master in social work, you can gain comprehensive skills to tackle the struggles encountered by your clients. This will equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to implement effective solutions. As part of the social work online program, you'll participate in a field education internship to gain practical insights and enhance your abilities.
What's the significance of the accreditation for an online master's in social work program?
Accreditation ensures that the accredited online MSW program meets specific quality standards and prepares students for professional practice. It is the responsibility of the online student to verify an MSW online program's legitimacy and check that it aligns with industry standards.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
Does this program lead to licensure?
Students successfully completing the degree requirements for this program will be eligible to apply for licensure through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Please note that licensure requirements vary from state to state, so students should contact the licensing board in the state they wish to apply for licensure.
When does the Master of Social Work degree program start?
The program is offered in 15-week semesters with a 10-week summer session, and is open for enrollment during each of those enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our academic calendar here.
How long does it take to complete the Master of Social Work degree program?
The degree program is a 60-credit program and takes a minimum of two years to complete, across six semesters.
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSPP
Founded in 1969, CSPP was one of the nation’s first independent schools of professional psychology. Today, CSPP continues its commitment to preparing the next generation of mental health professionals through graduate-level degree programs in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, clinical counseling, organizational psychology, psychopharmacology, and more.
