# How to Become a Social Worker in California
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**Author:** MSW Degrees Editorial Team
**Published:** December 9, 2024
**Updated:** April 30, 2025
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### Article Reviewed By Amanda Garcia, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, MSW Degree Holder [View Expert Profile] (https://www.mswdegrees.org/experts/amanda-garcia/) - [] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-garcia-178aba356/)
The demand for social workers in California is on the rise, driven by the state’s diverse population and the increasing need for mental health and social services. Pursuing a career in social work in California can be incredibly rewarding, offering numerous opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. Understanding the specific steps and requirements to become a social worker in California is essential for those considering this career path.
## **Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Social Worker in California**
Becoming a [social worker] (https://www.mswdegrees.org/careers/social-worker/) in California involves several key steps, including completing the necessary education, obtaining licensure, and fulfilling ongoing education requirements. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.
### **Educational Steps**
#### **Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)**
- **Overview of BSW Programs** : A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) is the first step towards a career in social work. BSW programs provide foundational knowledge in social work practice, human behavior, social welfare policy, and ethics.
- **Key Coursework and Field Experience** : BSW programs typically include courses such as Introduction to Social Work, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, and Research Methods. Additionally, students must complete supervised fieldwork or internships to gain practical experience.
- **Importance of a BSW** : While it is possible to enter the social work field with a degree in a related discipline, a BSW provides the most direct path and prepares graduates for advanced standing in MSW programs, including [CSWE accredited online MSW programs] (https://www.mswdegrees.org/degrees/online/msw-programs/) .
#### **Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)**
- **Importance of an MSW** : A Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) is essential for those seeking advanced practice roles and licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. An MSW program offers in-depth training in specialized areas of social work, including clinical practice, community organization, and social policy.
- **Typical Curriculum** : MSW programs typically cover advanced topics such as Clinical Social Work Practice, Advanced Research Methods, Social Work Administration, and Psychopathology. Students also engage in extensive fieldwork to develop their practical skills.
- **Specializations Available** : MSW programs often offer specializations in areas such as mental health, child and family services, school social work, and healthcare social work.
### **Licensure and Certification**
#### **Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Requirements**
- **Overview of LCSW Credential** : The LCSW license is required for social workers who wish to provide clinical services in California. This license allows professionals to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
- **Steps to Obtain LCSW Licensure in California** :
-- **Complete an MSW Program** : Graduate from a CSWE-accredited MSW program.
-- **Gain Supervised Experience** : Complete at least 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised work experience, including direct client contact and clinical supervision.
-- **Pass the Required Exams** : Successfully pass the [Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam] (https://www.aswb.org/exam/) and the [California Law and Ethics Exam] (https://www.bbs.ca.gov/exams/) .
--- **Note:** Additional additional coursework or Continuing Education units may be needed in order to be eligible for the exam.
**Submit an Application** : Apply for licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and submit all required documentation and fees.
### **Ongoing Education**
#### **Continuing Education for Social Workers**
--- **Importance of Ongoing Education** : Continuing education is crucial for maintaining licensure and staying current with best practices and emerging trends in social work.
--- **Continuing Education Requirements in California** : Licensed social workers in California must complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years, including coursework in law and ethics.
By following these steps, you can successfully become a licensed social worker in California, equipped to make a significant impact in various settings, from clinical practice to community advocacy.
## **A Closer Look at Social Work Programs**
Choosing the right social work program is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a social worker in California. There are several key factors to consider, including accreditation, program specialization, program format, and other essential aspects. Here’s what to look for in a social work program to ensure it meets your educational and career goals.
### **What to Look For**
#### **Accreditation**
--- **Importance of Accreditation** : Accreditation ensures that the program meets high academic standards and prepares students adequately for professional practice. Accredited programs are also necessary for licensure.
--- **Accrediting Bodies** : The primary accrediting body for social work programs in the United States is the [Council on Social Work Education] (https://www.cswe.org/) (CSWE). Ensure that any program you consider is accredited by the CSWE.
#### **Program Specialization**
--- **Specializations and Concentrations** : Look for programs that offer specializations aligned with your career interests. Common specializations include:
**Clinical Social Work** : Focuses on providing mental health services and therapy.
**Community Social Work** : Involves working with communities to develop programs and advocate for social change.
**Child and Family Social Work** : Centers on services for children and families, including child welfare and family counseling.
**Healthcare Social Work** : Prepares students to work in healthcare settings, providing support and advocacy for patients.
#### **Program Format**
--- **Flexibility and Accessibility** : Consider the format of the program, especially if you have other commitments such as work or family.
**Online Programs** : Many institutions offer online or hybrid programs, including [online BSW programs] (https://www.mswdegrees.org/degrees/online/bachelor-social-work/) , that provide flexibility for students who cannot attend on-campus classes.
**Part-Time vs. Full-Time** : Evaluate whether the program offers part-time options, which can extend the time it takes to complete the program but can provide more flexibility.
#### **Other Key Factors**
--- **Fieldwork and Internships** : Practical experience is a vital component of social work education. Ensure the program includes robust fieldwork or internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience in your area of interest.
--- **Faculty and Resources** : Research the qualifications of the faculty members and the resources available to students, such as career services, mentorship programs, and research opportunities.
--- **Student Support Services** : Look for programs that offer comprehensive support services, including academic advising, counseling, and financial aid assistance.
--- **Cost and Financial Aid** : Consider the overall cost of the program and explore available financial aid options. Many schools offer scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can select a social work program that aligns with your career goals and provides the education and support you need to succeed.
### **Typical Bachelor’s Level Curriculum**
--- **Core Courses** : BSW programs typically include courses such as Introduction to Social Work, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, and Research Methods. Fieldwork or internships are also integral components of the curriculum.
--- **Field Experience** : Supervised fieldwork provides practical experience and is crucial for preparing students for professional practice.
### **Typical Master’s Level Curriculum**
--- **Advanced Courses** : MSW programs cover advanced topics such as Clinical Social Work Practice, Advanced Research Methods, Social Work Administration, and Psychopathology. Specializations are often available.
--- **Fieldwork** : Extensive fieldwork is required, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings.
## **Social Work Programs in California**
Embarking on a journey to pursue a degree in social work is a commendable step toward making a significant impact in the community. To help prospective students begin their search, the following list highlights a variety of bachelor’s and master’s social work programs in California. Each program listed is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring that they meet rigorous academic standards. This list includes both on-ground and online options to accommodate different learning preferences and lifestyles.
While this list is not exhaustive, it features programs selected for their strong academic reputations. The tuition rates provided are for the 2022-23 academic year for a full year of full time coursework, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (rates for part time programs may differ). These rates are intended to give readers a general sense of the relative costs of different programs. However, it is crucial for students to conduct independent research and engage directly with the schools they are interested in to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding costs and financial aid opportunities.
### **Bachelor’s Programs**
**San Diego State University**
--- Location: San Diego, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $5,742
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $17,622
--- **Social Work**
[BSW] (https://socialwork.sdsu.edu/academics/undergraduate/ba-social-work)
**Point Loma Nazarene University**
--- Location: San Diego, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $40,400
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $40,400
--- **Social Wor** k
[Social Work, B.A.] (https://www.pointloma.edu/undergraduate/programs/social-work-ba)
**California State University-Long Beach**
--- Location: Long Beach, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $5,742
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $17,622
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-health-human-services/school-of-social-work)
[BASW] (https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-health-human-services/school-of-social-work/basw-program)
**San Jose State University**
--- Location: San Jose, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $5,742
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $17,622
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/)
[BASW] (https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/programs/undergraduate.php)
**Whittier College**
--- Location: Whittier, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $48,924
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $48,924
--- [**Department of Social Work** ] (https://www.whittier.edu/academics/socialwork)
**California State University-Chico**
--- Location: Chico, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $5,742
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $17,622
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://www.csuchico.edu/swrk/)
[BSW] (https://www.csuchico.edu/swrk/ba/index.shtml)
**California Baptist University**
--- Location: Riverside, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $35,958
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $35,958
--- **Social Work**
[BSW] (https://calbaptist.edu/academics/programs/bachelor-of-social-work/)
**Azusa Pacific University**
--- Location: Azusa, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $41,650
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $41,650
--- **Social Work**
[BSW] (https://www.apu.edu/bas/programs/bsw/)
**Touro University Worldwide**
--- Location: Los Alamitos, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $14,440
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $14,440
--- **Health and Human Services**
[Online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work] (https://www.tuw.edu/academics/health/online-bachelor-arts-social-work/)
**California State University-Fresno**
--- Location: Fresno, CA
--- In-state undergraduate: $5,742
--- Out-of-state undergraduate: $17,622
--- [**Department of Social Work Education** ] (https://chhs.fresnostate.edu/social-work/)
[BASW] (https://chhs.fresnostate.edu/social-work/bachelors/index.html)
### **Master’s Programs**
**University of California-Berkeley**
--- Location: Berkeley, CA
--- In-state graduate: $11,700
--- Out-of-state graduate: $26,802
--- [**Social Welfare** ] (https://socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/home)
[Master of Social Welfare] (https://socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/academics/masters-degree-programs/msw)
**Note:** The Master of Social Welfare program is similar to a Master of Social Work program.
**University of Southern California**
--- Location: Los Angeles, CA
--- In-state graduate: $63,468
--- Out-of-state graduate: $63,468
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/)
[Master of Social Work] (https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/academic-programs/usc-master-of-social-work)
**University of California-Los Angeles**
--- Location: Los Angeles, CA
--- In-state graduate: $11,700
--- Out-of-state graduate: $26,802
--- [**Social Welfare** ] (https://luskin.ucla.edu/social-welfare)
[Master of Social Welfare] (https://luskin.ucla.edu/social-welfare/apply-now)
**California State University-Los Angeles**
--- Location: Los Angeles, CA
--- In-state graduate: $16,432.00
--- [College of Health and Human Sciences] (https://www.calstatela.edu/hhs)
[Master of Social Work] (https://www.calstatela.edu/hhs/sw/masters-social-work)
**San Diego State University**
--- Location: San Diego, CA
--- In-state graduate: $7,176
--- Out-of-state graduate: $16,680
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://socialwork.sdsu.edu/)
[Master of Social Work] (https://socialwork.sdsu.edu/academics/graduate/msw)
**University of the Pacific**
--- Location: Stockton, CA
--- In-state graduate: $51,382
--- Out-of-state graduate: $51,382
--- [**School of Health Sciences** ] (https://www.pacific.edu/healthsciences)
[Master of Social Work] (https://www.pacific.edu/healthsciences/programs/social-work)
**California State University-Long Beach**
--- Location: Long Beach, CA
--- In-state graduate: $7,176
--- Out-of-state graduate: $16,680
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-health-human-services/school-of-social-work)
[Master of Social Work] (https://www.csulb.edu/college-of-health-human-services/school-of-social-work/msw-program)
**California State University-Fullerton**
--- Location: Fullerton, CA
--- In-state graduate: $7,176
--- Out-of-state graduate: $16,680
--- [**College of Health and Human Development** ] (https://hhd.fullerton.edu/)
[Master of Social Work] (https://hhd.fullerton.edu/msw/)
**San Jose State University**
--- Location: San Jose, CA
--- In-state graduate: $7,176
--- Out-of-state graduate: $16,680
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/)
[Online/Hybrid Master of Social Work] (https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/programs/msw/msw-online.php)
**California State University-Chico**
--- Location: Chico, CA
--- In-state graduate: $7,176
--- Out-of-state graduate: $16,680
--- [**School of Social Work** ] (https://www.csuchico.edu/swrk/)
[Master’s Degree in Social Work] (https://www.csuchico.edu/swrk/ma/index.shtml)
**California Baptist University**
--- Location: Riverside, CA
--- In-state graduate: $13,680
--- Out-of-state graduate: $13,680
--- **Social Work**
[Master of Social Work] (https://calbaptist.edu/academics/programs/master-of-social-work/)
Prospective students who are interested in California-based social work education options are invited to learn more about [social work programs in California] (https://www.mswdegrees.org/states/california/) and [online MSW programs in California] (https://www.mswdegrees.org/states/california/online-msw-programs/) .[ ] (https://www.mswdegrees.org/states/california/)
## **Career Options for Social Work Degree Program Graduates**
Graduates with a degree in social work have a wide range of career options available to them, spanning various settings and specializations. These roles allow social workers to make significant contributions to individuals and communities by addressing social issues and providing essential services.
### **Job Roles Available to Social Work Degree Program Graduates**
#### **Bachelor’s Level**
**Social Work Assistant**
--- **Responsibilities** : Support licensed social workers in case management, client interviews, and documentation. Assist clients in accessing community resources and services.
--- **Work Settings** : Community service agencies, healthcare facilities, government social services departments.
**Case Manager Assistant**
--- **Responsibilities** : Assist case managers in developing and implementing service plans, coordinating with service providers, and monitoring client progress.
--- **Work Settings** : Nonprofit organizations, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers.
**Community Outreach Worker**
--- **Responsibilities** : Conduct outreach activities, educate the community about available resources, organize community events, and collaborate with local organizations.
--- **Work Settings** : Community centers, schools, public health departments.
#### **Master’s Level**
**Clinical Social Worker**
--- **Responsibilities** : Provide mental health services, including diagnosis and therapy, help clients manage emotional and behavioral issues, develop treatment plans.
--- **Work Settings** : Hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices, social service agencies.
--- **Qualifications** : Requires licensure (LCSW), which involves completing a master’s degree, supervised clinical hours, and passing a state exam.
**Note: ** There are circumstances in these settings where licensure is not required. Some employees may have their ACSW and are working their way toward licensure
**Community Social Worker**
--- **Responsibilities** : Address social issues at the community level, develop and implement programs, advocate for policy changes, work with community organizations.
--- **Work Settings** : Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, community centers, advocacy groups.
**Policy Analyst**
--- **Responsibilities** : Analyze agency or company policies, conduct research, advocate for policy changes, develop recommendations for improving social services, improving agency structure and ensuring alignment with state or federal regulations.
--- **Work Settings** : Government agencies, think tanks (organizations that research and generate ideas on cultural issues), research organizations, advocacy groups.
**Child and Family Social Worker**
--- **Responsibilities** : Support children and families through services such as child welfare, family counseling, and adoption support, advocate for child welfare policies.
--- **Work Settings** : Social service agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies.
### **Job Outlook and Salary for Social Workers**
#### **National Data**
**Job Growth**
--- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), [employment of social workers] (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm) is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increased demand for healthcare and social services.
**Salary**
--- The [median annual wage] (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-5) for social workers was $58,380 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. Salaries can vary significantly based on specialization and location.
#### **California Specific Data**
Social worker salaries in California tend to be higher than the national average due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for services. As of May 2023, the mean annual wage for child welfare and school social workers in California was close to $70,000, [according to the BLS] (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211021.htm) .
## **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
### **Q: What are the educational requirements to become a social worker in California?**
**A:** To become a social worker in California, you typically need to complete the following educational steps:
1. **Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)** : This provides foundational knowledge in social work principles and practices. A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program is highly recommended.
--- **Note** : there are circumstances where a bachelors degree in a related field is acceptable (sociology, psychology, human development, etc).
3. **Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)** : An MSW is essential for advanced practice and licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This degree provides in-depth training in specialized areas of social work.
### **Q: How long does it take to become a licensed social worker in California?**
**A:** The timeline to become a licensed social worker in California typically includes:
1. **Bachelor’s Degree** : 4 years for a BSW.
2. **Master’s Degree** : 2 additional years for an MSW.
3. **Post-MSW Supervised Experience** : 2-3 years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience.
4. **Licensure Exams** : Time to prepare for and pass the required exams.
--- **Total Time** : Approximately 8-9 years from start to licensure.
### **Q: Are there any specific certifications required to practice social work in California?**
**A:** Yes, specific certifications and licensure are required to practice social work in California:
1. **Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)** : Required for those providing clinical services, which involves completing an MSW, gaining supervised experience, and passing the ASWB Clinical Exam and the California Law and Ethics Exam.
2. **Continuing Education** : Licensed social workers must complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years.
## **Your Path to Becoming a Social Worker in California**
Pursuing a career in social work in California is a fulfilling journey that offers numerous opportunities to make a significant impact on individuals and communities. By understanding the educational and licensure requirements, you can successfully embark on a fulfilling career as a social worker in California.