Keep moving forward to give back
University of the Pacific’s specialized and supportive hybrid (online, hybrid, and in-person classes) MSW advanced standing program is designed for aspiring clinical social workers with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Our cohort-based model provides an active, inclusive learning environment where you can exchange ideas while building invaluable connections for the future. With your existing BSW, complete your social work education in 12 months.
For students with academic and career experience in social work.
Our hybrid MSW advanced standing program is designed to prepare you to practice in an increasingly complex environment. To support your journey, and address the diabetes crisis in Stockton, California, we’ve partnered with the Abbott Fund to provide specialized training and up to 50% in tuition scholarships. If you qualify, you will receive a scholarship and focus your improvement project on diabetes. You will acquire in-depth knowledge of diabetes care and management and gain competencies in diabetes prevention, management and education. Additional scholarships may also be available, providing you the opportunity to become a skilled and compassionate professional who provides comprehensive and culturally sensitive clinical care using evidence-based approaches.
- Hybrid program with online, hybrid, and in-person classes
- Meet with your cohort in-person, once per week
- Benefit from a field placement program for your 720 field education hours. See the change directly, with rotations near your own community
- Opportunity to specialize in:
- Health care
- Behavioral health
- Social work faculty are at the top of their field and are here to guide you throughout your educational journey
- Program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Now accepting applications!
- 32 credit hours
- 720 field practicum hours
- Hybrid format (online, hybrid, and classroom)
- Weekly, in-person attendance to connect with faculty and your peers
- One intake per year (spring)
- Full-time: three trimesters / 12 months
- $1,025 per credit hour or a total program cost of $32,800* plus wellness and activity fees
- Abbott Fund Scholarship possible for Stockton residents (up to 50% off tuition)
- Additional scholarships and financial aid options
- CSWE-accredited social work program
*Subject to regular tuition updates
- Baccalaureate degree in Social Work earned within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program with a B+ or higher and a 3.3 minimum GPA in the last 60 units
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Interview may be requested
Students in the hybrid MSW advanced standing program who are Abbott Fund scholars will receive a scholarship and complete a sub-specialization in diabetes care and management within the health care specialization of the hybrid MSW program. This sub-specialization is designed for students interested in pursuing health social work careers focused on diabetes prevention, education and management in Stockton. In addition, Abbott Fund scholars in the hybrid MSW program will complete a workshop series, an elective course, a capstone project and a 31-week field placement in diabetes care and management.
Please view our state authorization page here.
Since 1949, University of the Pacific has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Pacific’s last review was conducted in 2019, and current accreditation is valid through 2027.
The Master of Social Work Program at University of the Pacific is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education.
OUTCOMES: Assessment Data Form AS 4(M)
The Behavioral Health Specialization launches in April of 2024. Assessment outcome data will be made available in August 2025.
This course introduces students to the concepts and language of mental health and mental disorders with a primary focus on the widely used classification system of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Students learn to distinguish mental health diagnostic categories and gain skills in the diagnostic process. The goals of the course are to further students’ competence in incorporating strengths in a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment and prepare students to practice in integrated health care settings. Students in other Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in an online format. (3 units)
This course builds on generalist social work theory and practice with the addition of more intensive focus on assessment and intervention techniques with clients and constituencies. Students will develop service delivery plans based on the selection of appropriate theories, intervention models and evidence-informed intervention utilizing a practice orientation that attends to human rights and social justice for diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students in other University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format. (3 units )
This course builds on basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis. Students gain knowledge and skills to use appropriate research methods for empirically based knowledge building and to enhance program and practice effectiveness. Content includes single system and group design and formative and summative approaches to practice and program evaluation. Students in other Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. This course is taught in a hybrid format. This course is taught in a hybrid format. Prerequisite: successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor. (3 units )
A field internship to develop integrative practice skills for supporting individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities within an area of specialized practice related to health social work in an interprofessional practice setting. Students are expected to attend their field placements three days per week for 15 weeks. Prerequisite: successful completion of all previous courses in the SOCW course sequence or permission of instructor. (2 units)
Get more program details
- Tuition
- Admission requirements
- Curriculum details
We’re here to help you with enrollment and answer any questions!
Field placement
Experiential learning in your community is one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of earning your degree. The experience is guided and directed by faculty in collaboration with your on-site field supervisor at the agency where you complete the hours. Support to find field placement sites that align with your career goals is integrated into the program cost.
How does the field placement process work?
Your dedicated field placement team collaborates with you to secure quality experiential learning sites that reflect your educational goals and desired practice specialty. They ensure all experiences meet Council of Social Work Education accreditation standards, and the agencies and field instructors are approved prior to the start of your fieldwork.
How do field placement services help me?
Concurrent coursework and field experiences connect theory with practice. Field placement provides 720 hours of real-world, hands-on social work experience. Your field placement team helps coordinate required paperwork and can assist with identifying placement sites that meet program requirements as needed so you can focus on your coursework and build your skills.
How should I prepare for my field placement?
Your student online experience coach and faculty guide you through the entire process. They give you a realistic idea of the field experience to ensure you are ready to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Can I arrange my own field experiences?
Students can research placement sites and provide names of the organizations they are interested in. However, the university will initiate contact with the organization to secure the placement.
The hybrid MSW advanced standing program is a 32-credit hour program presented on a full-time basis. The program takes 12 months or three trimesters to complete.
The hybrid MSW advanced standing program at Pacific costs $1,025 per credit hour for a total program cost of $32,800, alongside additional wellness and activity fees. Tuition is subject to regular updates. Scholarships and financial aid may be available to our hybrid students.
To qualify for Pacific’s hybrid MSW advanced standing program, you must hold a baccalaureate degree in Social Work earned within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program with a B+ or higher and a 3.3 minimum GPA in the last 60 units.
Since 1949, University of the Pacific has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Pacific’s last review was conducted in 2019, and its current accreditation is valid through 2027.
The Master of Social Work Program at University of the Pacific is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education.
The university’s hybrid MSW program faculty have years of experience as licensed social workers. They are at the top of their field and are here to guide you throughout your social work education.
University of the Pacific offers two specializations for the hybrid MSW advanced standing program: behavioral health and health care.
Students in the hybrid MSW advanced standing program who are Abbott Fund scholars will receive a scholarship and complete a sub-specialization in diabetes care and management within the health care specialization of the hybrid MSW program. This sub-specialization is designed for students interested in pursuing health social work careers focused on diabetes prevention, education and management in Stockton. In addition, Abbott Fund scholars in the hybrid MSW program will complete a workshop series, an elective course, a capstone project and a 31-week field placement in diabetes care and management.
A recent survey of MSW graduates shows a large majority working in mental health settings as a clinical social worker, rather than in organizational or other social work-related roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 9% social work job increase through 2030 across the profession.
- Clinical social worker with specializations in mental health, trauma, substance use, grief
- Administrative and leadership roles in non-profits, health systems, and policy analysis
- Medical social worker
- Child welfare caseworker
- Military
- Child and family services
- Advocacy and community organizing
- Aging - hospice and palliative care
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Justice and corrections
- Policy and legislation
- Behavioral health settings
Meet Master of Social Student Alexis Jones
“As a Black woman with diabetes, it really gives me an advantage to work with people in the community with diabetes. I actually understand when patients tell me ‘I don’t want to take my blood sugar at work.’ I’m able to identify the stigma through lived experiences.”
Meet Master of Social Work professor Nurit Fischer-Shemer
“We have a very strong emphasis not only on the clinical training, but the ability of our students to work with cultural humility and cultural sensitivity and diversity sensitivity with all populations. And that is integrated throughout our curriculum.”
Meet Master of Social Student Sandra Leon
“Having a program like this will allow me to be an advocate for patients, especially in the Hispanic community when there are those language barriers.”
Why choose social work at Pacific?
Graduates will be prepared to become agents of change with excellent client care skills and to value diversity and advocate for social justice. Building on a generalist curriculum and clinical practice specialization, you will have an opportunity to focus in health care areas such as mental health, aging, and community and public health. The program's innovative clinically focused curriculum also prepares you to begin the clinical social work licensing process upon graduation.
