Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in California

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
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Updated on May 23, 2024
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Interested in becoming a California social worker? Learn more about how to become a social worker in California and the accredited MSW programs in the state.

Social workers play a critical role in society by supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable people in our communities. Do you feel called to a social work career in California? You’ll need a master’s in social work from an accredited program to receive your social worker license.

Attending an MSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in California will help you launch your social work career. In California, only graduates from accredited programs qualify for licensure.

To begin your search for a program that fits your interests and career goals, we compiled a list of CSWE-accredited MSW programs in California. Then, we explain how to become a social worker in California.

At a Glance: Social Work Programs in California

  • 28 colleges offer CSWE-accredited MSW programs in California.
  • $14,317 was the net price for a CSWE-accredited MSW program in California in the 2021-22 academic year.
  • 3,312 MSW degrees were granted in California in the 2020-21 academic year.
Sources:CSWE and National Center for Education Statistics

Featured Online MSW Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in California

MSW Programs in California
UniversityLocationAvailable ConcentrationsEnrollment Type
Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa, CA
  • Clinical Practice With Individuals and Families
  • Community Leadership and Program Administration
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
California Baptist UniversityRiverside, CAN/AFull-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
Cal Poly HumboldtArcata, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, BakersfieldBakersfield, CA
  • Child and Family Services
  • Mental Health
  • Gerontology/Health
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, ChicoChico, CA
  • Child and Family Services
  • Mental Health
  • Gerontology
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, Dominguez HillsCarson, CA
  • Community Mental Health
  • Children, Youth, and Families
  • Community Capacity Building
Full-Time, Part-Time
California State University, East BayHayward, CA
  • Children, Youth, and Families
  • Community Mental Health
Full-Time, Part-Time
California State University, FullertonFullerton, CA
  • Child Welfare
  • Community Mental Health
  • Aging
Full-Time, Part-Time
California State University, Long BeachLong Beach, CA
  • Child and Family Wellbeing
  • Adulthood and Aging
  • Integrated Health
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, Los AngelesLos Angeles, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, Monterey BayMarina, CASchool Social Work CredentialFull-Time, Part-Time
California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, SacramentoSacramento, CA
  • Behavioral Health
  • Children and Families
  • Health and Aging
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, San MarcosSan Marcos, CA
  • Children, Youth, and Families
  • Behavioral Health
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
California State University, StanislausTurlock, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time
Fresno StateFresno, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time
Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, CAClinical PracticeFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
National UniversitySan Diego, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Pacific Oaks CollegePasadena, CAN/AFull-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Northcentral UniversitySan Diego, CAN/AAdvanced Standing Option
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA
  • Direct Practice/Clinical
  • Administration and Community Development
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco, CASchool Social Work CredentialFull-Time
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CA
  • Health and Mental Health
  • Children, Youth, and Families
  • Aging
Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
University of California at BerkeleyBerkeley, CA
  • Advanced Health and Well-Being Across the Adult Lifespan
  • Strengthening Children, Youth, and Families
  • Strengthening Organizations and Communities
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
University of California at Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA
  • Health and Mental Health Across the Lifespan
  • Social and Economic Justice
  • Child and Family Well-Being
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
University of Massachusetts GlobalIrvine, CAN/AFull-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA
  • Adult Mental Health and Wellness
  • Social Change and Innovation
  • Children, Youth, and Families
  • School Social Work
  • Military Social Work
Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
University of the PacificSacramento, CAN/AFull-Time, Advanced Standing

How You Can Become a Social Worker in California

Some social work jobs in California, such as caseworkers, may not require licensure. But for social work careers that do require a license, such as clinical mental health work, it’s important to know the steps to earning your license.

In California, the Board of Behavioral Sciences licenses social workers. Licensed California social workers need a master’s degree from an accredited social work program. They must also pass a clinical exam, gain 3,000 hours of clinical experience after graduation, and pass a background check.

Completing the social worker requirements in California generally takes two years after graduating from an MSW program.

Before becoming a licensed clinical social worker, you’ll need an associate clinical social worker license in California. This section walks through how to become a social worker in California.

Requirements in Social Work
Associate Clinical Social WorkerLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Degree RequirementMSWMSW
Exam Requirementn/aClinical
Minimum Postgraduate Supervised Experience Requiredn/a3,000 hours
Minimum Direct Supervisor Contact Requiredn/a104 hours
Minimum Hours of Face-to-Face Supervision Requiredn/a750 hours
Minimum Time to Accrue Required Hoursn/a2 years

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Related Field

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to apply to MSW programs in California. And majoring in social work can give you a leg up when it comes to grad school. Some MSW programs offer advanced standing to applicants with a bachelor’s in social work. That means you can earn your MSW in less time.

Planning to earn a bachelor’s degree in California? Currently, 17 California colleges offer CSWE-accredited bachelor’s programs in social work. A degree from a CSWE-accredited program can give you a strong foundation for graduate study.

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Step 2: Earn an Accredited Master’s Degree in Social Work

California offers two social work licenses. Both require a CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work.

During an MSW program, you’ll learn about social policy, social work research, and clinical practice. You’ll also gain hands-on experience during a practicum.

Common MSW admission requirements include:

  • A bachelor’s degree, often with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Standardized test scores, typically the GRE
  • A resume; some programs require 1-2 years of social work experience
  • 2-3 letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose focused on your educational and career goals

An MSW meets the requirements for clinical social work jobs. After completing an MSW program accredited by CSWE, you can apply for your license.

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Step 3: Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) and Complete Postgraduate Experience

In California, social workers must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). MSW graduates complete their LCSW requirements as an associate clinical social worker.

You can register as an ASW with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Currently, an ASW license costs $150. You’ll also submit official transcripts showing your MSW and fingerprints for a background check.

As an ASW, you will complete clinical and nonclinical hours under the supervision of an LCSW or approved supervisor.

Your ASW license is good for one year. You can renew up to five times, for a total length of six years. During that time, you’ll need to complete the LCSW requirements.

Step 4: Complete Required Pre-Licensure Coursework

You’ll need to meet California’s pre-licensure coursework requirement to earn your LCSW license.

  • Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting in California
  • Human Sexuality
  • Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse and Dependency
  • Aging, Long-Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse
  • Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention

California also requires suicide risk assessment and intervention training.

If you earned your master’s in social work in California, your program coursework may meet these requirements. Out-of-state applicants must complete coursework in California law and ethics, California cultures and the social and psychological implications of socioeconomic position, and child abuse assessment.

Step 5: Take and Pass the Required Licensing Exams

Before receiving your California LCSW license, you’ll need to pass two exams: the California Law and Ethics Exam and the ASWB clinical exam.

The California Law and Ethics exam tests your knowledge of confidentiality, mandated reporting, professional competence, and therapeutic services. You’ll also answer questions on consent and professional practice. Out-of-state applicants complete a 12-hour course before taking the exam. The test costs $150.

The ASWB clinical exam is a national licensure exam. It covers human development, assessment and treatment planning, clinical interventions, case management, and professional values. The test costs $260.

You must pass both exams to apply for your LCSW license.

Step 6: Submit Your Application for Social Work Licensure

Submitting your application is the final step to becoming a social worker in California.

Once you complete the 3,000 supervised hours and pass both licensure exams, you can apply for your social work license.

After you pass the ASWB clinical exam, you will receive a notification from the Board of Behavioral Sciences stating that you’ve completed the examination requirements for your social work license. Within one year, you need to submit your LCSW application.

Submit your initial license application to the Board of Behavioral Science. The application fee is $200. The board aims to process applications within 30 days.

Still Have Questions About MSW Programs in California?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker in California?

Becoming a licensed social worker in California takes around eight years. First, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years. Then, you’ll need a master’s in social work degree. Most programs take two years.

Finally, you’ll need to complete the social worker requirements for California licensure. An LCSW license requires at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Most clinical social workers meet this requirement within two years of earning their MSW degree. During that time, you’ll also pass two licensure exams and a background check.

How Much Does a Social Worker Make in California?

California social workers report average salaries of between $50,000-$100,000. In fact, California ranks among the highest-paying states for child, family, and school social workers, child, family, and school social workers, mental health social workers, and healthcare social workers.

Location, experience, and industry all shape salaries. On the lower end, child, family, and school social workers in Redding, California, report an average salary of $61,000 per year, as of May 2021, according to the BLS. On the higher end, healthcare social workers in San Francisco earn an average annual pay of $98,340, the BLS reports.

A master’s degree can help social workers increase their earning potential.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

In California, Is a Career in Social Work Worth It?

Social workers aren’t known for earning high salaries. And with California’s high cost of living, is it worth it to become a social worker?

If you’re looking for a high-earning career path in California, social work might not be the right option. But if you want to make a meaningful contribution to your community, social work can be worth it.

When considering your options, weigh the cost of earning a social work degree against the salary potential. Factor in the cost of living. The average rent in 2024 for a two-bedroom apartment in California ranges from around $958 in Modoc County to over $4,000 in Santa Cruz.

Finally, factor in the hidden benefits of social work careers. You can qualify for public service loan forgiveness. Social workers in public sector jobs also typically receive generous benefits packages.

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