California · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Anaheim, CA (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Anaheim, California (population 340,512) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 11 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 16 California programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for California licensure.
Best MSW programs in Anaheim, CA
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Anaheim, CA. See the nearby and online options below.
Best MSW programs near Anaheim, CA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Anaheim, CA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Los Angeles · ~39 mi National #22 Online #22
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 1922 · Online or On-Campus
8.9
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Southern California has held CSWE accreditation since 1922, 104 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA). It records 1 concentration (Integrated Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 7 dual-degree options and 12 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Integrated Practice
Visit the University of Southern California MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Los Angeles · ~39 mi
University of California at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 1949 · On-Campus
8.0
4 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of California at Los Angeles has held CSWE accreditation since 1949, 77 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Los Angeles, CA). It records 4 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Healthcare; Social Justice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Healthcare, Social Justice, Mental Health
Visit the University of California at Los Angeles MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 Long Beach · ~24 mi
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 1987 · On-Campus
7.4
4 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
California State University, Long Beach has held CSWE accreditation since 1987, 39 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Long Beach, CA; Ventura, CA; Santa Rosa, CA). It records 4 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Children, Youth, and Families; Aging and Gerontological Practice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Integrated Health
Visit the California State University, Long Beach MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 6.7
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 Los Angeles · ~39 mi
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 1999 · On-Campus
7.0
7 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campus Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
California State University, Los Angeles has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Los Angeles, CA). It records 7 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Mental Health, Research, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Behavioral Health
Visit the California State University, Los Angeles MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #5 San Bernardino · ~33 mi
Loma Linda University
San Bernardino, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 1995 · Online or On-Campus
6.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Loma Linda University has held CSWE accreditation since 1995, 31 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (San Bernardino, CA). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Mental Health). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Mental Health
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.7
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #6 San Bernardino · ~33 mi
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 1989 · Online or On-Campus
6.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
California State University, San Bernardino has held CSWE accreditation since 1989, 37 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (San Bernardino, CA; Palm Desert, CA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Visit the California State University, San Bernardino MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 6.4
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #7 Los Angeles · ~39 mi
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2004 · Online or On-Campus
6.0
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
California State University, Northridge has held CSWE accreditation since 2004, 22 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Northridge, CA). It records 2 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Other
Visit the California State University, Northridge MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #8 Azusa · ~21 mi
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2007 · On-Campus
5.8
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Azusa Pacific University has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Azusa, CA; San Bernardino, CA). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #9 Carson · ~28 mi
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2007 · On-Campus
5.1
2 concentrations No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
California State University, Dominguez Hills has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Carson, CA). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Community Development and Social Systems). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems
Visit the California State University, Dominguez Hills MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.4
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #10 Riverside · ~22 mi
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2016 · Online or On-Campus
5.1
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
California Baptist University has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Riverside, CA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
- #11 Fullerton · ~10 mi
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2007 · On-Campus
4.8
1 concentration No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
California State University, Fullerton has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Fullerton, CA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Visit the California State University, Fullerton MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 3.2
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Anaheim, CA
California-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Anaheim, CA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | 1922 | Yes | #22 |
| San Jose State University | 1973 | Yes | #77 |
| Loma Linda University | 1995 | Yes | #109 |
| California State University, San Bernardino | 1989 | Yes | #123 |
| California State University, San Marcos | 2013 | Yes | #168 |
| California State University, Stanislaus | 1996 | No | #173 |
| California State University, Northridge | 2004 | Yes | #178 |
| California State University, Chico | 2003 | Yes | #184 |
| Cal Poly Humboldt | 2003 | Yes | #185 |
| California State University, East Bay | 2003 | No | #193 |
| Alliant University | 2022 | Yes | #205 |
| University of Massachusetts Global | 2018 | Yes | #296 |
| National University | 2018 | Yes | #295 |
| California Baptist University | 2016 | Yes | #301 |
| Pacific Oaks College | 2020 | Yes | #304 |
| University of the Pacific | 2020 | Yes | #307 |
How much do social workers make in Anaheim, CA in 2026?
Anaheim, California sits within the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 43,350 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $79,830 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 6,340 | $79,830 | $52,720 – $131,450 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 9,380 | $78,410 | $43,840 – $139,550 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 26,220 | $71,250 | $44,230 – $103,050 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,410 | $68,630 | $36,120 – $128,690 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 12,400 | $87,100 | $57,240 – $155,850 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Anaheim, CA earn a median of $71,250 versus $65,200 statewide in California and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the California median.
Where do social workers work in Anaheim, CA in 2026?
Anaheim, California sits in Orange County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
- Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center
- Orange County Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health Services
- Anaheim Union High School District
- Illumination Foundation
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Anaheim, CA?
After an MSW from Anaheim, CA or anywhere, these are the California social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 3200 hours | Clinical |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the California state board before applying.
Social work with Anaheim's immigrant communities
Anaheim is one of Orange County's most diverse cities, with a large Latino population and vibrant immigrant communities, and the nearby Little Saigon area anchors one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the country. For a social worker, this means daily practice built around language access, mixed-status households, and the specific stresses that immigrant families carry as they build a life here.
Culturally responsive care is not optional in a place like this; it is what makes an assessment accurate and a treatment plan realistic. If you speak Spanish or Vietnamese, say so on every application and ask programs whether their field sites serve these communities directly. That skill often opens the first door, especially in the child and family roles that touch immigrant households most.
Social work and Anaheim's tourism economy
Anaheim's economy runs heavily on tourism, hospitality, and service work, and that shapes the caseload in ways outsiders rarely see. Service jobs often mean irregular hours, seasonal swings, and wages that stretch thin against Orange County housing costs. The result is working families who are employed yet financially fragile, one missed paycheck from crisis.
Social workers here spend real time on economic case management: helping families reach benefits they qualify for, stabilizing housing, and connecting parents to childcare that fits a shift-work schedule. It is a reminder that clinical skill and concrete resource navigation go together. Students drawn to the systems side of this work may find our overview of macro versus mezzo practice a helpful map.
Social work and the suburban safety net in Anaheim
Need in a suburb like Anaheim is easy to miss, because it does not always look the way poverty looks in a dense urban core. Families double up in apartments, older adults live alone far from services, and hardship hides behind well-kept streets. The suburban safety net is real, but it is more dispersed, which puts a premium on social workers who know how to find people and bring resources to them.
That dispersion is exactly why local agencies value case managers and outreach workers who can navigate Orange County's patchwork of nonprofits and county services. For students, an Anaheim placement teaches a skill that transfers anywhere: building a referral network in a community where need is spread thin rather than concentrated.
Healthcare social work at Orange County's hospitals
Anaheim sits within reach of Orange County's major hospital systems, and medical settings are among the most reliable employers of MSW graduates. In a hospital, a social worker manages discharge planning, coordinates care for patients with complex needs, and supports families through diagnoses that upend a household. It is fast, interdisciplinary work that rewards clear thinking under pressure.
Because the county's health systems are large, they take interns steadily, which makes a hospital practicum a realistic goal for students who plan ahead. If you are drawn to the medical side of the field, read our profile of the healthcare social worker role, then ask programs which local systems host their field placements.
School social work in Anaheim's large districts
Anaheim's students are served by several sizable school districts, and campuses have become a frontline setting for children's mental health and family support. School social workers here handle attendance, crisis response, and the referrals that connect a struggling student to counseling, while often bridging language and cultural gaps between school and home.
For an MSW candidate, a school placement in a diverse district builds exactly the mezzo-level skills employers want: working with the child, the family, and the institution at once. If campuses and adolescents pull at you more than clinics do, look closely at the school social work path and ask each program which local districts take its interns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Anaheim, CA?
How much do social workers earn in Anaheim, CA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Anaheim, CA?
What license do MSW graduates need in California?
MSW programs in other California cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for California license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.