Best Online MSW Programs in California
Our list of online MSW programs in California are all from regionally accredited schools, and all but two on our list are CSWE-accredited programs. These master's degrees emphasize cultural competence and innovative practices, preparing graduates for roles in clinical social work, community advocacy, and policy development.
Key Takeaways
- UMass Global leads in online enrollment with 7,734 graduate students, ranking in the top 2% nationally for popularity.
- California State University - Northridge has an online MSW that has a median graduate earnings of $72,571, placing it in the top 1% nationally for earning potential.
- The University of Southern California excels with a 92% graduation rate.
We rank schools by their total online graduate enrollment and provide descriptions that emphasize program quality and student success. Our analysis uses data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard. To learn more about our approach, explore our methodology.
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMass Global | $21,900 | N/A | Yes | ||
| National University | 6,793 | $14,703 | N/A | Yes | |
| USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work | 6,251 | $105,648 | N/A | Yes | |
| University of Southern California | 6,251 | $52,824 | N/A | Yes | |
| Alliant International University | 1,842 | $23,790 | N/A | No | |
| California State University - Northridge | 1,210 | $18,033 | N/A | Yes | |
| California Baptist University | 1,012 | $23,940 | N/A | Yes | |
| California State University - San Bernardino | 567 | $13,000 | N/A | Yes | |
| California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt | 116 | $16,200 | N/A | Yes |
Best Online MSW Programs in California
UMass Global UMass Global UMass Global
- Online Enrollment: 7,734
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $21,900
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UMass Global is supported by a strong online enrollment of 7,734 students at the graduate level, ranking it among the top 2% of institutions. The CSWE-accredited MSW program offers two paths: the Advanced Standing option for those with a BSW, requiring 39 credits and 600 practicum hours for completion in one year, and the Standard option, which necessitates 69 credits and 1,000 practicum hours over two years. Tuition is competitively priced at $730 per credit, making it accessible for working professionals.
National University National University National University
- Online Enrollment: 6,793
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $14,703
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: NU stands out in online education, with a total enrollment of 6,793 graduate students, placing it in the top 3% of institutions nationwide. Its online MSW program offers a CSWE-accredited curriculum that prepares students for careers in social services. It offers two tracks: a Generalist Track of 60 credit hours for newcomers to the field and an Advanced Standing Track of 36 credit hours for those with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution. Both tracks integrate online learning with in-person practicum experiences and have no residency requirements.
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
- Online Enrollment: 6,251
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $105,648
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: USC's Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work ranks in the top 3% for online engagement, enrolling 6,251 graduate students. Plus, with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, the school offers plenty of personalized education. As part of the online MSW program, students complete 1,200 hours of practicum training and can choose an accelerated 12-month pathway or flexible schedules of up to 28 months. Graduate certificates are also available to tailor the program to individual interests.
University of Southern California University of Southern California University of Southern California
- Online Enrollment: 6,251
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $52,824
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: US stands out with an online graduate enrollment of 6,251 students, placing the university in the top 3% for online engagement. The school's success is also reflected in its impressive 97% retention rate and 92% graduation rate 鈥� both the best our our entire list. With a low 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, learners receive personalized support throughout their studies. The online MSW program here offers specialized tracks, including Adult Mental Health and Wellness and Children, Youth, and Families, equipping graduates for impactful careers in diverse social work fields.
Alliant International University Alliant International University Alliant International University
- Online Enrollment: 1,842
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $23,790
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree:
Why we like them: AIU鈥檚 online MSW program, offered through the California School of Professional Psychology is a 60-credit program that spans six semesters and is typically completed in two years. Prepare students for professional licensure, emphasizing advanced clinical practice, social justice, human behavior, and community engagement. The curriculum, aligned with CSWE standards, incorporates evidence-based, culturally informed practices and offers flexible field placement options to meet diverse student needs.
California State University - Northridge California State University - Northridge California State University - Northridge
- Online Enrollment: 1,210
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $18,033
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: CSUN ranks in the top 21% of institutions for online graduate enrollment, with 1,210 students and still maintains a 92% recommendation rate reflecting its strong reputation. Its CSWE-accredited online MSW program offers flexible two- and three-year tracks to accommodate full-time and part-time students. The program follows a generalist approach, equipping graduates for micro, mezzo, and macro practice. With live weekly sessions and an emphasis on serving urban communities, CSUN provides a comprehensive education for aspiring social workers preparing for diverse career paths.
California Baptist University California Baptist University California Baptist University
- Online Enrollment: 1,012
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $23,940
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: CBU ranks among the top 25% of institutions with a total online enrollment of 1,012 graduate students, reflecting its broad appeal and accessibility for learners seeking flexibility. The social work master's program online is CSWE-accredited and prepares professionals dedicated to social change through a 60-unit curriculum over two years or an accelerated option for advanced-standing students. Students engage in coursework on ethics, diversity, and policy practice, complemented by 900 fieldwork hours. Unique classes, such as Social Work with Survivors of Human Trafficking, equip graduates to serve marginalized communities.
California State University - San Bernardino California State University - San Bernardino California State University - San Bernardino
- Online Enrollment: 567
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,000
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: CSUSB hosts an online CSWE-accredited MSW program featuring online and in-person options at the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses. Students can choose from several degree pathways, including a one-year Advanced Standing Program requiring 35 units, a traditional two-year program of 60 units, or a three-year option for those needing additional time. CSUSB also offers a concurrent MSW/MPA degree covering 73 units, designed for those pursuing social service administration leadership roles.
California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt
- Online Enrollment: 116
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $16,200
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: Humboldt has a graduate-level online enrollment and an . Its CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program offers two part-time tracks: a 3陆-year option starting in January and a 2-year Advanced Standing track beginning in June. The program focuses on serving Indigenous and rural communities, featuring courses like Decolonizing Social Work with Indigenous Communities and providing professional internships to build strong community connections. Tuition is $540 per unit, with various funding opportunities available to support students.
Overview of Online MSW Programs in California
A career in social work provides people with the opportunity to help their community by making sure members have access to the resources they need to improve their quality of life. Unlike other states, California social workers do not need a license unless they plan to work in private practice without supervision. This makes it much easier to pursue a career in social work as there are no exams, applications or fieldwork hours that need to be completed. Those who choose social work as a career can provide counseling to people across a variety of fields, including job placement, substance abuse, and mental health.
MSW degrees in California have similar structure and curricula to other MSW programs nationwide. Each degree features 40-60 credit hours of classes, which usually takes 2-3 years to complete at a full-time pace. To graduate, you also need to complete 1,000-1,200 supervised internship hours. These work placements can grant valuable experience in the field.
Most online master's degrees contain asynchronous courses, which you complete at your own convenience and don't require live meetings. Some programs might have synchronous elements, such as live online discussions over video conferencing apps. You might also find hybrid degrees with a mixture of online and on-campus classwork.
A typical curriculum covers human social behavior and groups, patient assessment, diagnosis, and social welfare policy. Some colleges offer concentrations for students who want to specialize in a particular type of social work. Common specializations include clinical, medical, school, and youth and family social work. And in most cases, you must complete all internships in person at the assigned facility. This is true even for degree programs with completely asynchronous online courses.
Program costs vary by school. The average annual cost for graduate degree tuition and fees is nationwide, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Types of MSWs in California
There are several varieties of MSW degrees available in California, including the following:
Traditional degrees are full-time programs in which you take 3-4 classes per term. It may be possible, though challenging, to work while attending a traditional master's program.
Accelerated programs compress all the coursework and clinical experience into as little as 12 months, leaving little time to work while enrolled.
Advanced standing programs let you skip some introductory courses because you must already hold a bachelor's in social work (BSW) to enroll.
Part-time degrees are relatively common, because many graduate students prefer to keep working while taking one or two classes at a time.
Still searching for the right MSW for you? Explore our detailed list of the most affordable online MSW programs, ranked by tuition to help you make an informed decision.
Admissions Requirements for an MSW
You must have a bachelor's degree to apply to an MSW program. Because graduate school is competitive, you might need a GPA of 3.0 or above to be considered. You don't necessarily need an undergraduate social work degree, but having a BSW might let you enroll in an advanced standing program that takes less time to complete.
To apply, you'll typically need to provide the following:
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Official college transcripts
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Official admissions test scores (GRE or GMAT)
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Personal essay
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Letters of recommendation
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Professional resume
How To Become a Social Worker in California
In this section, we describe the specifics of becoming a social worker in this state, broken out by the different fields of social work.
Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California
As the name implies, you need a license from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to be a (LCSW). Obtaining an LCSW license is the most arduous path for a social work student to take in California. The standards are so high because these professionals are given wide latitude to diagnose and treat serious mental illnesses. To get this credential, you must complete these steps:
- Earn an MSW from a program that's by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Register as an associate clinical social worker (ASW), a kind of LCSW-in-training
- Pass a background check
- Take an ethics course and pass the associated exam
- Obtain at least 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over a minimum period of two years
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for California
Becoming a Child and Family Social Worker in California
These social workers often work for state agencies, but there are no special licenses required to start down this career path in California. You will need a BSW at minimum, and some higher level positions might require an MSW. Your degree will most likely need to be accredited by the CSWE, and studying for a concentration in youth and family social work may prove beneficial in the job market.
Becoming a Medical Social Worker in California
You can practice medical social work 鈥� also called healthcare social work 鈥� in California with a BSW, though an MSW might improve your employability. Most employers prefer graduates from CSWE-accredited programs, and it might help you to highlight any healthcare social work classes you took during interviews. There are no licensure requirements in California for this kind of social work.
Becoming a School Social Worker in California
There are no school social work licenses in California, but public schools typically require job candidates to hold the state's . This credential requires 45 post-bachelor's credits in school social work, which in practice means that you need a CSWE-accredited MSW with a school concentration. You must also complete a basic skills test.
California Social Work Resources
We've listed several resources below that may interest you as a social work master's student in California. These links can help you plot steps along your educational and career paths:
OnlineU resource pages
Professional Associations
Regulatory and Standards Agencies
(sets national standards for licensure)
(regulates clinical social work licenses)
(issues school social work credential)
FAQs About Online MSW Programs in California
How Hard Is an MSW Degree?
As with most master's degrees, an MSW will probably be challenging. Professors expect better performance and insights from graduate students than from undergraduates, so you usually need to work harder in order to earn good grades. But you may have an easier time if you have previous social work education and experience, especially if you're passionate about the subject matter.
Are Online MSW Programs in California Respected?
Employers respect accredited California MSW degrees. The CSWE is a powerful force in the social work field, so it's usually best to make sure you attend a programmatically accredited program. This may help ensure the best career prospects after you graduate, and the sooner you start earning a salary, the sooner your degree can help you meet your career goals.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Social Work in California?
Faculty typically design MSWs to last two years with a full-time schedule. A few students enroll in accelerated degree programs that last about a year. However, many more students opt for part-time programs that can take 3-4 years to complete, depending on their course load each term.
Does California Have Social Work License Reciprocity?
You can typically get a clinical social work license in California if you've had an active for at least two years. The state will confirm that your MSW is CSWE accredited, and you'll need to pass the California ethics exam.
It's usually fairly easy to receive a reciprocal license in another state if you're already a California LCSW. This is because California requires its licensees to pass the exam administered by the ASWB, which sets national standards for social work practice.