Master of Social Work Programs in California
With its large size and diverse makeup, it’s hard to believe that California is just one state. Because of this, it’s important to have skilled, educated social workers all over the state. California has over 38 million residents, many of whom live in large cities like San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
California may be one of the most ethnically diverse states in the entire country. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 38% of residents identify as Hispanic, which is over two times the national percentage of 16.9%. California also has a higher concentration of Asian residents, so there is a great demand for culturally aware social workers.
Tuition and Admission Information for MSW Programs in California
Thanks to its huge size and population, California has an excellent selection of social work schools. There are 32 social work graduate programs in the state with an average tuition cost of $15,630. California does tend to have more stringent admissions processes, as evidenced by its average acceptance rate of 49%.
What Will I Learn in an California MSW Program?
Since graduate social work programs expect you to have a good knowledge of community programs and treatment, they build on that knowledge with advanced coursework in clinical practice, community development, and research. Some schools allow you to choose one area of concentration to direct your studies. For example, San Diego State University gives you the option of focusing on direct clinical practice or administration.
Master’s-level social work programs in California are multi-faceted to cover the broad range of job duties you’ll face as a social worker or therapist. Your classes prepare you for the various demographic groups you’ll encounter, including children, adults, and those who abuse drugs or other substances.
In addition to practical courses that deal with the everyday tasks of a social worker, you’ll learn about the larger implications of the work you do and the factors that influence it. You might takes courses on how poverty affects families, the effects of racism, and the implications of sexism.
On top of your traditional coursework, you will also complete over 1000 clinical hours in various settings. Take as much knowledge as you can from these experiences, since one of your clinical sites may well be your future workplace.
MSW Salary and Job Outlook in California
There’s a lot of diversity in workplace options for California social workers. Most social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, work for the government at a state or local level. Since there are so many counties and sizable cities in California, there are many government employers.
In addition to private workplaces, like hospitals, mental health clinics, and private schools, there are also private practice opportunities in California. After becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, you can work independently as a counselor or therapist in your own clinic.
Social Worker Salary in California
Social work salaries vary widely in California, due to the size of the state and the variety of employers. However, one thing is consistent: healthcare social workers generally earn better salaries than any other type of social worker. O*Net reports the following for average social worker salary in California:
- healthcare social workers earns $62,900 per year
- family social workers earn $47,500 per year
- mental health social workers earn $46,000 per year
Social Worker Job Outlook in California
While social workers in all fields are in high demand, some fields are faster growing than others. Job openings for family social workers are expected to increase by 16%, according to O*Net. Between 2010 and 2020, job openings for mental health social workers are expected to increase by 18% (O*Net, 2012). Healthcare social work is the fastest growing subfield in social work, with an anticipated growth rate of 31% (O*Net, 2012).
Social Work Licensure in California
In California, the Board of Behavioral Sciences is responsible for the licensure of social workers. You have to take two examinations, so the licensure process is more rigorous than it is in many other states. You have to pay a $75 application fee at the time you sign up to take your tests.
Upon passing your tests, you gain Associate Social Worker licensure. You have to get two years (52 weeks) of experience, completing at least 3,200 hours of work experience. After meeting these requirements, you can apply for Licensed Clinical Social Worker status, which affords you more freedom of practice.
Masters in Social Work Degree Programs in California
Alliant International University
(San Diego, CA)
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $14,880 Tuition Cost
- Urban Campus Setting
(Azusa, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $30,236 Tuition Cost
- $11,022 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
California Institute of Technology
(Pasadena, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $38,085 Tuition Cost
- $29,763 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Bakersfield
(Bakersfield, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,936 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Chico
(Chico, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,431 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Dominguez Hills
(Carson, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,456 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-East Bay
(Hayward, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,406 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Fresno
(Fresno, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,196 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Fullerton
(Fullerton, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,970 Tuition Cost
- $4,979 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
California State University-Long Beach
(Long Beach, CA)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,507 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Los Angeles
(Los Angeles, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,345 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Northridge
(Northridge, CA)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,421 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Sacramento
(Sacramento, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,479 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-San Bernardino
(San Bernardino, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,526 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
California State University-Stanislaus
(Turlock, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,083 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
(Claremont, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Suburban Campus Setting
(Santa Barbara, CA)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Urban Campus Setting
(Arcata, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,279 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Rural Campus Setting
(Loma Linda, CA)
- Masters in Family and Community Services
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $27,600 Tuition Cost
- Suburban Campus Setting
(Oakland, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $38,850 Tuition Cost
- $18,417 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
(Pasadena, CA)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- $17,664 Tuition Cost
- Urban Campus Setting
(Santa Monica, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Urban Campus Setting
(Malibu, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $42,520 Tuition Cost
- $26,092 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
(San Diego, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $6,390 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus
(Calexico, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- Suburban Campus Setting
San Francisco State University
(San Francisco, CA)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,324 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
(San Jose, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,472 Tuition Cost
- $5,194 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
(Stanford, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $41,250 Tuition Cost
- $36,389 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
University of California-Berkeley
(Berkeley, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $11,220 Tuition Cost
- $9,160 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of California-Irvine
(Irvine, CA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $11,220 Tuition Cost
- $5,429 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of California-Los Angeles
(Los Angeles, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $11,220 Tuition Cost
- $8,534 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of Southern California
(Los Angeles, CA)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $43,722 Tuition Cost
- $26,979 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting