Palo Alto University · Palo Alto, California
Online Master of Social Work (Clinical)
What Should You Know About Online Master of Social Work (Clinical) at Palo Alto University?
Online Master of Social Work (clinical) is a MSW program at Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, California, offered online. It requires 88 quarter units and takes 2 years (8 quarters). At $652 per credit, estimated tuition is $57,376 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (56 units). Palo Alto University's MSW is in CSWE candidacy (September 2026), not yet accredited.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | online |
| Credits | 88 quarter units |
| Length | 2 years (8 quarters) |
| Advanced standing | 56 units; 5 quarters; Bachelor's degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program earned in the last 15 years (including ISWDRES-recognized degrees) |
| Field education | 900 hours of field experience (500 hours for advanced standing) |
| GRE | GRE not required |
| Start terms | Fall |
| Tuition | Academic year 2026-27 (new students): $652 per unit tuition plus $65 per unit fees ($717 total per unit rate); school-published program total $63,096 for regular standing (88 units) and $40,152 for advanced standing (56 units) |
| Specializations | Culturally Informed Behavioral Health Practice; Practice with Children and Youth in School and Community Settings (CY) track; Practice with Adults in Public Behavioral Health Settings (PBH) track |
From paloaltou.edu, reviewed September 30, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Estimated tuition of $57,376 is the 280th lowest of 349 MSW programs on this site with an estimate (median $40,180).
- Its 88 quarter credits compare with a median of 60 (quarter credits, so compare total cost rather than credit counts).
- Its 900 field education hours compare with a median of 900 among programs that state them.
- Advanced standing drops 32 credits, about $20,864 in tuition at the published rate.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The California License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam (California Law and Ethics Exam (must be taken annually until passed to renew the ASW registration, and passed to receive a subsequent registration))For the ASW
- Log supervised clinical hoursMinimum 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 supervised weeks, including …
- Earn the clinical license (LCSW)Independent clinical practice
California license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Montclair State University
Montclair State University · Montclair, NJFormatOnline400 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$57,720$962/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE- FormatOnline1,000 field hoursCredits49Est. tuition$57,820$1,180/creditAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOnlineCredits57Est. tuition$58,140$1,020/creditAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (Online, Low Residency) at Fairfield University
Fairfield University · Fairfield, CTFormatOnline500 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$58,500$975/creditAccreditationCSWE
Online Master of Social Work (Clinical): Common Questions
How Much Does Online Master of Social Work (Clinical) at Palo Alto University Cost?
Academic year 2026-27 (new students): $652 per unit tuition plus $65 per unit fees ($717 total per unit rate); school-published program total $63,096 for regular standing (88 units) and $40,152 for advanced standing (56 units). That works out to about $57,376 for 88 credits, before fees. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with Palo Alto University.
How Long Is Online Master of Social Work (Clinical)?
88 quarter units, 2 years (8 quarters), according to the school's program page.
Does Online Master of Social Work (Clinical) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 56 units; 5 quarters; Bachelor's degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program earned in the last 15 years (including ISWDRES-recognized degrees).
How Many Field Hours Does Online Master of Social Work (Clinical) Require?
900 hours of field experience (500 hours for advanced standing), according to the school's program page.
Does Online Master of Social Work (Clinical) Require the GRE?
GRE not required, according to Palo Alto University's admissions information.
Is Online Master of Social Work (Clinical) CSWE Accredited?
Palo Alto University's MSW is in CSWE candidacy (September 2026), not yet accredited.