Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, MSW Degree Holder
California is one of the most diverse and populous states in the United States with a constant need for more social workers. California has over 38 million residents, many of whom live in large cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. There are numerous diverse opportunities for social workers in the Golden State ranging from immigration social work to private therapy, rural social work, child welfare work, community social work, among many other roles in the field
There are 27 accredited online Master’s of Social Work (MSW) programs in California, while two additional programs are in the candidacy or pre-candidacy stage of being accredited. Eighteen programs offer advanced standing for those who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, allowing them to graduate in as little as 2-3 semesters. There are 12 online programs and 20 programs that allow students to attend part-time.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) allows graduates to work in entry level social work jobs doing generalist practice work. A BSW is a four-year bachelor’s degree that combines classroom and field education opportunities to prepare students for generalist social work practice. Typically, those who earn a BSW are hired as case workers, child welfare workers, residential counselors, among other entry level jobs in the field. BSW holders can continue their education to earn an MSW. There are 17 accredited BSW programs in California with four offering a fully online option. Eleven BSW programs allow students to attend part-time.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) program allows graduates to work in advanced practice positions such as mental health therapist, school social worker, and child welfare supervisor or manager (Note: In some counties, the MSW is not required in order to be eligible for promotion. Ex. San Diego will allow those with a BSW to promote, but San Bernardino requires an MSW.)
For those with a BSW, the MSW degree can be completed in as little as a year if a program offers an advanced standing track. An MSW usually takes two years to complete, and combines both classroom and field experiences to prepare individuals for advanced practice. Individuals may also have the option to attend an online master of social work program which would allow students to study online without having to quit work.
MSW students may specialize in specific areas of practice during their studies. For example, various California MSW programs allow students to specialize in gerontological social work, child and family social work, health, management, military social work, school social work, and social policy. Students specializing in one of these areas will complete fieldwork related to the specialization (e.g., a school, hospital, military base, etc.)
The Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) is a highly specialized degree nicknamed the “practice doctorate.” A DSW does not lead to a higher level of licensure, however, it is an appropriate degree for those who want to become professors, agency directors, or want advanced knowledge in their area of clinical practice. The coursework for this degree can be completed in as little as two years full-time, but can take longer depending on the program. Students must write a dissertation or series of peer reviewed journal articles to graduate. According to the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) there are three DSW programs in California. Additionally, there are several online DSW programs throughout the country California students can enroll in.
A Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD) is a highly specialized degree with an emphasis on research and teaching. This doctoral degree prepares students for a career in academia, human services management, research, and other areas. According to GADE, in California, there are four social work PhD programs. It can take as little as two years full-time for PhD students to complete their coursework, but then students must write a dissertation or series of peer reviewed journal articles to graduate.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), founded in 1952, is responsible for accrediting BSW and MSW programs. Through the accreditation process, CSW ensures new and existing programs provide comprehensive and competent education and training for future social workers. This accreditation holds universities accountable for offering a standard set of foundational and advanced courses. Before they can be licensed, social workers must provide documentation that they have graduated from an accredited MSW program.
Only students graduating from CSWE accredited social work schools may obtain licensure in the state of California. The CSWE accreditation process ensures social workers practicing in California have graduated from a rigorous MSW program that provides the foundational knowledge to be an effective social worker.
Life is incredibly busy, but thankfully people who want to pursue a degree in social work do not have to put their academic goals on hold due to the day to day demands of work and family. In California, there are BSW and MSW programs that are fully online. Students only need a good wi-fi connection and a reliable computer to participate in classes and complete assignments.
Online programs often hold face to face classes once a week but some may even do so every other week. Some may require brief residencies to attend class in person over a weekend (do your research diligently). Some online programs may even be fully asynchronous which means there are no live classes. Rather all coursework is completed using a learning management system (e.g. Canvas, Moodle, etc.); however, do not assume the time commitment is any less than an in-person program.
The only in-person work that is required for those completing an online social work degree is supervised field work at an agency or organization. Even if a student is completing an online program based in Los Angeles, for example, but lives in San Francisco, they can complete their field work placement close to home. It’s important to note, though, that often students are responsible for finding their own internship, and may have to jump through hoops if there are no Memorandums of Agreements set up between the school and the internship site.
There are numerous fulfilling field work placement opportunities in California due to its geographical and demographic diversity and large population. Some students may even be able to complete their field hours at their full-time social work or human services job, if they have one.
Future social workers that decide to complete an online program will generally have as much flexibility in scheduling as campus-based students (e.g., taking classes on the weekend) and can work at their own pace in terms of how many courses they take per session (generally 7-8 weeks) or semester. They may continue their education without having to quit their job and manage their personal lives without having to commute to campus.
Expert Insight: Do you have any advice for navigating the BBS supervision and clinical hours process in California?
“Inquire about support for licensure during interviews for employment. If you know how much a company or agency will support you in obtaining licensure, that takes a large amount of stress or planning off the table. Often, agencies will provide onsite supervision with other ACSWs working toward licensure at low to no cost. However, some agencies do not provide this at all.
Having a file/folder that documents each time you had clinical supervision also helps. I had a list of all the supervisions I had along with the topic/discussion of the day. I was able to plug this information into the forms with ease and it helped me stay on track.
Having a friend/colleague alongside you in the process is helpful as you both can help keep each other accountable and on track in the process.” –Amanda Garcia, California LCSW
The time it takes to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California is dependent on the individual. Completing the MSW takes approximately two years for those attending school full-time. Those with a BSW may complete the MSW in less time, while those attending graduate school part-time may take 3 -4 years to complete their degree.
The minimum amount of time it takes to complete the supervised work experience is two years. So, on average, it takes applicants four years or more to become a licensed social worker in California including earning the MSW, getting supervised social work experience, taking the exams, and completing all other steps in the licensure process.
Expert Insight: What advice would you give to someone trying to balance full-time work with gaining supervised hours and studying for the ASWB exam in California?
“Much like planning extra curricular activities into the day/week, the LCSW exam should be included as well. Planning ahead and scheduling time in your calendar, just like scheduling a friend’s birthday lunch or scheduling a workout class, will allow the applicant to prioritize attending supervisions, gain hours, and incorporate isolated study time seamlessly.
What helped me was not cramming like in my MSW program, and actually taking an hour a day three weeks leading up to my exam to study. I did this either before or after work, and included time from the weekend. Think of the LCSW exam like an extra class as opposed to something daunting.” – Amanda Garcia, California LCSW
California does not have social work licensure reciprocity; however, for those who do hold the LCSW in other states, there is an expedited process to become licensed in the state of California. This Board of Behavioral Sciences form details the requirements for becoming a licensed social worker in California, such as taking and passing the California exam on laws and ethics.
Social workers are always needed in California. California, being one of the most heavily populated states in the United States, expresses a constant need for social workers, especially those who are bilingual. California also has the highest employment rate for social workers in general with over 16,000 individuals with the credential currently employed in that state just in the mental health and substance abuse specialty alone. A person with a social work credential can always find a job here in California!
In general, Social Workers with an unspecified specialty make, on average, $68,540 annually. However, for those who, for example, work in mental health and substance abuse their average salary is $79,450 annually. Additionally, most companies offer higher and more competitive wages for those who have more experience or are bilingual. So, the average salary of Social Workers vary depending on specialty, experience and background.
The average salary for a BSW in California is approximately $68,935 annually. However, the range for salaries for those with a BSW is approximately $61,614 and $76, 889. The annual salary of a social worker with a BSW heavily depends on specialization, experience, background, etc.
The average salary for a MSW in California is approximately $76, 608 annually. However, the range for annual salaries lies between $69,205 and $84,504. The annual salary of a Social Worker with an MSW ranges due to a variety of reasons such as linguistic abilities and specializations.
The average salary for someone who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California is approximately $85,113 annually. The average for annual salaries ranges from $78,516 to $94,582 depending on a variety of factors similar to those with a BSW and MSW which are specializations, bilingual abilities and experience.
The average salary for someone who has a DSW does not vary much from those with an MSW considering there is no higher licensure available for those with this credential. The average salary for Social Workers who have a doctorate degree and are unlicensed is approximately $76,000 and the range is very similar to those with an MSW.
California is the leading state in employment of social workers and the number of job opportunities are increasing exponentially. The number of available social work jobs is expected to increase by 9% in the long term, and California is one of the highest paying states for social workers.
California offers some of the most diverse opportunities for professional social workers in the nation on account of the state’s geographic size, population, ethnic diversity, and urban and rural populations. There are abundant opportunities for immigrants, community, school, environmental, clinical, child welfare, marriage and family, and other types of social workers. Here are the average salaries for social workers working in various specializations in California:
Expert Insight: What kinds of roles or specialties are in high demand for social workers across the state?
“There is always a demand for child welfare social workers across all counties in California. I feel this is a great starting point because while it is a demanding job, you gather so many skills that you can carry on in any other social work setting.
Usually after applicants obtain licensure, from my experience, many county social workers move on to working in a hospital setting, behavioral health services, etc. Some also stay working in child welfare, but have side jobs in therapy settings, which are always easy jobs to come by.” –Amanda Garcia, California LCSW
The cost of social work programs in California and beyond vary based on the general cost of the university, whether it is public or private, whether a student has a BSW and can enter an accelerated MSW program, and whether a student has scholarships or research assistantships. Many programs provide students with the opportunity to work with a professor for a small amount of hours per week in exchange for tuition remission. Students must research all of these cost factors before choosing the right program for them.
The typical cost of these programs ranges depending on whether the program is online, and the general cost of the university (e.g. private versus public). The average cost of a BSW is approximately $40,000 to $50,000 per year in California. However, other options, such as Humboldt University, are approximately $4,000 per semester which is much less expensive
The typical cost of these programs, like the BSW, depends on a variety of factors such as program delivery, private versus public university, etc. The average cost of a MSW in California is approximately $500-1,000 per unit, which is approximately $30,000-60,000 for the entire degree program. Price difference depends on the program, with California State schools being much more affordable than private programs like USC’s MSW program.
Some programs are more expensive than this however. Some online programs may be less expensive. For example, Alliant International University offers an online program that is nearly $400 cheaper per unit than their campus based program.
The typical cost of these programs, like the BSW and MSW, range depending on the school, program delivery, etc. The average cost of a DSW is approximately $20,000 per year. However, it is important to note that the cost can vary dramatically depending on the type of program one is attending. There is no accreditation or higher licensure for the DSW degree, so some programs can be much cheaper than $20,000 per year.
There are many scholarships available to individuals in California, either from out of state or in state funding. The following is a list of some of the leading scholarships available to students pursuing social work degrees:
There are many other scholarships available to social work students and all applicants should search a directory of graduate school scholarships to consider all opportunities. Prospective students should also make an appointment with a school administrator to discuss program based scholarship opportunities, financial aid, assistantships, and other opportunities to reduce the cost of admission.
California is in desperate need of social workers who can speak another language other than English. California is one of the most diverse states in the country, and yet the social worker population is not nearly as diverse as the people who they serve. It is imperative that individuals have access to therapy in a language that they are comfortable with and understand.
As of 2015, more than 44% of Californians spoke a language other than English in their homes and Latinos are amongst the largest ethnic groups in California. Therefore, among other bilingual professionals, social workers who can practice in Spanish are in high demand.
Expert Insight: How does California’s cultural and linguistic diversity shape social work practice and the types of training new LCSWs need?
“I feel like the LCSW exam is somewhat flawed as it does not accurately take into account the various backgrounds of the applicants taking the exam. The exam is set up for middle class, caucasian applicants, and does not acknowledge the multitude of backgrounds from all the applicants in California.
California’s diversity is not something innovative and new. The workforce has always been diverse, but acknowledging all of this has been recent. It’s important to note that diversity in the workforce is especially important when serving communities of color, or different socioeconomic backgrounds, and populations unlike one’s own.
New LCSWs need training that goes beyond clinical technique to include cultural humility, language access, anti-racist practice, and deep community engagement. It’s about understanding all the complexities that an individual comes with, not just providing a service aligned with theories or practice.” -Amanda Garcia, California LCSW
Additionally, more social workers are needed to address the rising drug, alcohol and homelessness issues in California. California has one of the biggest homeless populations in the country, and a notable portion of those who are homeless also suffer from a substance abuse disorder.
There are particularly large unhoused populations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Social Workers are urgently needed to help these individuals access addiction treatment and housing services. Social workers with both clinical and policy expertise are in demand. There are also abundant opportunities for social work researchers who are needed to evaluate new and longstanding programs in place to address issues of food, income, and housing insecurity.
Alliant International University
(San Diego, CA)
(Azusa, CA)
California Institute of Technology
(Pasadena, CA)
California State University-Bakersfield
(Bakersfield, CA)
California State University-Chico
(Chico, CA)
California State University-Dominguez Hills
(Carson, CA)
California State University-East Bay
(Hayward, CA)
California State University-Fresno
(Fresno, CA)
California State University-Fullerton
(Fullerton, CA)
California State University-Long Beach
(Long Beach, CA)
California State University-Los Angeles
(Los Angeles, CA)
California State University-Northridge
(Northridge, CA)
California State University-Sacramento
(Sacramento, CA)
California State University-San Bernardino
(San Bernardino, CA)
California State University-Stanislaus
(Turlock, CA)
(Claremont, CA)
(Santa Barbara, CA)
(Arcata, CA)
(Loma Linda, CA)
(Oakland, CA)
(Pasadena, CA)
(Santa Monica, CA)
(Malibu, CA)
(San Diego, CA)
San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus
(Calexico, CA)
San Francisco State University
(San Francisco, CA)
(San Jose, CA)
(Stanford, CA)
University of California-Berkeley
(Berkeley, CA)
University of California-Irvine
(Irvine, CA)
University of California-Los Angeles
(Los Angeles, CA)
University of Southern California
(Los Angeles, CA)
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