Top Online MSW Programs in California (CA)
Launch or advance your career by earning an accredited Master of Social Work online. Our guide has all the details on the top MSW programs in California, the types of programs you can expect, and answers to frequently asked questions.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in social work, social science, or a liberal arts major and are considering pursuing or advancing a social work career in California, this guide is for you. It includes a list of the top on-campus and online MSW programs in California that can assist you in achieving your goals. Additionally, you will learn why factors such as flexibility, affordability, and accreditation are crucial considerations to weigh when selecting your program.
Keep reading to find the right program for you, get details on the different types of MSW programs available (and schools that offer them), learn how to get help paying for your degree, and much more.
Types of MSW Programs in California
Traditional MSW Programs in California
Traditional MSW programs are intended for students who hold a previously-earned bachelor’s degree in a non-social work major, usually in a social sciences or related liberal arts field. The curriculum includes both foundational and advanced social work courses, as well as extensive in-person field practicum experiences at social work agencies and facilities located within the school campus’s local or regional area. Courses can be offered in fully online, fully on-campus, or hybrid formats. Both full-time and part-time options are typically available, with full-time options taking around two years to complete and part-time options taking three to four years.
Accredited Traditional MSW Programs in California Worth a Look
Brandman University (Online and Campus)
California State University Chico (Online and Campus)
No-GRE MSW Programs in California
Many MSW programs in California no longer require applicants to submit General Record Examinations test scores as a requirement for admission, although GRE scores are typically required for students enrolling in MSW dual-degree programs (MSW/MPH, MSW/MPP, MSW/JD, etc.) Programs not requiring GRE test scores will likely not be considered as any less prestigious than those requiring GRE scores, as evidenced by the fact that GRE scores are not required for admission into Cal Berkeley’s MSW programs.
Accredited No-GRE MSW Programs in California Worth a Look
Fresno State University (Campus)
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in California
Advanced standing MSW programs provide students who hold a previously-earned social work bachelor’s degree with the quickest route to obtaining their social work master’s degree by eliminating the foundational coursework that typically makes up the first-year curriculum of traditional MSW programs. As a result, advanced standing programs can typically be completed in as little as one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Similar to students in traditional MSW programs, advanced standing students must complete extensive in-person field practicum experiences. Courses may be presented in online, on-campus, or hybrid formats.
Accredited Advanced Standing MSW Programs in California Worth a Look
California Baptist University (Online and Campus)
Part-Time MSW Programs in California
Part-time study formats are quite common for both traditional and advanced standing MSW programs in California. They’re an excellent choice for students with full-time or part-time jobs or other time-consuming obligations. Degree requirements are typically spread out over an additional academic year for a total of two years for advanced standing programs and three to four years for traditional programs. As with their full-time counterparts, part-time programs may feature coursework presented in an online, on-campus, or hybrid format.
Accredited Part-Time MSW Programs in California Worth a Look
California State University Sacramento (Campus)
California State University San Bernardino (Online and Campus)
Best Online MSW Programs in CA
As with lots of other majors, distance learning has become a common component of MSW programs in California and around the nation. In fact, many California colleges and universities now offer their MSW programs with academic coursework that can be accessed and completed entirely online.
The exemplary California MSW online programs featured in our rankings below can serve as a great starting point for your college search. These schools rank highly on key features like CSWE accreditation, quality instruction, robust student services, and flexible class schedules. Learn more about our top picks and see if one is a good match for your budget, schedule, and career goals.
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, California
Private
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, California
Public
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California
Public
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, California
Public
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Programs in California
Can I complete my MSW program in California completely online?
Many MSW programs in California today feature coursework that can be completed partially or entirely online. However, all of these programs also include field training requirements that, although they may contain virtual components, are completed primarily in-person at community-based social work agencies and facilities.
How do fieldwork requirements work for online MSW programs in California?
Pretty much the same way that they do for on-campus MSW programs. In most cases, online MSW students are required to be available to complete their field training in-person during regular weekday business hours, although some programs may be able to provide evening and/or weekend field training opportunities to their working students.
Will earning my MSW online in California be cheaper and faster than a traditional program?
Probably not, at least in terms of time. Program lengths for online MSW programs in California offered by a particular college or university are usually the same as for their on-campus counterparts. As for cost, tuition rates are typically the same for online and on-campus programs as well. However, the total program cost for online students will likely be less after factoring in savings from not having to pay for travel to and from campus for classes
Can I enroll in an online MSW program in California if I live out-of-state? Will it fulfill licensing requirements in my state?
In most cases, out-of-state students can enroll in a California online MSW program. Some schools, however, like Humboldt State University, require their MSW students to reside in the state for theduration of their programs. And remember that all online MSW programs in California require completion of in-person field training with social work agencies typically in the school’s local or regional area. So, be sure to confirm your ability to complete your field training at a location in your home area before enrolling in any California MSW program.
In regard to licensing, all states have their own unique licensing requirements. Whether a particular California online MSW program will qualify you for licensing in your state will depend on the specific licensure rules in that state. Nevertheless, it’s likely that the online program you’re considering will fulfill the licensing requirements in your state as long as the program qualifies you to sit for the board exam for the specific area of social work in which you intend to practice.
Social Work Licensing Requirements in California
With the exception of individuals practicing clinical social work and psychotherapy, California does not require a state license to be employed as a social worker in the state. Information on clinical social worker licensure in California can be found at the state Board of Behavioral Sciences website. Learn more about social worker licensing in California and throughout the U.S.
Job Demand for MSW Grads in California
Job security and demand are always important factors when considering any career choice, including social worker. The good news for social work professionals in California and across the U.S. is that, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Projections Central, job demand is strong and expected to remain so for many years to come. The degree of that strength depends on the specific area of social work in which you practice, as indicated by the Projections Central employment and job growth figures for California social workers provided in the following table:
| Employment in 2018 | Projected Employment in 2028 | Growth Rate | Average Annual Openings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 33,800 | 35,800 | 5.9% | 3,600 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 20,800 | 24,400 | 17.3% | 2,570 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 15,900 | 18,200 | 14.5% | 1,890 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 12,500 | 13,400 | 7.2% | 1,350 |
Source: Projections Central
Salaries for Social Workers in California
Another important consideration for current and prospective social workers in California is pay. According to estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median wages for social workers in the U.S. are substantially higher than those for all occupations combined. As indicated by the BLS figures in the table below, median wages for California social workers are substantially higher than they are for the rest of the nation. Additionally, current figures from Payscale.com indicate that salaries for MSW degree holders far outpace wages for social workers with only a BSW degree.
| Median Hourly Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $25.21 | $28.10 | $58,450 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $37.34 | $39.91 | $83,000 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $32.96 | $35.17 | $73,150 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $35.15 | $35.39 | $73,620 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
Social Work Student and Professional Resources in California
California Association of Black Social Workers (CABSW)
The California affiliate of the National Association of Black Social Workers, the CABSW is a professional association of social workers dedicated to the promotion of positive family preservation within the African American community. There are seven chapters located throughout the state.
California Association of School Social Workers (CASSW)
Association of active and retired California social workers, social work graduate students, and other school professionals. Its mission is to promote professional development of school social workers to enhance the education experiences for California students and their families. Student memberships are available for a reduced fee.
California Society for Clinical Social Work (CSCSW)
Professional organization specifically focused on advancing and promoting the practice of clinical social work in California as well as advocating for the interests of clinical social workers and their clients. Membership benefits include free continuing education units, networking and workshop events, free ethical consultations, and more.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – California Chapter
The NASW is a professional association of social workers whose mission is to enhance member professional growth and development, create and maintain professional social work standards, and to advance sound social policies. Each member is part of one of nine regional groups within the state, some of which have additional smaller city-based or county-based units.
State of California Employment Development Department (EDD)
The EDD’s website is a great resource connecting employers and job seekers in all career fields throughout the state. Use the search engine on its California Occupational Guides webpage to find tons of helpful information on social work careers in a variety of specialized practice areas.