Admission to the On-Campus MSW Program
On-Campus MSW Program Requirements
Individuals applying to the MSW Program should demonstrate evidence of personal maturity, including the ability to withstand difficult emotional challenges, a commitment to interpersonal processing within the parameters of cultural expectations, respect for others and for their life decisions, a readiness to learn advanced clinical and macro practice and research skills, a capacity for flexibility and creativity, and commitment to social justice and to the profession's Code of Ethics.
Applicants are considered for admission to CSUN when they meet both university and individual department eligibility requirements.
University Requirements
To be admitted to CSUN as a graduate student, students must meet the following requirements:
- Have a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended.
- Have satisfied one of the following conditions:
- Attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in a baccalaureate degree program.
- Attained a GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.
- Hold a post-baccalaureate degree earned at a regionally accredited institution and 2.5 GPA in either the undergraduate cumulative GPA or the last 60 units.
- Meet the professional, personal, scholastic and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations or other screening processes as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a program may make exceptions to these criteria. Some programs require higher standards for admission.
- View the requirements for admission to CSUN Graduate Programs
- Activate CSUN email address
- Your CSUN email information will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after completing the Cal State Apply Application. Please contact the IT Help Center for assistance, if necessary.
- *NOTE: IMPORTANT! The Department will only contact applicants using their CSUN email address—check it daily.
Apply to California State University, Northridge
This step is required for all applicants interested in the on-campus MSW Program.
- Deadline: January 9, 2024
- Apply online at Cal State Apply.
- Gather and Submit Your Documents.
- Have important documents (grades, transcripts, test scores) handy when completing the application. *Note: Current and former CSU Northridge applicants: if you have not attended other post-secondary institutions after graduation, you do not need submit any transcripts.
- Application fee: $70
- Submit official college transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records by mail, or digitally through eTranscript California.
- For more information and instructions on submitting transcripts, please visit the CSUN Prospective Graduate Students webpage. Select "How to Apply" from the accordion menu.
- Gather and Submit Your Documents.
Additional information:
- International Students (if applicable)
- Official TOEFL score
- All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must obtain a minimum score on the internet (iBT) version of the TOEFL of 79. All scores should be sent directly to CSUN using code 4707. Additionally, the University now accepts the IELTS and PTE Academic tests.
- Affidavit of Financial Support
- Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended, and all official English translations
- International applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the International Admissions Office at 818-677-3760. Application materials and documents should be mailed to:
- International Admissions: 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8207
- Official TOEFL score
MSW Department Application
- Complete Department Application for the MSW Program
- Application fee: $35
- A completed application packet is required for all applicants and will include the following items listed.
- Supplemental Questions
- Program Preference Questionnaire
- Educational Background
- Coursework GPA Calculator
- Test Scores
- Resume
- Applicant Contract
After You Apply
- Activate CSUN email address
- Your CSUN email information will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after completing the Cal State Apply Application. Please contact the IT Help Center for assistance, if necessary.
- *NOTE: IMPORTANT! The Department will only contact applicants using their CSUN email address—check it daily.
- Verity official transcripts are received by Admissions and Records.
- All applicants will be notified by May 15, 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered under any circumstances.