The Online Master of Social Work (Online MSW) program prepares graduates to become licensed clinical social workers in the state of California through a comprehensive curriculum centered around culturally appropriate practice while including extensive opportunities for real-world training through required field education and internship hours.
Providing an integrative, hands-on learning experience is an integral part of the Online MSW program. Practicum placements and hands-on training provide students multiple opportunities to develop and apply professional skills that they will need to position themselves for successful careers. By working in real-world settings in their own communities while receiving the experienced guidance of staff mentors, students develop essential skills in applying social work knowledge while incorporating the rigorous social justice values of Pacific Oaks College. Graduates of the online social work master’s degree program consistently look back on their field experience as the most important aspect of MSW education. Our online social work master’s degree program produces meaningful relationships between supervisors and students, which is essential for optimizing our student’s growth and education.
The Online MSW program in California is offered in an accelerated online modality. Therefore, students should have internet access, a computer, and be prepared to engage in online coursework. Students will also need to choose between the full-time two-year (six semester) program or the part-time three-year (nine semester) program by time of admission.
Accreditation Statement
Pacific Oaks Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
Accreditation applies to all program options, which include locations and delivery methods. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
Review our program’s accredited status in CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs. For more information about social work accreditation, contact CSWE’s Department of Social Work Accreditation.
Learning Outcomes
Social Work Practice I – Individuals
Practice I introduces students in the social work online program to knowledge and skills for generalist practice with individuals. Students practice key skills that include engagement, interviewing, assessment, contracting, intervention, recording, and the use of consultation and supervision in the context of social work values and ethics and affirming working relationships.
Social Work Practice II – Families and Groups
This online social work course is the second in a three-part sequence designed to provide foundational generalist social work practice skills. MSW students are expected to build on skills related to developing professional relationships with clients and relevant others, conducting psychosocial assessments, and implementing empirically based clinical practice. The focus of this course is on selecting and implementing appropriate interventions for working with families and groups.
Social Work Practice III – Organizations and Communities
This is the third generalist practice course within the foundation year of the online MSW degree program. Practice III introduces students to theories and skills required for social work practice in organization and community settings. Using organizations and communities as settings for social work practice and targets of change, and based on social work values and ethics, students learn strategies and skills for assessment and intervention. Conceptual models of macro change are examined, including social planning, community organizing, social action, and community and organization development and change.
Online MSW Admission Requirements
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Completed Application for Admission
- Application fee
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation; one reference must be from a professional source (e.g., supervisor, program or agency director)
- Interview
- Essay for specialization
- Proof of completion of an undergraduate statistics course. Note: Completion of a statistics course is required with a grade of C or better. A grade of C minus (C-) does not meet this requirement.
- Verify minimum of 500 hours of any paid or unpaid (volunteering or internship) work with a diverse, vulnerable population (e.g., hospitals, mental health centers, advocacy programs, universities, training departments, treatment centers, churches, care facilities, social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, etc.). May be included on resume with a letter of reference from the supervisor.
Online MSW Graduation Requirements
Students applying to our Online MSW program in California are required to submit the Petition for Degree Completion and fee to the Office of the Registrar the semester before they anticipate completing their degree requirements. Students must submit the application, settle all outstanding fees with the Student Finance Office, satisfy any deficiencies, and be in good standing in their program for the master’s degree to be awarded.
Note: A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.
Online MSW Field Education Requirements
The primary goal of the Field Education Program is the development of competent, generalist social workers who demonstrate a reflective and self-evaluative practice guided by professional values of human dignity and social justice.
Interning in the field is often referred to as the “heart of social work education.” The purpose of this Field Education Program is to enable Online MSW students to receive structured preparation in the discipline of social work practice. By being placed in real-world settings within their own communities under the experienced guidance of staff mentors, MSW students have developed essential competencies in applying social work knowledge and skills while incorporating the rigorous social justice values of Pacific Oaks College.
In the Online MSW program, students must complete a minimum total of 900 hours of supervised experience. Students will work with the Field Education Department and specifically the Field Education Director to complete this requirement. The Master’s of Social Work degree online students will be enrolled in a number of field education and internship courses that will support the applied learning and integration of knowledge and skills with theory. Students will take two foundation internship courses and then in their specialized practice year(s) take two advanced internship courses.
Pacific Oaks College prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions counselor.
What is an MSW program?
MSW programs are Master's of Social Work degree programs that expand the education levels for social workers, often helping to prepare social workers for clinical or supervisory state licensure. While a master’s degree is not required for all social work, it is extremely advantageous for social workers looking to pursue a career in the context of mental health.
Is the Online Master of Social Work (Online MSW) 100% online?
Yes! The Online MSW curriculum is offered in an accelerated online modality. Any student who needs the flexibility to complete their MSW degree online would benefit from the Online Master of Social Work program offered at Pacific Oaks College.
What are the requirements for the Online Master of Social Work program?
Prospective students should be aware of the requirements for consideration of acceptance into the Online MSW at Pacific Oaks College. A full list of the requirements can be found above, under the “MSW Requirements” tab. Examples of requirements for acceptance include but are not limited to: bachelor’s degree, resume, official transcripts, letters of recommendation and more.
How long does it take to complete the Online Masters of Social Work degree?
The Online MSW degree requires 60 credits for completion. It can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time. Students can choose to complete it at their own pace, depending on their schedule and need for flexibility.
How do Online Master of Social Work graduates become social workers?
There are several steps to becoming a social worker; we have published an article that will go more in-depth on how to achieve this career.
• Earn your bachelor’s degree
• Complete your online social work master’s degree
• Complete field experience requirements
• Apply for state-specific licensure
• Maintain social work licensing and continue education
What social work jobs do not require a license?
There are various areas of practice in the social work career, many of which do not require licensing. Other potential jobs in social work may include:
1. Behavioral Management Aide
2. Case Management Aide
3. Community Outreach Worker
4. Rehabilitation Caseworker
5. Eligibility Worker