California · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Riverside, CA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)
Riverside, California (population 318,858) 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 Riverside, CA
Accredited programs with a campus in Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA
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
Best MSW programs near Riverside, CA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Riverside, CA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Los Angeles · ~59 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
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 · ~59 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
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 · ~46 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
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 · ~59 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
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 · ~15 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 · ~15 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
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 San Marcos · ~57 mi
California State University, San Marcos
San Marcos, CA, CA · CSWE-accredited since 2013 · Online or On-Campus
6.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
California State University, San Marcos has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (San Marcos, 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 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #8 Los Angeles · ~59 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
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
- #9 San Bernardino · ~15 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
- #10 Carson · ~50 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
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 Fullerton · ~31 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
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 Riverside, CA
California-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA in 2026?
Riverside, California sits within the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 8,980 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $94,740 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 | 1,430 | $85,360 | $48,800 – $131,160 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 1,310 | $87,370 | $49,130 – $142,280 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 5,810 | $63,230 | $43,960 – $93,620 |
| Social workers, all other | 430 | $94,740 | $51,550 – $132,480 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 2,360 | $79,570 | $50,830 – $154,760 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Riverside, CA earn a median of $63,230 versus $65,200 statewide in California and $67,310 nationally. That is below the California median.
Where do social workers work in Riverside, CA in 2026?
Riverside, California sits in Riverside County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Riverside University Health System, Behavioral Health
- Riverside County Department of Public Social Services
- Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center
- Riverside Unified School District
- Carolyn E. Wylie Center
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 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Riverside, CA?
After an MSW from Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA?
How much do social workers earn in Riverside, CA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Riverside, 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.