UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY · UNITED STATES
Master of Social Welfare (MSW)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Two-year, full-time programDuration
- 60 units requiredCoursework
- CSWE-accreditedAccreditation
- Multi-level practice focusApproach
- Two practicum placementsPractical Experience
The Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program at UC Berkeley is a full-time, two-year, on-campus degree designed to prepare you as a multi-level practitioner. You will gain skills to integrate various knowledge sources, apply evidence-based practices, and champion social and economic justice through anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches. The curriculum emphasizes both direct and indirect practice methods, fostering critical thinking across multiple levels of social welfare values, ethics, and justice. This CSWE-accredited program requires the completion of 60 units, including generalist practice coursework, advanced electives, social research methods culminating in a master's capstone, and extensive practicum education. You will complete two distinct practicum placements, applying classroom learning in supervised agency settings.
Curriculum
The MSW curriculum is structured over two years, beginning with generalist practice foundational courses and progressing to advanced coursework, electives, and a research project in the second year. Students complete a total of 60 units, including 24 units of practicum education.
- Year 1 - Generalist Curriculum
- Theories for Multilevel PracticeSOCWEL 200
- Foundations of Social Welfare PolicySOCWEL 220
- Anti-Oppressive Frameworks for Social Work Ethics and JusticeSOCWEL 240
- Foundations of Multilevel PracticeSOCWEL 241
- Foundation Practicum ISOCWEL 410A
- Critical Research LiteracySOCWEL 280
- Policy Practice in Social WorkSOCWEL 254
- Foundations of Multilevel Practice: Assessment & Intervention Planning with Individuals and FamiliesSOCWEL 241A
- Foundations of Multilevel Practice: Assessment and Intervention Planning with Groups, Organizations, and CommunitiesSOCWEL 241B
- Foundation Practicum IISOCWEL 410B
- Year 2 - Advanced Curriculum
- Seminar in Social Welfare Research ISOCWEL 282A
- Advanced Practicum ISOCWEL 412A
- Three Elective Courses
- Seminar in Social Welfare Research IISOCWEL 282B
- Advanced Practicum IISOCWEL 412B
- Two Elective Courses
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program and what is the format?
- The MSW program is a full-time, two-year, on-campus degree. It requires the completion of 60 units, including extensive practicum education.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MSW program?
- Graduates are prepared for multi-level practice roles and can pursue licensure as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) or a PPS Credential (Pupil Personnel Services Credential).
- What is the tuition and living cost for international students?
- Specific international tuition rates for the MSW program are not detailed. Students should consult the official university registrar's fees schedule and the financial aid or international office for cost-of-attendance estimates.
- What documents are required for the application?
- Required documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume/CV. International applicants may also need to provide English language proficiency test scores.
- Does the program offer any scholarships for international students?
- The provided scholarship information does not specify which are available to international students. Applicants are automatically considered for various fellowships and scholarships based on their application at the time of admission.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Information on international tuition rates specific to the MSW program is not provided on the university's general tuition page. For detailed costs, international students should consult the official university registrar's fees schedule.
Tuition (home)Information on domestic tuition rates specific to the MSW program is not provided on the university's general tuition page. For detailed costs, domestic students should consult the official university registrar's fees schedule.
LivingEstimated living costs are not detailed on the provided university pages. Students should refer to the university's financial aid or international office for comprehensive cost-of-attendance estimates.
The University provides general tuition information through the registrar's office. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid and scholarship options available at Berkeley.
How to apply
1. Explore Graduate ProgramsVisit the UC Berkeley Graduate Admissions website to explore the Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program and understand its specific requirements.
2. Review Application DeadlinesCheck the program's official page or the graduate admissions website for specific application deadlines for your desired intake.
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume/CV. International applicants may also need to provide English language proficiency test scores.
4. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the university's online graduate application system.
5. Consider Funding OptionsExplore financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, through the university's financial aid office. All prospective students are evaluated for fellowships and scholarships based on their application at the time of admission.
Scholarships
Jimenez Family FellowshipVaries
Ma McFarland FellowshipVaries
Forte Foundation FellowshipVaries
Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP)Covers UC systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees
Reaching Out MBA Fellowship (ROMBA)Varies
Center for Equity, Gender, & Leadership FellowshipVaries
Center for Responsible Business (CRB) FellowshipVaries
Allan Holt FellowshipVaries
Berkeley Haas ScholarshipsVaries
Blue Duck ScholarshipVaries
Brian Maxwell FellowshipVaries
Accreditation
The UC Berkeley Social Welfare MSW Program has been continuously accredited since 1928 by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the sole accrediting agency for professional social work education in the United States. The Berkeley Master of Social Welfare degree is fully equivalent to an MSW degree.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program and what is the format?
+
The MSW program is a full-time, two-year, on-campus degree. It requires the completion of 60 units, including extensive practicum education.
What are the career prospects after completing the MSW program?
+
Graduates are prepared for multi-level practice roles and can pursue licensure as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) or a PPS Credential (Pupil Personnel Services Credential).
What is the tuition and living cost for international students?
+
Specific international tuition rates for the MSW program are not detailed. Students should consult the official university registrar's fees schedule and the financial aid or international office for cost-of-attendance estimates.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume/CV. International applicants may also need to provide English language proficiency test scores.
Does the program offer any scholarships for international students?
+
The provided scholarship information does not specify which are available to international students. Applicants are automatically considered for various fellowships and scholarships based on their application at the time of admission.