Online MSW Programs in California
Interested in online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs for students in California? The online MSW and hybrid MSW programs in this article require two or fewer campus visits per year, giving students a flexible learning experience while they earn their advanced degree. Some programs may accept students from anywhere in the U.S., so make sure to read through the criteria for each one to ensure that you meet the application requirements.
University of Denver
Graduate School of Social Work
ADMaster of Social Work (MSW)
The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.
- Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
- No GRE Required
- Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations
AD
Hawaii Pacific University
School of Social Work
ADMaster of Social Work
The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas.
- Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.
- Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
- Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track.
AD
Syracuse University
School of Social Work at Falk College
ADMaster of Social Work (MSW)
Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- No GRE required
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
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Colleges in California with online MSW programs
MSW applicants who live in California have a variety of online offerings through the California State University (CSU) system:
- CSU Northridge offers a fully online MSW with two- and three-year pathways. The program is authorized (or exempt from approval requirements) in most U.S. states, but it is not currently authorized in Iowa, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, or Rhode Island, so out-of-state applicants should confirm eligibility before applying.
- CSU San Bernardino is a fully online, part-time MSW program that is open to students from any state in the U.S and to be completed in 3 years.
- Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University) offers a part-time, distributed learning (online) MSW designed for students who are California residents, the program states students must live in California while enrolled. While most coursework is online, students should plan for required campus time, including a mandatory orientation and an annual January intensive (plus program materials that describe a 3-day January campus visit).
The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in month year. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
| University | Format | Enrollment Type |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, Northridge | Online | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| California State University, San Bernardino | Online | Part-Time |
| Humboldt State University | Online | Part-Time |
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
| University and Program Name | Study Length | Enrollment Type | Field Placement Support |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Denver
Master of Social Work (MSW) AD | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Simmons University
Master of Social Work (MSW) AD | As few as 9 months | Accelerated Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Howard University
Master of Social Work (MSW) AD | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Syracuse University
Master of Social Work (MSW) AD | As few as 24 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
AD
Colleges in California with hybrid MSW programs
Looking for a blend of virtual classes and in-person immersion opportunities? Some CSU schools also offer hybrid program options:
- CSU Chico offers a distributed learning, or hybrid, MSW program that students can attend online during two weekends each semester.
- CSU Long Beach offers the MSW through a Distance Education Program in a three-year, part-time model. Classes are held in person on Saturdays at program sites, with most instruction delivered via live teleconferencing (and some courses taught in person by local faculty). Students complete two local practicum placements during the second and third academic years.
- San Jose State University (SJSU) offers a part-time hybrid MSW program open only to students living in California. In addition to attending online classes, students are required to complete an internship.
| University | Format | Enrollment Type |
|---|---|---|
| California State University at Long Beach | Hybrid | Part-Time |
| California State University at Chico | Hybrid | Part-Time |
| San José State University | Online | Full-Time |
Online MSW Programs that Accept Students from California
All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.
How to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California
Common steps to become a LCSW in California
Step 1: Earn a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) recognizes programs that adhere to high standards and prepare students for professional practice. Out-of-state applicants must complete required coursework on California law and ethics, child abuse assessment and reporting in California, California cultures and the social and psychological implications of socioeconomic position, and suicide risk assessment and intervention.
Step 2: Fulfill additional coursework requirements.
Before you can become an LCSW, you must first register as an associate clinical worker (ASW). The following social work coursework is required for all in-state ACSW applicants:
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting [based on California law] | 7 hours |
Human sexuality | 10 hours |
Alcoholism and Other Chemical Substance Dependency | 15 Hours |
Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection and Intervention | 15 Hours |
Aging, Long Term Care, and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse | 10 Hours |
Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention (Requirement in Effect January 1, 2021) | 6 Hours Applied Experience or Coursework |
Step 3: Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW).
When registering as an ACSW, you will need to complete a live fingerprinting scan, pass a criminal background check, and pass the California Law and Ethics Exam.
Step 4: Obtain supervised social work experience.
You will need to complete a total of 3,000 hours of social work experience over a minimum of 104 weeks (two years). While your hours can include a mix of clinical and related professional activities, California requires a minimum of 2,000 hours in clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment (including psychotherapy or counseling). Within those clinical hours, at least 750 hours must be face-to-face individual or group psychotherapy. Up to 1,000 hours may come from other approved categories (such as client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, research, training, and limited supervisor contact). Experience must be completed within the six years before you apply for licensure, and you can count a maximum of 40 hours in any 7 consecutive days.
Step 5: Pass the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) Clinical Exam.
Prior to registering for the exam, you must pass the LCSW California Law and Ethics Exam and have your application for licensure approved. If you do not pass the exam, you must wait 90 days before your next attempt.
Step 6: Request and obtain your LCSW License.
You must submit your request within one year after receiving your passing ASWB Exam score. Once approved, you will receive your digital license, followed by a mailed certificate. For more detailed information on becoming a LCSW in California, visit the Board of Behavioral Sciences. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker.
Does California Have Social Work License Reciprocity?
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) does not offer licensure reciprocity with any other state’s licensing board. All out of state applicants must adhere to the requirements set forth by the BBS to be issued their LCSW license. For more information on out-of-state LCSW requirements, refer to the BBS’ Guide to LCSW Out of State Applicant Requirements.
Hawaii Pacific University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work
The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas.
- Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.
- Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
- Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track.
University of Denver
Graduate School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.
- Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
- No GRE Required
- Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations
Simmons University
Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.
- Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW
- Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks
- Minimum completion time: 9 months
Information last updated: January 2026