UC Berkeley · Berkeley, California
Master of Social Welfare (MSW)
What Should You Know About Master of Social Welfare (MSW) at UC Berkeley?
Master of Social Welfare (MSW) is a Social work master's program at UC Berkeley in Berkeley, California, offered on campus. It requires 60 units (minimum 23 courses) and takes 2 years full time. Published tuition: 2026-27 fee schedule, new student total per semester: $17,041.75 resident; $23,164.25 nonresident (includes professional degree supplemental tuition). UC Berkeley's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | Social work master's |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Part time | Full time only |
| Credits | 60 units (minimum 23 courses) |
| Length | 2 years full time |
| Advanced standing | Not offered |
| Field education | 24 units of practicum education across two years of placement |
| Start terms | Fall |
| Tuition | 2026-27 fee schedule, new student total per semester: $17,041.75 resident; $23,164.25 nonresident (includes professional degree supplemental tuition) |
| Specializations | Multi-level practice |
From socialwelfare.berkeley.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.
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 Welfare (MSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Master of Social Welfare (MSW) at UC Berkeley Cost?
2026-27 fee schedule, new student total per semester: $17,041.75 resident; $23,164.25 nonresident (includes professional degree supplemental tuition). Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with UC Berkeley.
How Long Is Master of Social Welfare (MSW)?
60 units (minimum 23 courses), 2 years full time, according to the school's program page.
Does Master of Social Welfare (MSW) Offer Advanced Standing?
No. The school's pages say the program has no advanced standing track.
How Many Field Hours Does Master of Social Welfare (MSW) Require?
24 units of practicum education across two years of placement, according to the school's program page.
Is Master of Social Welfare (MSW) CSWE Accredited?
UC Berkeley's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.