California · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Azusa, CA (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Azusa, California (population 48,272) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , 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 Azusa, CA
Accredited programs with a campus in Azusa, CA, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Azusa, CA
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
Best MSW programs near Azusa, CA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Azusa, CA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Los Angeles · ~30 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 · ~30 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 · ~29 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 · ~30 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 · ~35 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 · ~35 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 · ~30 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 Lancaster · ~41 mi
California State University, Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2002 · On-Campus
5.5
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
California State University, Bakersfield has held CSWE accreditation since 2002, 24 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Bakersfield, CA; Lancaster, 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.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Visit the California State University, Bakersfield MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- 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 · ~33 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 · ~17 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 Azusa, CA
California-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Azusa, 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 Azusa, CA in 2026?
Azusa, 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 Azusa, 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 Azusa, CA in 2026?
Azusa, California sits in Los Angeles County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Azusa Pacific University
- Emanate Health (Foothill Presbyterian Hospital)
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, San Gabriel Valley
- Azusa Unified School District
- Hillsides and other San Gabriel Valley child-welfare nonprofits
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 Azusa, CA?
After an MSW from Azusa, 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 in Azusa and the San Gabriel Valley
Azusa sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, a foothill community in the eastern San Gabriel Valley with a largely Latino population. For a social worker, that means practice rooted in the realities of local families: Spanish-language access, mixed-status households, and the mix of working-class strength and financial pressure that runs through many valley neighborhoods.
Culturally responsive, bilingual care is central to doing this work well here. If you speak Spanish, name it on every application, and ask each program whether its field sites serve the surrounding valley communities directly. That capacity often opens the first door, especially in the child and family roles that touch these households most closely.
Faith-based MSW programs in Azusa
Azusa is home to a well-known faith-based university, and for some students a values-driven program is exactly the right fit. Faith-based social work education tends to weave a stated ethical framework through the curriculum, and it can appeal to students who want their sense of calling and their professional training to speak the same language.
These programs still teach to the same accreditation and licensure standards as any other CSWE-accredited school, so the credential carries the same weight. If a values-centered education draws you, compare your options on our list of the best faith-based MSW programs, and judge each on both its mission and the strength of its field network.
Commuting to MSW programs and jobs from Azusa
Azusa's foothill location puts it on the eastern edge of the Los Angeles metro, connected to the rest of the county by freeway and rail. For a social worker, that access matters: from here you can reach placements and jobs across the San Gabriel Valley and toward central Los Angeles, which broadens the field of clinics, agencies, and schools within a realistic commute.
The trade many students weigh is lower valley housing costs against time on the road or the rail line. That is a real calculation, but it comes with a wider job market attached. Study the regional picture on our social work salary pages so you can weigh commute against opportunity before you commit.
School social work in Azusa and the San Gabriel Valley
Schools across the San Gabriel Valley have become a frontline setting for children's mental health and family support, and Azusa's campuses are no exception. School social workers here handle attendance, crisis response, and the referrals that connect a student to counseling, often bridging language and cultural gaps between a Spanish-speaking home and the school.
For an MSW candidate, a school placement in a valley district builds the mezzo-level skills employers prize, because you learn to work with the child, the family, and the institution at once. If campuses and young people appeal to you more than clinics, read our profile of the school social worker role and ask which local districts host each program's interns.
Child and family social work in the San Gabriel Valley
Child and family services offer one of the steadiest paths into social work, and the eastern San Gabriel Valley provides a consistent stream of roles for new graduates. The work runs from family preservation and foster care support to reunification, and it asks a social worker to hold both compassion and clear judgment when the stakes for a child are high.
A field placement in this area is demanding, but it builds credibility quickly and often leads straight to employment. If protecting kids and strengthening families is what draws you to the profession, read our profile of the child and family social worker role and ask programs which county and contracted agencies take their interns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Azusa, CA?
How much do social workers earn in Azusa, CA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Azusa, 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.