California · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Fullerton, CA (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Fullerton, California (population 139,250) 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 Fullerton, CA
Accredited programs with a campus in Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA
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
Best MSW programs near Fullerton, CA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Fullerton, CA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Los Angeles · ~29 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 · ~29 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 · ~16 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 · ~29 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 · ~40 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 · ~40 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 · ~29 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 · ~17 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 Lancaster · ~58 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
- #10 Carson · ~19 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
- #11 Riverside · ~31 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
Online MSW programs available in Fullerton, CA
California-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA in 2026?
Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA in 2026?
Fullerton, California sits in Orange County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Orange County Health Care Agency, Behavioral Health Services
- Providence St. Jude Medical Center
- California State University, Fullerton
- Fullerton School District
- Pathways of Hope
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 Fullerton, CA?
After an MSW from Fullerton, 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.
What Fullerton, a university town, offers MSW students
Fullerton is a north Orange County college town, and a campus-anchored community changes the texture of graduate study. University towns tend to carry a dense network of student services, counseling centers, and community partnerships, which can translate into nearby field placements and a peer culture that takes learning seriously.
That academic environment also shapes the local population you will serve: students, young families, and staff who bring their own mental-health and financial pressures. For applicants weighing where to study, a walkable campus community with placements close at hand is a genuine convenience. Compare Fullerton against other Orange County options like Anaheim when you map your commute against where the field sites actually sit.
Older adult and family social work in Fullerton
Suburban north Orange County is aging, and that reshapes what social workers do here. Alongside family services, there is steady demand for gerontological practice: helping older adults stay safely at home, coordinating care as health declines, supporting caregivers, and stepping in when isolation or cognitive change puts someone at risk. Much of this need sits quietly in single-family neighborhoods where it is easy to overlook.
For students, aging services are one of the more stable and least crowded corners of the field, with clear demand as the population grows. A placement that pairs family work with older-adult care builds a versatile skill set, and it prepares you for roles that blend clinical assessment with the concrete resource navigation that keeps a vulnerable person supported.
Healthcare social work near Fullerton
Fullerton sits within Orange County's hospital and clinic network, and medical settings remain one of the most dependable landing spots for MSW graduates. In these roles a social worker coordinates discharge planning, supports patients through serious diagnoses, and links families to the community resources that make recovery possible after they leave the building.
Because the surrounding health systems are large and take interns regularly, a hospital or clinic practicum is a realistic target for students who plan their field sequence early. If the medical side of the field appeals to you, read our profile of the healthcare social worker role and ask programs which local facilities host their students.
Why bilingual social workers are in demand in Fullerton
North Orange County is linguistically diverse, and Fullerton's clinics, schools, and agencies serve families in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages every day. A social worker who can conduct an assessment in a client's first language delivers more accurate, more humane care, and that capacity is one of the clearest advantages a new graduate can bring to the local market.
If you already speak a second language, name it on every application and ask each program whether its field placements reach the communities that language serves. Bilingual skill frequently decides which doors open first, especially at the community health centers and school-based programs where demand for language-matched staff runs highest.
Child and family welfare social work in Orange County
Child and family welfare is one of the most reliable entry points into social work, and Orange County's system offers a steady pipeline of roles for new MSW graduates. This work runs from investigation and family preservation to foster care support and reunification, and it demands a social worker who can hold both empathy and clear judgment in high-stakes moments.
A field placement in child welfare is demanding, but it builds credibility fast and often leads directly to employment. If you are drawn to protecting kids and strengthening families, 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 Fullerton, CA?
How much do social workers earn in Fullerton, CA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Fullerton, 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.