Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Application | Program Details | Paying for Classes | CTC Requirements
Eligibility & Application
I have a master's degree in psychology or education; am I eligible?
This program is only for social workers. To be eligible, you must have an MSW or be a current student in the Chico State MSW program. Other PPS credential seekers are not eligible for this program.
I graduate with my MSW in spring. Am I eligible for the summer cohort?
If you complete your MSW before the program starts in the summer term, you are eligible to apply. Unofficial transcripts are required as part of the application, and you will be asked for additional documentation once accepted into the program.
I am currently enrolled as an MSW student at another university. Am I eligible?
No, only current students in the Chico State MSW program are eligible. You are eligible after completing your MSW at another institution.
What internship or practicum support do you provide?
We offer practicum advising as part of this program. We can pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) if needed by your placement. We can provide a Letter of Appeasement if beneficial for your employment. SWRK 599 includes support with practicum through advising and as a liaison with public school sites if you are accumulating the needed practicum experience.
Do I need to complete all my practicum/internship hours before applying?
No, you do not need to complete all practicum hours before applying or participating in the program. You can take up to seven years to complete your required practicum hours from the date of your last PPSC-SSW course meeting.
How do I obtain my practicum evaluations from my graduate study?
If you are a student who completed or is completing their graduate education at Chico State:
- Log in to S4 using your previous login or the "Forgot Password?" option.
- Click your name (it is a link).
- Scroll to the bottom to find "(Your Name) Submissions."
- Select the form labeled "Student Signature" dated April/May or December.
- Select "View Your Submission."
- Select "View Full Submission" (orange button) to access your evaluation.
Here is a Scribe for visual reference. We recommend downloading by print to PDF, reduced to around 65% scale.
If you are a student who completed your graduate study at another CSWE-accredited institution:
Reach out to your graduate school (practicum education within your Social Work Department) to inquire. You may have used S4 or another documentation system.
Program Details
What is the class schedule?
There are two sequential six-week courses with one overlapping 12-week course (SWRK 599). A synchronous class will be held on Wednesdays in the late afternoon/evening. Additional asynchronous time between class sessions is required for readings, podcasts, research, homework, etc.
Is there an in-person expectation? Can classwork/meeting times be done online?
All coursework can be completed online and synchronous meetings will be online using Zoom. Practicum hours are completed outside these courses and are the student's responsibility to complete in person to meet credential requirements. Advising in relation to practicum and the program is offered through SWRK 599.
Can I work full-time during this program?
Classes are in the evenings and are scheduled after business hours to accommodate working students.
Is this program offered during the academic year?
This program is only offered in the summer term and is not available in fall or spring terms.
Can I take a year off?
You can take up to seven years from the date of your last PPSC-SSW course to complete the practicum hours.
How many units are required?
This program is 7 academic units during the summer term.
Do you offer the Child Welfare Authorization (CWA)?
No, this program does not offer the Child Welfare Authorization (CWA).
Paying for Classes
How much is tuition?
The program is a total of 7 units at $600 a unit, for a program total of $4,200.
When do I have to pay for the courses?
Full payment is due at the time of registration in May, before the course starts.
Can I split up tuition payments?
After acceptance into the program, you can request a payment plan that divides tuition into three equal payments. Payments are due in May, June, and July. The first payment serves as your request for registration. You will not be enrolled in the course until the first payment is processed.
Is there financial aid for this program?
Federal loans, financial aid, and CSU employee fee waivers are not available for this program. Other options, such as loans, may be available. Other third-party funding such as outside scholarships, employer sponsorships, the Department of Rehabilitation, and the Veteran's Administration is accepted. Students are responsible for providing documentation of any outside funding sources.
Current students: Please note that any tuition assistance received during the academic year for your MSW cannot be applied to this program. You will be responsible for the program fees at the time of registration.
CTC Requirements
What is the internship/practicum requirement?
To qualify for recommendation to the CTC, you must complete:
- 1,000 total practicum hours
- Encompasses all practicum hours earned as an MSW student.
- 450 hours must be in a public school setting
- Supervised by a PPSC-SSW credential holder
- Dual supervision an option if a PPSC-SSW is not available
- After a Certificate of Clearance has been obtained - 100 (of the 450) must be completed at a different age level
- The learning contract and practicum evaluations must also contain an additional competency in Growth and Development. Contact the PPSC-SSW team at ppsc-ssw@csuchico.edu for more information about this requirement.
How can I be sure that I am receiving appropriate supervision?
To confirm your supervisor's credentials, search the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) database. For more information, talk with the PPSC-SSW team at ppsc-ssw@csuchico.edu.
Do I need a Certificate of Clearance?
As of Fall 2025, students must possess a valid Certificate of Clearance before performing their 450 practicum hours to count any school-based hours towards the PPSC-SSW. View Certificate of Clearance application instructions.
I completed an MSW program with a low amount of units. Am I eligible?
Eligible candidates for the cohort must have an MSW degree from an accredited university indicating at least 27 post-baccalaureate units. If needed, additional classes can be taken through Open University.