The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus has achieved accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation process evaluates educational programs to ensure they meet rigorous standards for quality and effectiveness in social work education. It signifies that CSUSB’s MSW program meets or exceeds the educational and professional standards set forth by the Council, equipping students with necessary knowledge and skills for careers in social work.
This recognition is a significant milestone for the program, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence and preparing skilled professionals. The MSW program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on social justice, community engagement, and evidence-based practice. Students receive hands-on training through practicum placements, gaining real-world experience.
Graduates of the accredited MSW program will be eligible to pursue professional licensing post-graduation, opening pathways to careers as licensed clinical social workers and leaders in various social service sectors. “This program will make such a difference in the region,” said Deirdre Lanesskog, director of the CSUSB School of Social Work. “The first 19 students will graduate from the PDC MSW program in May 2025, and we could not be more proud of their commitment to social work and to the valley they call home.”
The MSW program joins an undergraduate program in social work at Palm Desert Campus, which began in fall 2022. It provides career paths in human services fields such as mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, adult protective services, and advocacy.
Previously, students commuted 2.5 hours round trip twice a week to attend classes at CSUSB’s San Bernardino campus while completing a practicum placement with a human services agency. “Our students are parents, caregivers and full-time employees," said Oscar Moreno-Castro, an academic advisor at Palm Desert Campus. "Providing a local option for grad school and a scholarship that covers close to half a year’s tuition is a game changer.”
The expansion of the MSW program is funded by a $2.25 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), aimed at increasing human services providers in underserved communities across California. In Coachella Valley, there is a shortage of mental health professionals causing long wait times for treatment.
HCAI funding also includes scholarships for new MSW students starting fall 2024 and fall 2025. The program offers an accelerated one-year MSW for those with a bachelor’s degree in social work; others may choose between two- or three-year programs.
Bryan R. Casier, CSUSB alumnus and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, supports the MSW program by creating scholarships covering one-year tuition for students. “It has always been my dream to have our own MSW program in the Coachella Valley," Casier stated. "Helping students keep their head above water while beginning their professional journey is extremely important to me."
Prospective students can learn more about the MSW program on the CSUSB School of Social Work website. Applications for bachelor's degrees must be submitted by Dec. 21; master's applications are due by Jan. 15.