7 Best BSW Programs in Los Angeles: Student Success Guide 2025

A BSW program could open doors to one of California’s fastest-growing professions. Social work stands as the 12th most popular major across the country. Students earned over 57,000 degrees in 2019-2020. This rewarding career path offers impressive growth potential and a chance to make real difference in people’s lives.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Social services support almost 8 million Californians, with about 50,000 child and family social workers serving communities across the state. California’s BSW programs prepare you for a career that’s both meaningful and financially stable. Healthcare social workers earn solid salaries of $84,960 per year. Cal State’s social work programs show strong outcomes. Cal State LA’s social work program awarded 227 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022—15% more than the previous year.

The field expects 7% growth by 2033, making now a great time to pursue a social work degree in Los Angeles. In this guide, you’ll find the seven best BSW programs in Los Angeles. You’ll get information about curriculum, fieldwork requirements, tuition costs, and unique features that will shape your future career path.

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program at Cal State LA prepares students for professional entry-level positions. Located strategically in Los Angeles, students get the tools they need to serve urban communities of all backgrounds.

Program overview

The BASW program at Cal State LA prepares students to practice strength-based generalist work in urban communities that are socially, culturally, and economically diverse. The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited this program that helps students develop professional social work values and knowledge. Students learn to promote social and economic justice while creating change and growth at every level of professional practice.

The program shows strong results. The university awarded 227 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022—a 15% increase from the previous year. Students have excellent job prospects with a 93% job placement rate. The median salary for bachelor’s degree holders is $37,477, higher than the national average of $37,334 for social work graduates.

Curriculum and structure

Students need 120 semester units to complete the BASW degree, with 72 units in the major. These include:

• 45 units in required upper division social work courses
• 6 units of prerequisite courses
• 6 units of elective courses in social work
• 15 units of free electives

Students must complete PSY 1500 or SOC 2010 and an elementary statistics course with a grade of C or higher as prerequisites. Core courses include Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, and Community Organizing.

Students need grades of C or higher in essential social work courses, including SW 3700, SW 3010, SW 3720, SW 4740, SW 4750, SW 4780, SW 3820, SW 4951, and SW 4952. Students typically complete the program in two years of upper division coursework, with classes available during day and evening hours.

Fieldwork and internship requirements

Field education plays a vital role in the BASW curriculum. Students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Senior year students complete 420 hours of internship at a social service agency, usually requiring two full days (14 hours) weekly.

Students complete their field experience over two consecutive semesters (SW 4951 and SW 4952) during their final year. They must also attend Integrative Seminar classes that enhance their field experience. Internships start in Fall semester only. Students must attend a mandatory fieldwork meeting in Spring before starting their Fall internship.

Keep in mind that many social service agencies require criminal background checks. Some agencies won’t accept students who fail this clearance, which could affect degree completion.

Tuition and financial aid

California residents pay $7,530 in tuition and mandatory fees for two semesters during the 2025-2026 academic year. Non-resident students pay an additional $420 per unit. The estimated total cost for California residents breaks down as:

• Commuter students: $27,878
• On-campus residents: $36,186
• Off-campus residents: $36,732

Students can access Federal and State grants and various loan programs. The deadline to file FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application is April 2, 2025. Early application submission gives you the best chance for financial aid.

Unique features and specializations

Cal State LA’s social work program stands out with its advanced urban generalist framework that combines theory and practical skills. Students develop versatile capabilities they can use at micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels.

Specialized elective courses include:

• Social Work Practice with Military and Veteran Populations
• Forensic Social Work
• Latino Mental Health
• Social Work Practice with LGBTQ+ Populations
• Immigration and Social Policy

Small class sizes help create strong connections between students and faculty while providing personal attention and mentorship. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence throughout, preparing students to work effectively with people from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Graduates find many career advancement opportunities in child welfare, mental health, work with older adults, and school-based settings. Cal State LA’s BASW program prepares students for generalist practice in diverse urban communities and builds a strong foundation for graduate studies in social work.

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

California State University, Long Beach’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program stands out with its diverse student body. The program boasts 84% of social work bachelor’s degree recipients from racial-ethnic minorities, which is by a lot higher than national averages. The School of Social Work at CSULB takes pride in its perfect 100% graduation rate and provides preparation for both entry-level positions and advanced studies.

Program overview

The BASW program at CSULB holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program’s mission helps promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through a person-in-environment framework. The curriculum integrates critical race theory and other critical pedagogies. This shows their steadfast dedication to human diversity and advancing social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.

The program prepares you to meet social work’s professional obligations. You’ll learn to create conditions that help people secure human rights, eliminate poverty, and achieve quality of life aligned with human dignity. Core values are the foundations of the program. These include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, human rights, and scientific inquiry.

Curriculum and structure

Students can choose between two scheduling options:

• Daytime Program: Classes on Mondays and Wednesdays (9:30am-12:15pm and 2:00-4:45pm)
• Evening Program: Classes on Mondays and Wednesdays (5:30-9:45pm) and Tuesdays (7:00-9:45pm)

The program requires these prerequisites:

• Human Biology or Human Anatomy and Physiology
• General Psychology
• Elementary Statistics

Here’s the two-year curriculum sequence:

Junior Year (Fall):

• Introduction to Social Welfare
• Introduction to Social Welfare Practicum
• Human Behavior and Social Environment: Birth through Adolescence
• Social Policy: Formulation and Analysis

Junior Year (Spring):

• Human Behavior and Social Environment: Young Adulthood through Old Age
• Generalist Social Work Practice
• Social Work Practicum
• Law, Court Decisions, and Policy Practice

Senior Year (Fall):

• Generalist Social Work Practice with Groups
• Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
• Field Experience in Social Work I

Senior Year (Spring):

• Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities & Institutions
• Research Methods in Social Work
• Field Experience in Social Work II

Students need a grade of ‘C’ or better in all courses.

Fieldwork and internship requirements

The BASW curriculum makes fieldwork a key component. Students get a chance to apply their social work knowledge in agency-based, educational settings. Here’s what to expect:

• Junior Year Practicum: 80 hours at a community agency (8 hours per week for 10 weeks) during spring semester
• Senior Year Internship: 450 hours throughout the academic year (16 hours per week). This requires either two 8-hour weekdays or one 8-hour and two 4-hour weekdays

Senior students must attend a weekly seminar alongside their fieldwork. The School of Social Work assigns agency placements, mostly in low-income, urban areas. Students agree to accept their assigned practicum placement from the practicum faculty.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-2026 academic year tuition and mandatory fees for California residents are:

• Part-time (0-6 units): $2,815 per semester
• Full-time (7+ units): $4,171 per semester

Non-resident students pay an extra $444 per unit. The total annual cost ranges from $27,000 to $36,000 based on living arrangements.

Students can access Federal and State grants, loans, and work-study programs. The CalSWEC Public Child Welfare BASW Program offers financial support to students who commit to work in public child welfare after graduation.

Unique features and specializations

The program’s Junior Spring Semester Abroad in Hamburg, Germany lets students gain international experience without delaying graduation. Students take classes in English and learn about German and European social work. These credits transfer directly to the CSULB social work program.

CSULB maintains strong community connections with more than 200 agencies across Southern California. This creates valuable networking opportunities with potential employers. CSULB graduates enjoy excellent job prospects. MSW graduates earn median salaries of $66,873, which is nowhere near the national average of $51,347 for similar degrees.

The California Title IV-E Education Program supports students interested in child welfare. Students receive financial aid and commit to work in public child welfare after graduating. This partnership between social work education and public child welfare agencies helps improve practice quality through professional training.

California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

The Department of Social Work at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) welcomes a city-focused approach to social work education. Students learn to become anti-oppressive, socially just agents of change. The program shines in serving densely populated areas with rich subcultures, making it perfect for anyone passionate about urban social work practice.

Program overview

CSUN’s Bachelor of Social Work program gives you the knowledge needed for entry-level social work positions in a variety of settings. Students can use this solid foundation to pursue a master’s degree later. You’ll build critical skills in human behavior assessment, social welfare policy analysis, and research methods while getting valuable supervised field experience.

The department prepares professionals who promote well-being in urban settings through anti-racist, intersectional, and trauma-informed viewpoints. Students celebrate strengths-based inclusive identity through shared experiences of community, culture, and location. The BSW program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which ensures high-quality professional education standards.

Curriculum and structure

Students progress through the program with the same group in a cohort model. This approach creates a supportive learning community and builds professional networks that last beyond graduation. Core coursework has:

• Social work practice (micro, mezzo, and macro levels)
• Multicultural practice
• Human behavior and social environment
• Social welfare policy and advocacy
• Social research methods
• Ethics and values in social work

Students learn critical and creative thinking to start, adapt, and review interventions for urban communities while staying aware of relevant national and global issues. The program teaches you to blend knowledge, process, and values into professional social work practice.

Fieldwork and internship requirements

Field education is key to your social work education at CSUN. BSW students complete approximately 400 hours of supervised fieldwork. This hands-on experience helps apply theoretical knowledge in ground settings. Students practice from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed lens.

Community agencies officially partnered with CSUN’s Social Work program host the internships. These placements help you experience all three levels of practice (micro, mezzo, and macro). Students develop confidence in various social work skills, techniques, and strategies that work for different practice settings and cultural groups.

Most internships need availability during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm). Evening and weekend hours are rarely available. The program tries to place students within a 90-minute commute from their home.

Tuition and financial aid

California resident undergraduates taking seven or more units per semester can expect these costs for 2025-2026:

Non-resident students pay $444 more per unit. Students can access federal grants, state grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by April 2nd to get the most financial aid possible.

Unique features and specializations

CSUN’s social work program stands out with its city-centered approach to education and practice. The program teaches students to handle complex challenges in metropolitan communities with strong social justice principles. Students benefit from strong partnerships with local agencies, creating valuable networking opportunities and job prospects.

Graduates enjoy excellent job prospects—71.1% find employment within six months after finishing their degree. CSUN’s Social Work Department ended up creating a unique educational experience by weaving anti-racist, intersectional, and trauma-informed viewpoints throughout its curriculum.

The Department’s dedication to urban social work makes it ideal for students planning to work in Los Angeles and nearby communities. The program prepares you to tackle unique challenges and opportunities in densely populated, culturally rich environments.

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)

California State University, Dominguez Hills stands out with its MSW program. It’s the first and only program nationwide that builds on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality. This unique foundation shapes how social work education tackles systemic problems rather than just individual challenges.

Program overview

CSUDH’s social work program strives to create a more just society through critical, theoretical education, research, and community-centered practice. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program since 2010 [link_1]. Students learn anti-racist social work practices to address societal issues that come from intersectional oppression. The program’s location in a complex urban environment helps prepare students to tackle racial oppression and structural inequality.

Since 2006, the department has served Los Angeles communities and earned recognition as one of California’s top Master of Social Work programs [link_2]. Graduates meet all educational requirements to register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW). This registration leads toward a License of Clinical Social Work (LCSW) through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Curriculum and structure

Students must complete 60 semester credit hours through two enrollment options:

• Two-year full-time option: Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays during the day. Field practicum hours happen on Mondays, Wednesdays, and some Fridays
• Three-year part-time option: Classes run year-round during weekday evenings and weekends. Field practicum takes place in the second and third years

The curriculum flows as one connected, integrated whole. Students start with thirty credit hours in the generalist practice year. This foundation year covers the social work profession, assessment models, and advanced theory. Students then specialize in one of three areas:

1. Community Mental Health (CMH)
2. Community Capacity Building (CCB)
3. Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)

The full-time program offers all three specializations. Part-time students can only choose Community Mental Health. All graduate students must complete a culminating experience to finish their studies.

Fieldwork and internship requirements

Field education plays a crucial role in developing competent social workers. Students complete 1,028 hours of field placement at community agencies. These placements teach the profession’s values, practices, and protocols hands-on.

The program requires 16-20 weekly hours during both generalist and specialized practice years. Field placements align with the University’s academic calendar, starting in late August and running through early May. Students must complete their field placements Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m..

Tuition and financial aid

The 2024-2025 academic year costs vary by enrollment option:

Students interested in Child Welfare can apply for various stipends. Full-time students qualify for CalSWEC and LA County DCFS stipend programs. Both full and part-time students might receive mental health or geriatric social work stipends in their second year.

Unique features and specializations

CSUDH’s program stands out because of its Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality focus. This framework teaches practitioners that client problems often stem from institutional systems rather than individual choices. Students learn tools to create system-level changes in communities.

The urban setting exposes students to diverse populations with complex challenges. This exposure prepares them for competent practice in demanding environments. CSUDH graduates excel at addressing institutional racism and overlapping forms of oppression while supporting individuals, families, and communities.

University of Southern California (USC)

USC stands as the only private school among our options. Their innovative BSW program shapes versatile professionals who tackle complex social challenges head-on. Students looking for top-tier social work education in Los Angeles will find an exciting new path when the program launches in 2026.

Program overview

USC’s Bachelor of Social Work program teaches you to transform lives through service, empathy, and respect. Students learn essential skills for generalist practice. These skills include assessment techniques, social services evaluation, targeted interventions, and community involvement through multiple disciplines. The program follows the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and meets Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Graduates find careers in mental health, child welfare, criminal justice, healthcare, education, and policy advocacy.

Curriculum and structure

Your BSW degree requires 128 total units, with 48 units dedicated to social work major courses. The complete curriculum includes general education basics, prerequisites, electives, nine required social work courses, two field education seminars, and hands-on internship hours. Students must keep an overall C average (2.0) or higher in all BSW program courses.

Fieldwork and internship requirements

Hands-on experience is a crucial part of USC’s social work education. Students complete 440 hours of practicum training to apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings. Each student receives a personalized placement based on location, experience, career goals, interests, and specific needs. Quality social service agencies committed to social justice and professional education host these valuable training opportunities.

Tuition and financial aid

USC’s private university status means higher costs than public schools. Annual undergraduate tuition runs $71,647, and total expenses reach about $91,084. The good news? USC gives out roughly $320 million in financial aid each year. First-year students typically receive $50,322 in need-based scholarships, and 40% qualify for need-based aid. Merit scholarships average $20,312.

Unique features and specializations

USC’s BSW program opens doors. Students can fast-track their master’s degree through the Advanced Standing MSW program, finishing in just one year after their BSW. The school’s network includes over 700 practicum agencies, creating exceptional networking possibilities. Students benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach that builds skills in human connection, cultural humility, and systems thinking. This education helps graduates direct complex social environments and lead with purpose across various professional fields.

Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles

Mount Saint Mary’s University takes a faith-based approach to social work education within a liberal arts framework. This private Catholic institution runs a BSW program that helps vulnerable populations and promotes social justice principles. The program stands out among Los Angeles options by combining spiritual values with professional practice.

Program overview

The BSW program at Mount Saint Mary’s University will prepare you to be a generalist social worker. You’ll learn both theory and practical skills. The program blends Catholic social teaching principles with standard social work methods to give you a unique viewpoint on service and advocacy. After graduating, you can start working in entry-level positions or pursue advanced standing in MSW programs.

Curriculum and structure

The curriculum combines core social work competencies with the university’s Catholic identity. The coursework includes:

• Human behavior and social environment
• Social welfare policy and services
• Research methods
• Diversity and social justice
• Ethics and professional behavior

Students progress from basic courses to specialized content in a structured way. You’ll learn both micro and macro practice viewpoints that help you work with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Fieldwork and internship requirements

Real-world experience is central to your education. You’ll put your classroom knowledge into practice at supervised internships. Partner agencies across Los Angeles provide placement opportunities where experienced social workers guide you. These internships are a great way to get professional connections while developing your identity as a social worker.

Tuition and financial aid

Being a private institution means Mount Saint Mary’s tuition is higher than public universities like the Cal State system. The university provides various financial aid options such as merit scholarships, need-based grants, and payment plans. First-generation college students might qualify for extra support programs that make education more accessible.

Unique features and specializations

The program stands out by combining Catholic social teaching with professional social work practice. Small classes encourage strong bonds with faculty mentors, leading to individual-specific experiences. On top of that, the two-campus model gives you access to different learning environments – the Chalon campus in Brentwood and the Doheny campus near downtown Los Angeles. The program ended up creating a values-based approach to social work education that considers the whole person within their social context.

Azusa Pacific University (APU)

Azusa Pacific University’s Bachelor of Social Work program stands out among Los Angeles-area options. The program’s Christian values shape its professional practice and dedication to social justice advancement.

Program overview

Azusa Pacific University’s BSW program prepares skilled generalist social work practitioners who blend scientific knowledge and professional values with a Christian viewpoint. This 40-year old program ranks among California’s trailblazing social work programs and has maintained CSWE accreditation since 1982. Students learn to enhance well-being for diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities while promoting social justice locally and globally.

Curriculum and structure

The program demands academic excellence with 69 total units and a minimum 2.5 GPA in major courses. Students must earn a C or higher in required courses and keep the minimum GPA. The program requires students to complete SOCW 250 (Introduction to Social Work) with a C or better. They must also follow the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

Fieldwork and internship requirements

Senior year students complete a supervised 400+ hour internship at community agencies. Students go through an application process before internships start. They need to get malpractice insurance and have reliable transportation to internship sites.

Tuition and financial aid

Annual undergraduate tuition for 2025-26 costs $44,640, with total expenses reaching $65,690 when housing, meals, and other fees are included. Every new student receives some form of financial aid through scholarships, grants, or loans. Military personnel and their families might qualify for extra financial help that covers tuition, housing, and books.

Unique features and specializations

APU’s innovative 4+1 Advanced Standing program lets students earn both BSW and MSW degrees in five years. The program combines the senior undergraduate year with the MSW’s first year. Students can also choose specialized training in clinical practice or community leadership – perfect for one of America’s ever-changing professions.

Pick an LA-Based BSW

The path to a rewarding career in social work starts with picking the right BSW program. Seven outstanding programs in Los Angeles offer unique approaches to social work education and share a steadfast dedication to professional excellence. Students looking at California State University campuses will find strong, affordable options with urban focuses. Private institutions like USC, Mount Saint Mary’s, and Azusa Pacific weave their distinctive values into their teaching methods.

Several key factors will shape your final choice. Your connection to different theoretical frameworks matters – you might resonate more with CSUDH’s Critical Race Theory approach or APU’s faith-integrated view. Each program’s fieldwork requirements need careful attention because these hands-on experiences will substantially shape your professional growth. Money plays a big role too. Tuition ranges from about $7,500 per year at Cal State schools to over $70,000 at private universities, though generous financial aid often reduces these costs.

BSW graduates face bright job prospects throughout Los Angeles. Healthcare social workers earn impressive average salaries of $84,960 yearly. The field shows steady growth at 7% through 2033. Many programs also create clear paths to advanced standing in MSW programs. This means you could complete your master’s degree just one year after getting your BSW.

Social work needs dedicated people ready to help California’s communities of all types. These BSW programs will equip you to tackle complex social challenges, whether you prefer urban practice, cultural competence, or social justice principles. This detailed guide gives you the knowledge to pick a program that matches your career goals, personal values, and budget.