Accredited Schools of Social Work

Only those masters degrees obtained at institutions that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education qualify for the LCSW. An applicant who possesses a degree from a school or department of social work that is a candidate for accreditation is eligible to register as an associate clinical social worker to gain experience toward licensure, but will not be eligible for examination until the school or department of social work has received accreditation.

By law, the Board has the duty to evaluate all candidates' qualifications including, but not limited to: transcripts, verification forms, and degree program requirements. All degree programs must meet all Board laws and regulations in addition to meeting accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.

The list below identifies those California schools that offer social work degrees. The "Additional Courses Required" information is based on information provided to BBS by the schools. Since schools occasionally change program curriculum and course descriptions, the information below may not reflect these changes. Please contact the school directly for the most current list of additional coursework required.

The "Additional Courses Required" documents provide a list of courses offered by the school that fulfill pre-licensure education and training requirements. The majority of California schools offer these courses as part of their social work degree program. If your degree program does not include any of the pre-licensure requirements, then refer to the lists below.

If you have an out-of-state degree lacking the required California coursework, refer to the lists below for California schools that offer these courses.