14 Best Online MSW Programs in California for 2025

Want to pursue an online MSW degree in California? California’s distinction comes from having the largest number of CSWE-accredited MSW programs in the country, which makes it a smart choice to advance your education.

Social workers in California earn an average of $88,380 per year, so your MSW investment could really pay off. The state also stands out with more than 15,000 mental health and substance abuse positions, creating plenty of career paths after you graduate. The program’s requirements are substantial – regular students need 1,200 field hours while advanced standing students complete 720 hours – but the career opportunities make these hours worthwhile.

USC pioneered social work education on the West Coast. The university’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work brings over 100 years of experience to the table. Their online MSW program ranks among California’s most detailed offerings.

Program Overview

The online Master of Social Work equips students to solve complex social challenges in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Students can choose from several flexible pathways:

• Accelerated: 12-month program for BSW holders
• Full-Time: 24-month program for focused, immersive study
• Part-Time: 28-month program for working professionals

Students learn through hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. The program prepares them for licensure and immediate job placement. USC’s network of practicum education makes it one of the largest among social work schools.

Online Learning Format

Students get the same challenging curriculum online as they would on campus, taught by award-winning faculty. Small class sizes maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Learning happens through:

• Weekly live, face-to-face online sessions
• Self-paced coursework between sessions
• Interactive video, live chat, and webcam discussions

Students can also choose a hybrid option. This combines first-year in-person courses with second-year online studies, meeting different learning needs.

Tuition and Costs

The 2025-2026 academic year costs:

• $2,256 per unit (1-14 units)
• $33,840 flat rate (15-18 units)

The 4-semester MSW program’s total tuition runs about $108,298. Students must also pay for health insurance, programming, and a one-time $55 graduate new student fee.

Advanced Standing Options

BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited schools in the last five years might qualify for Advanced Standing. This option lets students:

• Finish their MSW in 12 months
• Skip first-year foundational courses
• Get 24 credits toward professional licensure

Competition for admission runs high. Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in all social work courses.

Field Placement Requirements

Field education serves as the program’s cornerstone. Students must complete 1,200 hours of practicum experience. The field education splits into:

1. Virtual Practicum (250 hours) – Online clinical simulations with actors playing clients under professor supervision
2. Community-Based Practicum (890 hours) – Real-life agency experience with clients under professional supervision

Students spend 16-24 hours weekly at their placement during business hours. USC suggests students avoid full-time work during practicum semesters. The school works with more than 700 agencies across Southern California and nationwide.

San Jose State University

San Jose State University’s MSW program started in 1969 to serve Spanish-speaking populations. Today, it is one of California’s most available online social work education options.

Program Overview

San Jose State’s MSW program gets you ready for advanced generalist practice with a unique transcultural view. Students learn ethical practices that work in a variety of marginalized populations. The program groups students into cohorts that move through foundation courses together. This creates a supportive learning community where everyone helps each other succeed.

The MSW program focuses on five core goals. Students become ethical practitioners, develop specialized skills, learn to lead policy advocacy, sharpen critical thinking, and add to social work knowledge through research.

Online Learning Format

Working professionals across California find the Online/Hybrid MSW program’s flexible format perfect for their needs. Students complete academic courses through a mix of self-paced learning and live sessions. These sessions usually happen after 6:00 PM on weekdays. Field placements need students to be present during regular business hours.

The program features:

• Continuous enrollment throughout the program
• 2-3 classes per session year-round
• First-year foundation courses followed by advanced specialized courses
• A cohort-based structure that builds professional connections

Tuition and Costs

The online MSW program costs $630 per unit for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students need 60 units to graduate, bringing the total cost to about $37,800. Keep in mind that SJSU might increase fees by around 5% each year.

Advanced Standing Options

Students with a BASW from a CSWE-accredited university can join the Advanced Standing program. This faster path lets you:

• Complete your degree in just one summer plus one academic year
• Skip the first year of foundation courses
• Complete only 37 units rather than the standard 60
• Choose between on-campus or online/hybrid formats

Field Placement Requirements

Field education is SJSU’s “signature pedagogy.” Students must complete 1,200 total hours of hands-on internship experience – 600 hours each year. Your schedule must include at least 16 hours weekly at your internship. These hours typically fall between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Students must pass SCWK 110, 120, and 130 with a grade of “C” or better before starting field placement. Internships happen during business hours at locations throughout California. This means you can complete your practical training close to home.

California State University, Northridge

California State University, Northridge sits at the heart of Los Angeles County’s San Fernando Valley. The university’s MSW program stands out with its urban community practice focus. Students who join CSUN’s Department of Social Work become change-makers in underserved urban communities.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program at CSUN opens up new career paths through its generalist approach. The curriculum helps you develop skills across all three practice levels: individual/family (micro), group/community (mezzo), and societal/policy (macro). The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program. CSUN takes pride in its diverse student body, with 59% of degrees awarded to racial-ethnic minorities.

Online Learning Format

Students across the US can now access CSUN’s 100% online MSW program. The program uses a cohort model where students take courses together and build a supportive learning community. Students can choose between two options:

• Two-year full-time program: Four semesters with two eight-week courses simultaneously
• Three-year part-time program: Eight semesters starting in spring of even-numbered years

Weekly one-hour online sessions run between 5-9pm Pacific Time. Students complete most coursework at their own pace.

Tuition and Costs

Starting Fall 2025, each unit costs $813. Students need 60 units to graduate, bringing the total tuition to about $48,780. CSUN’s program costs about half as much as private university alternatives.

Advanced Standing Options

Students with a Bachelor of Social Work can take advantage of CSUN’s Advanced Standing option in fall semesters. This fast-track option lets you skip the first year and complete your MSW in just one year. State funding might cover full tuition for eligible students.

Field education forms the core of CSUN’s program. Students spend 16-20 hours weekly in the field, totaling 450-600 hours in their foundation year and 500-700 hours in their concentration year. Placements happen during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm), with no evening or weekend slots. The Practicum Education Department matches students with agencies based on needs and schedules.

California State University, San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino runs a well-respected online MSW through its Pathway Distance Education Program. Working professionals love its flexibility. The program stands out nationally and ranks as the #2 online MSW in California and #8 nationwide according to Social Work Guide.

Program Overview

The advanced generalist curriculum at CSUSB prepares students for social work roles of all types. Students learn both micro and macro practice skills. The micro sequence gives you tools to help individuals, families, and groups make positive changes. The macro sequence teaches organizational and community-level interventions. Students can tailor their education by choosing a social issue, client population, or specific practice area. You’ll need 60 semester units to graduate from this CSWE-accredited program.

Online Learning Format

The Pathway Distance Education Program includes:

• Self-paced online courses with weekly deadlines
• Live practicum seminars
• Field placements in your local community
• Two-day on-campus orientations once per year (three total)

The program started with California students but now welcomes learners from across the United States. Plans are underway to accept international students.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition for 2024-2025 runs $8,093 for in-state and $18,173 for out-of-state students. Your actual cost depends on family income. Families earning under $30,000 pay around $5,949, while those making over $110,000 pay about $16,487.

Advanced Standing Options

Students with a CSWE-accredited BSW from the last five years can take the 35-unit Advanced Standing track. This faster path offers two options:

• One-year option (12 months)
• Two-year option (5 semesters)

You’ll need a 3.5 GPA minimum, specific prerequisite courses, and some work or volunteer experience.

Field Placement Requirements

Field education serves as social work education’s cornerstone and needs 1,080 total hours across two practicums. CSUSB partners with more than 200 agencies throughout California, from Barstow to San Diego and Los Angeles to Indio. Students in the Pathway Distance Education Program can work at local sites, including Northern California and sometimes out-of-state locations. Most placements need 16-20 weekly hours during regular business hours.

Humboldt State University

Cal Poly Humboldt stands out among California’s online MSW programs because it focuses on serving rural and Indigenous communities. Students learn specialized social work practices for these often underserved areas.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program at Cal Poly Humboldt uses an advanced generalist framework. Students learn to tackle challenges and utilize resources in rural settings and Indigenous communities. The curriculum focuses on multi-system, multi-level approaches that boost functioning and resilience by building on existing strengths. The program weaves cultural humility, compassion, and non-expert relational paradigms into your professional growth. The MSW program’s quality shows in its full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Online Learning Format

The part-time Distributed Learning (DL) MSW program gives you flexibility over 3.5 years (10 semesters). The online experience has:

• Asynchronous online courses completed on your schedule
• Weekly synchronous web sessions held Thursday evenings
• Annual three-day on-campus intensives each January
• A 1.5-unit Distributed Learning Community seminar each semester

Note that you must live in California while enrolled in the program.

Tuition and Costs

The online MSW program costs $540 per unit as of 2025. This program structure makes it substantially more affordable than many private institutions. About 80% of students get some form of financial aid.

Advanced Standing Options

Students with a CSWE-accredited BSW degree earned in the last five years qualify for Advanced Standing if they have a minimum 3.5 GPA and B grades in all social work courses. This part-time distributed learning path takes two years and starts with summer bridge courses through Extended Education ($540/unit).

Field Placement Requirements

Field education is the cornerstone of your social work education. Advanced Standing students need 480 practicum hours, while traditional students complete 960 hours (480 each academic year). Your practicum needs at least 16 weekly hours plus weekly MSW supervision. Students can get placements throughout Northern California’s Superior Region, which covers 18 counties.

California State University, Chico

CSU Chico offers a modern hybrid learning approach that lets you earn your MSW while you continue working. The program blends academic excellence with hands-on field experience to help you prepare for various social work careers.

Program Overview

The university’s advanced generalist MSW program features two specialized tracks: Social Work Practice in Mental Health Services (MH) and Social Work Practice in Families, Children and Youth Services (FCY). Students develop key skills by applying social work knowledge, values, and skills through an anti-oppressive approach. The program lines up with the university’s mission as a Hispanic Serving Institution and focuses on serving surrounding rural communities.

Online Learning Format

Students can access the same fully-accredited curriculum as on-campus students through the Distributed Learning (DL) program’s hybrid format. You’ll complete 67% of content online and 33% through face-to-face instruction. The program structure has:

• Regular Zoom webinar sessions
• Campus visits 2-3 weekends per semester
• Cohort-based learning model

New students join the three-year DL program once every three years. The next cohort starts fall 2024.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition for Summer 2025 costs $290 per unit plus a one-time $8 mandatory campus fee. Graduate Professional Program fees add $285 per unit. Traditional students must complete 61 credit hours.

Advanced Standing Options

Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last five years can choose the Advanced Standing option to:

• Complete their MSW in just one year
• Focus exclusively on concentration-year coursework
• Complete 34 credit hours instead of 61

Field Placement Requirements

Field education is the heart of social work education. Traditional students must complete 1,200 hours over two academic semesters – 16 hours weekly for 30 weeks. Advanced standing studentsiszzz need 720 hours at 24 hours weekly. Many students can use their workplace for internships if the experience is different from their regular job duties.

California State University, Long Beach

The 20-year-old MSW program at California State University, Long Beach’s College of Health & Human Services delivers quality social work education through its innovative teleconferencing platform. Graduates learn to excel in economically and socially diverse environments.

Program Overview

CSULB’s CSWE-accredited MSW program prepares students for advanced generalist social work practice. The 60-semester unit curriculum features three specialized tracks: Child and Family Wellbeing, Adulthood and Aging, and Integrated Health. Students who choose the Child and Family Wellbeing specialization gain strong foundations for work in child protective services and schools. The Adulthood and Aging track creates pathways to roles in adult protective services and long-term care facilities. Students in the Integrated Health specialization receive skills needed for outpatient facilities and behavioral health agencies.

Online Learning Format

CSULB’s Distance Education program blends modern technology with individual-specific instruction. Interactive television classes enable students and faculty to see each other on large screens, while ceiling microphones facilitate discussions. Classes take place on Saturdays, which works well for working professionals. The program’s distance education sites operate in Sonoma County and Ventura County areas. Each site has a local Coordinator who attends classes and provides support.

Tuition and Costs

The 2025 estimated tuition costs for California residents are:

• Advanced Standing: $13,402
• 2-Year Program: $17,804
• 3-Year Program: $28,370

Non-resident students pay additional fees of $420 per unit. Full-time students taking 7+ units pay $3,689 per semester in tuition and mandatory fees. Part-time students with 0-6 units pay $2,411.

Advanced Standing Options

The program’s Advanced Standing option has helped BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs earn their MSW in 12 months since 2005. Students complete the intensive Summer Bridge Program, followed by 30 units of advanced coursework during fall and spring semesters.

Field education stands at the heart of the MSW curriculum with two practicum placements totaling 1,000 hours. Distance Education students complete their placements locally during the second and third academic years. The typical schedule includes 16 weekly hours between September and May, structured as either two 8-hour weekdays or one 8-hour weekday plus two 4-hour periods. Advanced Standing students complete a single 660-hour field placement from June through mid-May.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University’s MSW program combines faith-based principles with professional training to equip you as a change agent in your community. The program, based in Riverside, distinguishes itself by blending Christian values with evidence-based social work practices.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program at CBU spans four semesters with 60 units of coursework during fall and spring terms. Students receive evidence-based training and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to serve communities locally and globally. The program assigns a faculty mentor to each student who exemplifies social work values, professionalism, and Christian faith. Students also receive 16 hours of professional development yearly to boost their networking skills.

Online Learning Format

The online MSW track features the same curriculum and faculty as on-campus classes but offers remote, asynchronous completion. Students must attend four mandatory residencies:

• Each residency runs for 3 days (8 hours daily)
• Riverside hosts all residencies

This format works well if you have a full-time job in social services, want a career change, serve in the military, or live outside Riverside.

Tuition and Costs

The program currently charges $822 per unit plus additional fees. Students pay approximately $49,320 for the complete 60-unit program. This investment pays off well—graduates report entry-level salaries up to $89,000 according to MSW exit survey data.

Advanced Standing Options

BSW holders from CSWE-accredited universities within the last 7 years may qualify for Advanced Standing admission. This faster track needs only 30 units, which could reduce completion time to one year. Advanced Standing students complete 500 field practicum hours instead of the standard 900.

Field Placement Requirements

Field education connects coursework to real-life applications through 900 hours of supervised work in a social service agency. Students meet weekly with Faculty Liaisons and demonstrate CSWE competencies through practical work. Online students often benefit from practicum options at their workplace.

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University brings a unique biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to its part-time online Master of Social Work program. This faith-based institution runs a respected program that’s been training advanced clinical practitioners for over two decades.

Program Overview

The 78-unit curriculum focuses on advanced clinical social work practice in behavioral health settings. Students learn evidence-based trauma and resiliency-informed interventions to treat children, adolescents, and adults. The program’s core values of compassion, integrity, excellence, freedom, and justice help graduates become leaders who improve their clients’ quality of life. Students get hands-on learning through Loma Linda’s world-class health system, which gives them a chance to work in integrated behavioral health settings.

Online Learning Format

The learning experience blends both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Right now, this option is open only to California residents who are US citizens. The courses mix independent study with live online sessions. Many students can keep their jobs while completing their education.

Tuition and Costs

The part-time online MSW program costs about $58,226 without Federal Work Study (FWS) or $40,082 with FWS. Students who qualify for FWS can save a significant amount. Online students don’t pay quarterly enrollment fees. New students joining in 2024-2025 who want Play Therapy or Drug & Alcohol Counseling certification get tuition waivers worth $4,500 and $3,333 respectively.

Advanced Standing Options

BSW holders can take the Advanced Standing program’s 52-unit option (equal to 35 semester units). Students can choose between a one-year or two-year in-person program and a two-year online program. Students must complete 800 practicum hours, with one bridging quarter that connects BSW experiences to advanced clinical practice.

Placement Requirements

Students complete their practicum placements in person at approved local sites. Field education serves as the core teaching method that prepares students to become advanced social work professionals. Students meet with their MSW supervisor weekly to ensure steady professional growth.

National University

National University’s MSW program, with its full CSWE accreditation, offers a complete educational journey that combines academic excellence with exceptional flexibility. Students can pursue various career paths in social service settings of all types.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work curriculum at National University lines up with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies. This ensures students learn skills they can directly apply at work. The program offers two distinct paths:

• Generalist Track: 60 credits perfect for students new to social work
• Advanced Standing Track: 36 credits designed for students who have a CSWE-accredited BSW

Both paths focus on modern social work practice, ethics, and communication skills. The program earned its full CSWE accreditation in November 2021, proving it right for quality and graduate competence.

Online Learning Format

Students enjoy remarkable flexibility with weekly course starts and no fixed lecture times. This lets them schedule courses around their work and personal life. Every faculty member holds a doctoral degree and provides one-on-one attention. Students don’t compete for attention like they would in traditional classrooms. The program blends online learning with hands-on practicum experiences in their local community.

Tuition and Costs

Graduate-level courses cost $442 per quarter unit right now. Students pay $1,989 for a 4.5-quarter unit course. The final cost depends on several factors, mainly transferred credits and specific course fees.

Advanced Standing Options

Students need a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA in social work courses to join the Advanced Standing track. Their BSW must be from the last seven years. This faster option helps students finish in as little as 18 months.

Field Placement Requirements

Field education forms the core of the MSW program. Advanced Standing students need 500 total hours (250 hours per practicum course). Students in the Generalist track complete 900 hours total. The program helps students find quality internship placements, but students must present themselves professionally to potential sites.

California State University, East Bay

CSU East Bay’s MSW program focuses on urban social work practice. Students learn to tackle inequalities and support social justice in various communities. The program values multicultural competence and uses strengths-based approaches when working with marginalized populations.

Program Overview

The MSW program at CSU East Bay shines with its urban-centered curriculum. Students address needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities affected by social injustice. Over the last several years, the program will move to an Advanced Generalist curriculum starting Fall 2025. Students need 60 semester units to complete their MSW degree. The curriculum has core courses, concentration courses, an elective, and research work. The program readies students for roles in nonprofit and public agencies. It maintains full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Online Learning Format

Students can choose from three flexible paths:

• Traditional Program: A two-year, full-time in-person option at the Hayward campus with classes on Mondays and Wednesdays
• Extended Program: A mostly online three-year option with evening Zoom classes and monthly on-campus skill labs
• Advanced Standing Program: A one-year option available in either in-person or online format

Students can pick the format that fits their work schedule and priorities best.

Tuition and Costs

California residents will pay $9,607 for graduate tuition and fees in 2025-2026. On-campus living costs an extra $17,714. The total comes to $33,169 for students living on campus. Off-campus students pay more at about $38,685 with living expenses. Non-resident students must pay an additional $420 per unit.

Advanced Standing Options

BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs can take the Advanced Standing option with just 32 units. Summer refresher courses (4 units) cover social work theory, practice, research, and policy. Students still complete all advanced year courses (20 units), an elective (4 units), and a capstone requirement (4 units).

Field Placement Requirements

Field education is the basis of your MSW experience. Students must complete 1,080 hours throughout the program. Every program track requires students to work with agency supervisors and show core competencies in ground settings. The department partners with Bay Area agencies to find suitable placements. Students need background checks since many agencies require criminal history screenings.

University of Massachusetts Global

UMass Global, a 65-year-old institution now affiliated with the University of Massachusetts, offers a fully accredited online MSW program. The program caters to working professionals who want to advance their social work careers in California and beyond.

Program Overview

The MSW program earned its CSWE accreditation in March 2021. Students follow an advanced generalist framework that prepares them for licensure in settings of all types, from healthcare and child protective services to advocacy organizations and mental health treatment facilities. The curriculum meets California’s requirements set in Business and Professional Code section 4996.2 and satisfies Washington State’s requirements under the Revised Code of Washington. Faculty members bring their social work experience to guide students through coursework that tackles global challenges affecting communities. These challenges include human trafficking, natural disasters, and economic crises.

Online Learning Format

Students access 100% online coursework designed for busy adult learners. The virtual format helps students maintain their jobs while earning their degree. Part-time and full-time options match different scheduling needs. UMass Global gives students a complete support system that helps them succeed throughout the program. Year-round sessions make the program accessible to working professionals.

Tuition and Costs

Regular students pay $750 per credit hour for graduate degree programs at UMass Global. Active duty military and their spouses pay $420 per credit hour. Advanced Standing MSW students pay $730 per credit hour, while military personnel pay $410 per credit hour. The 39-credit Advanced Standing program costs:

• $28,470 for standard students
• $15,990 for military personnel

Students pay a technology fee of $135 each academic session.

Advanced Standing Options

The Advanced Generalist, Advanced Standing (AG/AS) option needs 39 credit hours. Students can complete it within one year. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can take this faster path. It saves time compared to the Standard Advanced Generalist option’s 69 credit hours. Students learn advanced skills in multi-dimensional problem solving and evidence-based assessment methods.

Field Placement Requirements

Field education is crucial to UMass Global’s social work education. Advanced Standing students complete 600 supervised field placement hours. Standard option students need 1,000 hours. Students meet weekly with an MSW supervisor to support their professional growth. These real-life experiences help students use classroom knowledge, develop hands-on skills, and work with diverse populations in their local community.

California State University, San Marcos

This 10-year old California State University San Marcos MSW program has quickly earned its reputation by offering multiple flexible pathways. The CSWE-accredited program prepares culturally aware practitioners to serve California’s diverse communities.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program shapes ethical and effective professionals who work directly with people from different backgrounds. Students learn skills needed for roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors such as social services, child welfare, healthcare, and mental health. This advanced generalist program builds a strong foundation that works in many settings. Students complete 30 units of foundation practice and then move on to 30 units of advanced generalist specialization. Through elective courses, students can specialize in children/youth/family or behavioral health.

Online Learning Format

Students can choose from three paths:

• 1-year hybrid option (Advanced Standing): BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs in the last 5 years can apply
• 2-year hybrid option: Weekday classes (8am-5pm) alternate between in-person and online weeks
• 3-year online option: Available to residents of five Southern California counties

The hybrid format alternates between online learning and campus-based classes at San Marcos. Students move through the program as a cohort, which means they stay with the same group and don’t need to worry about class registration.

Tuition and Costs

The 1 and 2-year state-supported programs cost about $5,036 per semester for 2025-2026. Students typically pay around $20,000 total for the 2-year program. The 3-year online Extended Learning program costs $530 per unit, bringing the total to about $32,180. State-supported programs charge out-of-state students an extra $444 per unit.

Advanced Standing Options

Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last five years and a minimum 3.5 GPA qualify for Advanced Standing. They need to complete just 30 units and start at the second-year level.

Field Placement Requirements

Field education builds essential skills through hands-on internships. First-year students spend 16 hours weekly at their placement sites, while second-year students commit 20 hours. Students can work in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties at various locations including schools, family services, mental health clinics, and healthcare facilities.

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University’s CSWE-accredited MSW program has shaped skilled social work professionals through Christian principles for almost 50 years. The Department of Social Work creates a supportive learning environment that promotes social, economic, and environmental justice while embracing faith-based values.

Program Overview

The MSW program at APU builds on nearly 20 years of excellence. Princeton Review’s 2023 Best Colleges Guide recognized it among the 126 Best Western Colleges. Small classes help students build close relationships with faculty-mentors. The curriculum strengthens competence, character, critical thinking, and community connections. The program’s success shows in its numbers – 60% of 2023 MSW graduates had job offers before graduation. Student diversity stands out with 77% minority enrollment and 70% first-generation students.

Online Learning Format

Students can choose from several flexible program options:

• Full-Time Program: Two years, 60 units, with classes two days weekly
• Part-Time Program: Three years, 60 units, with one weekday evening plus Saturday intensives
• Advanced Standing: 10-month accelerated option for BSW holders

The program uses hybrid learning formats. Some foundational courses like “Foundations in Social Work Law/Ethics” are completely online. Other courses combine in-person and online learning. Students can attend classes at two locations—Azusa and San Bernardino.

Tuition and Costs

The 2025-2026 tuition rate is $810 per unit. Students can expect total program costs of:

• Traditional Program (60-66 units): $48,600-$53,460
• Advanced Standing (36-42 units): $29,160-$34,020

Advanced Standing Options

BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can complete their degree in just 10 months through the Advanced Standing option, which requires 36 units. Students start with two 3-unit bridge courses in an 8-week summer session before moving to specialization curriculum. A two-year part-time Advanced Standing option meets different scheduling needs.

Field Placement Requirements

Traditional students complete two yearlong internships totaling 960 hours. Advanced Standing students need 600 hours over two terms. The university’s partnerships with 380+ agencies across five Southern California counties provide weekday business hour placements.

Choose Your Online MSW in California Today

Your career goals, schedule, and budget should guide your choice of an online MSW program. This guide highlights 14 outstanding California schools that help advance your social work career. California remains a top hub for social work education thanks to its CSWE-accredited programs and reliable job market.

These programs need careful evaluation based on their concentrations, flexibility, field placements and costs. BSW holders can save time and money through advanced standing options. The programs also let working professionals keep their jobs with part-time schedules that help them advance their education.

Field education remains the backbone of every MSW program. You’ll turn classroom theory into real-world skills through 1,200 hours of supervised practice. Advanced standing students need 720 hours.

Program costs range widely – from $37,800 at San Jose State to $108,000 at USC. The investment pays off well. California social workers earn some of the highest salaries nationwide, averaging $88,380 yearly.

Your unique situation and career goals will shape your final choice. USC and Loma Linda’s private universities offer respected degrees with strong alumni networks. State schools deliver quality education at lower costs. Schools like California Baptist and Azusa Pacific blend Christian values into their teaching for students wanting this viewpoint.

Now is the perfect time to pursue your MSW. Social work jobs grow faster than most fields, especially in California’s mental health and substance abuse sectors. These programs give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials to make real change, whether you want to help children, adults, or communities.