San Diego State University · San Diego, California
Master of Social Work (San Diego Campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Year Plans)
What Should You Know About Master of Social Work (San Diego Campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Year Plans) at San Diego State University?
Master of Social Work (San Diego campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year plans) is a MSW program at San Diego State University in San Diego, California, offered on campus. It requires 60 units and takes 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year plans. Published tuition: 2026-27 graduate standard costs (full time, 9-month academic year): CSU basic tuition $8,548 plus campus fees $2,942 per year; non-residents add $471 per unit (general graduate rate). BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (38 units). San Diego State University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Part time | Offered |
| Credits | 60 units |
| Length | 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year plans |
| Advanced standing | 38 units; 1 year, beginning with summer bridge courses; Undergraduate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within five years of admission |
| Start terms | Fall, Summer |
| Tuition | 2026-27 graduate standard costs (full time, 9-month academic year): CSU basic tuition $8,548 plus campus fees $2,942 per year; non-residents add $471 per unit (general graduate rate) |
| Specializations | Direct Practice / Clinical; Administration and Community Development (Macro) |
From socialwork.sdsu.edu, reviewed September 30, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The California License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam (California Law and Ethics Exam (must be taken annually until passed to renew the ASW registration, and passed to receive a subsequent registration))For the ASW
- Log supervised clinical hoursMinimum 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 supervised weeks, including …
- Earn the clinical license (LCSW)Independent clinical practice
California license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Other MSW Options at San Diego State University
Master of Social Work - Imperial Valley Cohort at San Diego State University
San Diego State University · San DiegoFormatOn campusCredits60Est. tuition$8,548per year · general rate · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
- FormatOn campusCredits60Est. tuition$25,560$426/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work at Samford University
Samford University · Birmingham, ALFormatOnline, On campusCredits60Est. tuition$60,300$1,005/creditAccreditationCSWE- FormatOn campusCredits61Est. tuition$39,223$643/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (Clinical/Medical Social Work) at University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, ALFormatOn campusCredits60Est. tuition$28,080$468/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (San Diego Campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Year Plans): Common Questions
How Much Does Master of Social Work (San Diego Campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Year Plans) at San Diego State University Cost?
2026-27 graduate standard costs (full time, 9-month academic year): CSU basic tuition $8,548 plus campus fees $2,942 per year; non-residents add $471 per unit (general graduate rate). Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with San Diego State University.
How Long Is Master of Social Work (San Diego Campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Year Plans)?
60 units, 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year plans, according to the school's program page.
Does Master of Social Work (San Diego Campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Year Plans) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 38 units; 1 year, beginning with summer bridge courses; Undergraduate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within five years of admission.
Is Master of Social Work (San Diego Campus; 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Year Plans) CSWE Accredited?
San Diego State University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.