Move forward to give back in your local community
University of the Pacific’s specialized and supportive online MSW program is designed for aspiring clinical social workers without a bachelor’s degree in social work. Graduates become agents of change with excellent client care skills, value diversity and inclusion, and advocate to promote economic and social justice for individuals, groups, and communities. 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.
The profession of social work centers on improvement of the quality of life for all people and the enhancement of human potential for full, productive participation in society. Our online MSW program is designed to prepare you to practice in an increasingly complex environment. You will become a skilled and compassionate professional who provides comprehensive and culturally sensitive clinical care using evidence-based approaches.
- 100% online coursework
- No on-campus visits
- Study at your own pace with full-time and part-time options
- 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!
- 100% online coursework with no campus visits
- 55 credit hours
- 1,104 field practicum hours
- Three intakes per year (fall, spring, summer)
- Full-time: four trimesters / 16 months
- Part-time: six trimesters / 24 months
- $983 per credit hour or a total program cost of $54,065*
- 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
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 University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. (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 University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. (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 University of the Pacific graduate programs may take this course as an elective with the permission of the instructor. (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. 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 online MSW program at Pacific is a 55-credit hour program that can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time program takes 16 months or four trimesters to complete. The part-time program takes 24 months or six trimesters to complete.
The online MSW program at University of the Pacific costs $983 per credit hour for a total program cost of $54,065 and is subject to regular tuition updates. Financial aid may be available to our online students.
The minimum GPA required to apply is 2.75 for the traditional 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 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.
Pacific’s online MSW program faculty have years of experience as licensed social workers. They are at the top of their field and here to guide you throughout your social work education.
Pacific offers two specializations for the online Master of Social Work (MSW) program: behavioral health and health care.
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 U.S. 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 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 Work graduate Ana Garcia
“The reason I chose University of the Pacific is because of the background in health care and being able to do my internship at a hospital. There’s nothing like it. You get everything from this program, and you are starting off with the opportunity to learn your therapy from day one, basically.”
Meet Master of Social Work student Adri Martinez
“The reason I decided to do a social work degree is the versatility. I really became a lot more attracted to social work because of different career choices I have"
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.
