Part Time MSW Programs in California: Complete Guide for 2025

Part-time MSW programs in California help you move up in your social work career while keeping your current job. You’ll find 29 accredited MSW programs throughout the state that match your needs – whether you want something flexible, affordable, or focused on specific areas.

A full-time MSW takes about two years to finish. The part-time path stretches to three years and works better for professionals who already have jobs. Costs can vary by a lot in California – you might pay anywhere from $510 to $1,150 per credit. The good news is organizations like the California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) give out stipends to help with these costs.

These days, many schools offer their part-time MSW programs online or in mixed formats. CSU Northridge lets you complete all your coursework online. CSU San Bernardino welcomes students from anywhere in the US to join their online part-time program. On top of that, schools like CSU Chico mix online learning with just two or three weekend sessions each semester. This gives you both flexibility and hands-on experience.

Want to find a part-time MSW program that fits your career plans and schedule? Let’s look at California’s top seven options for 2025.

California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge sits right in the heart of Los Angeles County’s San Fernando Valley. The university’s Tseng College runs one of the most available part-time MSW programs in California. Students benefit from a program that combines academic excellence with scheduling that works for professionals.

Program overview

CSUN’s Master of Social Work program shines with its urban community practice focus. The program prepares students to work with vulnerable and at-risk populations. Rather than narrowing down to specialties, CSUN takes a broader path. Their advanced generalist curriculum gives graduates the ability to work at all levels: individual/family (micro), group/community (mezzo), and societal/policy (macro).

Students learn to help communities and support social justice through social, political, and systemic change with an intersectionality lens. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program. This accreditation helps graduates qualify for licensure exams after they complete their supervised hours.

The program’s results speak for themselves. 91% of MSW graduates find employment or receive promotions after finishing. CSUN ranks first as a talent provider for social workers, marriage and family therapists, counselors, and related professions in the Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim regions.

Delivery format

Students can choose from several scheduling options:

• Two-year full-time format: Classes run two days weekly during daytime hours through four semesters. Students intern two days weekly in year one and three days weekly in year two.
• Three-year part-time format: Classes meet two evenings weekly across eight semesters, including two summers. Students complete internships two days weekly for two of the three years, usually during the first and second years.
• Online options: Both two-year and three-year online formats are available. The part-time online program features classes you can watch anytime. Students usually join one live evening session each week.

Every program uses a cohort model. Students move through their courses together as a group. This creates a supportive learning community and guarantees spots in required courses. Field education requires approximately 1,000 hours. Students complete 400-600 hours in the foundation year and 500-700 in the concentration year.

Specializations offered

The program offers an Advanced Generalist Practice specialization. This gives students more career options than narrowly focused programs. Graduates can work in healthcare centers, schools, community organizations, and government agencies.

The advanced generalist focus covers:

• Human behavior and social environment
• Social work theory and practice in multicultural contexts
• Psychosocial assessment and diagnostic formulation
• Advanced social work practice with urban families
• Family crisis, trauma, and grief
• Urban social policy and advocacy

While there aren’t traditional concentrations, students gain skills they can use in many practice areas.

Admission requirements

The MSW program needs applicants to:

• Have a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Be in good academic standing at their last college
• Hold a minimum 2.5 GPA overall or in the last 60 semester units

Strong candidates usually have:

• A bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, liberal arts, or similar fields with a 3.0+ GPA
• Work experience after college (though no academic credit for prior life/work experience)
• Signs of personal maturity and commitment to social justice

You’ll need to submit:

• A completed online application with $70 non-refundable fee
• Your personal statement and resume
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools
• Three letters of recommendation

Non-U.S. degree holders and international students must meet English proficiency requirements. They need minimum TOEFL scores of 85 (internet-based) or equivalent scores on other accepted tests.

Tuition and fees

Your residency status determines your tuition:

California residents pay about $17,048 for the entire program. The per-unit cost runs $813, bringing the 60-unit program total to approximately $48,780 (tuition only).

Out-of-state students pay around $40,808. They must add $420 per unit to standard tuition (increasing to $444 per unit in Fall 2025).

Other costs include:

• University application fee: $70 (non-refundable)
• Books and supplies: varies by program
• Graduation application fee: $47

Financial aid options exist, and military veterans might qualify for educational benefits through CSUN’s Veterans Affairs Office.

Best for:

This MSW program works great for:

• Students drawn to urban community practice in multicultural environments
• People looking for flexible part-time MSW programs in California with evening or online options
• Working professionals who like structured cohort learning with guaranteed course spots
• Students passionate about community-based advocacy and direct service
• Future social workers wanting a generalist approach instead of narrow specialization
• Those who value an intersectional, anti-racist, trauma-informed viewpoint

The program’s graduates do well as direct service providers, administrators, community advocates, counselors, policy makers, and researchers in a variety of settings. The San Fernando Valley location offers unique chances to understand and tackle urban community challenges in northern Los Angeles.

San Jose State University

San Jose State University’s Master of Social Work program has grown significantly since 1969. The program started with a focus on Spanish-speaking populations and has become one of California’s most culturally responsive part-time MSW programs. Located in Silicon Valley’s heart, this program combines academic excellence with flexible schedules that work well for busy professionals.

Program overview

SJSU’s MSW program prepares social work professionals at the advanced generalist level. Students learn to practice effectively and ethically from a transcultural point of view. The curriculum focuses on working with Latino communities, other minority groups, and populations who face marginalization or oppression.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the program since 1973. Students move through foundation year classes together in cohorts. This approach builds a supportive learning community and helps students progress consistently through their studies.

The program’s transcultural point of view sets it apart. This perspective runs through all courses and shows the program’s steadfast dedication to social justice, diverse cultural strengths, and community well-being.

Delivery format

Students can choose from three MSW program models at SJSU:

1. Full-time on-campus MSW program
2. Three-year on-campus evening-only MSW program
3. Online/hybrid MSW program

The part-time online/hybrid option works well if you have a job or live anywhere in California. This format includes:

• Online academic courses during weekday evenings (after 6:00 PM)
• Self-paced learning components
• In-person internship requirements

Online/hybrid students must complete 60 units over two years of part-time study. The program includes 1,200 internship hours (about 16 hours weekly). Students usually complete these hours during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

Students should know that evening-only and weekend-only internships are rare. California residency is required because all study and internship components must happen within the state.

Specializations offered

The MSW program uses an advanced generalist curriculum based on the Transcultural Multi-Systems Generalist Perspective. Students can focus on:

• Children, youth, and families
• Health and mental health
• Health and aging (pilot phase in online/hybrid program)

Students learn specialized skills to work with minority populations and communities in need. They develop abilities to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities from a transcultural point of view.

Admission requirements

Regular MSW program applicants need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (any field)
• At least 2.5 GPA (overall or in last 60 semester units)
• Experience in social work (volunteer, internship, or paid work)
• Liberal arts background shown in transcripts
• Personal statements, writing sample, resume, and three recommendations

International students must meet English language requirements: TOEFL scores of 550 (paper-based), 80 (internet-based), or 213 (computer-based), or IELTS score of 6.5.

Students must apply through Cal State Apply and the MSW Program Application Portal. The program accepts California residents only.

Tuition and fees

The online/hybrid MSW program costs per unit:

Fees go up about 5% each year starting Fall 2025. The 60-unit program costs about $36,000 at current rates.

The university can change fees with approval from the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, or campus President. Eligible students can apply for financial aid.

Best for:

This part-time MSW program works great if you:

• Want evening classes and flexible schedules while working
• Care about learning social work from a transcultural point of view
• Plan to work with Latino communities and other minority populations
• Live in California and need online courses with some in-person components
• Want advanced generalist education with specialized knowledge
• Like learning with a consistent group of peers for support

Silicon Valley’s location gives students a chance to understand and help diverse communities in one of California’s most dynamic areas.

California State University, Long Beach

CSU Long Beach shines bright for aspiring social workers with its flexible part-time MSW program. CSULB’s School of Social Work provides complete training that focuses on ecological and systems viewpoints. Students learn to tackle complex social challenges in various communities.

Program overview

CSULB’s Master of Social Work program needs 60 semester units through a curriculum the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited. Students become skilled at working as professional social workers with individuals, families, groups, communities, and institutions. They also develop expertise in their chosen concentration.

The program’s ecological and systems viewpoints highlight how individuals interact with various environments. This approach will give graduates the tools to work with different populations, promote change in multiple settings, create fair access for disenfranchised communities, and advance social justice.

Students must complete two 500-hour field placements along with their coursework. These placements are significant for building practical skills and professional networks before graduation.

Delivery format

Students can complete their MSW degree through three program plans:

• 2-Year Program: Full-time study with a heavier course load each semester
• 3-Year Program: Part-time option with a more manageable schedule for working professionals
• Advanced Standing: Accelerated option for recent BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs

The 3-year part-time program offers great balance for working professionals. The Distance Education option follows the 3-year plan with Saturday classes. This innovative format includes:

• Teleconferencing with Long Beach campus faculty
• Occasional in-person instruction for hands-on learning
• Local field placements during the second and third years
• Support from a local site coordinator

Students can access distance education sites in Sonoma County and Ventura County areas throughout California.

Specializations offered

The program offers three specialized concentrations:

1. Child and Family Wellbeing: Students learn strength-based and evidence-based approaches for working with children and families. This path leads to careers in child protective services, schools, and community organizations.
2. Adulthood and Aging: The focus lies on enhancing adult and older adult functioning. Students explore aging through biomedical, psychological, socioeconomic, spiritual, and cultural lenses. This path suits roles in adult protective services, caregiver support, dementia care, and hospice.
3. Integrated Health: Students learn to handle physical, behavioral health, and substance use challenges with evidence-based methods. Graduates find success in primary care facilities, behavioral health agencies, hospitals, and long-term care settings.

Admission requirements

Candidates need to meet these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (completion by Spring 2025)
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Elementary Statistics prerequisite course with a grade of “C” or better
• Complete application packet including:
  • Personal and professional statement
  • Three references (combination of academic and professional)
  • Resume showing work, internship, and volunteer experience

Tuition and fees

Tuition changes based on program format and residency status:

Part-time students (0-6 units) pay about $2,411 per semester. Full-time students (7+ units) pay around $3,689 per semester. These amounts include mandatory campus fees beyond basic tuition.

Best for:

CSULB’s part-time MSW program fits perfectly for:

• Working professionals who want Saturday-only classes through distance education
• Students seeking specialized training in child welfare, aging, or integrated health
• Those who value practical learning through extensive field placements
• California residents looking for a CSWE-accredited program with flexible scheduling
• Students who prefer strength-based, evidence-based approaches to social work
• Aspiring social workers who like a cohort model with peer support

CSULB runs one of California’s longest-running part-time MSW programs. The program started its distance education in 1995 and has produced about 385 MSW graduates through this innovative format.

California State University, Chico

CSU Chico runs one of California’s most practical part-time MSW programs through its Distributed Learning (DL) format. The program serves rural and underserved communities. The School of Social Work helps students build careers in human services while letting them keep their day jobs.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work at CSU Chico follows an advanced generalist practice model with full CSWE accreditation. Graduates can work in many settings like healthcare, education, government agencies, mental health, rehabilitation, criminal justice, and community services.

Students can choose from three program formats:

• A traditional two-year campus-based program
• A three-year part-time Distributed Learning option
• A one-year accelerated advanced standing track for BSW holders

Social work ranks among the fastest-growing professions. The U.S. Department of Labor projects growth of almost 20% through 2022. CSU Chico meets this need by bringing quality education to professionals across Northern California.

Delivery format

The MSW Distributed Learning program blends online learning with some on-campus sessions. Students take 67% of courses online and 33% face-to-face. The program structure has:

• Campus visits just 2-3 weekends each semester
• Live class sessions on Zoom webinar platform
• Both real-time and self-paced learning
• Students moving through the curriculum as a group

Traditional students must complete 1,200 hours of field practicum, while advanced standing students need 720 hours. Many students can use their workplace for internships, which works well for working professionals.

Specializations offered

Students can pick from two specializations in the advanced generalist curriculum:

1. Social Work Practice in Mental Health Services (MH): Students learn assessment, intervention, and support methods for people with mental health challenges
2. Social Work Practice in Families, Children and Youth Services (FCY): Students gain skills to help young populations and family systems

Both paths build on the advanced generalist foundation while adding focused expertise.

Admission requirements

Students must have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• A 3.0 GPA minimum (lower GPAs might work if you explain your situation)
• For advanced standing: A BSW earned in the last 5 years

You’ll need to submit:

• Cal State Apply online application by January 15
• Three recommendation letters from academic and professional sources
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• A personal statement

The Distributed Learning format accepts only domestic students.

Tuition and fees

Graduate tuition for 2024-2025 costs:

Summer 2025 costs $290 per unit plus an $8 one-time campus fee.

The Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program can provide up to $25,000 yearly. Students must work in child welfare services after graduation.

Best for:

This part-time MSW program fits well for:

• Northern California professionals who want a flexible hybrid format
• People drawn to rural social work
• Public child welfare or tribal agency workers eligible for Title IV-E stipends
• Students who like learning in groups
• Professionals who can attend weekend sessions but prefer online classes
• Those wanting to specialize in mental health or family/child/youth services

The next three-year group starts Fall 2024. Applications open Fall 2023. This program lets professionals advance their social work careers without moving or quitting their jobs.

California State University, San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino stands out from other part-time MSW programs in California. Students can choose between online and dual-campus options. The School of Social Work creates pathways that work well for professionals who want to advance their credentials.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work program at CSUSB follows an advanced generalist model. Students learn both micro practice skills to work with individuals, families, and groups, and macro practice skills to work with organizations and communities. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program, which ensures graduates meet professional standards.

Students learn to provide culturally-sensitive community welfare services with a special focus on Latino health services. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on practicum education. CSUSB MSW students made a significant impact by contributing 86,520 practicum hours valued at nearly $750,000 in 2023.

Delivery format

The program adapts to different student needs through multiple formats:

• Two-Year Program: Students complete 60 units in four semesters
• Three-Year Program: Students spread 60 units over six semesters
• Advanced Standing Program: BSW holders complete 35 units in 12 months (1-year option) or 5 semesters (2-year option)

Professional students can join the part-time online “Pathway Distance Education Program.” This cohort-based approach lets students progress together through a three-year curriculum. Students complete most work on their own schedule but must attend three two-day on-campus orientations (one each year).

Specializations offered

Students start with foundational coursework and then design their own specializations in the advanced generalist concentration. They can focus on:

• Client populations: minorities, refugees, gang members, rural residents, senior citizens, families, and LGBTQ+ communities
• Fields of practice: child welfare, correctional services, gerontology, mental health, physical rehabilitation
• Societal issues: poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, ethnocentrism, HIV/AIDS

Students take 52 units of foundational courses before moving to 38 units of concentration coursework.

Admission requirements

Students need to meet these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 undergraduate units (students with 2.8+ GPA might qualify with a strong application)
• One year of full-time social work experience
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement and writing sample

Summer admission applications run from August to October, while fall enrollment applications open from October to January.

Tuition and fees

Eligible students can receive financial support through Title IV-E Child Welfare Training stipends ($18,500 annually) and Integrated Behavioral Health Program stipends ($9,250 annually).

Best for:

The program works well for:

• Professionals who need flexible online learning
• Students drawn to Latino health services
• People who want to create custom specializations
• Professionals pursuing dual MSW/MPA degrees (available in two and three-year formats)
• County employees who qualify for Title IV-E stipends
• Students living 50+ miles from campus who prefer distance education

University of Southern California (USC)

The Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at University of Southern California stands out with its elite yet available part-time MSW programs in California. USC distinguishes itself among private institutions by combining academic excellence with flexible scheduling that working professionals need.

Program overview

USC’s Master of Social Work requires 48 units of coursework paired with comprehensive field education. Students progress from generalist training to specialized practice and learn to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program builds on foundation courses before students advance to specialized practice. Students learn evidence-based and evidence-informed practices, which include state-of-the-art fields like artificial intelligence and neuroscience.

Delivery format

USC offers multiple formats that help professionals balance work and life:

• Part-time online: Complete in 3-4 years with 100% online classes
• Part-time on-campus: Evening classes over 28 months
• Hybrid option: First year on campus, second year online

Online students engage in weekly live, face-to-face virtual sessions with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Field education provides over 1,000 hours of practicum training with 700+ agency partners.

Specializations offered

Students can choose one of five specialized tracks:

• Adult Mental Health and Wellness: Emphasizes behavioral theory and neuroscience
• Children, Youth and Families: Equips professionals to promote children and supportive family services
• Social Change and Innovation: Tackles society’s pressing issues on broader scales
• School and Educational Settings: Operates at student, community, and leadership levels
• Military Populations and Settings: Focuses on evidence-based practices for military communities

Admission requirements

You’ll need these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA
• 18 units of interdisciplinary liberal arts coursework
• Service experience preferred (1-2 years social work-related experience)
• Application package with resume, recommendations, transcripts, and personal statements

Tuition and fees

The 2025-2026 tuition runs $2,256 per unit, with total program costs around $108,298. Students should budget for health insurance ($2,296-$4,441) and other student fees.

Best for:

This program works great if you:

• Want a prestigious degree with flexible scheduling
• Have interest in military social work or specialized tracks
• Need both synchronous and asynchronous online options
• Seek evidence-based practice training in specialized areas

Fresno State University

Fresno State University has one of the most affordable part-time MSW programs in California with its integrated approach to social work practice. The Department of Social Work Education helps students develop skills to work with at-risk populations and address social service needs.

Program overview

The MSW program at Fresno State prepares social workers for agency and community-based practice. Students learn traditional and non-traditional methods to promote well-being, personal growth, and social justice while working with disadvantaged groups. The program’s foundation lies in liberal arts and a person-in-environment framework. This prepares students to practice culturally responsive, advanced multisystemic work in the Central Valley, state, and globally.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited this 60-unit program. This ensures graduates meet professional standards for licensure and practice.

Delivery format

The program offers two flexible formats:

• Two-year full-time program: Complete coursework over four semesters
• Four-year part-time program: Spread coursework over eight semesters

Both options use a concurrent classroom-field model. Specific days each week are devoted to classroom learning along with field practicum. Field placements need two 9-month internships scheduled on weekdays between 8am-5pm.

Specializations offered

Students select from three specialized tracks in their advanced year:

• Child Welfare (CW): Has Title IV-E training program option
• School Social Work (SSW): Has Pupil Personnel Services credential
• Behavioral Health & Integrated Practice (BHIP): Focuses on mental health and integrated care

Admission requirements

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA is required. Students with GPAs between 2.5-3.0 must explain their potential for success.

Non-social work majors need these three prerequisites:

1. Research Methods/Data Analysis
2. Human Biological Development
3. Cultural Diversity (upper division course)

Tuition and fees

Graduate students will pay these rates for 2025-2026:

Starting Fall 2025, non-resident students pay an extra $444 per unit. California residents pay approximately $14,352 for the complete program, while out-of-state students pay $38,112.

Best for:

Without doubt, this program suits:

• Budget-conscious students looking for one of California’s most affordable MSW programs
• Students interested in child welfare who can get Title IV-E stipends ($18,500/year)
• Professionals who want to serve diverse populations in the Central Valley
• Students seeking cross-cultural competency and gerontological specialist certificates

Choosing the Right Part-Time MSW Program for Your Social Work Career

Looking at these seven outstanding part-time MSW programs in California will give you a better idea of your educational options. Each program has its own advantages through flexible schedules, specialized focus areas, and innovative formats that work well for professionals.

The cost varies a lot between schools. State universities like Fresno State offer budget-friendly options at $14,352 for California residents. Private institutions like USC are a bigger investment at $108,298. Financial aid through CalSWEC and Title IV-E stipends makes these programs available whatever your budget looks like.

These programs come in different formats so you can get your MSW while keeping up with work and life. CSU San Bernardino runs fully online programs. CSU Chico uses a hybrid model with just 2-3 weekend sessions each semester. You can pick a learning style that fits your schedule and preferences.

You’ll find specializations in many practice areas. San Jose State focuses on transcultural perspectives. USC has specialized tracks for military populations. CSU Northridge provides advanced generalist training that works in a variety of settings. These focus areas help you match your education to your career goals.

CSWE accreditation is standard across these programs. This ensures quality education and prepares you for getting licensed after graduation. Field education ranges from 900-1,200 hours and gives you hands-on experience with qualified supervision.

Several factors will shape your program choice: where you live, your budget, what you want to specialize in, your schedule, and career goals. Programs have different admission requirements and deadlines, so research early to secure your spot in these competitive programs.

A part-time MSW is an investment in your future. California offers exceptional options that fit different needs while delivering excellent education. This piece gives you the information you need to take your next step toward an influential social work career.