Florida State University
Online MSW Degree Program for California Residents
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Offered online for more than 20 years- Top-ranked & accredited by CSWE
- Qualifies you for LCSW in California
This course focuses on reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments. Content includes empirically based theories and knowledge that focus on the interactions between and among systems of all sizes, including individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. Theories and knowledge of biological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual development across the lifespan are critiqued, especially as they relate to at-risk populations. In addition, theories and knowledge about the range of social systems (individual, family, group, organizational, and community) in which people live are examined, including the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being.
Go beyond California. Elevate your clinical career and reputation with a leader in social work. For more than 20 years, Florida State University’s Online Master of Social Work (MSW) in California has been consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation. Our world-class curriculum and growing fieldwork connections empower you, and your community, for a lifetime of impact.
This course provides students with knowledge and skills related to the theory, research, and implications of child and adolescent maltreatment for child development and psychopathology. Course content is presented within the context of child welfare practice and social work with children and adolescents in public agencies and programs. Particular attention will be given to common psychological disorders that result from maltreatment and accompanying treatment issues. Issues related to individuals, families, groups, and communities are covered and attention is given to working with ethnic minorities, women, gays and lesbians, and persons with disabilities.
There are two options for earning your MSW online:
Advance Standing Program: For those with a Bachelor's of Social Work. Complete in 2 years with 1 in-field placement.
Traditional Program: For those with a Bachelor's in another area of study. Complete in 3 years with 2 in-field placements.
This advanced practice course emphasizes development of clinical skills. Students will refine their clinical skills, building on the research-based, nonspecific (common factors) components of therapeutic work (i.e., therapeutic alliance, empathy, goal consensus/collaboration, positive regard/affirmation, and genuineness) and specific factors (validated treatments). The course provides in-depth coverage of three empirically based models; Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Interpersonal Therapy. Learning applications of techniques informed by these models provides opportunities to enhance professional use of self. The course examines similarities and differences among models and allows students to discern appropriate use of techniques, client populations, settings, and problem interactions. Students will develop competency in the ethical and strength-based use of these models.
Curriculum Snapshot
Our clinically-focused curriculum qualifies you to pursue a license in clinical social work in California. This is a sample list of courses you will take while enrolled in our MSW programs. For the complete Traditional and Advanced MSW program course list, please download your guide.
Social Work Job Growth
The demand for social workers is on the rise, with significant increases expected in California. Earning an MSW could elevate your impact, employability, and earning potential. Research shows MSW degree in California salaries are typically more than $13,000 higher than BSW salaries—based on various factors such as industry, title, and location1.
National social work employment is anticipated to increase by 7% by 2033—approximately 54,700 new jobs2. There is higher than average projected employment growth in social worker jobs in California from 2022 to 20323:
|
Job Title |
California Job Growth |
National Job Growth |
|
Child, Family & School Social Workers |
10% |
5% |
|
Healthcare Social Workers |
18% |
10% |
|
Marriage & Family Therapists |
27% |
15% |
|
Mental Health & Substance Use Counselors |
19% |
11% |
|
Social Workers, All Other |
14% |
6% |
Social Work Salary in California
Earning an accredited master's in social work degree increases your autonomy, opportunities, and earning potential. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), support your community in new ways and earn approximately 13.6% more*—calculated with Lightcast Labor Insights data—than the average for all social work jobs in California. According to Lightcast Labor Insights, the average social worker salary across the state for MSW graduates is $80,100.
Top California counties* for MSW social work jobs:
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim
- San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
- San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario
- Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom
Top MSW employers* in California:
- Kaiser Permanente
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- University of California
- Telecare
- Providence
* Lightcast Labor Insights, September 2024
More Facts About Social Work in California
- California employs more social workers than any other state. The Los Angeles metropolitan area employs the highest number of social workers of all metropolitan areas nationally.4
- With more than 1.6 million veterans residing in California5, there are significant opportunities for MSW graduates to work with the state’s second-largest employer of social workers: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Of job posting jobs for MSW social workers, 65% of postings are in healthcare and medical industries.
- The California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers denotes the following causes for state-level advocacy6:
- California Budget and Legislation
- Social Justice
- Ending Racism
- Reducing Disparities
%
41% higher pay for MSW grads
than those with a bachelor's degree.
To earn the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) designation in California, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Graduate from a master’s program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
- Fulfill fingerprint and criminal background check requirements.
- Pass the California Law & Ethics Exam.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of work experience in a clinical setting over at least 104 weeks.
- Pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam.
Requirements for licensure may change, so be sure to frequently check California state requirements to ensure you are on the correct path to licensure.
Hear From Our Students
The weekend intensive was great. It's been awesome to meet some of the students that I've doing the course with, and I've learned a tremendous amount just in the two days I've been here.
Frederico Bravo
MSW Graduate
We have all the support that you'd need in this program. I really don't think I can encounter any situation where I wouldn't have the support of my faculty and fellow classmates.
Dana Pina
MSW Graduate
I chose FSU because I did a lot of research online, and I really felt like this was the best program. You do have to come a couple of times to the campus, but I really think that enhances the experience. The quality of the education so far has been top notch.
Michelle O'Neill
MSW Graduate
Anyone who's considering it should do it. Every month that goes by could be a semester. Make your life bigger, better, and more exciting.
Jennifer Bell
MSW Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
For more than 100 years, FSU has offered classes on social welfare—establishing us as a center of social work practice and policy.
We are renowned for our research contributions and quality of education. U.S. News & World Report ranks us in the top 12% of social work graduate schools.
Yes, all coursework is completed online except for field placements that develop practical competence and confidence through hands-on experience.
The difference between our programs is dependent on your undergraduate experience.
The Advanced Standing MSW is available to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution.
The Traditional MSW is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any concentration other than social work.
The Traditional MSW program is 61 credit hours, the Advanced Standing MSW is 39 credit hours. Tuition varies based on your location:
- In-state (Florida): $444 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $625 per credit hour
Costs are subject to change. Additional course fees may apply.
An online Master of Social Work equips you to achieve and lead greater outcomes in schools, communities, government, healthcare, and public and private organizations. Possible roles could include:
- Case management supervisor
- Clinical social worker
- Crisis manager
- Licensed mental health therapist
- Private practitioner
All field placements are completed in person, generally during regular business hours. Traditional MSW students complete two field placements, Advanced Standing MSW students must complete one field placement.
For this online program, there is currently only a part-time option. You can take a maximum of two courses at a time.
No, the College of Social Work does not require a GRE at this time.
