The UCLA Luskin Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program prepares the next generation of practitioners and leaders to address complex societal challenges through a person-in-environment framework.
Our program blends rigorous theory with over 1,000 hours of hands-on practicum education, equipping you with the tools to respect human diversity and advance social, racial, and economic justice. Students take required courses during their first year, then select an area of concentration to pursue in subsequent years.
Hear from Social Welfare Chair Poco Kernsmith, PhD about our commitment to educating future social work leaders and advancing social justice through research, practice and community partnerships.
Ranked #8 nationally for social work programs
Oldest and largest department within UCLA Luskin
Comprehensive clinical and macro-practice training
Extensive network of 400+ Los Angeles agency partners
UCLA Luskin’s Master of Social Welfare two-year, full-time program consists of coursework along with practicum education. In the first year, our generalist core curriculum is comprised of coursework in:
During the spring quarter of your first year, you will select an Area of Concentration (AoC) as a focus for your second-year practice, leadership and theory curriculum and practicum.
To view up-to-date annual student fees and cost of attendance, look here.
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING |
| 202A – Dynamics of Human Behavior or Other Elective | 210B – Generalist Practice II | 210C – Generalist Practice III |
| 210A – Generalist Practice I | 211B – Theory II |  213B – Statistics |
| 211A – Theory I | 212 – Intergroup Dialogue | 232/242/252 – AoC Core Course |
| 214A – Policy | 213A – Research | 401C – Practicum |
| 401A – Practicum | 401B – Practicum | |
| 405 – Community Advocate Training |
Note: Extra courses may be required for CA Title IV-E, HCAI SWECE, PCW, School Social Work and other special training programs. Consult the graduate advisor for information.
A three-year program option is available for students interested in the Child and Family Well-Being Area of Concentration. Please see the Child and Family Well-Being Concentration page for more information.
Complete list of Social Welfare graduate courses with descriptions.
MSW Research Capstone
Choose a concentration during your first year to focus your advanced practice, leadership theory, and practicum placements.
Enhance the safety and development of children through family-centered interventions and policy.
Address health disparities and provide clinical support across the life span in diverse community settings.
Advocate for systemic change and empower marginalized communities through macro-level social work.
Hear more about events in your area, application deadlines, and how to become a change agent.
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