California – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
With high-paying jobs, projected employment growth, and top-ranked schools, California offers a host of benefits to social workers. A master of social work (MSW) program in California can put you on the track toward attaining your academic and professional goals.
Learn more about programs, explore online course delivery options, and discover potential salaries.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s Social Work (MSW) Programs in California
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$63,468
- Out-of-state$63,468
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled48,945
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled18,510
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
San Jose State University
- San Jose, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled36,062
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled40,564
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Stanislaus
- Turlock, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,662
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled9,845
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
- Arcata, CA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled5,976
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At SocialWorkGuide.org, we use a student-oriented methodology to evaluate and rank social work programs. Using datasets from sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our objective approach focuses on academic quality, affordability, school reputation, and program appeal.
As part of our process, we focus on important and relevant information for social work students searching for their ideal programs. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, read about our rankings methodology.
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in California
The programs listed in our rankings hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation signifies that a program receives regular reviews of its academic quality and preparation for successful social work careers.
State licensing and certification boards typically require applicants to earn degrees from CSWE-accredited programs. Employers may prefer or require graduation from a CSWE-accredited program.
You can confirm programmatic accreditation status with schools’ social work departments or on the CSWE website.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in California
Online MSW programs in California offer several advantages, including access to programs outside your geographic area, the ability to continue working or attending to other responsibilities while you earn your degree, and flexible course formats.
Distance learning can also save you money on transportation and relocation costs, campus-based housing and meals, and tuition. Colleges and universities may offer online learners in-state or discounted tuition regardless of residency.
Online MSW Course Formatting
Online MSWs may offer fully online coursework or a hybrid of distance learning and in-person class attendance. You may also access courses asynchronously or synchronously.
- 100% Online: Fully online programs offer all courses through distance learning with no on-campus requirements. Online MSWs typically require in-person internships or field practicums but often at sites in students’ local communities.
- Hybrid: Hybrid programs blend online learning with on-campus attendance. Learners may take classes through both formats or complete their coursework online and attend periodic on-campus intensives or weekly face-to-face meetings. Fieldwork usually takes place in person.
- Asynchronous: This type of learning involves accessing course materials, such as recorded lectures, readings, and assignments, on your own schedule. Assignments have deadlines for completion, and you can submit them through the virtual learning platform. Asynchronous programs also include online discussion boards for interacting with instructors and classmates.
- Synchronous: Synchronous delivery mimics the classroom experience. Courses are provided through live-streaming software and take place at scheduled times, often in the evening. You can log in from any location that has an internet connection.
In-person fieldwork may include practicums and internships, depending on your program. Students who live far from campus often log their field experience hours at facilities near their homes. Your program may find placements for you, or you may identify and arrange them on your own.
California Social Worker Career and Salary Information
California boasts some of the highest social worker salaries in the U.S., ranking in the top five states for average annual wages for child, family, and school social workers, healthcare social workers, and mental health and substance use social workers.
Compared to the national average, California social workers earn higher average annual salaries in all occupations listed in the table below. In addition, Projections Central lists positive projected employment increases for social workers in those occupations.
Salary potential can depend on your workplace, education and licensure, experience level, supply and demand, and geography. For example, all top 10 cities for average annual salaries for healthcare social workers are in California. Child, family, and school social worker salaries in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim and the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward cities rank in the top 10 metropolitan areas.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2020-30) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $69,340 | 9.7 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $93,200 | 12.2 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $81,330 | 10.1 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $72,320 | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions About California Social Work
Does California require social workers to be licensed?
Yes, California mandates that social workers earn and maintain a license. The state’s Board of Behavioral Sciences recognizes two license types: associate clinical social worker (ACSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Both require at least a specially accredited master’s degree.
How much do social workers make in California?
California social workers earn average annual salaries ranging from $69,340 to $93,200. Pay depends on your specialization: Child, family, and school social workers earn less than healthcare social workers.
Are California’s online MSW programs respected?
Online MSW programs are respected, but it’s important to ensure your program is accredited by the CSWE. As of October 2024, the CSWE recognizes 52 undergraduate and graduate social work degree programs offered by California-based institutions.
Are social workers in demand in California?
Social workers are in demand in California. The demand for licensed social workers is expected to increase by 9.6%-18.5% from 2022-32, depending on specialization. These growth rates vastly outpace the average growth for all U.S. jobs.
