MSW Programs in California Online

Point Loma Nazarene University's online Master of Social Work program specializing in Clinical Practice provides a comprehensive pathway for professionals seeking advanced social work expertise. The hybrid program offers flexible learning with four career concentrations, enabling students to develop critical skills in clinical counseling, program management, and advocacy. Graduates are prepared for nationwide licensure through a robust 60-unit curriculum emphasizing evidence-based solutions. With an experienced interdisciplinary faculty and a mission-driven approach, students can complete the program in 24 months, with an advanced standing track available for BSW graduates. The program requires a 3.0 minimum GPA and prerequisites in Human Biology and Statistics.

• 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

Point Loma Nazarene University's online MSW program in Medical Social Work offers a dynamic hybrid learning environment designed for working professionals. The curriculum focuses on preparing advanced generalist practitioners to excel in healthcare settings through comprehensive training in clinical counseling, program management, and community advocacy. Students benefit from flexible evening and online classes, a 60-unit comprehensive track, and an advanced standing option for qualifying students. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, robust fieldwork experiences, and interdisciplinary mentorship to equip graduates for impactful roles in medical social services and clinical licensure.

• 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

Point Loma Nazarene University's online Master of Social Work program with a Child Welfare concentration provides a transformative two-year hybrid learning experience. Designed for aspiring social work professionals, the curriculum integrates clinical practice, research, and leadership skills across diverse community service sectors. Students engage in a flexible 60-unit program combining in-person evening classes with online learning, preparing them for high-demand careers in healthcare and social support. With experienced faculty, comprehensive fieldwork, and a focus on licensure preparation, graduates develop advanced generalist skills to create meaningful community impacts through clinical counseling and advocacy.

• 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 University-San Bernardino's online Master of Social Work program offers a dynamic and flexible pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this hybrid program provides multiple enrollment options including advanced standing, two-year, and three-year tracks. Students can complete coursework online with options for in-person learning at San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates to address complex social challenges. Unique program features include a concurrent MSW/MPA degree option and diverse practicum education opportunities. No specific entrance exam requirements are highlighted, offering accessibility for diverse student backgrounds.

• CSWE-accredited program
• Online and in-person options
• Multiple program tracks
• 35-60 unit programs
• San Bernardino/Palm Desert campuses
• Advanced Standing Program
• Two-year traditional track
• Three-year extended track
• MSW/MPA concurrent degree
• Pathway Distance Education

The California State University-San Bernardino's dual Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration program represents an innovative approach to social work education. This hybrid program combines online and in-person learning, offering maximum flexibility for working professionals. CSWE-accredited and available through advanced standing, two-year, and three-year tracks, the program prepares students for leadership roles in social services and public administration. Spanning 35-60 units, the curriculum integrates practical skills with theoretical foundations. Students can choose between San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses, with summer entry options for advanced standing students. The program uniquely supports concurrent practicum education and administrative career pathways.

• Online and in-person options
• CSWE-accredited program
• Multiple program lengths
• Advanced Standing Program (35 units)
• Two-Year Program (60 units)
• Three-Year Program (60 units)
• Campuses: San Bernardino and Palm Desert
• MSW/MPA Concurrent Degree available
• Concurrent practicum education
• Summer entry for Advanced Standing

Cal Poly Humboldt's online Master of Social Work program delivers a specialized curriculum centered on Rural and Indigenous Communities. Accredited by CSWE, this advanced generalist degree provides comprehensive training for professionals seeking to make meaningful social impacts. Students engage in flexible learning formats, developing critical skills in cultural humility, social justice, and multi-system approaches. The program uniquely prepares graduates to address complex challenges in rural and Indigenous contexts, offering full-time and part-time options. Online students must reside in California, ensuring localized learning experiences that emphasize collaborative, empowerment-driven strategies.

• 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

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt offers a hybrid Master of Social Work program that blends comprehensive academic training with practical community engagement. This advanced generalist degree focuses on developing compassionate, ethically grounded social work professionals. Students explore multi-system practice approaches, emphasizing cultural humility and strengths-based collaborative strategies. The CSWE-accredited program provides flexible learning pathways, preparing graduates to address complex social challenges. With options for full-time and part-time study, the curriculum meets California licensure requirements and cultivates a deep understanding of social justice principles.

• 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

University of the Pacific's online Master of Social Work program delivers a robust 16-month hybrid learning experience focused on Health Care and Behavioral Health concentrations. This CSWE-accredited program prepares students for clinical social work careers through flexible online and in-person classes. Students can specialize in mental health, aging, and community health while completing field placements across Northern California. With an accelerated curriculum emphasizing social justice and evidence-based practice, the program requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Advanced standing is available for BSW graduates, and applicants can apply between October 1 and May 31, with a priority deadline of March 31.

• 16-month accelerated hybrid program
• Online and in-person classes
• Two program tracks available
• Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
• Field placements in Northern California
• 2.75+ undergraduate GPA required
• Apply October 1 to May 31
• Priority deadline March 31
• CSWE accredited program
• Clinical practice specialization

The University of the Pacific's MSW program in Behavioral Health offers a transformative 16-month hybrid educational pathway for aspiring social work professionals. This online-integrated program provides comprehensive training in clinical skills, cultural competency, and healthcare interventions. Students benefit from flexible learning formats, field placements throughout Northern California, and specialized training opportunities like diabetes care management. Requiring a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA, the program emphasizes evidence-based approaches and practical experience. CSWE-accredited and military-friendly, this program prepares graduates for diverse healthcare and mental health practice environments.

• 16-month Accelerated Hybrid Program
• Online and in-person classes
• Field placements in Northern California
• Bachelor's degree required
• 2.75 minimum GPA
• Apply October 1 to May 31
• Priority deadline March 31
• Advanced Standing Program available
• CSWE Accredited Program
• Diabetes Care subspecialization option

University of the Pacific's Health Care-focused Master of Social Work program presents an innovative hybrid learning model with two dynamic tracks. The 16-month standard track and 12-month advanced standing option provide comprehensive clinical training for social work professionals. Students explore complex healthcare challenges through online and in-person coursework, gaining expertise in mental health, aging, and community health interventions. With a 2.75 GPA requirement and field placements across Northern California, the program equips graduates with advanced skills for emerging healthcare social work roles. The CSWE-accredited curriculum emphasizes practical experience and evidence-based practice.

• Hybrid online/classroom format
• 16-month accelerated program
• 12-month advanced standing option
• 2.75 undergraduate GPA required
• Field placements in Northern California
• Diabetes Care subspecialization available
• CSWE accredited program
• Application period: October-May
• Priority deadline: March 31
• Health care practice focus

Pacific Oaks College's fully online Master of Social Work program delivers a comprehensive curriculum designed for flexible professional development. Offering both full-time (2 years) and part-time (3 years) tracks, students complete 60 credits and 900 supervised field education hours. The program uniquely emphasizes social justice values and prepares graduates for clinical licensure. Ideal for working professionals seeking advanced social work credentials, the CSWE-accredited program requires a bachelor's degree and maintains a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Students benefit from a rigorous online learning environment that balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills and community-centered practice.

• 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

Pacific Oaks College's Online Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program provides an accelerated pathway for recent BSW graduates. Completed in just one year and eight weeks, this program requires a 3.0 GPA and a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last five years. Students undertake 35 credit hours and 720 field education hours, culminating in a comprehensive capstone project. The curriculum strategically prepares students for clinical licensure and diverse social work careers in mental health, education, and substance abuse intervention. An interview and two recommendation letters are part of the selective admission process.

• 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 State University-Fullerton's online Master of Social Work Flex Program offers a specialized Child Welfare concentration designed for working professionals. This comprehensive 60-unit graduate degree provides advanced multicultural training through a flexible learning model. Students can complete the program in approximately three years, balancing evening and online classes with intensive field experiences. The curriculum uniquely prepares social work practitioners for complex child welfare environments, emphasizing professional development, research methodologies, and hands-on community agency placements. With opportunities for 16 hours per week of field learning and optional summer electives, students gain practical skills to address critical social challenges.

• 60-unit MSW Flex Program
• Complete in ~3 years
• Two concentration options
• Evening class schedules
• Campus-based program
• Two nine-month field experiences
• 16 hours/week field learning
• Multicultural social work emphasis
• Community-based agency placements
• Optional summer electives

California State University-Fullerton's online Master of Social Work Flex Program delivers a robust Community Mental Health concentration for aspiring social work professionals. This dynamic 60-unit degree enables students to develop advanced multicultural skills while maintaining professional commitments. The hybrid program allows completion in approximately three years, featuring flexible evening classes and comprehensive field learning experiences. Students engage in intensive 16-hour weekly field instruction, gaining practical insights into mental health intervention strategies. The curriculum integrates research methods, professional development, and community-based training to equip graduates with sophisticated tools for addressing complex mental health challenges in diverse social contexts.

• 60-unit MSW Flex Program
• Three-year completion option
• Two concentration tracks
• Evening and hybrid classes
• Multicultural practice emphasis
• Field learning experiences
• Two required elective courses
• 16 hours weekly field instruction
• Campus-based program

California Baptist University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a distinctive educational experience blending evidence-based practices with faith-based learning. Students can complete the CSWE-accredited program in two years, engaging in 900 hours of transformative field work while developing advanced professional skills. The curriculum emphasizes community change and serving marginalized populations, providing flexible online learning options. With advanced standing available and personalized faculty mentorship, students gain comprehensive training in social work strategies. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing graduates to become impactful social work professionals in diverse community settings.

• 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

California State University-Northridge's fully online Master of Social Work program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for aspiring social work professionals seeking flexible advanced education. The program provides two distinct pathways: traditional and advanced standing, catering to students with varied academic backgrounds in sociology, psychology, and liberal arts. Students develop advanced skills in clinical and macro practice, emphasizing social justice and ethical principles. With a CSWE-accredited curriculum, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and post-baccalaureate work experience. Applicants benefit from a fall application cycle and opportunities to specialize in clinical intervention strategies and community-focused social work practices.

• Two MSW program tracks
• Traditional and Advanced Standing
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Baccalaureate degree prerequisite
• Post-baccalaureate work experience
• Fall application cycle
• $70 application fee
• CSWE accredited program
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Clinical and macro practice options

University of Massachusetts Global's online Master of Social Work program delivers a comprehensive advanced generalist curriculum designed for professionals committed to creating meaningful social change. The fully online program offers two flexible tracks: a Standard Advanced Generalist pathway spanning 69 credits and an Advanced Standing option of 39 credits for BSW graduates. CSWE-accredited and emphasizing social justice principles, students engage in extensive field practicum experiences that prepare them for diverse social work careers. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and provides a rigorous academic environment focused on evidence-based practices, ethical interventions, and addressing complex societal challenges through innovative approaches.

• 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 MSW program with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work provides specialized training for education-focused social work professionals. This CSWE-accredited curriculum integrates advanced generalist skills with targeted school social work expertise, preparing students for impactful roles in educational settings. The 39-69 credit program offers flexible online learning with comprehensive coursework emphasizing practice-informed research, policy engagement, and child welfare interventions. Students develop leadership capabilities while exploring specialized electives that address the unique challenges of supporting students, families, and educational institutions through compassionate, evidence-based social work practices.

• 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

California State University-Los Angeles offers a comprehensive online and hybrid Master of Social Work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1999. The program provides flexible educational pathways, including advanced standing, two-year, and three-year tracks for diverse student backgrounds. Students can choose between Downtown Los Angeles and main campus locations, with a structured curriculum designed to prepare professionals for impactful social work careers. The program emphasizes adaptable learning formats and comprehensive training across various social work settings. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, applicants must submit a personal statement, resume, and unofficial transcripts as part of the application process.

• CSWE accredited since 1999
• Three program options available
• Advanced Standing Program (11 months)
• 2-year and 3-year traditional tracks
• Downtown LA and main campus locations
• Single online application process
• Requires personal statement, resume
• Need unofficial transcripts
• Provides reference form submissions
• Information meetings available

National University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a comprehensive and flexible pathway for aspiring social work professionals. CSWE-accredited, the program provides two distinct tracks: a 60-credit Generalist track and a 36-credit Advanced Standing track. Designed to accommodate both experienced professionals and career changers, students can complete their degree in 24-38 months with convenient year-round enrollment starting every Monday. The program stands out with its $0 application fee and no GRE requirement, making advanced social work education more accessible. Graduates gain extensive training in ethical practice, social justice, and advanced intervention strategies across diverse social service settings.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• Online and flexible delivery
• Two program tracks available
• No GRE/GMAT required
• $0 application fee
• Start every Monday
• 24-38 month completion time
• Generalist track: 60 credit hours
• Advanced Standing track: 36 credit hours
• Year-round enrollment

National University's online MSW program with a specialized concentration in Advanced Social Work with Children and Families provides targeted learning for professionals seeking expertise in family and child welfare. This CSWE-accredited degree offers a focused curriculum designed to equip students with advanced skills in child and family intervention strategies. With flexible online learning, students can complete their degree in 24-38 months through either a Generalist or Advanced Standing track. The program eliminates traditional barriers with no GRE requirements, zero application fees, and year-round enrollment, enabling students to develop sophisticated practice skills in mental health, healthcare, and community service contexts.

• CSWE-accredited MSW program
• Online learning with flexible schedule
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Two program tracks available
• Generalist track: 60 credit hours
• Advanced Standing track: 36 credit hours
• Start every Monday
• Year-round enrollment
• Zero application fee
• No group projects required

National University's online Master of Social Work program featuring a concentration in Advanced Social Work Practice with Marginalized Populations empowers students to become transformative social justice advocates. This CSWE-accredited degree prepares professionals to address complex social challenges through specialized training in working with underserved communities. With two innovative tracks spanning 24-38 months, students gain advanced skills in assessment, intervention, and policy practice. The program's unique attributes include 100% online delivery, no GRE requirements, $0 application fees, and flexible start dates. Graduates are well-positioned for high-demand roles in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and social services.

• 100% Online Program
• CSWE-Accredited Degree
• Two Program Tracks
• $0 Application Fee
• No GRE Required
• Generalist Track: 60 Credit Hours
• Advanced Standing Track: 36 Credit Hours
• Start Every Monday
• Year-Round Enrollment
• 24-38 Month Completion Time

California State University-Stanislaus delivers a dynamic online hybrid Master of Social Work program that prioritizes social justice and community transformation. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip future social work professionals with advanced skills in systemic problem-solving and integrative practice approaches. The flexible two to three-year program allows students to balance academic pursuits with professional commitments. Emphasizing social change and personal liberation, the program requires a 2.5 GPA, professional references, and an autobiographical statement. Admission is competitive, with applicants benefiting from experienced faculty guidance and mandatory practicum placements that provide real-world social work experience.

• Online and campus program options
• Fall 2025 application deadline Jan 31
• 2-3 year program length
• 2.5 GPA minimum requirement
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Requires 3 professional references
• Autobiographical statement required
• Competitive admissions process
• Practicum placement required
• Liberal arts background preferred