15 Top BSW Programs in California
BSW programs in California lead to some of the most rewarding careers in the state. More than 8 million Californians rely on social services to get by. California stands among the top three states for social worker jobs in any discipline. Social workers’ median salaries are a big deal as it means that they surpass national averages by 15-25%. Your investment in social work education could pay off substantially.
The state’s extensive university system offers many BSW program choices. California has over 35,000 social workers serving organizations of all types. Almost 50,000 professionals dedicate their work to child, family, and school social work. Students can choose from many accredited BSW programs both online and on-campus that prepare them for these vital roles. The state’s commitment to education shows – California students received more than $2 trillion in aid through the state-sponsored Cal Grant Program in 2022.
This guide details 15 top BSW programs throughout California. You’ll find everything needed to compare programs and choose your perfect match – from student success rates to tuition costs and financial aid options. These insights will help you align your education with your social work career goals.
California State University, Los Angeles
Cal State LA’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program equips students to become generalist practitioners in urban settings. The program’s location in Los Angeles creates unique opportunities to serve multiethnic communities throughout California’s urban landscape.
Program Overview
The BASW program at Cal State LA has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Students learn values and skills that are the foundations of multiethnic social work practice. The program requires 120 total units. Students need to complete 72 units in their major – 45 units of required upper division social work courses, 6 prerequisite units, 6 elective units, and 15 free elective units. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in core courses like SW 3700, SW 3010, and field practicum classes.
Student Success Rates
The university celebrated a milestone when it awarded 227 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022. This number showed a 15% jump from 198 degrees the previous year. The program’s completion rates tell an impressive story – 89% of students graduated on time in 2023/2024, and all students finished on schedule in 2022/2023. Cal State LA keeps 74.7% of its Fall 2022 students enrolled after their first year.
Tuition & Financial Aid
California residents should expect to pay $7,530 yearly for undergraduate tuition and required fees. Total costs run from $27,878 for commuters up to $36,186 for on-campus residents. Financial aid makes a big difference – 95% of first-year students receive support averaging $11,317. Students from families earning less than $30,000 get around $13,420 in aid.
Program Format
Students can choose between full-time and part-time study with classes on campus. While most classes meet in person, some courses blend online and classroom learning to fit different schedules. Field education plays a key role – senior students spend 420 hours as interns, usually working two full days (14 hours) each week. Students need to pass a criminal background check before placement. Failed checks could delay or prevent graduation.
San Francisco State University
San Francisco State University stands out in the Bay Area with its Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program. The program helps students respond to at-risk populations’ needs and prepares them for generalist practice.
Program Overview
SFSU’s BASW program follows a cohort model. Students start and finish their degree requirements together over two years. Students learn to serve as change agents in urban communities. The program enables oppressed populations to act on their own behalf. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the curriculum that blends knowledge, values, and skills. The BASW program will be more available to prospective students from Fall 2024 as it will no longer be an impacted major.
Student Success Rates
SFSU awarded 28 bachelor’s degrees in social work during the 2021-2022 academic year. This number shows a 12% increase from the previous year. SFSU’s social work graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn a median salary of $48,750. This salary is much higher than the national median of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree recipients. The university’s retention rate stands at 85%, putting it in the top 25% of colleges nationwide.
Tuition & Financial Aid
California residents pay $7,424 annually for undergraduate tuition and fees. This amount breaks down to $5,742 for tuition and $1,682 for fees. Total costs change based on where students live: $37,412 for on-campus, $38,002 for off-campus, and $27,148 for those staying at home. 66% of SFSU students get financial aid.
Program Format
SFSU’s BASW program offers flexible class schedules. Students usually start their BASW courses in fall semester because of prerequisites. The senior year features extensive field education that gives students hands-on experience. SFSU also offers a blended B.A./M.A. program. Qualified students can earn both a B.A. in Social Work and M.A. in Gerontology in five years.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University offers a Bachelor of Social Work program that blends liberal arts education with professional training in a welcoming Christian environment.
Program Overview
The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation has accredited Fresno Pacific’s BSW program. The curriculum smoothly combines theory with practice and highlights the connection between social work and Christian faith. Students take foundational courses in human development, social policy, social work methods, practice, and research. FPU’s program has a unique tenth competency—”Integration Faith in Social Work Practice”—which goes beyond CSWE’s nine standard competencies.
Student Success Rates
The university’s graduation metrics stand out in the region. FPU’s four-year graduation rate of 66% is a big deal as it means that it outperforms the national average of 42%. Most students finish their bachelor’s degree in 4.02 years. Students exceed the 80% standard in all ten competencies, with combined achievement rates between 89% and 97%.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Annual full-time undergraduate tuition costs $36,990. The total reaches $37,760 with student fees. Students living on campus pay an extra $10,252 for room and board. It’s worth mentioning that 95% of students receive financial aid. The average student’s financial aid package covers about 74% of tuition, room, and board costs.
Program Format
Students can choose between two formats: a traditional undergraduate program with daytime classes and an accelerated evening Degree Completion option. The traditional format takes four years, while adult students in the Degree Completion program can finish their major in 24 months through a cohort format. Both paths require a 414-hour internship experience.
Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide has launched a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program that gives you the skills to tackle complex social issues through community support and policy work.
Program Overview
The BSW curriculum at Touro creates culturally competent entry-level social workers who follow the NASW Code of Ethics. Students learn vital skills to provide counseling, referrals, and practical human services. The program motivates students to promote social change by combining online coursework with field training experiences.
Student Success Rates
Students at Touro University Worldwide achieve a 72% overall graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduates. The university maintains a strong 89% first-year retention rate. The graduation rates show interesting demographic patterns. Female students graduate at 79% while male students graduate at 58%. White students have a 74% graduation rate, Hispanic/Latino students 69%, and Black/African American students 63%.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Students pay $400 per semester credit for undergraduate courses. Touro has made all materials available online, eliminating textbook costs. Students save money as the university covers library, technology, and student service charges. 65% of first-year students receive need-based financial aid with average packages of $9,330.
Program Format
Small class sizes allow customized education in this student-focused program. Full-time students can complete their degree in about 3.5 years, while part-time students typically finish in 7 years. Students can transfer up to 90 credits but must complete at least 30 credits at Touro.
University of Massachusetts Global
UMass Global offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work that fits perfectly with the schedules of working professionals who want to advance their careers.
Program Overview
The BASW program at UMass Global trains students to become generalist practitioners who help people overcome life challenges. Students learn through a CSWE-accredited curriculum that uses an integrated, strength-based approach and builds critical thinking skills. This qualification opens doors to entry-level positions in child welfare, community mental health, criminal justice, and aging services.
Student Success Rates
UMass Global’s success rates speak for themselves. 74% of full-time students graduate within eight years, while the overall graduation rate stands at 54% for all students. The university’s student loan default rate is nowhere near the national average – it’s 48% lower, which shows how well graduates do in their careers. Even better, 88% of alumni say they would recommend UMass Global to their friends and family.
Tuition & Financial Aid
A bachelor’s degree costs $6,800 for each academic year (48 weeks). Military members on active duty receive special rates of $250 per credit. Students can access Pell Grants between $380 and $7,395.
Program Format
Students need 120 semester units to graduate. This includes 400 hours of supervised field experience at an approved location near them. The curriculum consists of 42 credits of core coursework and 6 credits of electives.
California State University, Chico
CSU Chico’s School of Social Work sits in Northern California. The school prepares students to handle ground application challenges through its accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. Students learn to serve rural and underserved communities effectively.
Program Overview
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits CSU Chico’s BSW program and gives students expertise in generalist practice. Students learn direct services to help individuals and families while mastering community advocacy strategies. The program requires 51 total course units. Students complete 15 units of prerequisites and 33 units in the professional sequence.
Student Success Rates
The program’s solid 65% graduation rate ranks in the top 35% of institutions nationwide. Students show an impressive 81% first-year retention. The employment outcomes are remarkable—almost every MSW graduate lands a position after completing their degree.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition costs California residents $8,900 per year. Total costs differ based on living arrangements. Students living off-campus pay $27,062, on-campus residents pay $29,762, and those staying with relatives pay $23,740. CSU Chico stands at #17 among Western institutions for “Best Bang for the Buck”.
Program Format
Students can pick traditional on-campus learning or the innovative Distributed Learning option. The hybrid format blends online coursework (67%) with weekend campus sessions (33%). Both paths include field placements that provide hands-on experience in social service settings.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University sits at the vibrant US-Mexico border region. The university’s 65-unit Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program champions equity, social justice and human rights advancement.
Program Overview
The BASW program equips students to become skilled at generalist social work practice. Students learn essential practice methods, human behavior patterns, cultural pluralism, social policy, macro-level practice, and research. The program’s core strength lies in teaching entry-level practice skills that work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students can also head over to specialized elective seminars in child welfare, aging, alcohol and other drugs, and family studies.
Student Success Rates
SDSU’s success story shines through its impressive numbers. The university achieves a 76% six-year graduation rate, landing it among the top 20% nationwide. The four-year graduation rate stands strong at 48%, which puts SDSU in the top 45%. Student retention rates soar to 90%, making it a top 15% performer.
Tuition & Financial Aid
California residents can expect to pay around $10,800 yearly for tuition and fees. The School of Social Work’s scholarship options range from $500 to $18,500. Students passionate about child welfare can benefit from Title IV-E stipends.
Program Format
The BASW program runs on a block format where courses follow a specific yearly sequence. Students gain hands-on experience through a 16-hour weekly internship at community agencies. This practical exposure helps students apply classroom knowledge effectively.
California State University, Long Beach
CSULB’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program leads the way in diversity, with 84% of graduates from racial-ethnic minorities—this is a big deal as it means that national averages.
Program Overview
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits CSULB’s BASW program, which prepares students for entry-level professional roles and graduate studies. The curriculum integrates critical race theory to enable thriving individuals, families, and communities through a person-in-environment framework. The program’s deep community connections with over 200 placement agencies throughout Southern California make it unique.
Student Success Rates
The program has managed to keep an impressive 100% graduation rate for three consecutive academic cycles (2021-2024). Student completion rates tell an amazing story—34 of 38 students in the 2023-2024 cohort graduated right on schedule. Bachelor’s graduates earn $42,925 as median salary, which exceeds the national median of $37,334.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Full-time students who are California residents pay $4,171 per semester. Students have access to many financial aid options, including Federal Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and the Middle Class Scholarship.
Program Format
Students can choose between daytime classes (Monday/Wednesday 9:30am-4:45pm) or evening sessions (Monday/Wednesday 5:30-9:45pm plus Tuesday evenings). The field education combines an 80-hour junior-year practicum with 450 hours during senior year.
Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt)
Cal Poly Humboldt offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program that uniquely focuses on Indigenous knowledge and rural practice. Students learn to serve communities that traditional social work education often overlooks.
Program Overview
The BASW program teaches students to decolonize mainstream social work practice through community-centered coursework. Strategic collaborations with over 200 county and tribal social services programs in Northern California help students become skilled practitioners. They learn to work with people from various cultural backgrounds. The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program, which ensures graduates meet national professional standards.
Student Success Rates
The university faces some challenges with completion metrics. Students who started in Fall 2016 showed a six-year graduation rate of 45.9%. First-generation students graduate at nowhere near the rates of students whose parents attended college – 35.2% compared to 52.0%. Notwithstanding that, the program maintains a strong 74.1% retention rate for first-time, full-time students who began in Fall 2021.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Undergraduate students pay $8,824 annually in tuition and fees. Living arrangements affect total estimated costs: students living with parents pay $26,056, on-campus residents pay $28,526, and off-campus housing costs $29,238. The new Green & Gold Guarantee will cover tuition gaps between financial aid for eligible students starting Fall 2025.
Program Format
Students can choose traditional on-campus learning or a hybrid distance option created with tribal service providers. Senior students work directly with community mentors to develop professional skills. They gain experience in settings ranging from small nonprofit agencies to tribal social services. This practical approach connects classroom learning with ground application in rural and Indigenous communities.
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento State’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program ranks #36 among 419 social work schools nationwide. This social-first pathway helps students build professional practice skills with a strong foundation in ethics and social justice.
Program Overview
Students need 48 units to complete their BASW degree – 42 units cover professional foundation requirements and 6 units are electives. The program requires undergraduate students to follow the NASW Code of Ethics while they develop competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education. The curriculum centers on ethical practice and serves California’s diverse communities.
Student Success Rates
The program has achieved remarkable milestones. First-year students now graduate at a record-breaking rate of 31.3%. This is a big deal as it means that the 44% two-year graduation rate for transfer students beats the CSU target of 38%. The program celebrated 196 bachelor’s graduates in 2021-2022, who went on to earn a median salary of $37,290.
Tuition & Financial Aid
California residents pay $4,507 each semester for full-time study. About 85% of freshmen get financial support that averages $9,864. Financial aid varies based on income – students from families earning under $30,000 receive around $13,413 in support.
Program Format
The senior year includes 512 hours of field instruction, which means 16 hours every week for 32 weeks. Students work at social service agencies under MSW supervision on either Monday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Friday. Before placement, students must clear background checks and meet eligibility criteria.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California will launch its Bachelor of Social Work program in 2026. This prestigious institution plans to expand its well-known social work education beyond graduate degrees.
Program Overview
The upcoming BSW program at USC helps students develop core practical skills for generalist practice. Students learn to conduct assessments, evaluate social services, and get involved with communities. The curriculum puts service, empathy, and respect first while following the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Students need 128 total units to graduate, and 48 of these units focus on social work major courses.
Student Success Rates
USC shows remarkable academic performance with its 92% six-year graduation rate, which ranks among the top 5% nationwide. The university keeps 96% of its first-year students. The graduates love their experience here—88% say they would tell others to join USC.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The yearly undergraduate tuition runs $71,647 for 2024-25. USC awarded $773.4 million in financial aid during 2021-2022. Most new students get help with costs—65% receive scholarships.
Program Format
Students must complete 440 hours of hands-on training. They get field experience through strategic collaborations with more than 700 practicum agencies. Graduates can choose the Advanced Standing MSW option and finish their master’s degree just one year later.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University offers a faith-based Bachelor of Social Work program. The program builds on Christian principles and prepares students to become generalist practitioners who can work effectively at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Program Overview
CBU’s BSW program seamlessly blends biblical perspectives with professional social work education. Students need to complete 24 major courses spanning approximately two years. The program equips graduates with skills needed to start their careers as professional social workers right away. Graduates qualify for advanced standing status in MSW programs, which means they can earn their master’s degree in just one year. Students passionate about church-based practice can take specialized courses in congregational social work.
Student Success Rates
The supportive campus environment helps students thrive academically. The freshman retention rate stands at 76% [link_1], which is a big deal as it means that it surpasses the national average of 70.57%. The university maintains a 58% six-year graduation rate. Graduation rates show some variation across demographics. Asian and White students graduate at 70%, Multi-ethnic students at 61%, Hispanic students at 54%, and Black/African-American students at 46%.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The 2026-2027 academic year costs break down into several components. Tuition runs $40,368 for 13-18 units, fees amount to $2,460, and housing and meals cost $12,668. This brings the total to $55,766. CBU provides generous academic scholarships. Freshmen can receive $13,000-$17,000, while transfer students qualify for $9,000-$13,000.
Program Format
Final year students complete 400 hours of field practicum, scheduled as 16 weekly hours. Junior students attend a “field fair” to meet community partners before submitting their placement priorities. The BSW Field Director then sets up interviews between students and potential placement sites.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University brings nearly 50 years of social work education experience to its Bachelor of Social Work program. The program blends Christian views into its curriculum and prepares students to improve communities’ well-being while promoting justice at local and global levels.
Program Overview
The Council on Social Work Education has accredited APU’s BSW program since 1982. Students become competent generalist practitioners who combine scientific knowledge with professional values. The 69-unit curriculum focuses on racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. Students learn about spirituality’s role in practice and get valuable community experience through service-learning opportunities throughout their education.
Student Success Rates
APU ranks in the top 25% of colleges nationwide with a 72% six-year graduation rate. The program’s graduation rates show strong performance across demographics. Multi-ethnic students lead with 75% completion rates, followed by Asian students at 74%, and white students at 70%. The program showed growth by awarding 36 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022, a 6% increase from the previous year.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Annual full-time undergraduate tuition is $43,758. Financial support is readily available, with 95% of first-year students receiving scholarships averaging $21,271. Students whose families earn below $30,000 receive substantial support, averaging $30,254 in assistance.
Program Format
Senior students gain hands-on experience through a supervised 400+ hour internship at community-based agencies. The program’s distinctive 4+1 option lets students earn both BSW and MSW degrees in five years.
La Sierra University
La Sierra University ranks #4 for Social Mobility among universities in 15 western states. Their Bachelor of Social Work program shapes ethical practitioners through a unique Christian view.
Program Overview
The BSW program at La Sierra blends knowledge, values, ethics, and skills for generalist practice while celebrating diversity. Students complete 92 units of coursework that includes service learning and internships. The program gives you the tools for entry-level roles in criminal justice, mental health, youth services, schools, gerontology, healthcare, and family services. Students master 11 core competencies and learn how to blend spiritual beliefs into their practice.
Student Success Rates
Students consistently show impressive results that exceed competency measures. Achievement rates range from 87% to 96% in all measured competencies. The university’s four-year graduation rate stands at 60%. La Sierra also holds the #17 spot for Best Value in its region.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Yearly undergraduate tuition is $37,872 with $990 in fees. Students can receive academic scholarships between $5,000 and $15,000 based on their GPA. Room and board costs about $13,366 per year.
Program Format
Students can choose between two paths: a traditional track for first-time students under 22 and an Evening Adult Degree Program for transfer students over 22. The evening format offers flexibility and lower tuition rates.
Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College stands out among California’s BSW programs with its fully online Bachelor of Social Work. The program focuses on strength-based approaches that equip traditionally underserved communities.
Program Overview
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited Pacific Oaks’ online BSW program. Students learn both macro and micro aspects of social work practice through the 120-credit curriculum. The coursework covers policy change and program implementation along with case management and care coordination. Pacific Oaks’ social justice and equity principles are woven throughout the program.
Student Success Rates
The college achieves a 63% six-year graduation rate. This number slightly improves to 64% after eight years. Women make up 90.8% of graduates from all programs.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The 2025-2026 academic year sets upper division courses at $890 per credit hour. Students pay $400 per credit for lower division courses. Military families get significant savings with active-duty members paying just $258 per credit. Students can access various financial support options through scholarships, grants, federal loans, and work-study programs.
Program Format
This accredited BSW program online includes 420 supervised field hours. The Field Education Department helps students find placements in their local communities. Students can transfer up to 87 credits based on prerequisites.
Online BSW options
Students and working professionals can now earn their Bachelor of Social Work through flexible online programs from several California institutions. These programs maintain high educational standards and proper accreditation while fitting into busy schedules.
Pacific Oaks College runs a comprehensive CSWE-accredited BSW program that students can complete entirely online. The 120-credit curriculum requires 420 supervised field hours and covers both macro-level policy changes and micro-level case management. Students typically finish the program in three to four years. The college allows transfers of up to 87 units from previous coursework.
Touro University Worldwide presents another fully online BASW option. The program accepts up to 45 general education credits and 45 BSW credits from transfer students. University of Massachusetts Global’s online BSW program stands out with specialized electives in domestic violence, military social work, and substance treatment.
Cal State Chico offers a balanced approach through its distributed learning BSW program. Students complete asynchronous online modules and attend weekend intensive sessions. Cal Poly Humboldt takes a similar approach with its hybrid program that combines online learning with just three campus visits per year.
These distance education programs meet the same CSWE accreditation standards as traditional campus-based programs. They provide excellent options for students who need to balance their education with work and family commitments.
BSW Curriculum
Bachelor of social work programs in California follow well-laid-out frameworks that are CSWE-approved. Each school tailors its approach based on its strengths and what the community needs.
BSW programs need 48-65 major units. The curriculum focuses on nine key competencies. These include ethical behavior, diversity involvement, human rights advancement, research integration, policy work, and skills to assess, intervene, and evaluate – from individual cases to community projects. Religious institutions often add spiritual integration as a tenth competency.
Students learn both theory and hands-on skills through courses in human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and practical techniques. Field education is the basis of these accredited programs. Students must complete 400-512 supervised hours at community agencies. Junior year starts with basic practicums around 80 hours. Senior year intensifies with 16 weekly hours of field work.
Programs come in different formats to fit student’s lives. Many schools offer daytime classes (usually Monday/Wednesday 9:30am-4:45pm) and evening options (Monday/Wednesday 5:30-9:45pm plus Tuesday evenings). Several accredited BSW programs online blend self-paced learning with scheduled field work.
BSW programs in California maintain similar academic standards whatever the teaching method. They prepare students for entry-level jobs or fast-track admission to MSW programs.
Field Education Requirements in California
Field education is the key component of all bachelor of social work programs in California. BSW students must complete extensive supervised field experience between 400 to 512 hours before they graduate.
California institutions have varying hour requirements. San Diego State University students complete 480 hours at 16 hours weekly. Cal State Long Beach takes a different approach with an 80-hour junior practicum plus 450 senior hours. Sacramento State’s students must fulfill 512 field hours, spread across 32 weeks at 16 hours per week.
Qualified instructors with MSW degrees and at least two years of post-master’s experience must supervise these field placements. Students receive weekly supervision through one-hour individual sessions or two-hour group meetings.
Programs across the state work together with numerous placement sites. SDSU partners with more than 350 organizations, including hospitals, mental health services, government entities, schools, and family health centers. Students gain practical experience through client assessments, group facilitation, and service provider coordination.
Most agencies have specific requirements to ensure student readiness. These include background checks, Live Scan fingerprinting, TB tests, immunization records, and valid California driver’s licenses. Such preparations help students transition smoothly into professional practice.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in California
BSW graduates in California have amazing career prospects. Social work salaries in the state are much higher than national averages. The need for social workers keeps growing faster. By 2030, child, family, and school social workers will see about 5,000 job openings each year.
The job market looks great for BSW graduates. California has nine of America’s top ten highest-paying metro areas for community and social service jobs. Your earnings will depend on where you work. Napa tops the list with average yearly salaries of $115,890. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area employs the most professionals – 20,300 child and family social workers who earn $73,580 yearly.
The mental health field shows promise, especially when you have a projected 10% growth in mental health social work jobs by 2030. Worker shortages continue throughout California even though thousands graduate each year.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field to start your career. BSW graduates help with case management, treatment planning, client monitoring, support groups, and community events. You can work as an assistant social worker, social worker I, human services assistant, case manager, or community outreach specialist. These roles can lead to advanced positions or graduate studies in social work specialties.
California BSW Social Work Licensure Pathway
California takes a different approach from other states by not offering Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credentials to BSW graduates. BSW programs serve as stepping stones toward Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status, which requires a master’s degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution.
California master’s programs help BSW graduates advance their careers through advanced standing options. These programs allow students to complete their MSW in one year instead of two. After completing their degree, future social workers must register as Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASWs). They need to complete 3,000 supervised hours over at least 104 weeks. The requirements include 2,000 hours of clinical psychosocial diagnosis and treatment, and 750 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy.
The path to licensure requires BSW graduates to pass two exams: the California Law and Ethics Exam and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam. Additional coursework must cover California Law (12 hours), Child Abuse Assessment (7 hours), and California Cultures (15 hours).
BSW programs in California create a strong foundation for ASW registration and clinical licensure, even though they don’t directly lead to licensing. ASW registrations remain valid for six years and can be renewed up to five times.
Next Steps
Your BSW program choice is a vital step to build a meaningful social work career in California. These 15 top-rated programs showcase many options – from fully online degrees to traditional campus experiences, faith-based curricula to specialized focus areas. Each program has its own advantages and provides the field education requirements you need for real-life practice.
California is an exceptional place to study social work. Your career outlook is bright here – the state has all but one of the nation’s top ten highest-paying metropolitan areas for community service professionals. BSW graduates earn 15-25% above national salary averages, which makes your education investment worthwhile.
Program costs vary substantially between institutions. Public universities charge around $7,400 annually, while private colleges can cost over $40,000. You’ll find substantial financial aid through Cal Grants, institutional scholarships, and specialized programs. Title IV-E stipends are available if you’re interested in child welfare.
Accredited BSW programs need 400-512 hours of supervised field experience. This hands-on training, along with coursework in human behavior, social welfare policy, and intervention strategies, prepares you for entry-level positions or advanced standing in MSW programs.
Your BSW is the foundation for a rewarding career that helps California’s diverse communities thrive. You can choose from prestigious institutions like USC, a California State University campus, or a flexible online option. This piece gives you the information you need to pick a program that lines up with your career goals, budget, and learning priorities