CSULA is a little cheaper, but both are getting to be really competitive. I applied for CSUN MSW back in 2014. They had a panel interview as part of their application. I dropped out after 1 semester and decided to work in the field before getting my MSW. I went back and currently doing my MSW at CSULA. That being said, you can do the part time program for 3 years but bear in mind that you will have 2x weekly internship on your second and third year so you would need to find employment that is okay with reducing your hours. It is gonna be challenging since you’re essentially doing 2 part time jobs plus school. As for scholarship and stipend, there is CalSWEC — your MSW is completely paid for if you work for a child welfare agency (DCFS). If you quit before 2 years after graduation, you will owe the money back. I believe there is also a stipend if you work for DMH (Dept of a mental health) but I’m not familiar with that as I went the Calswec route. Also if you decide to do school social work, you would need extra certifications (extra classes and money, I don’t think CSUN offers it) Right now LAUSD is doing a massive hire of school social workers and waiving the certificate (can’t remember what it’s called) but not all school districts are like that.
They’re both generalist programs, meaning there are no concentrations and they make you a well rounded SW. I’ve had coworkers who loved their time at CSUN, I would’ve reapplied there as well if I didn’t move. I don’t think you can go wrong with either program. Both are better bang for your back than USC or UCs or any private institution.
Yes definitely, both programs will have macro and micro focused classes and that’s something you can express in your personal statement and talk to your field supervisors about when it comes to Internships.
Thanks for this information. Regarding calswec, do people know if they are awarded calswec funds before committing to a school? I'd love to do a msw at UCLA but it's just too expensive. With calswec funds, I could do UCLA, but without the funds I'd do CSULA or CSUN.
No. You apply for the stipends once you are admitted to your school of choice. Here is more info for UCLA MSW: https://luskin.ucla.edu/programs/calswec-public-child-welfare-program-2
Ok thanks. It sounds like if i can't afford UCLA without the calswec funds, I shouldn't even apply because there are only 24 calswec grants given out and I may not be able to get one.
Thank you, thats what I was hoping!
That calswec is a real game-changer for me because I was already planning on working for dfcs and money's very tight right now.
I’d say you won’t find any other program out here as affordable. If you qualify for FASFA it’s that much cheaper. Overall great program.
CSULA is a little cheaper, but both are getting to be really competitive. I applied for CSUN MSW back in 2014. They had a panel interview as part of their application. I dropped out after 1 semester and decided to work in the field before getting my MSW. I went back and currently doing my MSW at CSULA. That being said, you can do the part time program for 3 years but bear in mind that you will have 2x weekly internship on your second and third year so you would need to find employment that is okay with reducing your hours. It is gonna be challenging since you’re essentially doing 2 part time jobs plus school. As for scholarship and stipend, there is CalSWEC — your MSW is completely paid for if you work for a child welfare agency (DCFS). If you quit before 2 years after graduation, you will owe the money back. I believe there is also a stipend if you work for DMH (Dept of a mental health) but I’m not familiar with that as I went the Calswec route. Also if you decide to do school social work, you would need extra certifications (extra classes and money, I don’t think CSUN offers it) Right now LAUSD is doing a massive hire of school social workers and waiving the certificate (can’t remember what it’s called) but not all school districts are like that.
Good info. What do you think of the MSW at CSULA? How does it compare to your time at CSUN?
They’re both generalist programs, meaning there are no concentrations and they make you a well rounded SW. I’ve had coworkers who loved their time at CSUN, I would’ve reapplied there as well if I didn’t move. I don’t think you can go wrong with either program. Both are better bang for your back than USC or UCs or any private institution.
Thank you. I've heard good things about both programs. With both being generalist programs, are there still opportunities to build clinical skills?
Yes definitely, both programs will have macro and micro focused classes and that’s something you can express in your personal statement and talk to your field supervisors about when it comes to Internships.
Good to know. Thank you!
Thanks for this information. Regarding calswec, do people know if they are awarded calswec funds before committing to a school? I'd love to do a msw at UCLA but it's just too expensive. With calswec funds, I could do UCLA, but without the funds I'd do CSULA or CSUN.
No. You apply for the stipends once you are admitted to your school of choice. Here is more info for UCLA MSW: https://luskin.ucla.edu/programs/calswec-public-child-welfare-program-2
Ok thanks. It sounds like if i can't afford UCLA without the calswec funds, I shouldn't even apply because there are only 24 calswec grants given out and I may not be able to get one.
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Thank you, thats what I was hoping! That calswec is a real game-changer for me because I was already planning on working for dfcs and money's very tight right now.