If you’re considering becoming a social worker, it is important to acquire the relevant education and training. Depending on the role you’re aiming for and the license you wish to secure, a Master of Social Work (MSW) may be necessary. In California, there are a number of schools that offer MSW programs. Before you pick one, there are some basic things to know about MSW programs in California—from education requirements to career opportunities post-graduation.

The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2020. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.  

Various California MSW programs offer one- to four-year plans to earn an MSW degree. Many MSW degree programs in California are offered both on-campus and online for distance learning.

In an MSW program, students can generally expect to learn how to practice social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students learn about how to model ethical and professional social work behavior, how to engage in research-informed practice and how to assess, intervene and evaluate the clients and populations they work with. The following is a list of Council on Social Work (CSWE)-accredited programs in California.

Many schools in California that offer MSW programs also have online MSW programs. With asynchronous content, students can access coursework from their devices when it’s convenient for them.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

• CSWE-accredited
• No GRE requirement
• Complete in as few as one and a half years

Request more info from Case Western Reserve University.

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Learn more about MSW programs:

There are many opportunities to study social work and earn a social work degree in California. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is responsible for accrediting bachelor’s and master’s in social work programs in the state. According to a 2020 CSWE report (PDF, 1.4 MB), California schools produced 5.9% of bachelor’s in social work degrees and 12% of MSW degrees for the 2019-2020 academic year. California conferred more master’s in social work degrees than any other state.

View our page on social work licensure or our state-specific page to learn about what it takes to become a social worker in California.

While admissions requirements vary by school, some MSW programs in California require you to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher. Some programs also require you to pass the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Other MSW programs may have additional requirements to help determine your readiness for the course of study. Some require you to have taken an undergraduate statistics course and spent a certain number of hours volunteering, interning, or working with a diverse, vulnerable population. 

Curriculum for many MSW programs in California includes coursework in counseling, social work intervention, social welfare, social justice and diversity. 

Alongside these core courses, some universities offer specialized courses and electives. These may include courses on micro-theory and human development, diversity and social justice, and organizing for community change. Other MSW programs offer classes on human behavior and the social environment, marginalized populations and social work with survivors of human trafficking.

In addition, MSW programs include field work with community organizations, school districts, inmate services, foster care agencies and more. By teaching social work skills, practices, ethics and communication methods, MSW curricula can help to prepare you to work in a variety of settings.

What Can I Do with an MSW Degree in CA?

An MSW is required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. That license allows you to provide clinical services or psychotherapy. But the field of social work is vast, which means your day-to-day duties may not be limited to the clinical sphere. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that California had the highest level of employment of social workers in 2022 of all 50 states. 

If you have a master’s degree and a license to practice in California, you may be able to pursue a career in social work. As you set out on the path to become a social worker, you may want to consider where it is that you want to work as well as who you want to work with. An MSW degree may prepare you for a social work position at a welfare or adoption agency, hospital, drug clinic or prison, among other places.

• Some social workers end up in educational services as a school social worker, supporting children, families and school staff. 
• Others work with members of the military and their families as a military social worker—teaching them how to navigate the complex life challenges that come with the work they do. Still, others may work for federal or state governments as a social work administrator. 
• A typical day in the life of a child and family social worker can vary, from helping families find housing and apply for food stamps to intervening to protect children from abuse and helping find a foster or adoption family. If you work at a school, you may be tasked with supporting teachers and administrators to deal with issues like bullying, aggression or repeated absences.
• For healthcare social workers, a typical day may include helping patients transition from the hospital to their home, providing information about support groups or home healthcare and advising doctors on how a disease may affect a patient’s mental health.
• Other social workers help clients overcome substance use disorder or balance their mental health through 12-step programs or related healthcare services.

Social work salaries can vary depending on your specialization, location and level of education. In California, social workers across various specialties earn an average of about $66,000 to $88,000 per year, according to 2022 data from BLS.

How much does an MSW program cost? How long does it take to become a social worker? Is it worth it? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about MSW programs in California.

For more information about becoming a clinical social worker in California, review the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ table of LCSW licensure requirements.

Last updated in October 2023.