8 Online MSW Programs in California That Accept Rural Students (No GRE Required)

California’s MSW programs provide unmatched opportunities if you aspire to become a social worker. The state guides the nation with 27 fully-accredited Master’s of Social Work programs. This makes California the top employer of social workers nationwide.

Rural students can now advance their careers without moving. These online programs are a great way to get the education you need, and they don’t require GRE scores for admission. BSW degree holders can benefit from advanced standing options in all but one of these programs. You can complete your degree in just 2-3 semesters.

The career prospects look good in California. The state employs over 16,000 people in mental health and substance abuse social work. Job opportunities continue to grow rapidly. MSW graduates earn about $76,608 per year, which makes the average program cost of $60,000 a smart investment. Let’s look at eight outstanding online MSW programs that can help you start your career while staying in your rural community.

1. Cal Poly Humboldt – Distributed Learning MSW

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Distributed Learning MSW program emerged from a partnership with county and tribal social service providers in Northern California. This unique program stands out among California’s MSW programs because it prepares social workers specifically to serve rural and Indigenous communities.

Program overview

The program focuses on advanced generalist practice with special attention to rural and Indigenous community work. The curriculum aims to decolonize mainstream social work through courses that promote cultural humility, compassion, partnership, and ways to strengthen communities. Students learn a disciplined, compassionate approach to caring and ethical practice while developing frameworks based on professional values. The distributed learning experience brings more than typical online education – it’s interactive, locally-based, networked, and puts students at the center.

Specializations offered

The advanced generalist program at Cal Poly Humboldt features specialized coursework in:

• Indigenous Peoples and Communities
• Child and Family Welfare
• Integrated Clinical Practice
• Community and Organization
• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Wellness and Sustainability

Local tribal communities helped shape the program’s strong emphasis on Indigenous and rural peoples. Graduates learn to tackle complex social issues that affect individuals, groups, families, and organizations in these communities.

Format and flexibility

Students can choose between two online program options:

1. Part-time Distributed Learning MSW (3.5 years) – Students complete foundation coursework in the first 5 semesters, then move to advanced coursework for 5 more semesters.
2. Part-time Advanced Standing Distributed Learning MSW (2 years) – BSW/BASW holders take 6 units of summer bridge courses before starting advanced coursework.

Both paths blend asynchronous online modules with Thursday night web sessions. Students attend yearly three-day campus intensives each January. Each semester includes a required 1.5-unit “Distributed Learning Community Seminar”. Students should plan to spend at least 25 hours weekly on this challenging curriculum.

Tuition and affordability

Students pay less here than at many other California MSW programs:

• Three-and-a-half-year part-time online program: $38,250 total estimated tuition
• Two-year part-time online Advanced Standing program: $22,185 total estimated tuition

Each unit costs about $540. Program-specific financial aid helps more than half the students receive scholarships or stipends. Money comes from grants through the Mental Health Services Act, Superior Region Mental Health Workforce, Education and Training Partnership, and CalSWEC.

Fieldwork and rural access

The Social Work Department partners with communities across 18 Northern California counties including Butte, Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Shasta, and Trinity. Skilled social work practitioners mentor students during required community placements, helping them connect theory with practice. Students learn about the challenges and strengths of organizations that serve rural and Indigenous communities through hands-on experience.

Admission requirements

California residency must be maintained throughout the program. Application deadlines vary:

• 5-year program (January start): August 1-September 15
• 2-year Advanced Standing program (June start): October 1-February 1

Working professionals can earn their degree while keeping their jobs, homes, and community ties. Many Department of Health and Human Services employees have completed the program while working.

2. University of the Pacific – Online Advanced Standing MSW

The University of the Pacific offers a specialized Online Advanced Standing MSW program for clinical social workers with a bachelor’s degree in social work. You can build on your existing knowledge and move up in your career without moving away from your rural community.

Program overview

The University of the Pacific aims to improve everyone’s quality of life and help people become productive members of society. The Advanced Standing MSW program helps graduates become change-makers who excel at client care and fight for economic and social justice. Students learn detailed client care methods based on proven research and cultural awareness. The CSWE-accredited program features licensed social workers and industry leaders as faculty members who guide you throughout your learning experience.

Specializations offered

The program features two popular specializations:

• Behavioral Health Specialization: Teaches individual, group, and family mental health treatments while developing advanced clinical skills for mental health settings
• Health Care Specialization: Works toward health equity, patient advocacy, and short-term clinical treatments while addressing social factors affecting health

Students might qualify for the Abbott Fund Scholarship, which pays up to 50% of tuition costs. Recipients study diabetes care and management as part of the healthcare track, preparing them to work in diabetes prevention, education, and management in Stockton.

Format and flexibility

The Advanced Standing program needs 32 credit hours and 720 field practicum hours. This efficient structure gives you plenty of flexibility with:

• Full-time option: Finish in just 12 months (three trimesters)
• Part-time option: Graduate in 20 months (five trimesters) while keeping your current job
• 100% online coursework with no need to visit campus
• Three start dates each year (fall, spring, summer)

Rural students benefit from this setup as they can stay in their current homes and jobs while advancing their education.

Tuition and affordability

The Online Advanced Standing MSW program costs $983.00 per credit hour, bringing the total program cost to $32,439.00. The university offers several financial aid options to help manage this investment:

• Abbott Fund Scholarship: Pays up to 50% of tuition for qualified students studying diabetes care
• Additional scholarships and grants: Come from generous donors who support student success
• Federal loans and employment programs: Available through the Financial Aid Office

The university knows graduate education can be expensive and helps make the process more manageable.

Fieldwork and rural access

Field education is key to the program, giving you 720 hours of ground, hands-on social work experience. The university supports rural students through:

• A dedicated field placement team that cooperates with you to find quality learning sites matching your goals
• Help finding field placements in your community that line up with your career plans
• Help with required paperwork so you can focus on learning and growing
• Support from faculty and your Student Online Experience Coach

This detailed support system lets rural students complete their fieldwork without moving, making the program available whatever your location.

Admission requirements

The Online Advanced Standing MSW program has several requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last five years
• B+ or higher grades in social work courses
• A minimum 3.3 GPA in the last 60 units
• Three letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• A personal statement and resume
• An interview if asked

The program looks at each applicant’s academic history, work experience, and dedication to social work. You don’t need GRE scores to apply for this program.

3. California State University, Chico – Distributed Learning MSW

CSU Chico offers a unique hybrid Distributed Learning MSW program. The program combines online instruction with on-campus elements and serves students throughout Northern California’s rural communities.

Program overview

The School of Social Work at CSU Chico runs an advanced generalist MSW program. Students learn broad-based knowledge and skills they need for multi-level social work practice. This CSWE-accredited program prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The curriculum focuses on direct services, community practice, policy analysis, and research. Students develop professional values through campus-based and distributed learning formats while getting ground experience.

Specializations offered

Students can choose between two focus areas during their concentration year:

• Mental Health Services (MH) – Students learn to work with clients who have emotional and mental disorders. The program teaches assessment and intervention skills for behavioral health settings
• Families, Children and Youth Services (FCY) – Students focus on vulnerable populations including at-risk children, troubled adolescents, and families who need support services

Both specializations build on the advanced generalist framework. Students get specialized knowledge while staying versatile enough for different practice settings.

Format and flexibility

Students can complete the program through three different paths:

• One-Year Accelerated Program – Students with a BSW earned within the last five years need 34-36 credit hours and 720 field hours
• Three-Year Distributed Learning Program – Students complete 61-63 total credit hours and 1,200 field practicum hours part-time over three years

The distributed learning format blends online asynchronous coursework (67%) with face-to-face components (33%). Students attend campus two weekends per semester and join regular Zoom sessions. The three-year program takes new students once every three years. The next cohort starts fall 2024.

Tuition and affordability

California residents pay approximately $4,751 per semester. Non-resident students must pay an extra $396 per unit. Several financial aid options make this program available:

• Title IV-E Child Welfare Training grants give up to $25,000 yearly stipends
• CalSWEC Behavioral Health program offers $25,000 annual stipends to eligible students
• Adult Protective Services Training Program provides up to $20,000 per academic year

The program costs 40% less than similar schools, making it one of California’s most affordable MSW programs.

Fieldwork and rural access

Students must complete field placements within CSU Chico’s designated 18-county service region in Northern California. The region covers Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, and Yuba counties. Students complete between 720-1,200 hours of field education based on their program track. Many students can use their current workplace for internships. This setup works well for working professionals in rural areas.

Admission requirements

The School of Social Work gets about 150 applications each year with an acceptance rate of about 50%. Key requirements include:

• January 15 application deadline for fall admission
• Preferred minimum 3.0 GPA (students can explain lower GPAs)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• No GRE needed

Students must complete their practicum education within the School’s 18-county Northern California service region. This requirement makes the program ideal for people already living in these rural communities.

4. California State University, San Bernardino – Online MSW

California State University, San Bernardino delivers its unique online MSW through the Pathway Distance Education Program. The program shares the same mission and detailed content as traditional campus offerings. CSUSB ranks as the second most affordable online MSW program in California. The program stands out because it takes an integrated approach to social work education and provides special support for rural students.

Program overview

The CSUSB School of Social Work awards a Master of Social Work degree with an Advanced Generalist Concentration. Students take equal numbers of micro and macro practice courses. This balanced approach helps graduates create change across individual, group, organizational, and community levels. The program follows Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards. Students learn professional values, knowledge, and practice skills to boost the well-being of diverse populations. The curriculum builds a generalist framework first, then moves to specialized practice. This ensures graduates can tackle complex social challenges effectively.

Specializations offered

Students select a specialization in their advanced year:

• Social Issues: Focus areas include poverty, child abuse, HIV/AIDS advocacy, racism, or gender discrimination
• Client Populations: Specializations for working with children, elderly, disabled individuals, substance users, immigrants, or LGBTQ+ communities
• Fields of Practice: Options include mental health, child welfare, gerontology, corrections, school social work, and healthcare settings

Students can shape their education around social justice causes they care about. They also develop specialized intervention strategies for their chosen focus area.

Format and flexibility

The Pathway Distance Education Program offers a three-year part-time option for traditional standing students. Courses run online asynchronously with weekly deadlines, which works well for working professionals. Practicum seminars happen synchronously online. Students must attend three two-day on-campus orientations during the program. Students progress together in a cohort model. This builds professional relationships while they stay in their rural communities.

Tuition and affordability

The online MSW program costs $39,000 total at $650 per unit. Several financial support options make this investment easier:

• Title IV-E Public Child Welfare Stipend providing up to $18,500 annually
• Integrated Behavioral Health Program offering potential $9,250 annually
• Standard financial aid and scholarship opportunities

These support options make CSUSB one of California’s budget-friendly MSW programs. Total program costs are substantially lower than similar institutions.

Fieldwork and rural access

Field education makes up CSUSB’s program. Students complete 1,080 hours across two internships. The Generalist placement needs two days weekly for two semesters (480 hours). The Advanced Generalist placement requires two and a half days weekly for two semesters (600 hours). CSUSB places students in over 200 contracted agencies across a big geographic area. This spans from Barstow in the north to San Diego in the south, and from Indio in the east to Los Angeles in the west. The Pathway Distance Education Program also offers placements in Northern California and sometimes outside the state. This makes the program highly available for rural students.

Admission requirements

Application deadlines change by start term. Priority deadlines usually fall on January 15. You’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree before program start
• Preferred GPA of 3.0 (2.8+ GPA might work with substantial social service experience)
• Three professional references
• Courses in Social Science Research Methods, Human Behavior, and Human Physiology
• No GRE required

Rural residents get priority consideration. This makes the program an excellent choice if you live in remote communities.

5. California State University, Northridge – Online MSW

The Department of Social Work and The Tseng College at California State University, Northridge have teamed up. They offer a fully online MSW program that lets working professionals advance their careers without moving.

Program overview

CSUN’s Master of Social Work teaches practitioners to meet social service needs in urban settings. The program takes a strengths-based, community-oriented approach that promotes social justice. Students learn multicultural practices and train to work ethically in all areas of social work: individual/family (micro), group/community (mezzo), and societal/policy (macro). CSUN stands out from other California MSW programs by using a cohort model. Students move through the program together, which creates a supportive learning community and guarantees spots in required courses.

Specializations offered

The program features one specialization: advanced generalist practice focused on urban communities. This detailed approach readies graduates for careers as direct service providers, administrators, community supporters, counselors, policy makers, researchers, and supervisors. Students develop skills in social work values and ethics, populations at risk, diversity, and social and economic justice.

Format and flexibility

CSUN gives students two online program options:

• Two-year full-time program: Four semesters with two eight-week courses at a time, totaling 60 graduate units
• Three-year part-time program: Eight semesters at a slower pace with the same curriculum

Students can complete most coursework when it suits them. They only need to attend one weekly one-hour online practicum education class. These classes usually run on weeknights between 5-9pm Pacific Time. This setup works great for rural students who need to balance other commitments.

Tuition and affordability

The total program costs $48,780 ($813 per unit for 60 units). Students should plan for extra costs like the $70 application fee, books, and a $47 graduation fee. Financial aid through FAFSA, military veterans benefits, and CSUN scholarships can help with expenses. The program costs about half as much as similar private university programs.

Fieldwork and rural access

Students spend 16 hours each week on fieldwork throughout the program. CSUN’s MSW Practicum Education Department matches placements based on agency needs, student schedules, and location. Students start with basic skills in their first year before moving to advanced practice. Rural students need reliable transportation since placements happen during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm). The program doesn’t offer evening or weekend placements.

Admission requirements

You’ll need these items to apply:

• A four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (sociology, psychology, liberal arts preferred)
• Minimum 2.5 GPA overall or in last 60 units (3.0 GPA recommended for competitive admission)
• Professional resume showing work experience
• Personal statement
• Three professional references

Rural students will find this program more available since it doesn’t require GRE scores.

6. California State University, San Marcos – Hybrid MSW

The Master of Social Work program at California State University San Marcos offers a culturally responsive curriculum. Students become ethical and effective professionals who work with people from different backgrounds in various settings.

Program overview

CSUSM’s MSW program readies graduates to work in public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Social services, child welfare, human services, healthcare, and mental health fields welcome these professionals. The program aims to create competent and conscientious social workers who take part in ethical advanced generalist practice. Students learn social and economic justice principles. They gain skills in community outreach, service, advocacy, and research to boost individual and community well-being.

Specializations offered

The program follows an advanced generalist approach with two main focus areas:

• Children, youth, and family
• Behavioral health

This approach gives students a wide range of practice options while letting them focus on their interests. Students start with generalist foundation courses before moving to specialized practice.

Format and flexibility

Students can choose from three program options:

• One-year advanced standing (30 units) – For recent BSW graduates
• Two-year traditional program (60 units)
• Three-year part-time online program (60 units)

The two-year hybrid program combines campus classes in San Marcos with online learning. Students need to be on campus during specific weeks each semester. They complete the rest of their coursework online. This setup gives students flexibility while maintaining educational quality and hands-on experience.

Tuition and affordability

Program costs vary by format:

• State-supported 1-year and 2-year programs follow regular graduate tuition rates ($8,034 yearly for full-time residents)
• Extended Learning 3-year online program costs $530 per unit

Students pay additional campus fees each semester. They can access payment plans, FAFSA-based help, and veteran benefits. Cal Vet Fee Waivers don’t apply to the Extended Learning program.

Fieldwork and rural access

Field education gives students valuable hands-on experience. They work at local and regional social services agencies to complete required field hours. First-year students spend 16 hours weekly at internships. This increases to 20 hours weekly in the second year. Students learn direct practice interventions with underserved populations through assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evidence-based methods.

Admission requirements

Students need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (applications below 2.5 GPA aren’t considered)
• Undergraduate statistics course with grade C or better
• Resume showing at least 300 hours of social service experience
• Three letters of recommendation (academic and professional)
• Personal statement (maximum 2 pages)

The program doesn’t require GRE scores. Fall applications open in October with January deadlines.

7. San José State University – Online MSW

San José State University runs a flexible Online/Hybrid MSW program that serves rural students across California. The program helps students build a cross-cultural view to work with diverse populations.

Program overview

The SJSU MSW program started in 1969 to train social workers for Spanish-speaking populations. Today, the program trains students to become advanced generalist practitioners with a cross-cultural view. This approach helps them work with Latino communities, other minority groups, and underserved populations. Students learn professional values and develop leadership skills for various settings.

Specializations offered

The program lets students focus on three practice areas:

• Children, Youth, and Families
• Mental Health
• Health and Aging (pilot phase)

These options line up with California’s growing need for qualified social workers.

Format and flexibility

Students can choose between two program options:

• Two-year option (60 units) – 35 units in first year, 25 units in second year
• One-year Advanced Standing option (37 units) for BSW holders

Academic courses blend self-paced learning with live evening sessions that usually start after 6:00 PM. Students should be good at managing time and feel comfortable using technology.

Tuition and affordability

The 2024-2025 per-unit cost begins at $600, with 5% yearly increases planned through 2029. Total program costs range from $22,200 (Advanced Standing) to $36,000 (traditional program).

Fieldwork and rural access

Students must complete 1,200 field education hours (600 hours yearly) with at least 16 weekly hours. While the program is online, students need to do their internships in person during regular business hours (8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday).

Admission requirements

The application window typically opens in October. Students must meet these requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Personal statements
• Resume
• Recommendations
• No GRE required

Students must live in California throughout their program duration.

8. University of Southern California – Online MSW

USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers a complete online MSW program that connects students across the country to quality social work education. This program stands out among California’s MSW programs.

Program overview

The online MSW curriculum prepares graduates to tackle 21st-century challenges while addressing emerging social work needs. The program matches the on-campus experience and focuses on early intervention, prevention, wellness, leadership, evidence-based practices, and neuroscience applications.

Specializations offered

Students can choose from five optional tracks:

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

Format and flexibility

Students can pick between two options:

• Traditional Program (48 units) for students without a BSW degree
• Advanced Standing (24 units) for BSW holders from accredited institutions Students can enroll either full-time or part-time in both tracks.

Tuition and affordability

The program costs $2,256 per unit with a total estimated cost of $108,288. Students must pay a $500 non-refundable commitment deposit after admission.

Fieldwork and rural access

Students need to complete over 1,000 hours of practicum education. USC’s partnerships with agencies throughout the country help students find placements anywhere in the United States.

Admission requirements

Students need:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Professional recommendations
• Personal statement
• Resume highlighting relevant experience The program is available to rural students since no GRE is required.

Get Your MSW Started Today

Getting your MSW degree from a rural California community is now more available than ever. Eight programs meet rural students’ needs through online and hybrid formats. These programs remove geographical barriers that could stop career growth. On top of that, it helps that none require GRE scores – one less obstacle for future students.

These programs each bring something special to the table. To name just one example, see how Cal Poly Humboldt and CSU Chico put rural and Indigenous communities first. Their approach prepares you to work in these unique settings. CSUSB and CSUN’s programs offer urban-focused training that works well for rural students. USC stands out by letting students do field work nationwide. University of the Pacific’s specialized tracks come with possible scholarship options.

Money matters are without doubt a vital part of choosing your path. Program costs range from Cal Poly Humboldt’s $38,250 to USC’s $108,288. Many financial aid options can help make these numbers work better for you. Scholarships, grants, and stipends often cut these costs substantially.

Field education is foundational to MSW training, whatever program you pick. Most schools’ partner agency networks let you complete your practicum hours close to home. This hands-on experience is a great way to get real-world skills you’ll need after graduation.

California MSW graduates face bright career prospects. Mental health and substance abuse social work alone has 16,000+ positions with $76,608 average yearly pay. Your MSW investment typically pays off throughout your career.

Your choice might come down to specialty options, format flexibility, costs, or fieldwork chances. These eight programs show that where you live doesn’t limit your growth anymore. Start your journey to becoming a licensed social worker by picking a program that lines up with your career dreams, budget, and life situation. California’s communities need your skills and dedication.