Master of Social Work - Aging

The Master of Social Work is the only program in Orange County offered by a public university. It offers foundation and advanced curricula emphasizing a direct service methodology from a multicultural perspective. This approach provides students with foundational social work practice skills for working with client populations from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, as well as advanced social work practice skills for leadership roles in public, non-profit and voluntary social service agencies. The Master of Social Work degree prepares students for professional positions in a wide-variety of fields, including but not limited to: mental/behavioral health (i.e., psychotherapist), child welfare services or aging/older adult services organizations, medical social work (i.e., hospitals or dialysis centers), school social work in public school settings, criminal justice/corrections (i.e., therapist, court mediator), substance abuse (i.e., therapist), community organization, and administration in social services organizations. Learning outcomes include preparation for careers in the fields listed above. In general, the M.S.W. degree prepares students to significantly enhance the social functioning and interactions of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. It offers opportunities for study in three substantive areas: Aging, Child Welfare and Community Mental Health.The degree is also a mandatory prerequisite to apply for a license in the State of California. The license is entitled Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The curriculum in the M.S.W. degree includes content on human development theories, social welfare policy and research. However, the ability to apply knowledge in these areas, through practice with clients, is highly valued since social work is an applied profession. Over the course of the program, students spend 1,050 hours conducting fieldwork at social services organizations, learning how to work with clients, in preparation for the profession. Students take several social work practice and field seminar courses while in the program.

Commitment to a two- or three-year course of study for completion of the M.S.W. program.
Have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units or last 90 quarter units as documented by official transcript(s) from all higher education institutions attended.
A strong liberal arts undergraduate foundation that is similar to the undergraduate graduation requirements from the California State University or University of California systems.
Evidence of language skills and/or cultural experiences appropriate to the diverse communities to be served.
One year of paid or volunteer experience in a human service context or related area.
Submission of a personal statement self-assessment essay. Students must respond to essay questions explaining why they would be good candidates for the program, including a description of their experience and/or commitment to social work, evidence of personal qualifications, motivation and potential that shows promise of becoming a successful social worker.
Submission of three letters of reference, including professional references and those from academic instructors.
Completion of an interview.
Have earned a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.5 from the last degree completed by the candidate or have attained a grade-point average of at least 2.5 (A=4.0) in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
For international students from countries where English is not the official language, a score of 575 on the paper exam is required. A student scoring between 555-574 on the paper exam or 83-88 on the Internet-based TOEFL may be admitted conditionally depending upon an evaluation of the entire application file.