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Stipends

Group of students smiling for the camera The CSUF MSW program offers a variety of stipend programs designed to support students financially while providing specialized training and field experience. These programs prepare students for careers in areas such as behavioral health, public child welfare, and geriatric social work, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.

CALIFORNIA TITLE IV-E EDUCATION PROGRAM

California Title IV-E Education Program was created in 1990 by a partnership of social work educators and practitioners dedicated to developing a professional social service workforce to effectively serve California's diverse population of children and families. 

Purpose

The program provides professional education and student support through the Title IV-E Stipend Program for graduate and undergraduate social work students preparing for careers in public child welfare.

Key Points

  • Stipend Support:
    • Designed for students interested in a social work career in the Public Child Welfare sector.
    • Supports education and professional development.
  • Field Experience:
    • Students gain knowledge and hands-on experience working in county child welfare agencies.
    • Prepares students for careers in public child welfare.
  • Post-Graduation Commitment:
    • Students receiving the stipend commit to working repayment in a county child welfare agency after graduating from the MSW program.
       

Application

  • Two-Year Applicants: Must declare Child Welfare as their concentration in order to apply for California Title IV-E Education Program.
  • MSW Flex Applicants: Must currently be an employee of a public child welfare services agency in California & be able to obtain a letter of support from their program.

Applicants must complete the California Title IV-E Education Program portion of the online MSW program application. California Title IV-E Education Program applications will only be processed once you are accepted to the MSW program at Cal State Fullerton and have confirmed that you will be attending. 

GSWEC PROGRAM 

The  GSWEC  is the nation’s first integrated regional network dedicated to improving  geriatric social work education and field training . It aims to prepare social workers to specialize in aging and become leaders in the field.

Purpose

The  GSWEC Internship Program  seeks to:

  • Increase the number of students specializing in working with  older adults.
  • Develop  “aging-rich” field internships  in graduate social work education programs across  Los Angeles and Orange County.

Ultimately, the GSWEC stipends gives the opportunity to increase the number of social workers prepared to be leaders in the field of aging. 

Application 

  • Applicants must declare Aging as their concentration in order to apply for GSWEC.
  • Applications for GSWEC will be available for students before entering their second-year internship placement. 

BHEAL PROGRAM

Purpose

The CSUF B-HEAL Program aims to provide specialized training to MSW students at California State University Fullerton. The program focuses on expanding the behavioral health workforce and preparing students to work in integrated care settings with underserved communities.

Key Points

  • Workforce Expansion: Train MSW students to address the growing need for behavioral health professionals in underserved communities.
  • Integrated Care Experience: Provide students with hands-on experience working collaboratively in integrated care settings.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Equip students with knowledge and skills in trauma-informed behavioral health care for underserved populations.

Application 

  • Applications for the B-HEAL Program open during the Spring semester, while students are applying for their advanced year field placement.

Students must be accepted by both the Department of Social Work and a B-HEAL partner agency to participate in the program during their final year.

HCOP PROGRAM 

The  Health Care Opportunities Program (HCOP)  is part of the Allied Health Academy and aims to increase the representation of  underrepresented, first-generation students , including  Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Southeast Asians , in healthcare professions.

Purpose

  • The HCOP program is designed to: Support underrepresented and first-generation students pursuing careers in healthcare. Promote diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce by focusing on historically underserved communities.

Application 

  • Applications become available during the Fall semester for first-year students.
  • Student must commit to the 2-year program.

CalOptima (OCBH)

The  CSUF CalOptima Health MSW Stipend Program  provides financial support and field training to MSW students committed to working in  behavioral health  within  Orange County . Funded by  CalOptima Health , the program aims to address the growing need for social workers in the public health care system.

Purpose

  • Increase the number of social workers in  behavioral health settings  within  Orange County.
  • Address critical public health challenges, such as mental health needs and the opioid crisis.

Key Points

  • Financial Support:
    • Students receive a $25,000 stipend per academic year for up to two years. (funded by CalOptima Health).
  • Behavioral Health Focus:
    • The program emphasizes increasing the behavioral health workforce to address public health needs in Orange County.
  • Field Training:
    • Students participate in  field practicum training  at  community-based agencies, gaining hands-on experience in behavioral health.
  • Service Commitment:
    • After graduation, students commit to  up to two years of full-time paid service  in a behavioral health agency in Orange County (depending on the number of years of stipend support).

Public Behavioral Health (PBH) Stipend Training Program

The CSUF PBH MSW Training Program is a competitive program that offers enhanced training to MSW students interested in pursuing careers in public behavioral health settings. The program is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field and is available to both full-time and part-time students.

Purpose

  1. Prepare students for careers in public behavioral health through specialized training and workforce development.
  2. Provide hands-on learning opportunities through field practicum placements in public behavioral health agencies.

Key Aspects

  • Stipend: Full-time on-campus students receive a $25,000 annual stipend.
  • Eligibility: Open to students pursuing MSW degrees in:
    • Full-time and part-time formats
    • On-campus, online/hybrid, and advanced standing programs
  • Focus:
    • Provides enhanced training and workforce development in public behavioral health settings.
  • Field Practicum Education:
    • Includes supervised placements in public behavioral health agencies.
    • Students are supported by field instructors and preceptors who mentor and guide their professional development.

Application

  • Students apply and are interviewed during the spring semester. The program begins in the following academic year.