California · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Bakersfield, CA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)
Bakersfield, California (population 413,381) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 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 Bakersfield, CA
Accredited programs with a campus in Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, CA
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
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
Online MSW programs available in Bakersfield, CA
California-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, CA in 2026?
Bakersfield, California sits within the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,680 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $79,310 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 | 310 | $77,450 | $45,250 – $128,280 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 260 | $77,500 | $48,890 – $130,860 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 960 | $59,330 | $47,220 – $96,220 |
| Social workers, all other | 150 | $79,310 | $49,730 – $107,370 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 490 | $75,600 | $46,520 – $126,370 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $59,330 versus $65,200 statewide in California and $67,310 nationally. That is below the California median.
Where do social workers work in Bakersfield, CA in 2026?
Bakersfield, California sits in Kern County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
- Kern Medical
- Adventist Health Bakersfield
- Bakersfield City School District
- Clinica Sierra Vista
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 Bakersfield-Delano, CA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Bakersfield, CA?
After an MSW from Bakersfield, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Bakersfield, CA?
How much do social workers earn in Bakersfield, CA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Bakersfield, 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.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.