Department of Social Work Education
MSW Title IV-E Child Welfare Program
MSW Applications for Fall 2026 are open!
Apply HERE
Title IV-E Child Welfare Education MSW Program Application
Thank you for your interest in the Title IV-E Child Welfare Education MSW Program.
Please follow the instructions below carefully to complete your application.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: All applications must be submitted by February 6, 2026, by 11:59 PM.
1. Application Submission:The application must be completed and submitted in a single
session. You cannot save your progress and return later.
For your reference, print or download this blank PDF: MSW Application 2025 MSW Program
application to gather the necessary documents in advance.
2. Filling Out the Application:Complete all sections using the MM/DD/YYYY format for
dates and a US phone number (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
If a section does not apply, type "N/A." For questions regarding phone numbers or
dates, use your actual phone number or today's date.
3. Program Eligibility:
Part-Time Program Priority: Non-county employees may also be considered for the Part-time
program; however, employees from qualifying agencies (CWS, DSS, CDSS, or Tribal agencies)
have priority.
County employees can only apply for the Part-Time Program.
4. Document Uploads:Please see the document upload requirements on Application Landing
Page. Ensure you have all these files and documents ready for upload when starting
the application.
Upload required documents as you complete each section of the application.
List of Required Documents for Upload
4. Personal Statement:Download this MSW Personal Statement Questions MS WORD template.
Carefully follow the instructions, and include all necessary information.
Save it as a PDF using the file naming format:"Your-fullname-pers-statement.pdf" (e.g.,
maria-cruz-pers-statement.pdf) and upload it to the appropriate section.
5. Reference Letters
An email* will be sent to your reference with a link to complete the reference form
once your application is submitted.Non-County Employees: A professor, advisor, or
work supervisor may complete the online reference form*.
County Employees: Your County Supervisor/Program Manager shall complete the online
reference form*. Letter of Support (County Employees only) from your County Director
(Upon Acceptance into the IV-E Program)
6. Avoid Duplicates:
Apply only once to prevent complications. If you need to correct a previously submitted
application, please get in touch with Pearl Fraijo at pfann49@mail.fresnostate.edu
or Cheryl Whittle at cherylw@mail.fresnostate.edu.
7. Contact Information:
If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, feel free
to reach out via email:
Pearl Fraijo: pfann49@mail.fresnostate.edu
Cheryl Whittle: cherylw@mail.fresnostate.edu
The MSW Child Welfare (Title IV-E) Program provides funds to full-time and part-time social work students who are preparing for careers directed toward child welfare practice in publicly supported social services.
Full-Time Program – Full-time students are provided with two years of support at $25,000 per year. Students pay mileage, books and tuition out of this amount.
Part-Time Program – Part-time students are provided the cost of tuition, books, and paid mileage for a max of $19,141per year for three years. Admittance to the part-time program is not limited to current employees of CWS, DSS, or CDSS.
Participant requirements at this time are as follows: components involving both academic and field preparation. In addition to the internship in a public child welfare setting, the following is required for all Title IV-E students:
- Attendance and participation at the Title IV-E Seminars, Training Events, and Symposium.
- Completion of a thesis/project relating to child welfare practice.
- Enrollment in SWrk 278 Advanced Child Welfare Course.
- Maintenance of “good standing” in the MSW program (3.0 GPA).
All existing university and MSW Program admissions requirements still apply to all
applicants interested in the Title IV-E Program. Awards are granted by a committee
consisting of faculty, administration and agency representatives from County Child
Welfare Agencies.
All program participants must agree to attend the Integrative Seminars and Field Internship,
complete a Thesis/Project, have a valid Driver’s License and secured use of a car
as required for field internship, and must undergo pre-screening for county internship.
Upon graduation, participants will have a service requirement to work in a public child welfare agency for a period of two years.