The profession of social work centers on the improvement of the quality of life for people and the enhancement of human potential for full productive participation in society. With this philosophy at its core, the master's degree program in social work emphasizes ecological systems, a perspective that focuses on the interaction of a person or system in relation to his/her environment. Reflecting this stance is Loma Linda University's motto "to make man whole" and its heritage as an international leader in the delivery of related services in health-care and related facilities. It is the combination of these influences that has guided the development of the foundation curriculum, professional concentrations, and selection of practicum sites for the master of social work program.

Mission

The mission of the master of social work program at Loma Linda University is to prepare competent, ethical, and compassionate social work professionals who possess the knowledge, values, and skills to equip them for a dedicated life of advanced practice in health and mental health institutions and agencies.

Goals

The social work faculty assert the following program goals:

1. To provide quality graduate social work education that supports the common knowledge, ethics, values, and skills of the profession.
2. To provide quality social work education that demonstrates respect for diversity and populations at risk, and the promotion of social and economic justice.
3. To be responsive in addressing the educational needs of social work in health and mental health institutions and agencies in the surrounding community.
4. To strengthen the student's academic experience through strong collaborations with area agencies and institutions.
5. To provide advanced curriculum in health and mental health concentrations in clinical social work practice, and policy planning and administration.
6. To express through curriculum and co-curricula activities the University's mission of wholeness.

• Overall GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Structured admissions interview

• Completion of 78 units
• Completion of research course work and project or thesis
• Completion of 1080 hours of field practicum

• Based on practice maturity that is evaluated by review of the last-year field evaluation and reference from the director/coordinator of field from the BSW program
• It is a two-year part-time option. A student who wishes to complete the program in less than two years must petition the Academic Standards Committee. Transfers of up to 21 units of first-year course work are available.

Transfers of most of the first-year curriculum are available for bachelor in social work BSW students. Each course must have a GPA of 3.3 or above.