Move forward to give back in your local community
University of the Pacific’s specialized and supportive hybrid (online, hybrid, and in-person classes) MSW program is designed for aspiring clinical social workers without 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 bachelor’s degree in any field as your foundation, reach your goal to become a social worker in as few as 16 months.
Our hybrid MSW 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 1,104 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!
- 55 credit hours
- 1,104 field practicum hours
- Hybrid format (online, hybrid, and classroom)
- Weekly, in-person attendance to connect with faculty and your peers
- One intake per year (fall)
- Full-time: four trimesters / 16 months
- $1,025 per credit hour or a total program cost of $56,375* 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 from a regionally accredited institution with a 2.75 minimum GPA
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Interview may be requested
Students in the hybrid Master of Social Work 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 underlying values, assumptions and philosophical perspectives that have influenced the development of the U.S. social welfare system and services. Students will learn about policy formulation, analysis and the role of advocacy in service development and delivery within social work practice settings at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Prerequisite: admission to the Master of Social Work program. 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 introduces students to the global intersections and interconnections of diversity, human rights and justice. Students will develop an understanding of an integrated practice framework that advances human rights and social, economic and environmental justice issues. Theories and strategies of human need and social justice are covered to prepare students to advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice domestically and internationally. Prerequisite: admission to the Master of Social Work program. 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. (3 units)
This course builds on integrating social work practice through a unifying framework of micro, mezzo and macro level practice for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The framework will focus on integrating practice, leadership and technology skills to develop and provide social work services that advance social justice and improve well-being. 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. (3 units)
This course will coordinate with the General Practice Field Placement and use a problem-based learning approach. Exceptions may be granted by the MSW Program’s Student Progress Committee. This course is taught in a lecture format. 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 1,104 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 program at University of the Pacific is a 55-credit hour program taken on a full-time basis. The program takes 16 months or four trimesters to complete.
The hybrid MSW program at University of the Pacific costs $1,025 per credit hour for a total program cost of $56,375, alongside additional wellness and activity fees. Tuition is subject to regular updates. Scholarships and financial aid may be available to our hybrid students.
The minimum GPA required to apply is 2.75 for the traditional 16-month program.
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.
Pacific offers two specializations for the hybrid Master of Social Work (MSW) program: behavioral health and health care.
Students in the hybrid MSW 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.”
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.
