Looking for the best PhD in Social Work in California? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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The best degrees in California for social work can further your career and improve your life. The knowledge you gain can help you land a job in the field of your dreams or allow you to work in a valuable field. Doctoral degree-seekers can explore diverse career opportunities. Students with a doctorate can move forward in their careers.
With a doctorate, graduates typically make $1,909 per week, or $7,636 a month, and $99,268 per year. The unemployment rate for high school graduates is 6.2%, while the number for doctoral degree-holders is 1.5%.
Social Work PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in California in the Social Work Profession
A social work degree trains students to use a variety of skills and knowledge in order to help others who are struggling. The curriculum varies by degree level, but programs typically cover interpersonal development, group counseling, and community outreach. Successful completion of an accredited program can result in career options like social work, child welfare, and aging services.
According to California's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all occupations is $47,920, or $23.04 an hour. This fact applies to all the state's employees. In the same manner, the BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners make about $29,780, while the highest 10% of earners take home about $130,430. The following displays the earnings for social workers in California.
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According to MERIC, California ranks number 49 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.) in terms of the cost of living index. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. against specific states in the U.S. The U.S. average is based on 100, with all locations in the U.S. either exceeding (more expensive) or falling below (less expensive) that average. California's cost of living index is 139.8, which is 39.8% higher than the national average. As a comparison, you can see what the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and more in California compares to what it costs on average in the rest of the country.
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Jobs for social workers are projected to grow 5.8% in the next decade. The BLS projects the occupation's total employment to change from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. A doctorate qualifies graduates for these positions.
University of California, Los Angeles hosts a top-rated online Ph.D. in social welfare. The program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A doctorate allows graduates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The doctoral program recommends a background in social work before applying to the program.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Students who attend on campus can access the library and gym, as well as other amenities and facilities available at most institutions. Degree candidates also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
University of California, Los Angeles at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 12%
Program Name: Ph.D. in social welfare
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544
Average Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
14%
Students Enrolled
44,589
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in California
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
4 years
Campus
University of California, Berkeley enrolls students in its online Ph.D. in social welfare program. Enrollees prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous doctoral program. Graduates can advance in their current field or pursue a new career.
The curriculum explores social work research and methodologies. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The program recommends a background in social work or a related field when applying.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with local internships. Campus students can access the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
University of California, Berkeley at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 16%
Program Name: Ph.D. in social welfare
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544
Average Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
17%
Students Enrolled
42,327
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in California
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
The online doctor of social work at University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, offers high academic quality. The program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. A doctorate also helps graduates pursue new career paths.
The curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in social work. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants with a background in social work typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, like the library or gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. Doctoral students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 11%
Program Name: Doctor of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
Average Tuition
In-state
$59,260
Out-of-state
$59,260
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
16%
Students Enrolled
46,287
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Financing a Doctoral Degree in Social Work
College students can get financial aid to help them pay for their degree. You can get financial aid by applying for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Some students also use federal and private student loans to pay for their degree. There are some colleges that offer scholarships and financial aid to assist students in their research.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
The FAFSA allows degree-seekers to use federal student aid.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in California
There is a wide variation in the cost of attending college in California. Public and private institutions, however, share some common characteristics. The information below will help you determine whether attending a public institution is right for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
Key
California
National Average
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salary types.
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Could you consider attending a private college or university? The cost of education at private schools is typically higher. According to the graph below, there are a significant number of students attending private colleges in California.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
Key
California
National Average
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salary types.
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would it be wise to take out student loans to pay for a degree? There are a few things you should keep in mind when considering taking out a loan.
Ensure that you can make all payments on time and repay the loan when it becomes due.
If you are considering attending a particular university, you should consider whether or not it will facilitate your career development.
In order to avoid undue hardship in your financial situation once you have entered the workforce, ensure that you know what type of repayment schedule will apply.
Take a look at the data below to learn about the types of loans that students typically take out.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The cost and size of the class are two main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus. There are many advantages to studying online, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus programs typically cost more due to student fees. These fees are optional for distance learners. Attending classes has its advantages as well as disadvantages.
A private college and a public college differ in several ways. If you choose a public or private school, the cost will be different. The government determines the costs for public institutions, so grants and scholarships are funded by the government to cover those costs. The cost of attending a private college is typically lower for those with superior academic performance.
In private colleges, students usually receive more personal interaction with professors. Here are some pros and cons of attending a private vs. a public institution.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
In California, how much do social workers make?
Social workers earn a mean annual salary of $68,540 in California each year.
In today's environment, are social work majors in demand?
The total number of social workers is projected to grow by 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you study for a doctorate in social work online?
A doctorate in social work can be earned online. At least some online courses are available as part of most schools' programs in today's environment.
How long does it take to earn a doctorate?
Typically, full-time students complete their doctorate within 4-6 years. In general, the completion time will vary from student to student.
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