Humboldt State University’s Department of Social Work, through its Distributed Learning (DL) program, offers both traditional standing and advanced standing online MSW programs that focus on advanced generalist practice in rural and Native American communities. The full-length MSW program takes three and a half years (10 semesters) of part-time study to complete, while the advanced standing MSW program [which requires a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)], takes two years (five semesters) of part-time study to complete. At this time, Humboldt State only offers a part-time curriculum.

Learn More: Interview with Amy O’Connor – Lecturer at HSU 
“Wilderness Therapy & Indigenous Social Services.” Read more from Amy O’Connor’s interview

Classes are a mix of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, and the curriculum and course content of the online MSW program is equivalent to that of the on-campus program. While most of the online program’s course content is completely online, students are required to attend an on-campus intensive every January, during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. In addition to these visits, students are required to participate in a campus-based orientation at the beginning of their program.

Students entering the program in the advanced standing track complete 480 hours of field education over two semesters, while students in the full-length program complete 960 hours of field education over the course of the program. During their field placements, students are required to attend a weekly online field education seminar.

Applicants to Humboldt State’s DL MSW program must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 units of their undergraduate degree, and completed both Elementary Statistics and a course in Native American Studies with a C grade or better. Advanced standing students must have a 3.5 undergraduate GPA as well as an accredited BSW. Prospective students must also meet CSU general education requirements for a liberal arts education.

Humboldt State University’s online MSW programs are fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Humboldt State is also regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC).

Department: Humboldt State University’s Department of Social Work

Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing

Concentrations: Generalist program that focuses on working with rural and indigenous communities

Program Structure: Online with field experience (note: students must visit the campus one to two times per year)

Instruction Methods: Online program meets through both synchronous and asynchronous instruction – students take 7.5 units per semester with three semester per year

Disclaimer: Traveling to and from campus is at your own expense.

Program Overview

Program Requirements

Program Length

Admission Requirements

Program Overview

Program Requirements

Program Length

Admission Requirements

Humboldt State University’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2020. For more information, visit the university’s website above.

If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.