Best MSW Programs in California 2025: Online & Campus

Pacific Oaks College offers an Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed to cultivate culturally competent clinical social workers. This 100% online program provides a flexible schedule with full-time (2 years) and part-time (3 years) options, catering to working professionals. The curriculum includes 60 credits and 900 hours of supervised field education, emphasizing social justice and professional practice. Accredited by CSWE, it prepares graduates for state licensure, requiring a bachelor's degree, professional experience, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Highlights include its focus on social justice values and preparation for clinical licensure.

• 100% online MSW program
• 60 total credit requirement
• 2-3 year completion options
• 900 field education hours
• CSWE accredited program
• Prepares for clinical licensure
• Requires bachelor's degree
• Professional experience required
• Cumulative 2.0 GPA minimum
• Focuses on social justice values

The Online Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program at Pacific Oaks College is tailored for BSW graduates seeking to fast-track their MSW. This accelerated online program can be completed in one year and eight weeks, focusing on social justice and community impact. It requires a recent BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, 35 credits, and 720 field education hours. Designed for those aiming for clinical licensure, it includes a capstone project and prepares graduates for careers in various social work settings. Admission requires two recommendation letters and an interview.

• Online Advanced Standing Program
• 35 total credit hours
• Three semesters long
• 720 field education hours
• Starts Fall 1 and Spring 1
• Must have BSW within 5 years
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Two recommendation letters needed
• Interview required
• Candidates pursuing clinical licensure

California Baptist University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program stands out for its blend of online flexibility and in-person engagement, catering to students aiming to make a significant impact in social work. This CSWE-accredited program spans two years, requiring 60 units for completion, and emphasizes a faith-integrated curriculum alongside evidence-based practices. Students benefit from 900 hours of field work, personalized mentorship, and a community-focused approach to learning. With advanced standing options and a cost of $822 per unit, the program is designed to prepare graduates for advanced professional roles in serving marginalized populations. No GRE Required.

• 60 total program units
• Online and in-person options
• 900 hours field work required
• Advanced standing available
• CSWE-accredited program
• Cost: $822 per unit
• Two-year standard program
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• Community-focused learning
• Personalized faculty mentorship

Point Loma Nazarene University's Master of Social Work program with a concentration in Clinical Practice is designed for those aiming to specialize in direct client services. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person sessions, offering flexibility for students. The curriculum is tailored to develop expertise in clinical counseling, assessment, and intervention strategies, preparing graduates for licensure and impactful careers in mental health and social services. With a focus on evidence-based practice, students engage in comprehensive fieldwork, gaining hands-on experience. The program emphasizes ethical practice and cultural competence, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address diverse client needs.

• 24-month program duration
• Hybrid learning format
• Four career concentrations
• Licensure preparation nationwide
• Mission Valley campus location
• 60 units for regular track
• 33 units advanced standing
• $700 per unit cost
• Fall 2025 start date
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Prerequisites: Human Biology, Statistics
• Advanced standing for BSW graduates
• Experienced interdisciplinary faculty
• Evidence-based curriculum approach

Specializing in Medical Social Work, Point Loma Nazarene University's MSW program equips students with the skills to support individuals and families navigating health challenges. The hybrid format blends online learning with evening classes, catering to working professionals. Students learn to provide psychosocial support, navigate healthcare systems, and advocate for patient rights, preparing for roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The program's interdisciplinary approach and fieldwork opportunities ensure graduates are ready to make a difference in the lives of those facing medical crises.

• Hybrid format with flexible learning
• Four career concentrations available
• Advanced standing track option
• 60 units regular track
• 33 units advanced standing track
• Fall 2025 start date
• $700 per unit cost
• Prepares for clinical licensure
• Experienced interdisciplinary faculty
• Mission Valley Regional Center

The Child Welfare concentration at Point Loma Nazarene University's MSW program prepares students to advocate for and protect vulnerable children and families. This hybrid program offers a flexible schedule, combining online coursework with in-person classes. The curriculum covers child development, family systems, and intervention strategies, preparing graduates for careers in child protective services, foster care, and adoption agencies. Through fieldwork and mentorship, students gain practical experience, ensuring they are ready to address the complex challenges faced by children and families in crisis.

• Two-year hybrid program format
• Four career concentrations available
• 60 total units required
• $700 per unit cost
• Advanced standing track available
• Licensure preparation included
• Fall 2025 start date
• Mission Valley campus location
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
• Prerequisites: Biology, Statistics

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Master of Social Work program specializes in serving rural and Indigenous communities, blending advanced generalist training with a deep commitment to cultural humility and social justice. This CSWE-accredited program offers flexible online, full-time, and part-time formats, tailored for California residents. It equips students with multi-system practice skills to tackle social challenges, emphasizing empowerment and ethical practice without requiring the GRE.

• Advanced generalist MSW program
• Rural and Indigenous focus
• Full-time, part-time, online options
• CSWE fully accredited
• California licensure preparation
• Online students must reside in CA
• Emphasizes cultural humility
• Multi-system practice approach
• Social justice oriented curriculum

The hybrid Master of Social Work program at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt focuses on an advanced generalist curriculum with a special emphasis on rural and Indigenous communities. Accredited by CSWE, it offers full-time, part-time, and online study options, preparing students for California licensure. The program fosters a strengths-based, collaborative learning environment, integrating cultural humility and social justice into its multi-system practice approach, and does not require the GRE for admission.

• Advanced generalist MSW program
• Rural and Indigenous community focus
• CSWE fully accredited
• Full-time, part-time, online options
• Emphasizes cultural humility
• Meets California licensure requirements
• Online students must reside in California
• Multi-system practice approach
• Strengths-based collaborative learning

The University of Massachusetts Global offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for those aiming to make a significant impact in the field. This program provides a flexible, advanced generalist curriculum, available in both Standard (69 credits) and Advanced Standing (39 credits) tracks, catering to students with or without a BSW. Emphasizing social justice, diversity, and ethical practice, the program includes a required field practicum to apply learning in real-world settings. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA, with options for portfolio evaluation. The program is CSWE accredited, preparing graduates for diverse social work careers. No GRE Required.

• Two MSW program tracks available
• CSWE accredited program
• Advanced generalist curriculum focus
• Requires field practicum experience
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Online and flexible learning options
• Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
• Focuses on social justice principles
• Prepares for diverse social work careers

University of Massachusetts Global's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a concentration in Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work equips students for specialized roles in educational settings. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on advanced generalist skills, practice-informed research, and policy engagement, with a strong emphasis on social justice and ethical leadership. Students can choose between Standard and Advanced Standing tracks, completing 39-69 credits. The program includes a field practicum and offers flexible learning options. It prepares graduates for impactful careers in school social work and beyond, with a focus on addressing complex societal challenges. No GRE Required.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• Two program entry options
• 39-69 total credits
• Advanced generalist curriculum
• Multiple specialization electives
• Field practicum required
• Online and flexible learning
• Leadership skill development
• Social justice focused
• Diverse career preparation