California has 27 accredited MSW programs, plus several in candidacy, spanning full-time, part-time, online, hybrid, and advanced standing formats. All must be CSWE-accredited for graduates to pursue clinical licensure in California. The right type depends on your schedule, prior education, and the population you want to serve.
California needs more social workers. The state’s child welfare system, aging population, and mental health crisis all depend on trained professionals who are ready to step in. But before you can do that work, you have to get through a master of social work program. Choosing the right type is the first real decision you’ll make on that path.
From traditional on-campus programs to fully online options and accelerated advanced standing tracks, California MSW programs vary widely in format, length, cost, and specialization. This page breaks down what you need to know to find the right fit.
Do You Need an MSW to Become a Social Worker in California?
It depends on the role you want. Not every social work position in California requires a license. People work in supportive and case management roles without one. But if you’re pursuing the clinical path to become an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) and ultimately a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required, along with registration and supervised hours through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
MSW programs typically run two to three years. Admission requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA, resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. GRE requirements vary by program and have been changing. Many schools have suspended or dropped the requirement entirely, so check directly with any program you’re considering.
Once you’ve decided to pursue the clinical path and become a licensed social worker in California, the next step is figuring out which type of MSW program works for your life. Before you start comparing programs, consider:
- 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
Types of MSW Programs in California
Not all MSW programs look the same. California’s accredited programs span several formats, each designed to meet different student needs. Here’s what each type means in practice.
Traditional Full-Time MSW Programs
These are two-year programs with full course loads and in-person field placements. They’re built for students who can commit fully to graduate study: no significant outside work, structured days, and on-campus presence. Most CSU programs and major research universities, such as UC Berkeley and UCLA, follow this model. If you’re transitioning directly from a bachelor’s program or have flexibility in your schedule, this is often the fastest path to the LCSW.
Part-Time MSW Programs
Part-time programs extend the traditional two-year curriculum over three to four years, with fewer courses per semester. They’re common in the CSU system and designed for working professionals who need to stay employed while they study. Field placement hours are still required, and you’ll need to coordinate those alongside your job schedule, which takes planning.
Advanced Standing MSW Programs
If you already hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, advanced standing lets you complete your MSW in as little as one year by waiving the foundation-year coursework. This is a significant time and cost savings. Many California programs offer this option, including CSUs across the state, USC, and Loma Linda. Your undergraduate GPA and field evaluation will typically factor into the admissions decision.
Online MSW Programs
Fully online programs deliver coursework remotely while students complete required field hours at approved agencies in their local area. National University and Pacific Oaks College are among the California-based options. Online programs work well for students in rural or underserved areas of the state where on-campus attendance isn’t realistic, and California has more of those communities than most people assume.
Hybrid MSW Programs
Hybrid programs combine online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives or in-person requirements. Programs at Cal Poly Humboldt, Samuel Merritt University, and several CSU campuses follow this model. For students who want more face-to-face interaction than a fully online program provides but more flexibility than a traditional campus schedule, a hybrid program is often the right middle ground.
Evening and Weekend Programs
Some programs structure coursework specifically around evening and weekend schedules, making it possible to work full-time during the day. USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and Azusa Pacific University offer weekend and evening cohort options. These programs are typically slower-paced but allow students to stay in their current jobs throughout their degree.
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. Because California’s clinical licensing process through the BBS requires a degree from a CSWE-accredited program, that is the safest and clearest path. Students in CSWE candidacy programs may be recognized for licensure purposes if the program achieves initial accreditation. Recognition is typically retroactive to the point of candidacy, but this depends on timing and BBS interpretation. Pre-candidacy carries even less certainty. If you are considering a program in candidacy or pre-candidacy status, verify your eligibility directly with the BBS before enrolling.
The table below summarizes California’s MSW programs, including specializations offered and tuition costs. Note that tuition may be listed per unit, per semester, or per academic year, and that some advanced standing and online programs have distinct pricing. Always confirm current costs directly with the program, as tuition and fees change.
The table below was last reviewed in April 2026. Program costs, delivery modes, advanced standing eligibility, and admissions requirements change frequently. Re-verify all details against each school’s current admissions page before publication. CSU Sacramento is one confirmed example where an admissions detail (GRE) changed after this table was compiled.
| Program | Plan of Study & Duration | Cost (excluding fees) | Delivery Mode | Specialized Training | Additional Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alliant International University | Full-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening | Â | Â | Â | Â |
| 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 | Certificate |
| Cal Poly Humboldt | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Online and Advanced Standing: $510/unit; Full-Time: $9,294 per academic year | Campus, Online | — | — |
| California Baptist University | Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening | $788 per unit | Campus, Online | — | — |
| 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 | — |
| California State University, Chico | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester; Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Hybrid | — | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — | — |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | Full-Time | Part-Time: $2,082 per semester; Full-Time: $3,588 per semester | Campus | — | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | Dual degree: MPA |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | Certificate |
| Loma Linda University | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | Online: $72,672; Campus: $79,320 | Campus, Online | Advanced Clinical Specialist | Certificate; Dual degrees: Criminal Justice, Gerontology |
| National University | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | $739 per unit | Online | — | — |
| Pacific Oaks College | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing | $1,150 per credit | Online | Clinical Social Work | — |
| Samuel Merritt University | Part-Time, Weekends/Evening | $7,563 per semester | Hybrid | Integrated Health; Behavioral Health; Medical | — |
| 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; Direct Practice / Clinical | Certificate; Dual degree: MPH |
| San Francisco State University | Full-Time | $3,588 per semester | Campus | Individuals, Families, and Groups | Dual degrees: MPH, MPP |
| 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 | Certificate |
| University of California at Berkeley | Full-Time | $6,132.00 per semester | Campus | Advanced and elective coursework based on interest area | Certificate; Dual degrees: MPH, MPP |
| 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) | Certificate; Dual degrees: JD, MPH, MPP, Asian American Studies |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening | $709 per credit | Online | Advanced Generalist | — |
| 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 | Certificate; Dual degrees: JD, MBA, MSG, MAJNM, MUP, MPH |
| University of the Pacific | Full-Time, Advanced Standing | $1,025 per unit | Hybrid | Mental Health | — |
California MSW Curriculum
MSW programs in California are designed to train ethical, research-informed social workers who can assess, intervene, and evaluate across multiple practice settings. All CSWE-accredited programs build on a foundational curriculum and expand it through concentrations in areas of specialization.
Regardless of the type of MSW program you choose, you’ll graduate with training in the nine CSWE 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 MSW programs apply these competencies across five system levels of practice:
- Individuals
- Families
- Groups
- Organizations
- Communities
Additionally, California MSW students have access to resources through CalSWEC (the California Social Work Education Center), a statewide consortium that supports social work workforce development with a focus on child welfare, integrated behavioral health, and aging.
California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC)
CalSWEC partners with public human service agencies and professional organizations across California to prepare MSW students to deliver effective, culturally responsive social services. The consortium’s programs and Title IV-E administration have transitioned from UC Berkeley (which sunset its CalSWEC operation on June 30, 2024) to new institutional hosts. Current CalSWEC information and resources are available through the CFPIC/CalSWEC site.Â
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 support received.
Whether you’re pursuing clinical licensure as an LCSW or building toward a specialization in child welfare, school social work, or behavioral health, your choice of MSW program should align with the work you want to do. California is home to MSW programs of every type, from full-time research-university tracks to flexible online options designed for working professionals. How will you serve?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a full-time and advanced standing MSW program?
A full-time MSW typically takes two years and is open to students with any bachelor’s degree. An advanced standing MSW is designed for students who already hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. It waives the foundation year, cutting the program down to approximately one year. Advanced standing students must meet specific GPA and field evaluation thresholds and are generally expected to begin the concentration year immediately.
Do I need an MSW to work as a social worker in California?
Not for every role. Some supportive and case management positions don’t require licensure. But if you’re pursuing the clinical path to become an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) and eventually a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required, along with registration and supervised experience through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). If clinical practice or independent licensure is your goal, an accredited MSW is the essential first step.
Can I complete an MSW online in California and still do field placement locally?
Yes. Fully online MSW programs require students to complete field placement hours at approved agencies in their local area. Programs like National University and Pacific Oaks College coordinate with agencies across California to ensure students can meet field requirements without relocating. You’ll typically need to identify and secure placement in partnership with your program’s field office.
Do programs in candidacy or pre-candidacy status qualify for California licensure?
It’s not guaranteed. Students in CSWE candidacy programs may be eligible for California licensure if the program achieves initial accreditation. CSWE’s practice is typically to recognize students retroactively to the point of candidacy, but this depends on timing and how the BBS interprets the program’s status at the time you apply. Pre-candidacy carries even less certainty. If you’re considering a program in either status, contact the BBS directly before enrolling to confirm your licensure path.
What is the GRE requirement for MSW programs in California?
GRE requirements vary by program and change over time. Many California MSW programs, including CSU Sacramento for the current admissions cycle, do not require the GRE, though Sacramento State reserves the right to reinstate it. Always check the current admissions page for any program you’re considering, as requirements can shift from one cycle to the next.
Key Takeaways
- ✓An MSW is required for clinical licensure in California. The ASW registration and LCSW license both require a degree from a CSWE-accredited program, completed through the BBS process.
- ✓California has 27 accredited MSW programs spanning full-time, part-time, online, hybrid, advanced standing, and evening/weekend formats.
- ✓Advanced standing can cut your program to one year. If you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, many California schools offer an accelerated pathway.
- ✓Online programs still require local field placement. Fully remote coursework doesn’t mean fully remote training; field hours must be completed in person at approved agencies.
- ✓Verify candidacy program eligibility with the BBS. CSWE candidacy may qualify depending on timing; pre-candidacy carries less certainty. Confirm before enrolling.
California’s communities need social workers who are ready to meet people where they are: in child welfare offices, hospitals, schools, and behavioral health settings across the state. Find the program that fits your life and your calling.
