Master of Social Work
Overview
The Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at CSU Pueblo, offered asynchronously, is designed to increase educational accessibility for students who may be unable to attend traditional, campus-based programs due to geographic, professional, or personal constraints.
The online MSW programs prepares students to become advanced social work practioners equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to serve diverse client populations across systems of all sizes. Students will also learn to advocate for policy and legislative changes that improve social conditions, meet basic human needs, and promote social justice.
At a Glance
- Next Start Date August 24
- Credits Generalist Requirements (34) and Specialist Requirements (35)
- Length Term: 8 weeks
- Format Online
- Tuition $550 per credit hour
- Complete In Generalist 2 years and Advanced Standing 1 year
Program Details
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers two pathways to earn the degree:
- Advanced Standing – Designed for students who have earned a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Students enter directly into the Specialized (second-year) curriculum and complete the program in one calendar year (three consecutive semesters).
- Generalist Standing – Designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in any field. Students complete both the Generalist curriculum (one year; three consecutive semesters) and the Specialized curriculum (one additional year; three consecutive semesters), for a total of two years (six consecutive semesters).
*Fall 2026 Admission: Only the Generalist Standing program will admit new students, and only the Generalist curriculum will be offered. Admission to the Advanced Standing program will begin in a future term.
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Generalist- Year One
SW 501 - Holistic Human Behavior
SW 502 - Introduction to Social Work & Ethics
SW 520 - Diversity in the Human Experience
SW 585 - introductory Research & Statistics
SW 522 - Intervention with Individuals
SW 523 - Intervention with Families & Groups
SW 581 - Seminar I
SW 588 - Parcticum I
SW 524 - Intervention with Agency-Communtiy
SW 550 - Social Welfare Policy & Practice
SW 582 - Seminar II
SW 589 - Practicum II
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Specialist- Year Two or Advanced Standing
SW 622 - Advanced Micro Assessment & Intervention
Elective
SW 681 - Seminar III
SW 688 - Practicum III
SW 624 - Advanced Mezzo Assessment & Intervention
SW 685 - Research in Practice & Agencies
SW 682 - Seminar IV
SW 689 - Practicum IV
SW 625 - Advanced Assessment/Intervene with Child/Family
SW 642 - Administration & Supervision
SW 650 - Advanced Macro Practice in a Diverse World
SW 687 - Culminating Project
Student Learning Outcomes:
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- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior.
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice.
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice.
- Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice.
- Engage in Policy Practice.
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
Generalists year students: 80% of students will score 80% or higher (inclusive of all measures) for competencies 1-9.
Specialized year students: 85% of students will score 80% or higher (inclusive of all measures) for competencies 1-9.
Tuition:
As a public and non-profit university, CSU Pueblo partners with you to make your education affordable. CSU Pueblo offers one affordable tuition rate, regardless of residency.
Master of Social Work: $550 per credit hour
Scholarships:
Everyone deserves affordable education. That is why we offer a number of scholarships to help you achieve your education goals.
https://www.csupueblo.edu/student-financial-services/scholarships/index.html
Financial Aid:
Financial Aid: https://www.csupueblo.edu/student-financial-services/index.htmlLearning can lead to earning. Discover where a Master of Social Work might take you and make informed choices about your future in education.
Diverse Industries:
- Clinical & Mental Health Careers
- Hospice & Palliative Care Social Worker
- Forensic Social Worker
- Clinical Supervisor
- International Humanitarian Social Worker
- Corporate Social Responsability (CSR) Manager
Specific Admission Requirements
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers two admission pathways depending on your academic background. Review the requirements below to determine which pathway applies to you.
Priority Application July 24, 2026
Advance Standing
For students with an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
Advanced Standing allows completion of the MSW degree in 1 year (3 semesters).
- Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE accredited program or recognized through International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services
- Statistics course (not required for admission)
- Research course (not required for admission)
- Applicants with a 3.0 or above either for the overall GPA or for the last 60 credit hours attempted will be considered for general acceptance.
- 150 hours of volunteer or paid work experience in a human services field during the past five years
- Most recent placement evaluation
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (4 pages)
Generalist Standing
For students with a bachelor’s degree other than Social Work.
General Standing allows completion of the MSW degree in 2 years (6 semesters).
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least 18 credits of liberal arts coursework
- Statistics course (not required for admission)
- Research course (not required for admission)
- General acceptance: Applicants with a 3.0 or above either for the overall GPA or for the last 60 credit hours attempted will be considered for general acceptance.
- Conditional acceptance: Applicants with a 2.5–2.99 GPA for the overall GPA or for the last 60 credit hours may be considered for conditional acceptance.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (3 pages)
Documents to Submit with Your Application
Transcripts
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions must be submitted directly by the institutions. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for your current institution.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Submit a resume or CV outlining your education and professional experience. Advanced Standing applicants should clearly indicate the total hours of volunteer or paid work experience in the human services field.
Placement Evaluation Document
Advanced Standing applicants must submit their most recent placement evaluation document from their BSW field practicum.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation. At least one should come from a professor and one from an employer or placement supervisor.
Personal Statement
Ensure that your Personal Statement includes the following items.
- Expected role of graduate studies in your personal and professional development, including motivation
- Employment history and professional goals
- Your strengths and needs as a graduate student
- Diversity statement describing experiences with diverse populations
- How previous volunteer or paid work experience relates to the nine social work competencies (required only for Advanced Standing applicants)
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation. At least one should come from a professor and one from an employer or placement supervisor.
Faculty
CSU Pueblo Online offers quality higher education instruction to students across the nation. With years of
combined faculty experience, you will learn from experts in the field who will help you take your career to new heights.
combined faculty experience, you will learn from experts in the field who will help you take your career to new heights.
Dr. Young Ji Yoon
Assistant Professor and MSW Program Coordinator
Accreditation
The online Master of Social Work program at CSU Pueblo is accredited by the the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Learn more about this accreditation by visiting https://www.cswe.org/about-cswe/
Frequently Asked Questions
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WHAT DO I NEED TO INCLUDE IN MY PERSONAL STATEMENT?
- Expected role of graduate studies in your personal and professional development, including motivation
- Employment history and professional goals
- Your strengths and needs as a graduate student
- Diversity statement describing experiences with diverse populations
- How previous volunteer or paid work experience relates to the nine social work competencies (required only for Advanced Standing applicants)
-
WHO CAN PROVIDE A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR ME?
Applicants Who Graduated Many Years AgoThey don't need to submit a professor recommendation letter. Instead, a current professional reference from an employer or supervisor who can speak to the applicant's graduate-level abilities and professional performance would be an appropriate substitute.Applicants Currently Studying in Another DisciplineA recommendation from a professor in that discipline is very appropriate. The purpose of the academic recommendation is to evaluate the student's academic abilities, writing, critical thinking, professionalism, and capacity for graduate-level work, regardless of the discipline. -
WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS DUE?
July 24, 2026, is the priority application deadline for Fall 2026 admission. -
AM I QUALIFIED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS?
You may qualify for one or more scholarships offered by CSU Pueblo. You must have an updated FAFSA on file with Student Financial Services. Visit the Scholarships page for more information. -
WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT MY FINANCIAL AID OR BILL?
It is important to check your PAWS account regularly to ensure your aid and bill look correct. Student Financial Services is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is available via phone at 719.549.2753, email at financialaid@csupueblo.edu, and take walk-ins. -
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
First, you'll need to complete our online application. Once all required documents are received, an admissions processor will begin reviewing your application. You should receive an admissions decision within two weeks of receipt of all required documents. For more information, contact our Enrollment Counselor at 719.549.2200.
