Prospective Students

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A Welcome Letter

Dear Prospective Student,

We are pleased that you are considering the Master of Social Work Program at California State University, Dominguez Hills! Our program prides itself on being the first and only known MSW program in the country that undergirds its curriculum with an explicit focus on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality. Thus, our program produces social workers who practice anti-racism, anti-oppression, and social justice through a critical, intersectional lens.

We encourage you to browse our website and attend one of our information sessions to familiarize yourself with our application process and criteria, and learn more about what our unique program has to offer.

We look forward to getting to know you!

— The Department of Social Work —

Resources for Prospective Students

Additional Resources for Prospective Social Workers:

Additional questions? Contact our MSW Admissions team at mswadmissions@csudh.edu

Interested in Applying?

Applications for the upcoming Fall term will be accepted starting October 1, and are due by February 1 of the starting term year. Starting Fall 2024, applications received by December 1st will receive priority status.

Please note: Admission to the Master of Social Work program is limited to the fall semester of each academic year only; we do not offer spring or summer enrollment. Applications are reviewed using a rolling admissions process, and will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis until spaces are filled. Incomplete or late application materials may not be forwarded for review.

For instructions on how to apply, download our MSW Program and Admissions Guidebook. 

Criteria for Admission

The CSUDH MSW Program Admissions Committee welcomes applicants that can demonstrate high academic achievement and potential for professional social work practice. 

Students must have completed a bachelor's degree with a liberal arts background (recommended) from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who are in the last phase of degree completion are eligible to apply.

  • Applicants must pay a $70 application fee, and submit an application via Cal State Apply. Official transcripts must also be submitted to the University Admissions office. Applicants will not need to submit transcripts for any coursework taken or degrees obtained at CSUDH. However, all applicants must submit official transcripts reflecting any and all coursework that was not taken at CSUDH.
  • Applicants must also submit program-specific MSW application materials via Cal State Apply, including:
    • personal statement
    • financial and time management statement
    • experience profile
    • optional GRE scores
  • The preferred minimum GPA for our program is 2.75 in the most recent 60 units (or last 90 quarter units) of coursework. Cumulative GPA is also acceptable. Applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may be considered based on their meeting other criteria. These applicants should include an explanation for their GPA in their personal statement.
    • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are strongly recommended if student’s GPA is below 3.0.

Prerequisite Coursework

  • Students are required to have passed with a C (not a C-) or better, three (3) courses in Social/Behavior Sciences.
  • Students are required to have passed with a C (not a C-) or better, two (2) courses in Humanities.
  • Students are required to have passed with a C (not a C-) or better, one (1) course in Human Lifespan Development or its equivalent. 
    Review a list of equivalents ►
  • Students are required to have passed with a C (not a C-) or better, one (1) course in Elementary Statistics or it equivalent. 
    Review a list of equivalents ►
    Cost of Attendance

    2-Year Full-Time

    State University Tuition Fee (AY 24-25)$7,608 per academic year
    Other Campus-based Fees
    • Student Activity Fee
    • Student Center Fee
    • Health Facilities Fee
    • Health Services Fee
    • Instructionally-Related Activities Fee
    • Malpractice Insurance
    		$1,370 per academic year
    Books and other materials (estimated)$1,100 per academic year
    Total Estimated 2-year, full-time Tuition$20,156

    3-Year Part-Time (Extended/Continuing Education)

    State University Tuition Fee (AY 24-25)$400 per unit
    Tuition Fees for 60 units$24,000
    Books and other materials (estimated)$500 per semester
    (8, including Summer sessions)
    Total Estimated 3-year, part-time Tuition$28,000

    Please note: The 3-year part-time course of study is a self-supported degree option and is not funded by state tax revenue. Tuition for the 3-year, part time option reflects a slightly higher rate than the full-time program option.

    Contact theCSUDH Financial Aid Office for information regarding current tuition rates and questions about financial aid for both the 2-year, full-time and the 3-year, part-time option.