Best Social Work Schools in California

Want to find the best social work colleges in California? You’re looking at the powerhouse state for social work education. California leads the nation in producing master’s degrees in social work and employs more social workers than any other state.

Social work is the 13th most popular degree program nationwide. The state’s graduates enjoy impressive earning potential. USC’s graduates earn $17,263 more than the average social work graduate. Social workers’ salaries in the state range from $66,000 to $88,000 based on their specialty and location. These figures surpass the early-career average of $44,119.

California’s social work colleges have gained recognition for boosting economic mobility among low-income students in the new 2025 rankings. Top programs at USC, UC Berkeley, and San Diego State University offer excellent opportunities. This piece will help you discover California’s top social work programs and launch your rewarding career.

1. University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California leads social work education as one of the best colleges for social work in California. USC created a groundbreaking approach to social work education that combines casework, group work, and community organization. This model now shapes curricula across the country.

USC Overview

Founded in 1920, USC became the western United States’ first school of social work. The school consistently ranks among the nation’s top accredited social work graduate programs in U.S. News & World Report. The Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through innovative teaching and research that reshapes the scene. USC’s commitment to moral responsibility started with student volunteers who served immigrant populations in Los Angeles settlement houses.

USC Social Work Programs Explained

USC’s Master of Social Work program needs 48 units of coursework built on an integrated approach that naturally combines practice, policy, and research. The curriculum focuses on culturally-responsive and evidence-informed practice through five specialized tracks:

• Adult Mental Health & Wellness
• Children, Youth and Families
• Social Change and Innovation
• School and Educational Settings
• Military Populations and Settings

Students complete 1,200 hours of practicum training with access to over 700 agency partners. The program offers flexible formats including in-person, online, or hybrid options. Students can complete their degree in 12-36 months.

USC Career Outcomes

USC graduates find success in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The school’s career development services include resume assistance, career counseling, and job search support. The school also provides extensive resources to students pursuing Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. These credentials allow independent practice and better professional opportunities.

USC Tuition & Financial Aid

The school awards scholarships to more than 65% of incoming on-ground MSW students. While scholarships don’t cover all attendance costs, students can access various financial aid options. These include Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. USC’s City Year scholarships range from $3,750 to $15,000 yearly to qualifying AmeriCorps members and alumni.

2. University of California – Berkeley

UC Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare has been the leader among colleges in California for social work since 1944. The school is tied for 4th out of 319 social work schools nationwide. This 79-year old institution focuses on evidence-informed practice and is one of the best colleges for social work in California through innovative research and education.

UC Berkeley Overview

Berkeley Social Welfare’s small faculty has consistently ranked as the country’s most productive group of social welfare scholars. The school’s story began in 1904 with Professor Jessica Blanche Peixotto, Berkeley’s second female Ph.D. recipient, who started teaching sociology courses. A graduate-level social work curriculum emerged in 1918, which led to an independent Department of Social Welfare in 1939.

Social Work Program Highlights

Berkeley’s degree paths include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare (through College of Letters and Science)
• Master of Social Welfare (MSW)
• D. in Social Welfare
• Concurrent degree options (MSW/MPH, MSW/MPP, MSW/JD)

The MSW program features a two-year, full-time curriculum requiring 60 units of coursework. Students complete 24 units of practicum education with two distinct field placements. Eight research units at Berkeley focus on child welfare, digital health, aging services, and more.

UC Berkeley Career Outcomes

Graduates serve as “agents of social change through direct practice, agency management, policymaking, and leading new discoveries”. The school’s career resources include the Job Seekers’ Listserv, alumni LinkedIn networking, and mutually beneficial alliances with the UC Berkeley Career Center. Students connect with the National Association of Social Workers and access California Labor Market Information to explore employment prospects.

Tuition & Financial Aid

UC Berkeley Graduate Professional Fees apply to students, including Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition and health insurance fees. The department typically offers funding opportunities at admission time. Students with incomes below $80,000 might qualify for UC’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, which eliminates tuition costs. Berkeley also provides specialized support through emergency loans, the Basic Needs Center, and programs for graduate student parents.

3. San Diego State University (SDSU)

San Diego State University ranks as the #1 social work program within the California State University system and #4 among all social work schools in California. The university shows its steadfast dedication to excellence through rigorous curriculum and community service.

SDSU Overview

SDSU’s School of Social Work has helped shape over 7,000 social workers who now lead professional roles across California and worldwide. Students completed 155,000 service hours in community settings last year alone. The school excels in interdisciplinary approaches and has earned recognition at regional, state, national, and international levels for its outstanding education, research, and service.

Social Work Program Highlights

Students can get their social work degrees through flexible 1, 2, 3, and 4-year MSW program plans. The curriculum covers:

• Social work practice, human behavior, and cultural pluralism
• Social policy, macro-level practice, and research
• Specialized elective seminars in child welfare, aging, alcohol and other drugs, and family studies

Field work practicum experiences are required for undergraduate and graduate programs. The MSW Program offers two distinct concentration methods—Direct Practice/Clinical or Administration and Community Development. Students can specialize in mental health, children/youth/families, and health/aging.

SDSU Career Outcomes

The program’s graduates have excellent job prospects, and many earn the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. Bachelor’s degree holders earn a median salary of $36,916. Master’s graduates earn $61,978—this is important because it means that it’s above the national median of $51,347 for social work master’s degrees. Graduates who focus on administration often become chief executives, managers, and analysts in community organizations or take leadership roles in government human service agencies.

Tuition & Financial Aid

California residents pay simple tuition and fees of $10,794 for 2025-26. Non-resident students need to pay an extra $444 per unit. The California Title IV-E Education Program offers great support with up to $50,000 as a taxable stipend to MSW students. Full-time MSW students receive $25,000 yearly (maximum $50,000 over two years). Part-time MSW students who work for county or state social services can get reimbursement for tuition, fees, books, and travel expenses.

4. California State University – Long Beach (CSULB)

CSULB’s School of Social Work ranks among the top colleges in California for social work. The school started a mission to spark critical thinking and lifelong learning in students who serve in a variety of practice areas.

CSULB Overview

California State University, Long Beach’s School of Social Work values academic excellence, inclusion, community participation, and social justice. The Bachelor’s and Master’s programs have accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. Faculty members make meaningful contributions through their research. Dr. Rashida Crutchfield conducted a detailed study about food and housing insecurity at all 23 CSU campuses. Dr. Nancy Meyer-Adams leads as principal investigator at the National Center for Excellence in Homeless Services.

Program Highlights

Students can choose from three specialized areas in the Master of Social Work degree:

• Child and Family Wellbeing: Students learn strength-based approaches to boost positive child and family functioning in a variety of populations
• Adulthood and Aging: The focus lies on meeting unique psychosocial needs of adults, older adults, and their families
• Integrated Health: Students learn evidence-based approaches to handle physical, behavioral health, and substance use challenges

BASW students complete 80 hours of practicum during their junior year and 450 hours in their senior year.

CSULB Career Outcomes

Students find work in child protective services, adult protective services, behavioral health agencies, hospitals, and community organizations. The program prepares graduates to become licensed professionals and leaders in public and nonprofit sectors.

Tuition & Financial Aid

California residents pay $3,689 per semester for full-time tuition and mandatory fees. Part-time students (0-6 units) pay $2,411. Non-resident students need to add $420 per unit to their total. Students can access financial support, including California Title IV-E stipends if they want to pursue child welfare careers. Advanced Standing MSW students pay about $13,402, while standard 2-Year and 3-Year programs cost $17,804 and $28,370 for California residents.

5. California State University – Sacramento (Sac State)

California State University – Sacramento is among the best colleges for social work in California. Their School of Social Work prepares ethical professionals who serve people from all walks of life.

Sac State Overview

The School of Social Work at Sac State aims to “prepare ethical and competent social workers who can both lead and serve our richly diverse populations in the development and delivery of services that contribute to human well-being and social justice”. The undergraduate and graduate programs have full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. The school sits within the College of Health and Human Services and encourages collaborative work that helps students prepare for their multi-faceted careers.

Program Highlights

Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) that prepares them for entry-level generalist practice. The program needs 48 units – 42 in professional foundation requirements and 6 in electives. Students must complete pre-major requirements and earn a “B” or better in SWRK 95: Introduction to Social Work. The Master of Social Work program, 59 years old, offers three flexible paths:

• Two-Year Full-Time
• Advanced Standing (for BASW/BSW graduates)
• Three-Year Weekend/Part-Time

Field education is part of social work training at Sac State. BASW students complete 512 hours during their senior year.

Career Outcomes

Graduates work in various fields like geriatric social work, forensic social work, medical social work, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, child protective services, and school social work. The MSW degree meets most educational requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and get the Pupil Personnel Services Credential for School Social Work. The First Destination Survey, standardized by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, tracks graduate outcomes.

Sac State Tuition & Financial Aid

California residents pay $4,507 per semester for 2025-26, which includes $3,225 in tuition fees for 6.1+ units and $1,282 in mandatory campus fees. Students from other states pay an extra $444 per unit. Sac State costs less than the national average in-state tuition of $12,201. The average need-based scholarship or grant for first-year students reaches $23,802, and 75% of students receive need-based financial aid. Undergraduate completers have a median federal loan debt of $15,000.

6. California State University – San Bernardino (CSUSB)

CSUSB’s School of Social Work distinguishes itself among social work schools in California through its steadfast dedication to making education available to all, embracing change, and upholding academic excellence while preparing students for professional practice.

CSUSB Overview

The School of Social Work at California State University, San Bernardino equips students with generalist and advanced generalist professional values and skills through its academic programs. The school has managed to keep its CSWE accreditation for both Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees throughout its growth. CSUSB’s unique strength lies in its ability to attract students who represent the region’s diversity, bringing social work education to areas that previously lacked such opportunities.

CSUSB Social Work Program Highlights

Students can choose from several program options that fit their individual needs:

• MSW Advanced Standing Program: A 35-unit curriculum tailored for qualified BSW graduates, with 1-year (12 months) or 2-year (5 semesters) options
• Traditional MSW: A 60-unit program with 2-year (4 semesters) or 3-year (6 semesters) paths
• MSW/MPA Concurrent Degrees: A 73-unit program designed for students aiming for administrative positions in social service agencies

The BASW program requires students to complete lower division requirements before admission. Evening classes run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Students focus on human behavior, social welfare policy, and research during their junior year. Senior year coursework emphasizes practice courses combined with a two-day weekly practicum in social service agencies.

Career Outcomes

CSUSB graduates build successful careers in public and private sectors. The MSW degree’s international recognition provides better job flexibility compared to other counseling degrees. Social workers lead the way as primary mental health service providers nationwide. Their work spans across child welfare, hospitals, aging services, schools, and industry. Many professionals choose to balance agency positions with private practices.

CSUSB Tuition & Financial Aid

California residents’ tuition costs range from $11,000 to $39,000 depending on the type of program, whether you are in an Advanced Standing MSW and already bringing in some credits, or if you are doing a three-year part-time option. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students minimize loan debt and maximize grants and scholarships through detailed support.

7. California State University – Los Angeles (Cal State LA)

Cal State LA is notable for its urban social work practice and steadfast dedication to social and economic justice for vulnerable populations. This focus makes it an excellent choice among colleges in California for social work education.

Cal State LA Overview

Students at Cal State LA’s School of Social Work learn to tackle complex social problems in urban communities. The program addresses various challenges such as poverty, oppression, injustice, discrimination, child maltreatment, health disparity, mental health, addiction, and homelessness. The program’s main goal promotes social and economic justice through different practice levels with individuals, families, groups, communities, and social welfare policies.

Program Features

The school provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW): Students need 120 semester units with 72 in the major, including 45 units of required upper division courses and field practicum. A 420-hour internship must be completed in the senior year.
• Master of Social Work (MSW): Students can choose from multiple formats including a 2-year option (60 units), 3-year option (60 units), and 1-year Advanced Standing Program (33 units) for BASW graduates.

Field education is in both programs. Students complete between 480-1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork based on their program track.

Cal State LA Career Outcomes

Graduates pursue diverse careers in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The Gallup 2018 Undergraduate Alumni Scorecard details Cal State LA alumni employment outcomes, employee participation, well-being, and more. The school monitors earnings and employment data by matching student records with employer-reported wages from California’s Employment Development Department.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Graduate students taking 6.1+ units will pay approximately $4,123 per semester or $8,246 annually in resident tuition for 2025-26. Non-resident students pay an additional $396-$420 per unit. Most students receive financial aid rather than paying full costs. The school provides detailed support through Federal and State grants. Cal State LA’s priority filing deadline is set for April 2, 2025 (school code: 001140).

8. California Baptist University (CBU)

California Baptist University takes a faith-based approach to social work education. This makes it stand out among colleges in California for social work because of its Christian context in student preparation.

CBU Overview

The Division of Social Work at California Baptist University teaches students to help those in need. They blend social work values with biblical principles. The faculty members are thoughtful professionals with ground experience in different settings. They guide and mentor students throughout their academic experience. CBU believes in serving local communities and government to promote social justice. Students learn to apply biblical principles with compassion and without judgment.

Social Work Program Highlights

CBU has two accredited degrees:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): A 24-course program that needs 400 hours of field practicum in the final year
• Master of Social Work (MSW): Students complete 900 hours of fieldwork with marginalized populations in the Inland Empire

CBU’s BSW program is special because it’s one of the few developed with a Christian context. Students learn to apply a biblical worldview to generalist social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The MSW program pairs each student with a faculty mentor who demonstrates social work values, professionalism, and Christian faith.

Career Outcomes

Social workers are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 7% annual job growth over the next decade. This means about 67,300 job openings each year. CBU’s MSW graduates can expect entry-level salaries up to $89,000 based on exit survey data. BSW graduates qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs and can complete their degree in just one academic year.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2024-2025 sticker price at CBU is $53,678 for on-campus students and $41,498 for commuters. The good news is that 99% of undergraduate students get financial help. About 48% of new students’ families earn less than $80,000 per year. U.S. News & World Report ranks CBU as the #3 Best Value University in the South. The MSW program costs $822 per unit plus extra fees.

9. California State University – Northridge (CSUN)

CSUN’s Department of Social Work shapes students into change-makers. The department’s anti-racist and intersectional point of view makes it stand out among social work schools in California with its focus on urban communities.

CSUN Overview

CSUN’s Department of Social Work aims to create professional social workers who champion anti-oppressive, socially just change and enhance well-being in urban settings. Students learn to identify and tackle systemic oppression through multiple lenses that embrace intersectional, anti-racist, trauma-informed and shared approaches. The department takes pride in its strengths-based inclusive identity, which draws from the shared experiences of community, culture and location.

Social Work Program Highlights

Students can choose from several program formats that fit their schedules:

• Two-year program: Students attend full-time classes two days a week. They spend two days weekly at internships in year one and three days in year two
• Three-year program: Students attend part-time evening classes twice weekly over eight semesters, including two summers
• Online options: The Tseng College partners to offer complete two-year and three-year online programs

The curriculum combines theory with hands-on experience through practicum education, known as the “signature pedagogy”. Students gain practical skills at local agencies under faculty guidance. They apply their classroom knowledge in real-life settings. Students complete their education by presenting a research-based capstone project in their chosen field.

CSUN Career Outcomes

CSUN graduates find success in many career paths with impressive salaries. Recent graduates work at the Los Angeles Unified School District, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Program data shows a diverse student population – 85% women and 15% men, with Hispanic or Latino students making up 63% of the total.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 simple tuition and fees for California residents cost $7,824 per year. Non-resident students pay $444 extra per unit. Online MSW program students pay $813 per unit, reaching $48,780 for the complete 60-unit program. CSUN offers a Net Price Calculator to help students estimate their costs after grants and scholarships. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Department encourages aid applications, and 88% of CSUN students receive some form of financial help.

10. California State University – Fullerton (CSUF)

CSUF’s Department of Social Work prepares competent, ethical professionals to tackle societal problems like poverty, family instability, and mental illness. The department ranks among the top social work schools in California with CSWE accreditation and provides flexible program options that fit different student needs.

CSUF Overview

Cal State Fullerton’s Department of Social Work values professional integrity while advancing social work knowledge. The department prepares professionals to help vulnerable, marginalized populations through a curriculum that promotes social justice. Students receive guidance from faculty members throughout their academic experience. This mentorship helps them apply classroom theory in real-world situations. The department’s steadfast dedication to ethical practice helps graduates become leaders in social service organizations.

Social Work Program Highlights

Students can choose between two main program formats:

• Full-time MSW Program: A two-year curriculum with weekday classes on Fullerton’s main campus
• MSW Flex Program: A three-year evening format through Extension and International Programs

The department offers three direct practice focus areas:

• Child Welfare: Students learn about public child welfare, protective services, foster care, and adoption
• Community Mental Health: Students work in mental health care systems with people of all backgrounds
• Aging: Students focus on professional practice with aging populations and families (full-time program only)

Students must complete 20 courses (60 units) with required fieldwork in either child welfare or community mental health settings.

Career Outcomes

CSUF graduates show strong employment results, with 73% working in their field of study. Many alumni work at top organizations including the University of California (0.57%), Amazon (0.52%), and The Walt Disney Company (0.52%). Most graduates (88.08%) stay in California, while 20.18% live in Orange County. Alumni profiles commonly list skills in customer service (53.27%), Microsoft Office (52.46%), and sales experience (37.95%).

CSUF Tuition & Financial Aid

California residents’ annual in-state tuition for 2025-2026 is $7,474, which costs nowhere near the national average of $11,011 for public 4-year institutions. The MSW Flex Program costs $525 per unit (subject to change). Non-resident students pay an additional $420 per unit. Students can access Federal Direct unsubsidized loans and CalSWEC stipends if they work for public child welfare services agencies. CSUF remains one of the most affordable colleges in California for social work education.

11. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs features a distinguished Department of Social Welfare that has boosted human well-being and promoted social justice since 1947. This department is among the best colleges for social work in California with programs that blend scholarly research and ground application.

UCLA Overview

UCLA’s Department of Social Welfare shapes professional leaders through a curriculum that combines theory, leadership, and research. The program strives to advance social justice, promote health and mental health throughout life, and strengthen child and family well-being. The faculty’s steadfast dedication to serving communities and equipping disadvantaged populations has built UCLA’s reputation for excellence in social work education.

Program Highlights

Students can complete their Master of Social Welfare (MSW) through a two-year full-time program or a three-year part-time option. Second-year students choose from three Areas of Concentration:

• Health and Mental Health Across the Life Span
• Social and Economic Justice
• Child and Family Well-Being

Field education is a key component of the program. Students complete two practicum placements that are a great way to get ground experience. UCLA also offers a Ph.D. in Social Welfare, recognized nationally for educating tomorrow’s scholars.

UCLA Career Outcomes

Recent data from the 2024 Social Welfare graduates survey shows 84% secured full-time employment, 8% work part-time, and 8% continue their job search. Graduate salaries span from $45,000 to $98,000, averaging $70,667 with a median of $76,500. UCLA Luskin’s global network extends to more than 9,000 alumni working in over 40 countries.

UCLA Tuition & Financial Aid

California residents pay $69,244 for the 8-quarter MSW program, while non-residents invest $82,060. International student costs reach $103,444. The PPS credential with a 3-year program ranges from $77,887 for CA residents to $116,375 for international students. In spite of that, Forbes (2025) ranks UCLA as the #4 best value college.

12. California State University – Stanislaus

California State University – Stanislaus takes a purpose-driven approach to social work education. The university prepares students to champion social justice throughout California’s communities. Stanislaus State ranks among notable social work schools in California thanks to its steadfast dedication to fighting oppression and promoting social justice.

Stanislaus State Overview

The Social Work Department sits within the College of Education, Kinesiology & Social Work. Students learn to tackle challenges in schools, social service agencies, and communities. The program creates a learning environment rooted in social justice principles where faculty and students work together to improve regional social conditions. The program has managed to keep its accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since its inception.

Social Work Program Highlights

Students can complete the 60-unit Master of Social Work curriculum through two flexible options:

• Two-year program: Four semesters of intensive daytime study (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
• Three-year program: Evening classes (after 6:00 p.m.) over eight semesters

Both paths feature the Advanced Integrative Practice curriculum that covers solution-focused approaches for working with individuals, families, and communities. Students must complete about 1,000 hours of field practicum according to the field calendar. Students can choose a Master’s Thesis, Graduate Project, or Comprehensive Examination as their final requirement.

Stanislaus State Career Outcomes

The program equips graduates for multi-system interventions using an integrative practice framework. Students who earn their MSW degree meet the academic requirements for California’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. Graduates work in a variety of settings such as mental health, child welfare, and aging services. Many take leadership roles to meet regional social service needs.

Tuition & Financial Aid

California resident graduate students should expect costs between $26,762 (living with parents) and $37,226 (off-campus) for 2025-2026. The MSW Hybrid program costs $35,100 for the complete 60-unit degree, with payments spread across six installments. Students can access financial aid and should submit their FAFSA applications early using institution code 001157.

13. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University combines Christian worldview with social work education, setting it apart from other schools in California. The program blends theory and practice while fostering dedication to social justice through service-oriented learning.

Fresno Pacific Overview

The social work program at Fresno Pacific prepares students for service careers through liberal arts education based on Christian principles. The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation has certified the program’s quality and graduate competence. This faith-based approach makes Fresno Pacific different from other colleges in California that offer social work. The program puts special emphasis on connecting social services with Christian faith to meet community needs.

Fresno Pacific Social Work Program Highlights

Students can choose between two main paths:

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work: A 24-month cohort program that has internship and thesis components
• Social Welfare Option: An 18-month program without internship/thesis requirements

Students take the same academic coursework for the first three semesters in both programs. The curriculum covers foundational and advanced courses in human development, social policy, social work methods, practice, and research. Students must earn at least a C- grade in all social work courses to receive credit. Program admission depends on academic achievements, work experience, and personal statements.

Fresno Pacific Career Outcomes

Graduates work in a variety of settings such as:

• Nonprofit and faith-based agencies
• Probation departments and county human service systems
• Community organizations focused on development
• Programs that serve elderly, children, families, and disabled populations
• Schools and substance abuse counseling centers

Fresno Pacific Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 full-time tuition costs $36,990 per year, plus a $770 student body fee, which totals $37,760. Room and board costs an additional $10,252. The university provides substantial financial support – 95% of students receive aid, which covers 74% of tuition, room, and board for the average student. Transfer students with GPAs from 2.4-3.5+ can receive academic scholarships between $6,000 and $14,000.

14. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University stands out with its biopsychosocial-spiritual point of view that merges faith with advanced clinical practice. The program has shaped exceptional practitioners who tackle complex social challenges for more than two decades.

Loma Linda Overview

Loma Linda University ranks as the “#1 Advanced Clinical Social Work Program in a faith-based university in California” and has earned respect through its third decade of training clinical practitioners. The MSW program excels with its innovative, evidence-based trauma and resiliency-informed interventions that create future leaders in their field. The alumni make significant contributions to improve quality of life for consumers and refine systems that meet community needs. Students learn through hands-on experience at Loma Linda’s internationally recognized health system.

Loma Linda Social Work Program Highlights

The complete 78-unit program gives students specialized training in prevention, early intervention, diagnosis, and treatment methods for patients of all ages. Students can pick from these flexible completion options:

• Traditional 2-, 3-, and 4-year on-campus formats
• Online hybrid program designed for working professionals
• 12-month Advanced Standing option for recent BSW graduates

Students can specialize in Clinical/Psychiatric Social Work, Medical/Geriatric Social Work, Child and Family Social Work, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Work. They can also earn certificates in Play Therapy and Drug and Alcohol Counseling. The program maintains full CSWE accreditation through 2025 and WASC accreditation.

Loma Linda Career Outcomes

Graduates build careers as Clinical Social Workers, Psychiatric Social Workers, Medical Social Workers, and more. Many alumni participate in global service initiatives in Cuba, Thailand, Angola, Bolivia, Nepal, and other countries through Students for International Mission Service. The program’s focus on integrated behavioral health prepares graduates to work in healthcare settings of all types.

Loma Linda Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition costs vary by program, but Loma Linda provides several financial assistance options. The HCAI Scholarship Grant covers full tuition and book scholarships for qualifying students from diverse and underserved backgrounds. The Health Professional Scholarship Program helps students in healthcare service disciplines through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students starting in 2024-2025 can apply for tuition waivers.

15. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University stands out by blending Christian principles with professional practice. The university’s approach differs from secular programs as it prepares social workers with both scientific knowledge and biblical views.

Azusa Pacific Overview

APU’s School of Behavioral Sciences ranks among Princeton Review’s 126 Best Western Colleges. The school gives students the tools for compassionate leadership through faculty mentorship and practical learning. The social work department has built a diverse community with 77% minority students and 70% first-generation college students. The Master of Social Work program ranked No. 120 nationally and No. 10 in California by U.S. News & World Report. This achievement makes APU one of only two CCCU schools in the top 150.

Azusa Pacific Social Work Program Highlights

APU provides complete social work education through several paths:

• BSW Program: Students gain experience through a 400-hour internship with local social service agencies. The program includes community service work and research opportunities that could lead to publication
• MSW Program: Students can choose full-time, part-time, or advanced standing formats with two specializations:
  • Clinical Practice
  • Community Leadership and Program Administration

Field education is the basis of both programs. MSW students complete internships in behavioral health settings that serve medically underserved communities.

Azusa Pacific Career Outcomes

Social worker careers should grow 7% from 2023 to 2033. APU’s graduates are in high demand – all 2023 MSW graduates had job offers before graduation. Bachelor’s graduates earn a median salary of $38,089, which is lower than the national average. Master’s graduates earn $61,612 – this is good as it means that their earnings surpass the national median of $51,347.

Azusa Pacific Tuition & Financial Aid

MSW tuition runs $795 per unit. The total cost reaches $47,700 for the traditional program and $28,620 for advanced standing. APU welcomes military members and their families as a Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School. Students can access various aid options. HRSA scholarships cover full tuition for about 20 students each year through the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program.

16. San Jose State University

San Jose State University makes the list for its unique cultural approach woven throughout the social work curriculum. Students learn to serve California’s communities of all types while respecting different cultural strengths and fighting for social and economic justice.

San Jose State Overview

SJSU’s MSW program started in 1969 with a focus on training social workers to serve Spanish-speaking communities in California. The program has grown into the largest social work program in the region. Student enrollment now includes 175 undergraduates and more than 450 graduate students. The school partners with roughly 500 agencies throughout California. These partnerships give students extensive hands-on learning opportunities in real-life settings.

San Jose State Social Work Program Highlights

Students can choose from several program formats that fit their needs:

• Full-time on-campus MSW program
• 3-year evening-only MSW program
• Online/hybrid MSW program
• MSW advanced standing program

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work builds on liberal arts foundations. Students develop critical thinking skills to understand social problems and American social structures. The MSW program shapes advanced generalist social workers with specialized skills from multiple cultural views. Both programs emphasize field education. MSW students must complete 1,200 hours of supervised field placement, split between two years.

San Jose State Career Outcomes

SJSU measures career success by graduates who either enter postgraduate programs or find degree-required jobs within 6 months after graduation. The health care and social services sector has grown significantly, adding 48,600 jobs over the last several years—more than any other sector. The university’s Title IV-E Child Welfare Program helps eligible MSW students with stipends when they commit to full-time work in county public child welfare services after graduating.

San Jose State Tuition & Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 cost of attendance combines direct SJSU payments and indirect expenses. California residents pay basic tuition around $19,056 yearly. Non-resident students must pay an extra $420 per unit. Students sharing off-campus housing spend about $2,230 monthly. More than half of all students receive financial aid, with average packages reaching $15,264. The university has expanded its workforce training grants to over $28 million.

List of All CWSE-Accredited California Schools

Choose the Best California School for Your Needs

Your choice of social work program will substantially affect your career path and earning potential. California leads the nation in social work education. Its 17 top-ranked institutions are a great way to get opportunities in the field. These programs blend intensive academic training with extensive field experience to prepare you for professional practice challenges.

This piece has shown you many program choices in California’s educational world. Each school brings something special to the table. USC takes a trailblazing integrative approach. UC Berkeley excels in research. Loma Linda, CBU, and Azusa Pacific add their faith-based points of view. On top of that, many schools offer flexible formats – full-time, part-time, evening, and online options that fit your schedule.

Field education is key to quality social work training. Most programs need 400-1,200 supervised practicum hours that link classroom theory to ground application. This hands-on experience becomes crucial when you start your career.

Money matters remain key for most students. Yearly tuition ranges from $8,000 at CSU schools to more than $40,000 at private universities. The good news is that many financial aid options exist. Title IV-E stipends help those who want child welfare careers.

California social work graduates have exceptional job prospects. The state has more social workers than any other place in America. Salaries range from $66,000 to $88,000 – this means that they’re nowhere near the national average. Graduates can work in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Many become licensed LCSWs to boost their opportunities.

In the end, a California social work degree means more than just academic success. It prepares you to make meaningful changes in communities that need your skills. California gives you the educational foundation to build a rewarding career in social justice and human well-being, whether you pick a prestigious research university or a specialized faith-based program.