California’s online MSW programs offer a flexible path to licensure and career advancement. With median salaries of around $79,000, these programs prepare you to meet the state’s growing demand for mental health and social services. Whether you’re starting out or looking to level up, this guide highlights accredited online MSW programs in California, key licensure steps, and how to move forward in a rewarding, impact-driven career.
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields in California
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation Details
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state...
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Salary & Pay
How much I can expect to earn after graduation, what national averages are, and what the overall outlook is for this field…
Read more
Featured Online MSW Programs: School Spotlights
Below are three accredited California universities with online or hybrid MSW programs. Each summary highlights the program structure and a key online MSW degree, including its length, delivery mode, tuition, and admission requirements. All programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, meeting California licensure standards.
University of Southern California (USC) – Master of Social Work (Online)
USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers an online MSW program with interactive coursework opportunities. The online MSW curriculum mirrors USC’s on-campus program, featuring five optional focused tracks: Adult Mental Health; Children, Youth & Families; Social Change; School Social Work; and Military Social Work.
Students benefit from weekly synchronous class sessions led by faculty and complete more than 1,000 hours of field training in their local community. There is an additional advanced track where BSW-holders can earn the master’s degree in three semesters.
Highlighted Program:
Duration: 4 semesters full-time (≈2 years) or up to 8 semesters part-time
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: ~$2,201 per credit, ~$105,656 total tuition for 48 credits
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college (in any field)
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Resume and statement of purpose outlining human service experience
- Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
San José State University (SJSU) – Online/Hybrid MSW
Didactic coursework for the hybrid MSW program at SJSU is delivered online, combining asynchronous content with live evening classes, while required field internships are completed in person at local agencies. Students may choose the two-year full MSW track or a one-year Advanced Standing track if they already have earned a BSW.
The online curriculum emphasizes cultural competency and social justice, aligning with SJSU’s mission to serve diverse communities. Students must reside in California for internships.
Duration: 2 years (60 units) for the traditional MSW; 1 year (37 units) Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $600 per unit (about $36,000 total)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.5 GPA in last 60 semester units (3.0+ recommended; Advanced Standing requires 3.5 in a CSWE-accredited BSW)
- Significant volunteer or work experience in social services preferred (especially with underserved communities)
- Three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a résumé
University of the Pacific – Hybrid Master of Social Work
The innovative hybrid MSW at this university in Sacramento/Stockton blends online learning with weekly in-person classes for a highly engaging cohort experience. This program focuses on producing clinical social workers skilled in behavioral health and healthcare.
Students meet on campus once a week to connect with faculty and peers while completing other coursework online. Field placements (1,104 hours total) are arranged in the local community, and unique training opportunities are available, such as a diabetes care specialization funded by the Abbott Scholarship.
Duration: 16 months full-time (4 trimesters year-round) for the traditional MSW (55 credit hours); an Advanced Standing hybrid track (for BSW holders) is available, completed in 12 months
Mode: Hybrid format – 67% online coursework and 33% face-to-face instruction.
Cost: $1,025 per credit (55 credits, $56,375 total) for the hybrid program. The fully online MSW costs $983 per credit (about $54,065 total).
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college, with a minimum 2.75 GPA
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)
- Personal statement outlining interest in social work and any relevant experience
- Current résumé
- An admissions interview may be requested after application review
MSW Fields of Study: Top Choices
California’s diverse population and robust social services sector create demand across many specialties. Below are five top MSW fields of study in the state, each including typical roles, earning potential, job outlook, and availability through online MSW programs.
These specializations align with common MSW concentrations and address areas of high need, strong return on investment, and growth in California’s job market.
Child and Family Social Work
This area focuses on protecting children and supporting families in crisis. Professionals in this field work in child welfare agencies such as Child Protective Services, in foster care, with family service nonprofits, and at adoption agencies. Demand is steady in California’s public sector, where large caseloads and social challenges drive hiring of MSW-prepared social workers.
While salaries in child welfare are moderate, many positions offer loan forgiveness or stipends (such as Title IV-E) that improve ROI. Many online MSW programs (including SJSU and CSU campuses) offer a Child and Family concentration or Title IV-E stipend options to prepare students for this rewarding field.
School Social Work
A specialized field addressing students’ social-emotional and mental health needs within K-12 schools, graduates in school social work often work with at-risk youth, coordinating with teachers and parents, and implementing programs to improve student well-being and academic outcomes. In California, school social workers are in high demand as districts expand support services. Salaries are competitive with teacher pay; experienced school social workers in CA can earn $70k–$100k in larger districts.
Online MSW programs like USC and CSU Long Beach include school social work tracks or credential pathways, allowing students to complete required coursework and practicum, often in school settings, largely online. ROI is strong given the solid pay, benefits, and schedule aligned with school calendars.
Healthcare Social Work
This is one of the highest-paying social work fields in California. Medical social workers serve in hospitals, clinics, hospices, and public health settings, helping patients navigate illness, discharge planning, and psychosocial needs. California leads the nation with an average salary of about $67,430 for healthcare social workers.
Many online MSW programs offer specializations in Health/Behavioral Health or integrated healthcare. Programs such as Pacific’s Healthcare concentration or USC’s Adult Mental Health & Wellness track prepare students through courses in health policy, integrated care, and a medical social work field placement.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work
Working with substance abuse or mental health concerns is a core MSW field with significant growth and need in California. Licensed clinical social workers provide therapy, crisis intervention, and case management in mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, addiction treatment centers, and private practice. California has one of the highest employment levels of mental health and substance abuse social workers, and salaries average around $63,870.
Through an online MSW, students complete courses in assessment, psychotherapy, and addiction treatment, along with supervised internships that are often in mental health agencies. All California online MSWs are designed to fulfill LCSW educational requirements, so graduates can pursue licensure and directly contribute to the growing mental health workforce.
Macro and Community Social Work (Administration/Policy)
Social policy, program administration, and community organizing are the four main tenets of working in the community or macro social work field. Macro social workers take on roles such as program manager, community organizer, policy analyst, or nonprofit director. Salaries for community and social service managers in California are strong – the median is about $78,240, with experienced managers earning over $100,000.
The impact of this work can be far-reaching, influencing systems and policies; however, ROI depends on career trajectory. Students learn about program evaluation, leadership, and policy advocacy, often completing a field placement in administration or community development.
Understanding Accreditation for Online MSW Programs
In California, it’s important to graduate from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for licensure eligibility. Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets national quality standards and adequately prepares students for professional practice.
Additionally, universities should have earned regional accreditation (in California, that’s the WASC’s Senior College and University Commission) to ensure overall academic credibility.
Accredited online programs issue the same degree as on-campus programs, and the diploma typically does not indicate “online.” This means a well-accredited online MSW from a California school will be recognized by employers and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), which licenses mental health professionals.
Student Choices: Different Types of Online MSW Programs
Online MSW programs in California come in various formats to suit different needs. Below is an overview of three common program types – part-time, accelerated, and no-GRE – with the benefits of each one. Knowing these options can help you choose a program that fits your schedule and qualifications.
Part-Time Online MSW ProgramsThese programs extend the degree timeline to accommodate working students or those with other obligations. Part-time online MSW pathways typically take three to four years to complete instead of the usual two years.
Students enroll in a reduced course load each term and may have more flexibility with internship scheduling. Be mindful that part-time programs still require intensive fieldwork hours, so a flexible job or supportive employer can be important.
Accelerated (Advanced Standing) Programs
Accelerated MSW programs enable students to finish faster, often in about 12 to 18 months, by leveraging previous social work education.
The most common accelerated option is the Advanced Standing MSW, open to students who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work. Advanced standing students skip the foundational first-year courses and jump into the specialized year of the MSW, significantly reducing the credits needed.
No-GRE Admission Programs
Many online MSW programs in California now waive the GRE requirement, making admission more accessible. The rationale is that experience and academics predict success better than a test.
This is a relief for students who fear standardized tests or want to avoid the extra cost and time of GRE prep. Just ensure you meet the other criteria of a No-GRE program, such as minimum GPA and letters of recommendation.
Cost of Online MSW Programs in California
The cost of an online MSW in California generally falls between $35,000 and $110,000 in total tuition; public state universities tend to be on the lower end, while private universities cost more. Cost per credit is a useful comparison for the two options in California: it ranges from roughly $500–$800 at public schools to $1,000–$2,200 at private schools.
Keep in mind that these figures usually exclude campus fees, books, and living expenses. One advantage: many California online MSW programs charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students in their extended education programs.
| University | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José State University | 60 | $600 | $36,000 |
| University of Southern California | 48 | $2,201 | $105,656 |
| University of the Pacific | 55 | $983 | $54,065 |
MSW Student FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Are California social work businesses and programs hiring earners of online MSWs?
Yes, California agencies and clinics regularly hire graduates of online MSW programs, including from high-profile universities like USC. In fact, the rise of quality online programs means most employers have become comfortable with online degrees.
Your internship experience and licensure will speak loudest. Just ensure you attend an accredited program so your degree is credible – if you do, you can confidently present your online MSW in the job market.
Do I need to visit campus during an online MSW program?
Usually not. The majority of online MSW programs in California are designed to be completed 100% online with no on-campus residency requirements. All coursework, class discussions, and even components like a virtual field practicum can be done remotely.
A few programs offer optional campus immersions or have a hybrid format like Pacific’s hybrid track with weekly campus classes, but if you choose a fully online track, you will not have to travel to campus.
How do field placements work for online MSW students?
Field education for online MSW programs is arranged to be completed in your local community, with coordination from the university. Online programs have dedicated field placement offices that help match you to an approved local agency.
Once placed, you’ll perform the typical master’s degree student internship duties under an on-site supervisor, just like campus-based students do. California online MSW students intern at a range of agencies – mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, nonprofits – depending on their interest area.
What financial aid and scholarships can help with my MSW?
MSW students in California have several financial aid options to offset tuition. First, you should complete the FAFSA – online MSW students often qualify for federal aid like Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. Universities may offer merit scholarships or partnership discounts, such as for military or alumni.
California is also home to Title IV-E stipends, a well-known program that covers tuition for students who commit to work in public child welfare. Additionally, some counties and state departments offer mental health training stipends.
What are the social work licensing requirements in California?
In California, you need to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Among the steps are graduating with an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, registering as an associate clinical social worker with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and completing 3,000 hours of supervised social work over a two-year period.
Next, you must pass the California Law and Ethics Exam and the ASWB Clinical Exam. Once that all takes place, you can apply for the LCSW license. You must renew it every two years and complete 36 hours of continuing education.
Social Worker Career Outlook for Graduates
| Area ↕ | Occupation ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Social Workers | $39,580 | $104,580 | $63,770 |
| California | Social Workers | $41,060 | $120,870 | $63,680 |
| Bakersfield, CA | Social Workers | $37,610 | $91,940 | $45,680 |
| Chico, CA | Social Workers | $46,830 | $103,880 | $74,070 |
| Fresno, CA | Social Workers | $38,250 | $99,380 | $57,120 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | Social Workers | $52,130 | $79,320 | $67,670 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | Social Workers | $41,060 | $117,310 | $62,820 |
| Modesto, CA | Social Workers | $39,050 | $93,140 | $62,610 |
| Napa, CA | Social Workers | $48,780 | $132,340 | $87,730 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | Social Workers | $36,260 | $95,890 | $51,660 |
| Redding, CA | Social Workers | $43,350 | $93,870 | $59,680 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | Social Workers | $38,870 | $124,400 | $83,350 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | Social Workers | $40,260 | $122,100 | $60,030 |
| Salinas, CA | Social Workers | $57,050 | $119,660 | $78,840 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | Social Workers | $39,660 | $127,960 | $65,400 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | Social Workers | $46,680 | $124,160 | $67,140 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | Social Workers | $47,180 | $126,690 | $75,400 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | Social Workers | $52,820 | $113,760 | $77,020 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | Social Workers | $42,380 | $136,180 | $61,250 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | Social Workers | $41,770 | $118,270 | $88,720 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | Social Workers | $53,100 | $135,220 | $98,710 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | Social Workers | $39,800 | $128,400 | $59,030 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | Social Workers | $50,440 | $130,210 | $75,090 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | Social Workers | $37,880 | $62,480 | $46,000 |
| Yuba City, CA | Social Workers | $38,290 | $109,900 | $66,870 |
Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Occupation ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Social Workers | 68,400 | 72,900 | 4,500 | 6.6% |
| California | Social Workers | 8,700 | 9,900 | 1,200 | 13.8% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.