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 * Become a Social Worker
   * What Is Social Work?
   * How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker?
   * LMSW vs LCSW – What’s the difference?
   * Macro, Mezzo and Micro Social Work
   * NASW
 * Social Work Degrees
   * Associate Degree in Social Work (ASW)
   * Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
     * 2021’s Online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Programs
   * Online MSW Programs
     * Online Clinical MSW Programs
     * Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs
     * Online MSW Programs with No GRE Required
     * MSW@Denver
     * SocialWork@Simmons
     * Howard University’s Online MSW
     * MSW@USC
     * OnlineMSW@Fordham
     * Syracuse University’s Online MSW
     * Online Social Work at CWRU
     * MSW@Baylor
     * Is an Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Degree Worth it?
   * Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Degree
     * MSW Programs in California
     * MSW Programs in Colorado
     * MSW Programs in Massachusetts
     * MSW Programs in New York
     * MSW Programs in Ohio
     * MSW Programs in Texas
     * MSW vs LCSW
     * What is a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree?
     * What Can I Do with an MSW Degree? MSW Career Paths
   * HBCU MSW Programs – Online & On-Campus Guide
   * Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Degree Programs Online
     * DSW vs. Ph.D. in Social Work
   * Ph.D. in Social Work
   * Social Work Continuing Education
 * Social Work Licensure
 * Social Work Careers
   * How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
   * Community Social Worker
   * Child and Family Social Worker
   * Forensic Social Worker
   * Geriatric Social Worker
   * Hospice Social Worker
   * Medical Social Worker
   * Mental Health Social Worker
   * Military Social Work Guide
     * Resources for Military Social Workers
   * Oncology Social Worker
   * Psychiatric Social Worker
   * School Social Worker
     * Resources for School Social Workers
   * Social Work Administrator
   * Social Work vs. Therapy
   * Social Work Salary
   * Social Work Collaborations
   * Social Work Career Pathways
   * Social Work vs. Sociology
 * Resources
   * Benefits of a Part-Time MSW Program
   * Comparing Social Service Degrees
     * MSW vs. MPH
     * Social Work vs. Counseling
     * Social Work vs. Psychology
     * Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs Online
     * Master’s Degree in Counseling
   * Counseling Licensure
   * Become a School Counselor
   * School Counselor Salary
   * Become a Mental Health Counselor
   * Advantages of Veterinary Social Work
   * Practicing Anti-Racism in Social Work: A Guide
   * Social Work License Exam Prep
   * Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work
     * Theoretical Approaches in Social Work: Systems Theory
   * Social Learning Theory
   * Social Worker Expert Interview Series
     * Sarah Frazell on Racism
     * Lisa Primm on Macro Social Work
     * Jessica Holton on Working With Clients Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
     * Cornell Davis III on Misperceptions About the Child Welfare Field
     * Morgan Gregg on Working with Law Enforcement
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     * Resources for LGBTQIA Social Work
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Social Work License Map


BECOME A LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER IN YOUR STATE

If you’re contemplating becoming a licensed social worker, becoming acquainted
with social work licensure requirements by state is essential. Different states
in the U.S. uphold their own requirements regarding experience and social work
certification for those who aspire to become licensed social workers.

If you’d like to learn more about what social work entails, the benefits of
graduate study, or the requirements to practice as a social worker in your
state, our social work license map offers invaluable guidance.

 * Alabama
 * Alaska
 * Arizona
 * Arkansas
 * California
 * Colorado
 * Connecticut
 * Delaware
 * Florida
 * Georgia
 * Hawaii
 * Idaho
 * Illinois
 * Indiana
 * Iowa
 * Kansas
 * Kentucky
 * Louisiana
 * Maine
 * Maryland
 * Massachusetts
 * Michigan
 * Minnesota
 * Mississippi
 * Missouri
 * Montana
 * Nebraska
 * Nevada
 * New Hampshire
 * New Jersey
 * New Mexico
 * New York
 * North Carolina
 * North Dakota
 * Ohio
 * Oklahoma
 * Oregon
 * Pennsylvania
 * Rhode Island
 * South Carolina
 * South Dakota
 * Tennessee
 * Texas
 * Utah
 * Vermont
 * Virginia
 * Washington
 * West Virginia
 * Wisconsin
 * Wyoming
 * Washington, D.C.


HOW TO BECOME A LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER IN EACH STATE

The minimum educational requirement to become a licensed social worker is a
bachelor of social work. An undergraduate social work degree takes four years on
average to complete. Following the degree, most states require you to attain
licensure to practice as a social worker.


WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL WORK LICENSE REQUIREMENTS?

There are several types of social work licensure. Individuals who hold a
bachelor’s degree can become Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers (LBSW). LBSWs
must work under a clinical supervisor.

Social work graduates with a master’s degree are eligible to apply for a masters
of social work (MSW) license. In states that don’t issue provisional licenses or
licenses for bachelor degree holders, a masters of social work must be earned
before an initial license can be issued. The master’s license requires both
experience in the field and the completion of an exam.

Social workers with a clinical license are fully licensed to practise social
work. This level of licensure often requires years of professional experience in
addition to the successful completion of a standardized exam. LCSW requirements
by state may vary.


SPONSORED ONLINE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMS

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University of Denver

 * Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
 * Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings

Request more info from
MSW@Denver

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Simmons University

 * Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with
   Groups and Families.
 * Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended

Request more info from
SocialWork@Simmons

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Howard University

 * Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
 * Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended

Request more info from Howard University

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University of Southern California (USC)

 * Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth
   – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
 * Features field education in or near students’ own communities.

Request more info from
MSW@USC

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Fordham University

 * Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community,
   Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy

Request more info from
OnlineMSW@Fordham

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Syracuse University

 * Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
 * Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from
Syracuse University

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Case Western Reserve University

 * CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work
   (2019).1
 * Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in
   clinical or community practice.

Request more info from
Online Social Work at CWRU

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Baylor University

 * Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
 * Specialize in clinical practice or community practice

Request more info from
MSW@Baylor

1U.S. News & World Report – Best Schools for Social Work


HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER?

The time it takes to become a licensed social worker depends on the level of
licensure you are aspiring to achieve, and the requirements set in place by the
state where you wish to practice. Learn more about social work licensure
requirements by state.

To become a LMSW or LCSW, you will first need to complete a master of social
work, then undertake appropriate supervised work or clinical experience. Most
states require you to attain work experience over two years, or fulfil a number
of hours over a specified time period.


WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A SOCIAL WORK DEGREE?

Opportunities for advanced social work careers are limited if you do not have a
master’s degree. While it is possible to obtain employment with a bachelor’s
degree in social work, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have
completed a master of social work or a doctor of social work. Having a
bachelor’s degree in social work can qualify you for an advanced standing MSW
program, which allows you to earn your MSW in one year.


IS A MASTER’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK WORTH IT?

By completing an online master’s in social work, you can expand your chances of
finding employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools,
nursing homes, mental health clinics, and childhood intervention programs, all
while you complete your degree.

Online MSW programs encompass a wide range of specialized fields, including
mental health and administrative practice.


SOCIAL WORK CAREERS FOR LICENSED PROFESSIONALS

Social work encompasses a diverse range of employment opportunities. Licensed
social workers enjoy access to even greater work choice, because employers are
more likely to hire LMSW or LCSW.

Learn more in our guide on What is Social Work?

Those with advanced licensure receive higher remuneration, and can undertake a
diverse array of careers within the social work sphere including the fields of
mental health, substance abuse, child, family and school social work, the
community, and the military.

Here are some specific roles that licensed social workers can pursue.


SOCIAL WORK ADMINISTRATOR



Social work administrators work at the macro level, rather than providing direct
services to clients. Their work is orientated towards developing highly
functional systems, engaging with social policy, and the delivery of social
services.


MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SOCIAL WORKER



Mental health social workers work directly with clients by providing support to
those living with disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression. A critical
role of a mental health social worker is to provide treatment in the form of
interventions such as group therapy, psychosocial therapy, or education.


CHILD, FAMILY, AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER



Child, family and school social workers support vulnerable children and their
families. The role requires engagement with students, parents, school faculty
and the community. Some of the specific issues child, family and school social
workers address are concerns regarding academic performance, safety, and
well-being at school. These social workers also help parents and school
administrators access resources for students who may benefit from them.


COMMUNITY SOCIAL WORKER



Community social workers address issues that affect the wellbeing of certain
communities. They often work with organizations or groups of citizens to improve
living conditions, resolve a problem, or capture political attention. Their work
can be far-reaching, and may even involve engaging with schools or environmental
issues that pose a risk to the community.


MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER



Medical social workers provide support to those dealing with healthcare issues.
They may assist with emotional, social or financial needs that arise as a result
of being affected by an illness or health condition. They provide both patients
and their families with non-medical support as they deal with acute, chronic, or
terminal illnesses.


MILITARY SOCIAL WORKER



Military social workers support those who serve in the military and their
families. These individuals may have psychological or emotional disorders such
as PTSD, anxiety and depression. Military social workers are specifically
trained to assist them manage these issues. This work is often complex as it
spans the treatment of active-duty members, veterans, and civilian clients who
are part of military culture.


THREE REASONS TO PURSUE A CAREER AS A LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER

There are abundant benefits for those who choose to become a social worker.
Social work is a rapidly growing field that is also a meaningful and rewarding
line of work.

Those who pursue careers in social work can engage in a varied range of career
paths, from clinical practice, to government, to work with non-profit
organizations. Many licensed social work roles allow you to exert autonomy over
your work, and your lifestyle.

Here are the top three reasons to consider a career in social work.


1. ENTER A GROWING JOB MARKET

There is a growing demand for social workers in the United States. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of social workers
is estimated to grow by 13 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is a much faster rate
of growth than other occupations. As demand grows, so too will the need for
different specializations within the field. In addition, as more jobs open up,
those with an advanced degree and licensure will have a competitive edge.

Learn more about the average salaries for different social work specializations
by state.


2. ESTABLISH AUTONOMY IN YOUR WORK

Master’s level licensed social workers are able to enjoy greater autonomy in
their work. LSW have the opportunity to create their own work schedules
depending on their clients’ needs. This type of autonomy and independence makes
it easy to juggle other commitments such as family. Some may even choose to
become licensed independent social workers who contract their services to
different organizations or agencies, or open their own practice.


3. MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES

Social workers are uniquely positioned to effect positive change in the
community at micro, meso, and macro levels. Those working within the field have
the power to influence and empower others in need, and help them resolve their
problems.

This line of work can be satisfying for those who are passionate about the
chance to make an impact and work directly or indirectly to boost marginalized
individuals and communities. Social workers also advocate or raise awareness at
local, state and national levels about problems or issues present in society.

Child Welfare Social Worker, Cornell Davis III

“Be willing to fail because you’re not going to do the work perfectly. Pick a
direction, go in that direction, whether it’s child welfare or hospital social
work or school social work or maybe you want to follow a clinical track.”

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Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C), Sarah Frazell

“Take a wide variety of classes because you never know what you might end up
doing. I now am in a director role, and I never imagined that when I was in
school, so I took mostly clinical courses. I wish I had done a wide breadth of
things and shadowed or did different types of social work.”

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jessica Holton

“I would definitely say go into it with the passion and the hopes and the dreams
that you have, but also be open to change. I said that I was going to work with
children and families doing art and play therapy. Fast-forward to present time
and, even before I graduated, I have worked primarily with adults specializing
in trauma, addiction treatment, anxiety, grief and loss.”

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Macro Social Worker, Lisa Primm

“If you’re choosing social work, make sure you believe in the social work ethics
of the profession and recognize that there is so much to be done in terms of
systemic change. I would really, really advise them to be thinking along those
lines.”


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


CAN YOU GET YOUR MASTER’S IN SOCIAL WORK ONLINE?

A growing number of accredited schools now offer online MSW programs. These
programs offer high-tech learning environments with educational opportunities
comparable to learning on campus. Students can pace their workloads according to
their needs, build networks with their online classmates and enjoy work-life
balance. Online MSW programs are particularly well-suited to students who may
already be working full-time, but wish to advance their career in social work.


HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A MASTER’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK?

On average, it takes full-time students two years to complete their master’s
degree. Students who have completed a BSW can often fast-track their master’s
degree and complete it within one year. Students undertaking an online master’s
part-time can stagger papers at their own pace.


ARE THERE SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRANTS I CAN APPLY FOR?

There are diverse ways to finance a social work degree such as scholarships,
grants, and fellowships. You can check with accredited universities and national
social work organizations to learn more about their funding options. A number
of professional and education grants are also available. Additionally, there is
a wide selection of scholarships that may help to finance your studies.


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICRO AND MACRO SOCIAL WORK?

Social workers are in engaged in roles at all levels of society. Those who work
at the micro level interact directly with the clients they support. Macro social
workers, on the other hand, are focused on engaging with programs, structural
changes, policy, and delivery systems that affect large numbers of individuals.
That being said, there is usually a level of overlap between the micro and macro
in any social work role.


HOW DO I KNOW IF SOCIAL WORK IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are an outgoing, empathetic, community-minded individual, chances are
that social work represents an ideal field for you. Social workers should care
about social justice and enjoy helping others. Being comfortable with
flexibility is also vital. For many who work in the field, the role and location
of work may change on a day-to-day basis.

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