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.