Popular Accredited Online Social Work Programs in California [Updated for 2025]

Are you prepared to make a positive impact in California with an online social work degree? By choosing an online program, you have the flexibility to arrange your studies around your work and personal commitments.

California offers a range of online accredited programs designed to equip you with skills to support and uplift individuals and communities in need. Whether you are beginning with a bachelor’s degree or advancing to a master’s, this guide presents some of the popular choices in California, including admission requirements, course details, and how each program can help you build a fulfilling career in social work.

Online Social Work Programs in California

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online social work programs in California:

• California State University, San Bernardino
• Pacific Oaks College
• University of Southern California
• California State University, San Marcos
• Arizona State University Online
• National University
• Simmons University
• Syracuse University
• UMass Global
• Walden University

California State University, San Bernardino

Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program at California State University, San Bernardino offers an Advanced Generalist Concentration, balancing both Micro and Macro Practice courses. This approach prepares you to facilitate change at micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels. This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The program provides three models: a two-year model, a three-year model, and an Advanced Standing program for qualified Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduates. In the Advanced Standing program, portions of the generalist curriculum are waived.

• Two-Year Model (59 credits): This full-time option requires four semesters to complete the MSW degree. It is designed for students who can commit fully to intensive study. Practicum involves two days per week in the first year and two and a half days in the second year.
• Three-Year Model (60 credits): This part-time model allows students to spread MSW requirements over three years, accommodating additional responsibilities. However, the MSW program remains time-intensive, even when extended over three years.
• Advanced Standing One-Year Model (36 credits): This accelerated program consists of three terms, beginning in summer and ending in spring, designed for students able to dedicate themselves to intensive study.

The MSW degree includes a generalist curriculum and an advanced generalist curriculum.

Generalist Curriculum: The generalist curriculum builds on a liberal arts foundation to provide a common core for all students. Initial courses cover the essential knowledge, values, processes, and skills of generalist social work practice, preparing you for advanced generalist study in the second half of the program.

The Generalist Year Practicum involves 16 hours per week of supervised work in a social service agency, along with a three-hour seminar each month (eight seminars total).

Generalist Curriculum courses include:

• Social Work Research I and II
• Generalist Micro Practice I and II
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Lifespan Development
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Critical Topics
• Generalist Macro Practice I and II
• Generalist Field Work I and II

Advanced Generalist Curriculum: Building on the generalist curriculum, you will progress to advanced practice education. Courses cover both micro and macro practice, preparing you for roles such as change agent, interdisciplinary social worker, and social work leader. You will specialize in an area where you can apply your advanced generalist knowledge and skills.

In the Advanced Generalist Year, you will undertake a practicum placement of 20 hours per week in a community agency, accompanied by a three-hour monthly seminar for a total of eight seminars.

Advanced Generalist Curriculum courses include:

• Research Project I and II
• Advanced Generalist Micro Practice I and II
• Advanced Generalist Macro Practice I and II
• Advanced Generalist Field Work I and II
• Social Work Advanced Generalist Leadership and Capstone
• Advanced Topics in Social Work

Electives

The MSW program includes two elective courses. One elective is taken as part of the generalist curriculum, and the second is part of the advanced generalist curriculum. You may petition your academic advisor to accept other 5000-level or higher courses to fulfill MSW elective requirements, although MSW required courses cannot fulfill elective requirements.

Practicum

The program requires two practicum placements, totaling 1080 hours of supervised work in local agencies. The Generalist placement is two days a week over two semesters (480 hours), and the Advanced Generalist placement is two and a half days a week over two semesters (600 hours). Practicum includes monthly three-hour seminars, and any missed sessions require make-up assignments. Practicum must be undertaken concurrently with practice methods courses.

Admission for Two-Year or Three-Year options is based on a review of the application and includes the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• GPA of 3.0 (“B”) or higher in all coursework, or a GPA of 3.0 in the last 90 quarter units or last 60 semester units.
• A GPA of 2.8 or higher may be considered with significant social service experience.
• Academic background in the liberal arts, with social and behavioral sciences preferred.
• Social work-related experience, paid or volunteer, equivalent to at least one year of full-time experience (2,080 hours) preferred.
• Evidence of personal qualifications, motivation, and experience indicating potential for success in social work, including an autobiographical statement and three references
• Completed courses in Social Science Research Methods, Human Behavior, and Human Physiology.

Advanced Standing option admission is based on a review of the application and requires the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the last 5 years.
• GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 in all coursework, or a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units or last 90 quarter units.

Pacific Oaks College

Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

The CSWE-accredited online Master MSW program at Pacific Oaks prepares you to become a licensed clinical social worker in California through a curriculum focused on culturally appropriate practice and extensive real-world training in field education and internships.

The online MSW is delivered in an accelerated format. You will need reliable internet access and a computer to participate in online coursework. Upon admission, you must select either the full-time two-year program (six semesters) or the part-time three-year program (nine semesters).

As a strengths-based program, this MSW program aims to strengthen protective factors that support recovery and resilience in individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Grounded in social justice and equity frameworks, the program emphasizes the development of effective advocacy skills for those who work to create positive change in traditionally underserved communities.

The online MSW at Pacific Oaks requires 60 credits for completion, which you can achieve in two years of full-time study or three years part-time, depending on your schedule and need for flexibility. Core courses of the program include:

• Clinical Social Work Practice
• Integrated Clinical Practice
• Wellness and Sustainability
• Advanced Generalist Practice
• Advanced Internship and Seminar IA
• Program Management and Development
• Advanced Internship and Seminar IB
• Master’s Capstone Project Development
• Advanced Internship and Seminar IIA
•  Master’s Capstone Project Implementation
• Advanced Internship and Seminar IIB

Real-world training is essential to the online MSW program at Pacific Oaks. Practicum placements provide you with opportunities to develop professional skills needed for a successful career in social work. Working in settings within your community and receiving guidance from experienced mentors allows you to gain practical experience while incorporating Pacific Oaks’ social justice values. Research indicates that field experience is often remembered as the most valuable aspect of social work education, with mentorship playing a key role in your development as a social worker.

The MSW program trains you to invigorate communities by applying community engagement and client-centered models. This strengths-based approach supports recovery and resiliency among individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Grounded in social justice and equity frameworks, the program also emphasizes developing advocacy skills for serving traditionally underserved communities.

Field education is central to this MSW program. As part of this curriculum, you must complete 900 hours of supervised field experience. This includes 12 credits of field courses over four semesters, with 350 hours in the foundation year and 550 hours in the specialist year. You will begin with two foundation internship courses and proceed to two advanced internship courses in the specialized practice year.

To apply for the online MSW program at Pacific Oaks, you must meet the following criteria:

• Submit a completed application.
• Pay the application fee.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Provide a resume.
• Write a personal statement.
• Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
• Include two letters of recommendation, one from a professional source (e.g., supervisor, program or agency director).
• Complete an interview.
• Submit an essay for specialization.
• Show proof of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.
• Verify at least 500 hours of paid or unpaid experience with diverse, vulnerable populations (e.g., hospitals, mental health centers, advocacy programs, etc.) through your resume and a reference letter from your supervisor.

The program accepts up to 18 graduate-level transfer credits from a CSWE-approved, regionally accredited MSW program. Non-MSW graduate courses may be considered for transfer under unique circumstances with approval from the Dean. You must submit official transcripts, course syllabi, and a course catalog from your previous program to the admissions office at the time of application. Field education courses are not eligible for transfer credit.

University of Southern California

Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online CSWE-accredited MSW program at the University of Southern California (USC) prepares you to create positive change at the individual, community, or macro level through weekly online classes and a blend of virtual and in-person fieldwork.

Graduates of USC’s online MSW program make an impact worldwide in areas like mental health, family counseling, and military and community advocacy. The online MSW program offers both full-time and part-time options. If you hold a bachelor’s in social work, you may qualify for the accelerated Advanced Standing track, allowing you to earn your MSW in 12 months.

The MSW curriculum emphasizes skills sought by today’s employers, building on USC’s traditional strengths with a focus on early intervention, prevention and wellness, leadership, effective collaboration, evidence-based practices, and recent neuroscience findings.

• Traditional Program (48 Units): If your undergraduate degree is not in social work, you will complete the traditional MSW program, available full-time or part-time.
• Advanced Standing (24 Units): If you hold a BSW from an accredited institution, you may qualify for the Advanced Standing program, also available full-time or part-time.

The MSW curriculum addresses the evolving needs of the field, preparing you to meet the demands of 21st-century society. The online MSW program mirrors the rigorous curriculum of USC’s on-campus program, with courses taught by award-winning faculty and designed to allow you to focus on your preferred population.

The generalist curriculum introduces you to social welfare issues and programs, along with the range of human behaviors relevant to social work. You will learn about the methods used by social workers, agencies, and communities to address issues faced by individuals, families, and communities. All content areas cover diversity, ethics, economic justice, and populations at risk, helping you gain a professional sense of responsibility and a strong knowledge base.

USC’s MSW program includes three departments: 1) Children, Youth and Families; 2) Adult Mental Health and Wellness; 3) Social Change and Innovation. After completing the generalist curriculum, you will take required courses and electives focused on department-specific issues. You will complete six core courses in your department, a diversity course, and three electives aligned with your interests.

Students may also choose from five optional tracks to focus on specific client populations or settings:

• Adult Mental Health and Wellness: Examines human behavior and neuroscience as related to mind-body interactions, family, culture, and community.
• Children, Youth and Families: Prepares you to advocate for children and youth and create service programs for families of diverse backgrounds.
• Social Change and Innovation: Focuses on social change and innovation in a global context, with a choice of courses in business or community development.
• School and Educational Settings: Offers a multi-level approach to address the needs of individual students, school communities, and leaders.
• Military Populations and Settings: Focuses on evidence-based practices for those who serve or have served in the military.

Field education is an essential part of the MSW curriculum. You must complete two year-long field courses through USC’s partnerships with thousands of agencies, organizations, and businesses. To earn your MSW degree, you need to complete 1,000 field hours across two internships.

In your first year, you will work 16 hours per week in a practicum agency aligned with your department and participate in a two-hour practice lab for hands-on training in evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing, problem-solving therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. During the second semester, you will also attend a two-unit field seminar.

In the second year, your field hours will increase to 20 per week, and you may have the option to continue at your original site if advanced learning experiences are available. Additionally, you will participate in a one-unit field seminar focused on department-specific interventions.

To apply for USC’s online MSW program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
• Resume.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Two recommendation letters.
• Official transcripts.

If you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the past five years, you may qualify for the Advanced Standing option. For this track, you need a cumulative 3.5 GPA in social work courses with a grade of B or better. Advanced Standing students bypass 23 units and complete 37 units in three semesters (full-time) or five semesters (part-time).

California State University, San Marcos

Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online MSW program at California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) prepares you to become a culturally informed, ethical, and effective professional for direct social work practice with diverse populations. This program equips you for work in public, private, and nonprofit agencies across areas such as social services, child welfare, healthcare, and mental and behavioral health.

The online MSW degree at CSUSM requires completion of 60 graduate units and can be completed in three years. This regionally focused online program is available to residents of San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties in California, with in-person internships required within these areas. Classes are held online on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (5:30 – 10:15 pm).

• Year 1: Coursework only, no internship
• Year 2: 16-hour weekly internships alongside coursework
• Year 3: 20-hour weekly internships alongside coursework

Internships are conducted in person at regional agencies on weekdays during business hours. Field training sites include schools, child welfare agencies, mental health clinics, hospitals, military support programs, hospice care, and forensic settings.

CSUSM’s 3-year online MSW curriculum schedule is as follows:

• Year 1 – Fall
  • Foundations of Social Work
  • Social Welfare Policy
• Year 1 – Spring
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Research Methods in Social Work
• Year 2 – Summer
  • Generalist Practice I: Individuals
  • Law and Ethics in Social Work
• Year 2 – Fall
  • Generalist Practice II: Families & Groups
  • Generalist Practice III: Organizations & Communities
  • Field Instruction I
• Year 2 – Spring
  • Clinical Assessment and Evidence Based Treatment
  • MSW 600-level MSW Elective
  • Field Instruction II
• Year 3 – Summer
  • Program Evaluation and Research Methods
  • MSW 600-level MSW Elective or 695 Thesis I
• Year 3 – Fall
  • Trauma and Addiction
  • Policy and Administration
  • Advanced Field Instruction I
• Year 3 – Spring
  • Culminating Experience/Thesis II
  • MSW 600-level MSW Elective
  • Advanced Field Instruction II

CSUSM’s MSW program specializes in advanced generalist practice, preparing you for work across various settings. You may also choose emphases in children, youth, and family, or behavioral health. The program is divided into two segments: 30 units for generalist practice in the first half, followed by 30 units for advanced generalist practice in the second half.

Generalist Practice: Grounded in liberal arts and the person-in-environment framework, this approach uses prevention and intervention methods to promote well-being for diverse individuals, families, and communities. Generalist practitioners apply ethical principles and critical thinking across micro, mezzo, and macro levels, engaging diversity, advocating for human rights, and supporting resilience.

Advanced Generalist Practice: Building on the generalist foundation, advanced practice expands your knowledge and skills for effective multi-level practice. This approach prepares you for interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership, program development, and policy analysis and advocacy. You will also develop research skills to evaluate practice and assess evidence supporting interventions.

To apply to the MSW program at CSUSM, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units.
• Complete an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.
• Demonstrate computing skills for word processing and statistical software.

Application materials your application must include:

• A completed application on Cal State Apply.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, with verification of a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Proof of completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
• A resume showing at least 300 hours of volunteer or work experience in a social service setting, with supervisor details.
• Three electronic recommendations (two academic and one professional, or two professional and one academic); personal references are not accepted
• A personal statement.

Arizona State University Online

Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

If you are committed to supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities facing various challenges, the online BSW at Arizona State University (ASU) may be the right choice for you. This program from ASU’s School of Social Work provides the knowledge and practical experience to build a fulfilling career in social work. You will graduate prepared to provide direct services and positively impact your community.

A BSW degree equips you to work as a social work generalist, interacting with individuals, groups, communities, and larger societal systems. In this role, you will engage in direct practice with those affected by issues related to mental health, aging, child welfare, criminal justice, disability policy, human rights, and more.

Your courses will cover a range of topics including micro and macro human behavior, ethics, and whole-person health. In your last two semesters, you will apply these concepts in a 480-hour practicum within your geographic region. Practicum sites may include hospices, youth organizations, and community centers.

This program is suited to those with varied backgrounds. If you have experience working or volunteering in social services, you may find this degree to be a good fit. Successful candidates typically have a passion for assisting others and addressing complex social issues that affect vulnerable communities.

Courses in this program are taken sequentially, building your understanding of social work concepts and skills. You will focus on key areas including advocacy, consultation, and education to develop skills in assessment, engagement, evaluation, intervention, intake, and research.

In the 480-hour practicum, you will work under supervision at a site in your area, gaining hands-on experience and making an immediate impact in your community. This practicum solidifies your competencies and allows you to explore your professional identity. Practicum settings include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and more.

ASU offers this BSW program through ASU Sync for transfer students or those with an associate degree. ASU Sync enables you to attend live classes remotely via Zoom, with real-time discussions and collaboration.

Graduates of this program are prepared for generalist social work roles, focusing on advocacy, case management, and problem-solving with individuals, groups, families, and communities.

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

• First-Year Students: You are considered a first-year applicant if you have never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours. To be admitted to ASU, you must hold a high school diploma and have completed at least 14 core courses, including four years of math and English, three years of lab sciences, two years of social sciences, two years of the same second language, and one year of fine arts or technical education. You must also meet one of the following criteria:
  • Top 25% in your high school graduating class.
  • 3.00 GPA in competency courses – ACT score of 22 (Arizona residents) or 24 (nonresidents), or SAT score of 1120 (Arizona residents) or 1180 (nonresidents).
• High School Equivalents: If you do not hold a high school diploma, you may meet undergraduate requirements through GED, HiSet, TASC, or California High School Proficiency Examination. Specific scoring requirements apply.
• Transfer Students: You are a transfer applicant if you have attended college or university with at least 12 transferable credits. Transfer applicants with 12-23 credits must meet first-year student requirements and have a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.50. Applicants with 24 or more credits must have a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.50 to qualify.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in California?

Becoming a licensed social worker (LCSW) in California typically takes between 6 to 8 years, depending on the specific path you take, including the time to complete required degrees, field experience, and the licensure process. Here’s a general outline of the steps and timeline:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Related Field:
   • Time: 4 years (full-time),
   • Details: While a BSW is not required for all MSW programs, it provides a strong foundation and can reduce the time needed for a MSW if applying to an Advanced Standing MSW program.
2. Obtain a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree:
   • Time: 2 years (full-time) or 1 year (if in an Advanced Standing program for BSW holders).
   •  An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required for licensure. Programs include coursework and fieldwork in various social work areas, such as mental health, clinical practice, and community work.
3. Complete Required Field Experience:
   • Time: 2 to 3 years (post-MSW).
   • For LCSW licensure in California, you must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over a minimum of 104 weeks. This field experience can be accumulated in various settings under the supervision of a licensed social worker.
4. Apply for and Pass the Licensing Exams:
   • Time: Several months, depending on exam scheduling and preparation time
   • To obtain LCSW licensure, you must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam and the California Law and Ethics Exam. You may need time to prepare for these exams, and passing both is required for full licensure.

How Much Does a Licensed Social Worker Make in California?

As of November 2024, the average annual salary for a licensed social worker working in California is $104,111. More experienced and top earning social workers in California make over $135,000 per year.