California is home to 37 MSW programs. Of the available options, 25 of them are traditional, campus-based programs, while 12 of them offer online MSW programs (either online only or hybrid options).
If you are looking for an MSW program in California, check out the full school listings below, which provide the latest program highlights, tuition information, and other relevant details designed to help you compare and contrast degree options.
In this guide- Online MSW listings
- MSW School listings
- MSW overview
- Online MSW overview
- How to become a social worker
- License requirements
- Social work jobs
- Social work salaries
- Job outlook
- Expert advice
Online MSW programs in California
Cal Poly Humboldt
Arcata, CA
Credits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Be responsive to the challenges and resources present in rural areas and indigenous communities
- Be able to present local, historical, and contemporary social issues within a global perspective
- Achieve a disciplined, compassionate presence to a caring, and ethical practice
California Baptist University
Riverside, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $788
Plan of study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Conduct important research with our partner community organizations (nonprofits, social service agencies)
- Be mentored by professional social workers
- Integrate faith and social work
California State University, Chico
Chico, CACredits: 34-63
Cost per credit: $541 in-state | $937 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Can be completed in 1 year
- Financial support available to distributed learning social work students who commit to a minimum of two years of postbaccalaureate employment in public or tribal child welfare
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $451 in-state | $847 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- Be an advocate for sustainable well-being, build capacity and advance social justice for clients and communities
- Apply theoretical material to urban social work practice, grounded in a strength-based, empowering, trauma-informed, and ecological systems perspective
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $609
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Complete in 2-3 years
- Financial opportunities offered
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $650
Plan of study: Full-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- 3 year program
- GRE not required
California State University, San Marcos
San Marcos, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $499
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Child and Family, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- Develop culturally informed, ethical, and effective professionals for direct social work practice with diverse populations
- Financial Aid Resources and military/veterans services are offered to eligible students
California State University, Stanislaus
Turlock, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $583
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Integrated Practice
Certification: Gerontology
Program Highlights:- 24-month fully-accredited degree program
- Develop core social work practice competencies with a specialization in integrative clinical practice in health and behavioral health settings
Loma Linda University
San Bernardino, CACredits: 78
Cost per credit: $902
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Health, Mental Health
Dual Degree Options: Criminal Justice, Other
Certification: Other
Program Highlights:- For California residents only
- Emphasizes the biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to advanced clinical social work practice
- $10,000 scholarship for qualified students
National University
San Diego, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $739
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- One-to-one learning model
- No residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects
San Jose State University
San Jose, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $600
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Transcultural perspective curriculum
- Spanish Language Counseling and Title IV-E Child Welfare Program Certificate available
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CACredits: 27
Cost per credit: $2,137
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, Mental Health, Military Social Work, School Social Work, Macro Social Work, Integrated Practice
Dual Degree Options: Business Administration, Jewish Studies, Law, Other, Public Administration, Public Health, Urban Planning
Certification: Addictions, Child and Family, Gender Studies, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, Mental Health, School Social Work, Trauma, Research, Behavioral Health, Medical Social Work
Program Highlights:- Culturally-responsive and evidence-informed practice
- Intensive program includes 1,200 hours of hands-on practicum education to practice and apply the skills you learn in class
- Complete this degree in 18-24 Months
MSW programs in California
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa & San Bernardino, CACredits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $795
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration
Certification: Non-Profit Management, Other, School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Strong clinical training with interprofessional knowledge base
- Wide range of field internship opportunities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties
- Scholarship, grant, and internship opportunities to support your education and career goals
Cal Poly Humboldt
Arcata, CACredits: 30
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Achieve a disciplined, compassionate presence to a caring, and ethical practice
- Develop a framework for practice guided by personal and professional values and ethics.
California Baptist University
Riverside, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $788
Plan of study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Partner with community organizations (nonprofits, social service agencies) to produce needed research
- Integrate faith and social work
California State University, Bakersfield
Bakersfield & Lancaster, CACredits: 32-64
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Prepare to work in a variety of roles across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice
- Possess the knowledge, values, and skills required to competently and ethically work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
California State University, Chico
Chico, CACredits: 34-63
Cost per credit: $516 in-state | $912 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Can be completed in 1-3 years
- Robust curriculum with practical experience in the field
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Carson, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $598 in-state | $994 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Other
Program Highlights:- Experience advanced theory in preparation for the specializations
- Engage in practice opportunities utilizing the full range of social work roles in working with the breadth and scope of social work client systems
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, CACredits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- A program that equally emphasizes micro and macro practice
- Finish this degree as early as 12 months
- GRE is not required.
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton & Irvine, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $433 in-state | $829 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Prepare you to work with vulnerable, marginalized, and underrepresented populations, with an emphasis on direct practice with clients
- Field Placement at affiliated community agencies
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, Ventura & Santa Rosa, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $513 in-state | $909 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health, School Social Work, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Engage in collaborative, community-based research
- Program emphasizes ecological and systems perspectives which focus on the fit and interactions of a person or system in relation to the various environments
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Child and Family, Gerontology, Trauma
Program Highlights:- Finish this degree as early as 11 months
- No summer semester for 2-3 year program
- Thesis/ Project is completed in last year
California State University, Monterey Bay
Seaside, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- A curriculum that is responsive to the realities of social work practice, reflective of the strengths of our region’s communities and informed through reciprocal learning relationships with community partners
- Graduates with 100% job placement rates
- Special emphasis on serving the region’s many Latino communities
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CACredits: 60-63
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $617 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Can be completed in 2-3 years
- Financial aid, stipends, and grants are offered to eligible students
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Gain the knowledge and skills expected of all professional Social Workers
- Financial support offered
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CACredits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $718 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Options: Public Administration
Program Highlights:- Finish this degree as early as 12 months
- GRE is not required
California State University, San Marcos
San Marcos, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,390
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Child and Family, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Gain advanced knowledge and skills in assessment and evidence-supported intervention methods
California State University, Stanislaus
Turlock, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $718 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Integrated Practice
Certification: Gerontology
Program Highlights:- Integrative practice framework for multi-system interventions guided by ethics and informed by research
- Partnerships with community constituents
Fresno State University
Fresno, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $513 in-state | $909 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Social Policy, Human Behavior, Integrated Practice
Certification: Gerontology
Program Highlights:- Focuses on a multisystem approach that includes advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
- Prepares you for agency and community-based practice
- No GRE required
Loma Linda University
San Bernardino, CACredits: 78
Cost per credit: $902
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Health, Mental Health
Dual Degree Options: Criminal Justice, Other
Certification: Other
Program Highlights:- Emphasizes the biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to advanced clinical social work practice
- Gain expertise in cutting-edge and evidence-based trauma- and resiliency-informed interventions
- Experiential learning through Loma Linda University Health's internationally recognized health system and specialized community agencies
San Diego State University
San Diego, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $598 in-state | $994 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration
Dual degree options: Law, Public Health
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Have multiple competencies that can be used in a wide variety of settings, with systems of various sizes and with diverse and vulnerable populations
- Finish this degree as early as 12 months
- No GRE Required
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,279
Plan of study: Full-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, School Social Work
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Coping skills training for individuals, families, and groups
- Strengths-based practice
- GRE not required
San Jose State University
San Jose, CACredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,571 in-state | $1,967 out of state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Cohort-based enrollment and learning strategy
- Strengthen your skills and assume leadership roles from a transcultural perspective with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley, CACredits: 54
Cost per credit: $559
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Management or Administration, Mental Health, School Social Work
Dual degree options: Law, Public Health, Public Policy
Certification: Gerontology, School Social Work, Refugee & Immigrant Populations
Program Highlights:- Acquire a broad education consisting of knowledge drawn from the behavioral, social, and natural sciences, and the humanities
- Create a spirit of critical inquiry and emphasize the use of tested knowledge and theory in developing and applying intervention methods
University of California at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CACredits: 54
Cost per credit: $559
Plan of study: Full-Time
Areas of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health
Dual degree options: Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Public Health, Public Policy
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Two field placements with social work agencies to gain invaluable real-world experience
- Participate in an advanced research course or research project focused on an issue of interest to you
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CACredits: 27
Cost per Credit: $2,137
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only
Areas of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, Mental Health, Military Social Work, School Social Work, Macro Social Work, Integrated Practice
Dual degree options: Business Administration, Jewish Studies, Law, Other, Public Administration, Public Health, Urban Planning
Certification: Addictions, Child and Family, Gender Studies, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, Mental Health, School Social Work, Trauma, Research, Behavioral Health, Medical Social Work
Program Highlights:- Complete in 12-36 Months
- Partnerships with major organizations in LA and get invaluable real-world experience that often leads to job placements.
- No GRE Required
University of the Pacific
Sacramento, CACredit: 55
Cost per Credit: $1,025
Plan of study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
Areas of specialized practice: Mental Health
Program Highlights:- Finish this degree in three trimesters (12 months)
- Open to students with or without career experience in social work
- Prepares you with clinical social work licensing
MSW in California Overview
Many of the clinical social work positions in California, including the jobs outlined above, require a master’s of social work (MSW). Most advanced practice clinical social work positions, and those with higher salaries, require licensure as well.
California has the most accredited MSW programs of any state in the nation, with a total of 27 programs. CSWE also accredits 17 bachelors of social work programs in California. The Council on Social Work Education provides a convenient, searchable database of accredited online and on-campus MSW programs. Attending an accredited program is required for social work licensure in California. Accreditation ensures the state’s licensing body that an MSW program’s coursework is up-to-date with current social work practices and concepts.
Master in social work (MSW) programs vary by specializations offered, modes of course delivery, certificate programs offered, course scheduling options, dual degree programs, and fieldwork opportunities. According to CSWE, 21 social work certificate programs are offered by California based MSW programs that allow students to advance their knowledge and practice in specialized areas, such as gerontology or school social.
Furthermore, there are 20 dual degree programs that allow students to concurrently earn an MSW and a master’s in public health, a law degree, and many other graduate degrees. Students can find MSW programs at both state and private universities.
All accredited MSW programs incorporate coursework and fieldwork, providing students with the experience they need to begin a career in clinical social work or other subfields of social worksuch as research or advocacy. MSW fieldwork experience provides future social workers with the hands-on experience they need to become clinicians, advocates, and managers.
All accredited MSW programs in California require foundational coursework in the areas of generalist practice, research, social policy, and human behavior. These courses include an overview of social work ethics, introductions to assessment, treatment, and case management, and instruction on writing for clinical settings.
Specialized coursework allows students to specialize in a particular social work area such as military social work, children and family social work, healthcare social work, social policy, research or leadership and management. Since all social work fields are impacted by state and federal laws and regulations, understanding the policy and regulatory framework in California is an important part of social work education. Additionally, exposure to social work research is vital to effective evidence based practice.
MSW programs require students to complete a designated number of fieldwork hours under the supervision of an LCSW. Fieldwork placements are provided in a variety of settings including community mental health organizations, child welfare agencies, private therapeutic practices, schools, and community organizations. Approximately 20 hours of fieldwork are completed, per week, at the MSW level.
Social workers who earn an MSW and licensure will meet the clinical requirements for many job opportunities in the social work field in California. Social workers with MSWs are also better prepared to take on leadership and management roles with organizations and institutions.
How long does an MSW take?
Most traditional campus-based MSW programs in California are designed around a four-semester, or two-academic-year, calendar. While the number of credits required varies from school to school based on how they break down their semester hours, most programs take two years of full-time study to complete.
There are some flexible programs as well that allow students to complete their degree in less than two years or more than two years.
For example, USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers an accelerated twelve month program for those already working in a closely related field. The course load for this option is very heavy. The school also offers a hybrid 28-month program for working adults that includes some online coursework and requires only two evenings a week on campus. The course load for this program is lighter.
Advanced standing MSW programs in California
There are eighteen accredited social work programs in California that offer an advanced standing track for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). These programs are a good fit for students who have an academic and professional background in social work but want to become advanced practitioners. With the MSW they will be able to work in a clinical setting, specialize in a subfield of social work if interested, and/or become a licensed clinical social worker.
Online MSW in California Overview
Twelve accredited schools of social work located in California, including USC and Cal State, offer fully online MSW programs.
There are many reasons to choose an online MSW program. Course schedules can be designed around other life and professional commitments and obligations. Some online social work degree programs have different time frames for degree completion, which means they can be taken part-time and/or year-round. Furthermore students can save money by not commuting to a physical campus.
Professors who teach on campus typically will also teach online, and therefore there is no reason to worry an online program will have less experienced professors and instructors. Furthermore, online MSW programs are just as rigorous, if not more rigorous, than campus-based programs. They are also equally respected by employers if a student has completed their degree at an accredited school.
Online students typically do not have to spend any time on campus, though some programs may have a residency option or requirement where students spend a few days on campus each semester. Most online students will never need to travel to campus, although they may want to visit for networking, training, or other events that could benefit their careers.
Online MSW program students can fulfill their fieldwork hours at a local agency in the community where they live, whether in California or another state, provided the placement has been approved by the school and there is an LCSW available to provide supervision to clinical students.
Online students must be proactive in getting the support they need to successfully complete their degree. This may mean being a bit more assertive than on campus students in getting resources from the library, writing centers, tutoring, career guidance, and other supports.
Online students can build supportive communities of peers, but they will need to make an effort to get to know other students through online networking events, class projects, online training, and other events. Online students can become close colleagues and friends and continue to network after graduation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE MSW PROGRAMS AND CAMPUS-BASED MSW PROGRAMSI
n addition to bachelor and master of social work degree programs, there are numerous Ph.D. in social work degree programs available in California. Typically, social work Ph.D. programs are focused more on research, management, and administration and less focused on the clinical components of social work. More information on social work Ph.D. programs in California can be found on our doctorate degree page.
How to become a social worker in California
According to the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASWCA) there is only one kind of license available in the state — the licensed clinical social worker, or LCSW.
Not all social work positions require an LCSW, but most advanced social work positions that include direct contact or one-on-one case management and the delivery of mental health services require licensure.
Social work licensure is somewhat unique in California in that the state’s licensing board, California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), requires specific coursework about law and ethics. For most MSW students enrolled in degree programs in the state, this requirement is part of the graduate curriculum. However, social workers moving to California from other states need to be aware of this requirement. They will have to take the required class prior to applying for a license — even if licensed in another state.
The key steps to becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California are:
- Complete a master’s of social work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited program
- Register with the BBS as an associate clinical social worker (ACSW)
- Obtain 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over two years including 2,000 hours spent in clinical work in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling. One year of experience must be directly supervised, with at least 13 weeks directly supervised by an LCSW. Complete additional coursework (or specialty coursework) including satisfying the BBS California law and ethics requirement. Other classes are on child abuse assessment and reporting, human sexuality, alcoholism and chemical substance abuse dependency, spousal/partner abuse assessment and detection, interventions in aging, long term care, and elder or adult abuse, and California law and professional ethics.
- Take — and pass — the ACSW exam after completing all other licensing requirements. The exam costs $260.00 and consists of 170 multiple choice questions. If an applicant fails the exam they are eligible for a retake after 90 days.
- Submit a request to the board for an initial license by completing a form and paying the fee of $100.00.
On a historical note, California was the first state to pilot the idea of a license for clinical social workers. In 1965, the first licensing requirements were written by state officials. By the 1970s, the services provided by social workers were formally recognized by insurance companies. These changes brought social work into alignment with other healthcare professions.
Social work license in California
Like elsewhere, there is consistent demand for social workers who work in a variety of subfields. One interesting facet of social work as a profession is that since social workers deal with human mental health and well-being, there will likely always be a demand for their services.
The jobs performed by social workers can not be easily automated or outsourced. Additionally, as seen with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, social workers are considered essential service providers and their jobs will be prioritized over others in times of economic volatility.
And since social workers are employed by all kinds of institutions — from private practices to massive state and federal governments — there is a stability to the demand for well-qualified and well-trained social workers.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOCIAL WORK JOBS, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR JOBS GUIDE.
Social work salaries in California
The average salary for all social workers in California is $68,540 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Of course, actual social worker salaries exist along a wide spectrum. Average salaries for social workers employed in California vary by position and range from $64,940 for child, family and school social workers to $84,690 for healthcare social workers.
Key factors that affect social work salaries include:
- Education and licensure level Social workers with an MSW generally earn more than those with a BSW, and those who are licensed often earn more than those who do not have the LCSW.
- Years of experience Like many other professional fields, social workers with more experience generally make more. The average salary for a social worker with one year of experience in California is $65,00 while social workers with more than ten years of experience make on average $83,000, according to the employment website, Indeed.
- Location: Social workers near major urban areas such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, or San Francisco report higher average salaries than social workers in California’s Central Valley or North Coast.
- Area of practice Social workers are paid differently depending on the specialty. California social workers are among the highest paid in the nation. Here is a breakdown of average social work salaries in California, by specialty, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- $59,320: Marriage and family therapists
- $59,790: Substance Abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
- $59,990: Child, family, and school social workers
- $65,020: Mental health and substance abuse social workers
- $68,450: All other social workers
- $84,690 $79,620: Healthcare social workers
Social work job outlook in California
California leads the nation in the number of social workers employed in the following sectors:
- Child, family, and school social workers (47,380)
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers (16,560)
- All other kinds of social workers (6,030)
California also has the second largest number of healthcare social workers (13,050).
There is a growing need for professionals in the relatively new subfield of environmental social work. Environmental social workers can help Californians respond to and cope with natural disasters such as fires, mudslides, or floods. They also may be involved in disaster preparedness work.
The state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) predicts that the demand for healthcare social workers will grow by 17.8 percent through 2028. The increase in healthcare social worker roles will, in part, help support the state’s aging population. California’s EDD also projects the field of mental health and substance abuse social work to grow by 14.5 through 2028. .Finally, demand for — child, family, and school social workers — is expected to grow by 5.9 percent through 2028. The mental health subfield that is expected to experience the largest job growth is marriage and family therapy which is expected to grow by 23.5 percent through 2028.
Career Advice
Find the latest social work career advice from people working directly in the field in California. Learn more about all the different pathways and opportunities available in social work today.
- What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program in California?
- What are the challenges or opportunities for becoming a social worker in California?
- What does the future of social work look like in California?
- What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding in California?
- Do you have advice or guidance for MSW graduates pursuing a license in California?