DEPT. OF SOCIAL WORK 510 885-4916
Master of Social Work Application Information
The College of Letters, Arts and Social Science offers a two-year graduate program that leads to a Master of
Social Work degree (MSW). The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work
Education.
This information packet is meant to serve as a guide for individuals interested in applying to the MSW
program. Careful attention to the description of application materials and program requirements, coupled
with the Application Checklist, should make the process smooth. However, if you have additional questions,
please attend one of our monthly information sessions.* Call the department office at (510) 885-4916 for
more information or visit our website at http://class.csueastbay.edu/socialwork/Application.php .
The application process is a two-step process:
1. Apply to the university and send them a complete set of official transcripts for all schools attended
2. Apply to the department and send us a complete set of official transcripts for all schools attended
Admission Criteria
Admission to the MSW Program requires academic preparation (a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or social
sciences from an accredited college or university) which is evaluated based on grade point average (GPA),
liberal arts or social work undergraduate training and writing skills. A GPA of 2.8 or higher is required. You
are asked to submit a personal statement (maximum five pages, double spaced) to give us a sense of you
as a person, your background and your reasons for choosing social work. Your personal statement should
address the six questions concerning cultural pluralism and social justice. No credit is granted for life
experience or previous work experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Practice Concentrations
You may select one from the two concentrations offered:

Children, Youth and Family Services - This option is available for individuals interested in working
in traditional child welfare services, family service agencies, adolescent services, family
preservation services, etc.

Community Mental Health Services - This option is available for individuals interested in working
in community mental health agencies, crisis intervention services, case management with the
chronically and persistently mentally ill, and other mental health services. The emphasis is on
public sector work.
Prerequisites
 a statistics course
 a course in human biology or human physiology or human anatomy
 GPA 2.8 or higher
 liberals arts/social science background
GPA
Your minimum GPA must be 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
TOEFL
International applicants should make arrangements to take the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL exam reflects
fluency in English and is required to meet Graduate School requirements. Please have results forwarded to
the Office of Admissions and Records.
*see attached schedule of Information Sessions
References
Three letters of recommendation are required (all must be signed originals – faxes, emails, and copies are
not accepted). These must include at least one recommendation letter from a former professor. Also
suggested are recommendations from persons acquainted with your past or current work or volunteer
experience. Members of your own family or personal friends are not appropriate references. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to ensure that letters of recommendation are received in a timely fashion.
Check the applicable box regarding whether you wish to waive your right to review the reference or not, and
sign the recommendation form.
Criminal Background Check
All applicants will be required to consent to a criminal background check prior to agency placements.
Applicants must sign a release and obtain the necessary clearances. If your criminal record prevents you
from securing a field placement, you will not be able to remain in the MSW program.
Student Professional Liability Insurance
MSW students must purchase student professional liability insurance coverage prior to the beginning of their
field placements. This can be done through NASW, the National Association of Social Workers. Application
forms are available online and in the department office.
Apply to the University
You must apply to the university before applying to the department’s program. There is an application fee
payable to the university. Online applications for Admission to Graduate Studies are available at:
www.csumentor@csueastbay.edu. Complete the application and mail the application fee with (1) complete
set of official transcripts to: CSUEB Admissions & Records, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542.
Apply to the Department MSW Program
Department application forms can be downloaded from our website:
http://www.class@csueastbay.edu/socialwork/Application.php. Send all department application materials
with (1) complete set of official transcripts and letters of reference to: Department of Social Work,
CSUEB, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from October 1, 2011 through March 15, 2012. Early
submission of applications is strongly recommended.
Applicant’s Responsibilities
The Admissions Committee will give your application prompt and thoughtful consideration. You can assist us
in this effort if you take the following steps:
1.
Review your application forms before submitting to be sure of the completeness and accuracy of all
items. It is to your advantage to submit the strongest possible materials (carefully selected
references and a thoughtfully written personal statement that follows the guidelines).
2.
Select references immediately and give or mail the recommendation forms to them. Encourage
them to respond promptly.
3.
Notify the MSW Program’s department office and the Office of Admissions and Records promptly of
any change of address and/or telephone number.
4.
Update your transcripts if you are applying while still in school.
5.
Return with application materials the signed Application Checklist to ensure that you have
completed all application materials.
Financial Aid and Title IV-E Stipends
For information on financial aid, scholarships and stipends, please visit:
Scholarships: http://www.csueastbay.edu/ES/scholarships.html
Financial Aid: http://www.csueastbay.educ/ES/aid.html
International Applications: http://www.csueastbay.edu/ES/internadm.html
Title IV-E Stipend: http://class.csueastbay.edu/socialwork/WhatisTitleIV-E.pdf
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
510 885-4916
APPLICATION PROCESS CHECKLIST
In addition to filing the University's Graduate School application online, along with the application fee, send
one set of official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records. Applicants must submit to the
Department of Social Work the following materials:

an application process checklist (with applicant’s signature)

a department application for the Master of Social Work Program (including
consent to criminal background check)

an application for field placement

a personal statement (not to exceed 5 pages, double spaced)

a current resume

(1) complete set of official transcript(s) (in a sealed envelope)

TOEFL (for International students)

three letters of recommendation including coversheet (all must have original signatures)

Title IV-E Public Child Welfare application (optional)
Please check box

I understand that the Hayward MSW program demands a full-time course load of 16-20
units per quarter in addition to field 16 hours per week, per quarter.
Signature ______________________________________________
revised 7/26/11
Date ___________
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
510 885-4916
MSW Information Sessions
Hayward Sessions will be held in MeikIejohn Hall 3064
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
12pm-1:30pm & 5:30pm-7pm
12pm-1:30pm & 5:30pm-7pm
12pm-1:30pm & 5:30pm-7pm
12pm-1:30pm & 5:30pm-7pm
12pm-1:30pm & 5:30pm-7pm
12pm-1:30pm & 5:30pm-7pm
12pm-1:30pm & 5:30pm-7pm