Social Work at MSMU Los Angeles

Social work careers are growing faster than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 109,700 new jobs by 2026. Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles Social Work Programs excel at developing community leaders, setting them apart from the other 654 universities that offer Master’s programs nationwide.

A master’s in social work proves its worth quickly. MSW graduates earn around $60,000 per year—about $20,000 more than their colleagues with bachelor’s degrees in similar roles. The job market looks promising too. The field grows at 16%, which doubles the average rate for all occupations. MSW programs typically cost between $25,000 and $75,000, but students have access to more than 700 accredited scholarships. These awards range from $1,000 to $22,000.

MSMU Los Angeles could be your ideal choice to start your social work journey. Their unique programs prepare students for meaningful careers that serve communities in need. The program helps you pick specializations, offers flexible online options, and delivers strong career outcomes. You’ll learn everything needed to decide if pursuing a masters in social work at this respected institution matches your goals.

Types of Social Work Degrees Offered at MSMU Los Angeles

Mount Saint Mary’s University provides educational paths for future social workers who want to create positive change in their communities. MSMU’s Department of Social Work gives students two degree choices that align with their career goals and interests.

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) is the life-blood of our programs. It prepares students for entry-level positions and graduate studies. This degree blends traditional liberal arts with social justice principles. The program aims to develop independent, self-regulated learners who excel in social work practice.

Students majoring in other fields can choose a Minor in Social Work alongside their main degree program. This option teaches valuable social justice principles while students pursue their chosen major. The minor naturally fits with Mount’s classical liberal arts approach and adds professional versatility.

Both programs emphasize learning through ground application. Students benefit from a full-year internship at nonprofit social services organizations and government agencies. This hands-on experience is a great way to get practical skills before graduation.

The BSSW program needs 72 total units. The coursework has:

• Social justice and social change foundations
• Human behavior in social environments
• Field practicum and seminars
• Research methods (both quantitative and qualitative)
• Generalist practice
• Professional development and ethics

Faculty members provide one-on-one academic advisement throughout your time here. They help you stay on track and plan for post-graduate studies effectively. This individual-specific guidance will give you the most from your educational experience.

The BSSW degree program requires on-campus attendance as online options are not available.

Degree Specializations

Mount Saint Mary’s University’s social work curriculum lets you choose from several specialization paths that match your career goals. You can customize your education based on what interests you and where you want to take your career.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program has two main specialization tracks:

Health & Mental Health Social Work prepares you to work in healthcare settings, mental health centers, and related service organizations. Students get valuable credentials through 10 hours of specialized certifications in trauma and crisis intervention skills. This track gives you advanced therapeutic techniques and assessment methods you’ll need to help people with complex mental health challenges.

Forensic Social Work connects social work practice with legal systems. This unique specialization has seven hours of certifications through national forensic organization trainings. Graduates can work in corrections facilities, court systems, and advocacy organizations.

You can choose between two paths based on your education:

• Advanced Standing Track: Complete 30 credits and graduate in as little as one year (requires a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program)
• Traditional Track: Complete 60 credits over two years

The undergraduate BSSW program has specialized courses in many practice areas through electives that help shape your career path. You can explore these specialization areas:

• Gerontology and aging
• School-based practice
• Military and veteran services
• Addiction treatment
• Forensic mental health
• LGBTQ+ populations
• Immigration and refugee services
• International social work

These specializations match up with high-demand areas in the field. The focus on gerontology and healthcare lines up with projected growth areas. MSMU graduates are highly marketable in these expanding sectors.

Students interested in global social work practice can take international experience courses. These courses are a great way to start an exciting career in this growing field.

Online and Hybrid Options

Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles Social Work Programs puts flexibility first through their Weekend/Evening & Online College (WEOC). This fully accredited program meets the needs of working adults who want to complete their social work education.

The WEOC format delivers both accessibility and academic excellence. Students attend classes during select weekends and evenings at the Doheny campus near downtown Los Angeles. The campus location makes it easy for students from all parts of the metropolitan area to attend classes while benefiting from face-to-face learning.

Many students ask “should I get a masters in social work” while managing their careers. MSMU’s flexible scheduling provides the answer with three ways to learn:

• Fully online courses
• Traditional in-person classes
• Hybrid options combining both approaches

Students can tailor their learning experience based on their life situation and how they learn best. The WEOC social work program delivers the same high-quality curriculum as traditional programs with added scheduling flexibility that career professionals need.

MSMU stands out because of its student-focused support system. Students can talk directly with admission counselors to get help with applications, learn about financial aid, and create a study plan that works for them.

The university’s credit transfer policy adds extra value. MSMU looks at both previous coursework and relevant work experience when awarding credits. This approach can reduce your time in the program and save money—key factors when asking “is a masters in social work worth it.”

The Weekend/Evening & Online College faculty helps transform your desire to help others into professional skills. You’ll be ready for rewarding careers in public, private, and non-governmental organizations.

Graduation Rates

Success rates are a great way to learn about Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles Social Work Programs. The school maintains a solid 65% six-year graduation rate. This is a big deal as it means that MSMU surpasses the national average for similar programs. These numbers show MSMU’s steadfast dedication to helping students finish their degrees—a crucial point to think about if you want a masters in social work.

MSMU students earn their bachelor’s degrees in about 4.29 years, which shows quick program completion. The four-year graduation rate reaches 47%. The six-year and eight-year graduation rates both hit 65%. Most students who graduate do so within the expected timeframe.

Student success differs based on how they enroll. Full-time students starting college for the first time achieve a 65% six-year graduation rate. Part-time newcomers reach 28%. The numbers look even better for returning students. Full-time returners lead the pack with a 76% success rate. Part-time returners achieve 53%. Both groups perform better than national averages.

Social work education at MSMU pays off well. Five years after graduation, alumni report median earnings of $74,255. This amount towers over the national median of $45,519. The data makes a strong case for anyone asking “is a masters in social work worth it” from a money point of view.

Job prospects after graduation look promising too. About 79% of students feel confident they’ll find work in their field after getting their degree. The low 9.61% dropout rate shows students stick with the program and feel good about its quality.

MSMU employs IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) data through the WSCUC Key Indicators Dashboard to track these graduation numbers. The school ensures accurate reporting that meets educational standards. All these factors explain why MSMU ranks among the best masters of social work programs for career growth and educational value.

Career Outcomes

MSMU’s Social Work Programs have an impressive track record of getting their graduates into jobs quickly. Recent surveys show that 58.82% of undergraduate students land full-time jobs, while 8.40% work part-time. The numbers look even better for graduate students – 67.80% get full-time positions and 11.86% work part-time.

These graduates’ earning potential stands out above national averages. Students with bachelor’s degrees earn a median salary of $38,512 per year, which beats the national median of $37,334 for social work graduates. This is a big deal as it means that 30.91% of full-time employed undergraduates earn between $80,000-$99,999 yearly. These numbers make a strong case for the value of a master’s degree in social work.

Job stability is another big plus. The program boasts 85.71% of full-time employed undergraduates and 87.50% of graduate students in permanent positions. MSMU’s stellar reputation has helped many alumni head over to prestigious schools like Columbia University, New York University, USC, UC Berkeley, and UCLA.

Graduates work in a variety of settings. Healthcare leads the way with 54.84% of undergraduates. Other popular fields include K-12 education (8.06%), government agencies (6.45%), and social assistance organizations (4.84%). Graduate students spread out similarly – healthcare (20.51%), higher education (17.95%), non-profit organizations (15.38%), and K-12 education (15.38%).

The Career & Professional Development center helps improve these outcomes through individual-specific career coaching, interview practice, job search strategies, and networking guidance. MSMU stands out by offering career coaching up to five years after graduation – something rare among universities.

U.S. News & World Report ranks MSMU #2 for Social Mobility. Money magazine places it #3 among Most Transformative Colleges. These rankings highlight the school’s impact on its graduates’ career paths and earning potential.

What’s Unique about the Social Work Programs at MSMU Los Angeles

Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles Social Work Programs stand out with unique features that go beyond standard academic offerings. These programs show a steadfast dedication to social justice with an all-encompassing approach that builds both professional skills and personal growth.

Small class sizes create an intimate learning space where faculty give personal attention to each student. This setup builds stronger bonds between students and professors, which leads to meaningful mentorship relationships. These smaller cohorts naturally promote collaborative learning where students’ varied viewpoints enhance classroom discussions.

The programs feature experiential learning through community partnerships with over 100 agencies throughout Los Angeles County. While situated in one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, MSMU keeps strong ties with local organizations. Students get exceptional access to real-life practice settings that help various populations.

Interdisciplinary collaboration makes these programs unique. Students team up with peers from psychology, healthcare, and criminal justice programs. They develop cross-functional skills that modern social work practice just needs. This method mirrors how real workplaces function today.

MSMU’s emphasis on cultural competence does more than discuss theories. The diverse student body becomes a living laboratory to understand different cultural viewpoints. Students learn to work effectively in all communities. Many courses include cultural immersion experiences where students connect directly with community groups.

Students asking “should I get a masters in social work” will find value in MSMU’s continuing education partnerships. Graduates can access specialized certifications and professional development at reduced costs, which supports their learning journey after graduation.

The alumni mentoring network links current students with successful graduates who work in various specialties. These connections often create internship and job opportunities. This builds an ongoing cycle of professional support that continues long after graduation.

These unique elements answer the question “why get a masters in social work” at MSMU. Students receive a complete educational experience that combines academic excellence with practical skills – perfect to develop tomorrow’s community leaders.