Aspiring social workers in California can be confused about which of the various types of master of social work (MSW) degree programs is right for them. From traditional on-campus options to flexible online formats, students can find programs that align with their educational and career goals. From social work specialization areas to certification options, California MSW programs offer unique curricula and pedagogical approaches, program lengths, class schedules, and tracks.
Furthermore, students—whether new to the social work field or seeking to expand their professional skills and knowledge—must consider admission requirements, content delivery formats and field education demands, cost, and most importantly, what they want to get out of the experience.
Because the social work licensing laws in California and most states require that practitioners hold a degree from a program accredited by the national accrediting body for social work bachelor’s and graduate programs, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this guide includes only programs that are currently accredited or in candidacy or pre-candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education.
Do You Need an MSW to Become a Social Worker in California?
Depending on the role and license sought, a master of social work (MSW) may be necessary for those considering a career in social work. California requires an MSW for social work licensure. These programs can run two to three years and the admission requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA, resume, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and, in some cases, GRE scores.
Knowing that an MSW is necessary to become a licensed social worker in California, you now must decide which type of MSW program meets your specific needs. Things to consider before selecting a master’s program include:
- Online and hybrid offerings
- Locations
- Plan of study (including advanced standing options)
- Curriculum and specialized practice area training
- Certification and/or dual degree options
- Program cost (including available scholarships and financial aid)
- Admission requirements
- Macro, mezzo, and micro focused training
- Field agencies and partnerships
How Many Accredited MSW Programs Does California Have?
California currently has 27 accredited MSW programs, two candidate MSW programs, and two pre-candidate MSW programs. The table below summarizes the types of California MSW programs, including the specializations offered and tuition costs. Note that program tuition expenses may be listed as per unit, per semester, or per academic year and that some advanced standing programs and online programs have distinct tuition costs.
Lastly, always consult the program for updated information, as tuition and fees are subject to change at any time.
| Program | Plan of Study & Duration | Cost (excluding fees) | Delivery Mode | Specialized Training | Certificate | Dual Degrees | GRE |
| Alliant International University | Full-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening | ||||||
| Azusa Pacific University | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening | $795 per unit | Campus | Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families; Community Leadership and Program Administration | Yes | No | No |
| Cal Poly Humboldt | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Online and Advanced Standing: $510/unit
Full-Time: $9,294 per academic year | Campus, Online | NA | No | No | No |
| California Baptist University | Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening | $788 per unit | Campus, Online | NA | No | No | No |
| California State University, Bakersfield | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus, Hybrid | Child and Family Services, Mental Health, Gerontology | No | No | No |
| California State University, Chico | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Hybrid | NA | No | No | No |
| California State University, Dominguez Hills | Full-Time, Part-Time | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus | Community Mental Health; Community Capacity Building; or Children, Youth, and Families | No | No | No |
| California State University, East Bay | Full-Time | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Hybrid | Community Mental Health; Children, Youth, and Families | No | No | No |
| California State University, Fullerton | Full-Time, Part-Time | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus | Community Mental Health; Child Welfare; Aging | No | No | No |
| California State University, Long Beach | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus, Hybrid | Child and Family Wellbeing; Adulthood and Aging; Integrated Health | No | No | No |
| California State University, Los Angeles | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester
Advanced Standing: $525/unit | Campus | NA | No | No | No |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | Full-Time | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus | NA | No | No | No |
| California State University, Northridge | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Full-Time: $3,588 per semester
Online: $766 per unit | Campus, Online | Advanced generalist practice with a focus on urban communities | No | No | No |
| California State University, Sacramento | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester | Campus | Behavioral Health; Child, Adolescent and Family; Health and Aging | No | No | Yes |
| California State University, San Bernardino | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus, Online | Social Issue, Client Population, or Field of Practice | No | · MPA | No |
| California State University, San Marcos | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester Full-Time: $3,588 per semester
Online: $499.00 per unit | Campus, Hybrid | Children, Youth, and Family; Behavioral Health | No | No | No |
| California State University, Stanislaus | Full-Time, Part-Time | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester Full-Time: $3,588 per semester
Hybrid: $35,000 for 60-unit program | Campus, Hybrid | Integrative Clinical Practice in Health and Behavioral Health Settings | No | No | No |
| Fresno Pacific University | Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year | $730 per unit | Campus | Behavioral Health; Children, Youth, and Family Services; Community and Faith Organization Leadership | No | No | No |
| Fresno State University | Full-Time, Part-Time | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus | Child Welfare (Title IV-E), School Social Work, and Behavioural Health & Integrated Practice | Yes | No | No |
| Loma Linda University | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Online: $72,672
Campus: $79,320 | Campus, Online | Advanced Clinical Specialist | Yes | · Criminal Justice · Gerontology | No |
| National University | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | $739 per unit | Online | NA | No | No | No |
| Pacific Oaks College | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | $1,150 per credit | Online | Clinical Social Work | No | No | No |
| Samuel Merritt University | Part-Time, Weekends/Evening | $ 7,563 per semester | Hybrid | Integrated Health; Behavioral Health; Medical | No | No | No |
| San Diego State University | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus | Administration and Community Development Advanced Specialization;Direct Practice / Clinical Advanced Specialization | Yes | · MPH | No |
| San Francisco State University | Full-Time | $3,588 per semester | Campus | Individuals, Families, and Groups | No | · MPH · MPP | No |
| San Jose State University | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester
Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus, Online, and Hybrid | Transcultural multi-systems perspectives | Yes | No | No |
| University of California at Berkeley | Full-Time | $6,132.00 per semester | Campus | Advanced and elective coursework based on interest area | Yes | · MPH · MPP
| No |
| University of California at Los Angeles | Full-Time, Part-Time | $69,244.13 for MSW
$77,887.15 for 3-year | Campus | Child and Family Well-Being (3-year part-time program) | Yes | · JD · MPH · MPP · Asian American Studies | No |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening | $709 per credit | Online | Advanced Generalist | No | No | No |
| University of Southern California | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only | $2,137 per unit up to 14 units
$31,902 flat rate for 15-18 units | Campus, Online, and Hybrid | Adult Mental Health & Wellness; Children, Youth and Families; Social Change and Innovation; School and Educational Settings; Military Populations and Settings | Yes | · JD · MBA · MSG · MAJNM · MUP · MPH | No |
| University of the Pacific | Full-Time, Advanced Standing | $1,025 per unit | Hybrid | Mental Health | No | No | No |
California MSW Curriculum
MSW degree program curricula are designed to train ethical and professional social workers to engage in research-informed practice as well as client assessment, intervention, and evaluation. These programs focus on the foundations of social work practice and expand on this coursework and field experience with concentrations in various areas of specialization.
Regardless of the type of MSW program you have selected and your area of interest, you will master the nine social work competencies:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
- Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
California social work graduate programs train future social workers in these competencies as they relate to practice within the following system levels:
- Individuals
- Families
- Groups
- Organizations
- Communities
Additionally, California MSW students have access to resources from the largest coalition of social work practitioners and educators in the country—the California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC).
California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC)
Partnering with public human service agencies and professional organizations of the CalSWEC consortium, California schools of social work prepare students to deliver “effective, culturally responsive social service” with a focus on child welfare, integrated behavioral health, and aging.
CalSWEC Programs
- CalSWEC Title IV-E Program
- Child Welfare In-Service Training Program
- Adults and Aging Program
- Integrated Behavioral Health
- Evaluation and Research
- Technology and Instructional Design
CalSWEC stipends are provided to MSW students through federal Title IV-E training funds—via the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families—in exchange for working in a public social services or probation agency that serves Title IV-E children and families in California for “a period of time commensurate with the period of support received.”
Whether you aspire to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or specialize in a particular area or population, your choice of MSW program should align with your vision for your career. California is home to reputable MSW programs of all types—from full-time traditional programs to part-time and online options that offer flexibility to working professionals—with the goal of engaging and empowering future social workers to make a difference to individuals, families, and communities through their commitment to social justice.