UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · UNITED STATES
Social Welfare
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€31k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsTypical Program Duration
- M.S.W.Degree Offered
- Los Angeles, CALocation
- FallAdmission Intake
- 3 Letters of RecommendationApplication Requirement
The Master of Social Welfare (M.S.W.) program at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs prepares students for advanced social work practice in organizations, communities, and policy settings, as well as with individuals, families, and groups. The curriculum emphasizes foundational knowledge in social welfare policy and services, human behavior and social environment, research methods, and practical field experience. Students can specialize in areas such as gerontology, children and youth services, health services, mental health services, and nonprofit sector services. The program aims to develop students' professional suitability, potential for successful social work practice, and capacity for doctoral-level scholarship. It offers opportunities for concurrent degree programs with Law, Asian American Studies, Public Health, and Public Policy, allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary studies and expand their career options. UCLA offers a robust academic environment with opportunities for students to engage in research and gain practical experience through field practicums. The university's location in Los Angeles provides a diverse context for learning and professional development in the field of social work.
Curriculum
The M.S.W. program requires a total of 76 units of coursework, including core sequences in social welfare policy and services, human behavior and social environment, methods of social work practice, and social welfare research. Six quarters of field practicum are also mandatory. Students have the option to substitute a second-year research course with an approved individual or group research project.
- Year 1
- Methods of Social Work Practice I
- Human Behavior and Social Environment I
- Social Welfare Policy and Services I
- Field Practicum I
- Year 2
- Methods of Social Work Practice II
- Social Welfare Research I
- Specialization Courses
- Field Practicum II
Careers
Graduates of the M.S.W. program are prepared for a variety of roles in social work practice, policy, and administration. The program's strong foundation and specialization options equip students for diverse career paths.
- Clinical Social Worker
- Community Organizer
- Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Health Services Professional
- Mental Health Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition and fees for international students in the Master of Social Welfare (M.S.W.) program?
- Annual tuition and fees for non-California residents are approximately $36,297. Tuition and fees may vary for professional and self-supporting degrees.
- What is the typical duration of the M.S.W. program?
- The Master of Social Welfare (M.S.W.) program is typically completed in 2 years.
- What are the academic prerequisites for the M.S.W. program?
- Applicants need a bachelor's degree and must have completed at least seven liberal arts courses, including three in sociobehavioral sciences. A statistics course with a grade of B or better and a human biology course are also required.
- What documents are required for the M.S.W. application?
- Required documents include the departmental application, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, an autobiographical statement, a professional concepts and goals statement, three letters of recommendation, and GRE General Test scores.
- When is the application deadline for the M.S.W. program for Fall admission?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is January 15th. For those seeking fellowship consideration, the deadline is December 15th.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing the M.S.W. program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Clinical Social Worker, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst, Program Manager, and Mental Health Professional.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. Applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of seven liberal arts courses, including three in sociobehavioral sciences, or a combination of liberal arts and social welfare subjects. A prerequisite elementary statistics course with a grade of B or better and one course with human biology content are also required.
Ph.D. ApplicantsHold a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from an accredited school of social work with a superior academic record. Master's degrees in social science with professional experience may also be considered.
In addition to university minimum requirements, applicants must submit the departmental application, official transcripts, and a statement of purpose. For the M.S.W., an autobiographical statement and a professional concepts and goals statement are required. A personal interview may be arranged. Applicants are evaluated based on personal suitability for social work, health, and financial capacity to complete the degree.
Fees
Tuition (international)Annual tuition and fees for non-California residents are approximately $36,297.
Tuition (home)Annual tuition and fees for California residents are approximately $21,115.
Living—
Tuition and fees may vary for professional and self-supporting degrees. Official tuition and fees are maintained on the UCLA Registrar’s site. Fee remissions may be available through the hiring department for eligible graduate students.
How to apply
1. Review Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet the university's minimum requirements and the specific departmental prerequisites for the M.S.W. program, including undergraduate coursework in liberal arts and statistics.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required documents, including official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, a statement of purpose, an autobiographical statement, and a professional concepts and goals statement.
3. Secure Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional capabilities.
4. Submit GRE ScoresSubmit scores for the GRE General Test. Note that specific subject tests may be requested by the department.
5. Complete and Submit ApplicationComplete the online departmental application and submit it along with all supporting documents and application fees by the stated deadline.
6. Consider Fellowship ApplicationIf you wish to be considered for graduate fellowships, ensure your completed application is submitted by the December 15th deadline.
Scholarships
Fellowships, Traineeships, Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Student Researcher Positions—
Graduate Loans, Grants, Work-Study—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition and fees for international students in the Master of Social Welfare (M.S.W.) program?
+
Annual tuition and fees for non-California residents are approximately $36,297. Tuition and fees may vary for professional and self-supporting degrees.
What is the typical duration of the M.S.W. program?
+
The Master of Social Welfare (M.S.W.) program is typically completed in 2 years.
What are the academic prerequisites for the M.S.W. program?
+
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and must have completed at least seven liberal arts courses, including three in sociobehavioral sciences. A statistics course with a grade of B or better and a human biology course are also required.
What documents are required for the M.S.W. application?
+
Required documents include the departmental application, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, an autobiographical statement, a professional concepts and goals statement, three letters of recommendation, and GRE General Test scores.
When is the application deadline for the M.S.W. program for Fall admission?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is January 15th. For those seeking fellowship consideration, the deadline is December 15th.
What career paths can I pursue after completing the M.S.W. program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Clinical Social Worker, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst, Program Manager, and Mental Health Professional.