6 Best MSW Programs in San Diego for 2026

A career in social work starts with finding the right MSW program in San Diego. The field offers great earning potential – social workers in the area make about $68,800 annually. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) can earn more than $90,000.

Students can choose from three universities that offer Master of Social Work programs around San Diego. Each school brings its own strengths to the table. State universities provide traditional campus-based learning, while online programs give you more flexibility. These programs’ costs stay close to California’s typical rates for social sciences. MSW costs at SDSU match up well with other San Diego options.

This guide looks at the six best MSW programs San Diego students can join in 2026. We’ll help you pick a program that fits your career plans, time, and budget.

1. California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

California State University San Marcos runs a 10-year-old MSW program that started in 2013 and has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program focuses on developing culturally informed and ethical professionals. CSUSM has quickly become one of San Diego’s top choices for aspiring social workers.

Key Features

The CSUSM Master of Social Work program prepares students to work in settings of all types through a specialized advanced generalist approach. Rather than offering multiple concentration tracks, this advanced generalist focus helps students build broader knowledge and skills they can use in many practice environments.

You’ll find three flexible ways to complete the program:

• One-year hybrid option: Only recent BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can apply (within 5 years)
• Two-year hybrid option: Most classes happen in person at the San Marcos campus
• Three-year online option: Working professionals can attend evening classes

The program emphasizes children, youth, and family work, along with behavioral health. Students interested in school social work can earn their Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) as an elective option.

Field education makes up much of the curriculum. First-year students complete approximately 500 hours (16 hours weekly for 15 weeks each semester). Second-year students put in about 600 hours (20 hours weekly). The program works with over 200 agencies throughout Southern California, including non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, behavioral health programs, child welfare agencies, and schools.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Program formats that fit different student needs and schedules
• Hybrid structure mixes online learning with few campus visits
• Strong local focus with field placements in San Diego, Riverside, and expanding to Orange, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties
• Qualified students can complete field experience at their workplace
• One process recording needed per semester (other schools require more)
• PPSC elective lets you earn school social work credentials during the program

Cons:

• Newer program compared to other options (started 2013)
• Three-year online option costs more per unit than state-supported options
• Cal Vet Fee Waiver doesn’t work for the Extended Learning 3-year MSW program
• You need a minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester units to get in

Pricing and Financial Aid

Your tuition depends on which program format you choose. The state-supported one and two-year options follow regular graduate tuition rates. Full-time graduate students (6.1+ units) in 2025-26 pay $4,032 per semester in tuition plus $1,004 in mandatory campus fees. This adds up to $5,036 per semester or $10,072 yearly.

The Extended Learning three-year online option runs differently. It costs $560 per unit plus university fees. You’ll pay $33,600 for the 60-unit degree plus fees.

CSUSM offers amazing financial support. The MSW program secured more than $3.50 million in grants for 2025-26. These grants provide 125 full tuition and fee scholarships or training stipends, helping about 60% of the program’s 210 students. Many students get extra money for living expenses.

Here’s what financial aid you can get:

• California Title IV-E Stipend Education Program: $25,000 yearly for qualified students
• Public Behavioral Health MSW Training Fellowship: $25,000 for qualifying placements
• Aging & Adult Services Training Program: $25,000 for qualifying placements
• San Diego Pay It Forward Loan Program: Zero-interest, no-fee loans that get forgiven after five years of service
• FAFSA eligibility with school code 030113

CSUSM Best For

CSUSM works great for students who want a flexible, locally-focused education with strong field placement options. Working professionals love the evening classes and hybrid formats that minimize campus visits.

The program shines especially when you have an interest in school social work through its PPSC credential option. Current social service employees might even use their workplace for field experience through the employment-based internship program.

Students looking for financial help will love CSUSM. The program offers impressive stipends, scholarships, and zero-interest loans that make graduate education possible without taking on huge debt.

2. San Diego State University (SDSU)

San Diego State University’s MSW program has been shaping social work education since 1963. This 60-year-old program has earned recognition for its academic excellence and the way it connects with the community.

Key Features

The School of Social Work at SDSU provides a complete MSW program that prepares students to practice in a variety of settings. Students focus on three main areas: health care and well-being, families in transition, and social/environmental stressors affecting communities.

Students select one of two concentration methods:

• Direct Practice/Clinical: Focuses on micro and mezzo level approaches through counseling and therapy for individuals and groups
• Administration/Community Development: Concentrates on macro practice, including leadership, organizational change, and community capacity building

Students can also pursue specialized dual degrees through MSW/MPH with the School of Public Health and MSW/JD programs. The program offers several completion options:

• Advanced Standing (38 units): One-year program for recent BSW graduates
• Traditional program (60 units): Available in two-year, three-year, and four-year plans

Field education is a vital component where students complete 1,050 practicum hours over two years—450 hours in the foundation year and 600 hours in the advanced year. Students dedicate 16 hours weekly at their placement in the first year and 20 hours in the second year. SDSU has built mutually beneficial alliances with over 400 community agencies throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.

SDSU Pros and Cons

Pros:

• CSWE-accredited since 1966, which lets graduates apply for LCSW certification
• Low student-to-faculty ratio offers excellent opportunities to work closely with faculty
• Diverse student population (ranked among 25 most racially diverse campuses nationally)
• Reliable research opportunities through the Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Studies and Social Policy Institute
• Exceptional field placement network with 400+ community agencies

Cons:

• Competitive admission process (approximately 100 students accepted from 450 applicants annually)
• Higher cost compared to some online alternatives
• Required GRE for admission
• Students need 500 hours of human services experience before admission

Pricing and Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 academic year will cost full-time MSW students approximately $10,800 in tuition and fees. Total estimated costs vary based on living arrangements:

• Living with parents: $26,198 annually
• Living in university housing: $38,938 annually
• Living off-campus: $35,616 annually

Out-of-state and international students pay an additional $444 per unit.

SDSU provides several financial support options. The School supports 264 MSW students with scholarships and stipends ranging from $500 to $18,500. The California Title IV-E Education Program stands out by offering up to $50,000 as a taxable stipend ($25,000 per year for full-time students).

Available financial aid includes:

• School of Social Work Scholarship ($500-$1,300)
• School of Social Work Field Scholarship (up to $500)
• Norma Funderburk Scholarship
• David C. Pritchard Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)
• Kathleen Kopels Celebration Scholarship ($500)
• Mark Todd Sandways Memorial Scholarship (up to $475)
• Jamie Brenner Geller Memorial Scholarship (up to $1,000)

SDSU Best For

Research-minded students will find SDSU’s MSW program appealing, as the Carnegie Foundation classifies it as having “high research activity”. Students interested in child welfare services benefit greatly from the CalSWEC Title IV-E program.

The program works best for students who value diversity and want a full campus experience. Students looking to build strong professional networks in San Diego’s social services sector will find SDSU’s steadfast dedication to community engagement particularly valuable.

3. University of Southern California (USC) – San Diego Extension

USC brings its esteemed MSW program to San Diego through a local academic center. Students can earn their degree without moving to Los Angeles. The San Diego extension provides the same quality curriculum with local placement opportunities.

Key Features

The San Diego Academic Center provides a detailed social work education through a hybrid format that blends online and in-person learning. The program shines with its innovative curriculum that prepares graduates for 21st-century practice challenges.

Students can choose from multiple study options:

• Full-time and part-time formats fit different scheduling needs
• Accelerated 12-month Advanced Standing track for BSW holders
• Traditional 48-unit curriculum for career-changers

Students must complete more than 1,000 hours of practicum training. This hands-on approach gives vital real-life experience through placements in local San Diego agencies. The curriculum emphasizes early intervention, prevention, wellness, leadership, and evidence-based practices while integrating new findings in neuroscience.

Students can shape their education by choosing one of five optional tracks. Each track has six units of integrative practice and three units of integrative assessment within the existing 48-unit curriculum. On top of that, the program’s accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) creates a path to licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Same prestigious curriculum as the Los Angeles campus delivered locally
• Resilient alumni network of 480,000 Trojans worldwide
• Strategic collaborations with 700+ practicum agencies
• Accredited program meeting requirements for licensure eligibility
• Option to complete degree close to home
• Multiple program formats for flexibility

• Higher tuition than state university options
• Mixed reputation among employers according to some reports
• Many adjunct instructors in faculty composition
• Some consider 48-unit curriculum less detailed compared to 60-unit programs
• Questions about clinical competency training quality

Pricing and Financial Aid

USC’s MSW program is a major financial investment. The 2025-2026 academic year tuition costs $2,256 per unit for 1-14 units, or $33,840 per semester for 15-18 units. The total tuition for the 48-unit program reaches about $108,288.

The school offers scholarships to over 65% of incoming on-campus MSW students. USC gives out more than $1 million in scholarships yearly, though these rarely cover full attendance costs. Most students use a mix of scholarships, loans, and personal savings.

Financial aid options include:

• Federal Direct Loans (up to $20,500 per year)
• Direct Graduate Plus Loans for credit-worthy students
• Payment plans with five monthly installments per semester
• Prepayment plans allowing tuition lock-in for up to five years
• 40+ endowed and philanthropic scholarships available yearly

Students must pay a $500 non-refundable commitment deposit after admission.

USC Best For

USC’s San Diego Extension works best for students who value prestige and can make a significant financial investment. The program benefits those who want a hybrid learning format that combines online flexibility with local networking.

Career-changers thrive in this program thanks to its diverse curriculum and extensive practicum requirements. BSW holders can complete their degree in just 12 months through the accelerated Advanced Standing track.

USC’s strong alumni network appeals to students who want to build professional connections. USC graduates work in mental health, family counseling, and community advocacy. The USC name carries weight across the social work profession.

4. National University

National University stands out among San Diego’s MSW programs with its distance-based education format. The program gives professionals the flexibility they need without compromising on quality. This regionally accredited institution delivers a complete social work curriculum online.

Key Features

The MSW program at National University’s Department of Marriage and Family Sciences creates a clear path to advanced generalist social work practice. The program has:

• Faculty members with doctoral degrees who provide expert mentoring throughout your studies
• Two distinct tracks: a 60-credit Generalist Track for newcomers and a 36-credit Advanced Standing Track for BSW holders
• Weekly course starts without scheduled lecture hours that let you study around your work and personal life
• Full CSWE accreditation through 2029 that ensures the curriculum meets professional standards

Students complete most coursework online, but the field practicum component requires hands-on experience at local agencies. Students need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last seven years with a minimum 3.0 GPA in social work courses to qualify for the Advanced Standing Track.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Study from anywhere without relocation costs or travel expenses
• Direct interaction with professors instead of group assignments
• Schedule that works around your job commitments
• Focus on evidence-based practice and ethical leadership
• Courses start weekly rather than following semester schedules

Cons:

• Field practicum needs in-person attendance
• Students must manage their time well in the self-paced format
• State licensure requirements vary after program completion
• Independent work style might not suit everyone who prefers group learning

Pricing and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition costs $442 per quarter unit. A typical 4.5-unit course costs $1,989. Students pay approximately $21,665 for the Advanced Standing track (36 credits) and $33,700 for the complete Generalist track (60 credits).

Each course has a materials fee between $20-65 based on specific requirements. National University’s financial aid options include:

• Federal student aid through FAFSA
• Military tuition assistance for service members and veterans
• Flexible payment plans with monthly installments
• Various scholarships that reduce overall program costs

National University Best For

Working professionals who need flexible schedules will find National University’s program ideal. Self-motivated learners who prefer independent study over classroom interaction thrive here. The distance-based format works especially well for students in remote areas or those who can’t attend regular campus classes due to family and work commitments.

Graduates can pursue various career paths in social work settings of all sizes thanks to the program’s advanced generalist focus. BSW holders looking to advance their careers while keeping their current jobs will find the Advanced Standing track a quick way to complete their MSW in about 18 months.

5. University of Denver (Online MSW)

San Diego students looking for a top online MSW program can choose University of Denver’s nationally recognized degree program. U.S. News & World Report ranks it among the top 15 social work programs. Students can complete this program entirely online from anywhere in the United States.

Key Features

The MSW@Denver program champions social change and promotes equity in communities. Students can choose between two paths:

• Traditional MSW: 81 credits completed in 21-27 months (accelerated or full-time tracks)
• Advanced-Standing MSW: 54 credits for BSW holders, completed in 12-18 months[232]

Students can shape their learning through specialized paths like Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness. The program requires hands-on experience – traditional students must complete 900 hours across two internships.

Classes stay small with about 15 students, so each student gets personal attention from doctoral faculty. Instead of lectures, the program uses a seminar-style approach that creates an active learning environment.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Small classes make meaningful discussions possible
• No GRE needed (minimum 2.5 GPA with 3.0 preferred)
• Full-time and accelerated options fit different schedules
• Mobile app lets you study offline with downloadable content

Cons:

• Higher tuition than public universities
• Field placements require in-person attendance
• Online format doesn’t offer all specializations
• Less financial aid than on-campus programs

Pricing and Financial Aid

Each credit hour costs $1,200 plus a $4 technology fee. Total program costs are:

• Traditional MSW (81 credits): $97,200
• Advanced-Standing MSW (54 credits): $64,800

Students can get financial help through federal loans (FAFSA school code 001371), employer assistance, and external scholarships. Online students have fewer options than campus students for work-study and research assistantships that help with costs.

University of Denver Best For

Working professionals who want a prestigious degree without moving will find this program valuable. It works well for self-motivated learners who need schedule flexibility but want more structure than fully self-paced programs. The specialized paths in mental health, trauma, or health equity add extra value for students interested in these areas.

6. Simmons University (Online MSW for San Diego Students)

Simmons University offers a CSWE-accredited online MSW program that San Diego residents can access for advanced social work education. The program naturally blends social justice principles with multicultural perspectives throughout its curriculum.

Key Features

SocialWork@Simmons gives you flexibility through multiple program tracks:

• Advanced Standing: BSW holders can complete 34 credits in 9-12 months
• Accelerated: Students who focus on their studies can finish 65 credits in 16 months
• Full-time: Students take a standard course load to complete 65 credits in 23 months
• Extended: Students earn 65 credits over 32 months for maximum convenience

Classes meet weekly online with about 20 students, which helps you connect directly with faculty and classmates. Students start with foundation courses before moving to advanced clinical curriculum, where they can focus on specific populations or social issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The country’s first school of clinical social work
• Complete support from admission through graduation
• Course content available 24/7 through HD streaming video
• A dedicated team finds practicum opportunities in your community

Cons:

• You need 1,000 hours of practical experience (672 for Advanced Standing)
• You must buy liability insurance for practicum placements
• Group-based learning options are limited
• Practicum requirement spans three terms

Pricing and Financial Aid

Your tuition depends on the annual cost per credit multiplied by total required credits. You’ll also pay a $75 practicum education fee per placement and $75 student fee per term.

Financial support includes:

• Simmons Future Leader Scholarships for diverse candidates
• Dean’s Scholarship if you have an impressive academic background
• Federal loans through FAFSA (school code 002208)
• Flexible payment plans for tuition

Simmons University Best For

Simmons works best for students who want to become activist practitioners with clinical expertise. The program suits self-directed learners who value face-to-face online interaction more than fully asynchronous formats. Students aiming for clinical social work licensure will find this program helpful, especially when they need to balance personal and professional commitments.

Comparing San Diego’s MSW Programs

Getting Started

You need to think about your career goals, learning priorities, and finances when picking the right MSW program. San Diego has six unique programs that cater to different student needs.

Public universities like SDSU and CSUSM are great value options with yearly tuition around $10,000. Private schools like USC offer prestigious degrees that cost much more – over $100,000 in total. The programs come in different formats too. You can choose traditional on-campus classes, hybrid models, or study completely online through schools like Northcentral University and University of Denver.

Time requirements are nowhere near the same across these programs. BSW holders can finish Advanced Standing tracks in just 9-12 months. Traditional tracks take 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time. Whatever program length you choose, field education is crucial – most schools require 900-1,050 practicum hours to graduate.

Financial aid options vary a lot between schools. CSUSM leads the pack with stipends covering about 60% of its students. Private universities typically offer smaller aid packages. SDSU’s strong ties with child welfare services through its CalSWEC Title IV-E program make it an excellent choice if you want to work in that field.

San Diego’s social work programs can fit almost any situation. SDSU excels in research opportunities, CSUSM offers flexibility, Northcentral provides tailored attention, USC brings prestige, and Simmons specializes in clinical training. Your best choice depends on your career goals, schedule, and budget.

The application process might look overwhelming at first. Taking time now to find your ideal program will pay off throughout your social work career. These programs are a great way to get into rewarding roles helping people, families, and communities. San Diego-area social workers earn average salaries of nearly $70,000 yearly, and licensed clinical practitioners often make more than $90,000.