State MSW Pages
MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Social Work Licensure
Quick Navigation
When you picture the day-to-day work of a social worker, chances are you are imagining a clinical social worker, a highly trained professional who helps individuals address serious emotional, behavioral, and social needs through therapy and other instrumental treatment methods. In fact, not every social worker’s responsibilities look like this, and there are numerous ways that social workers can make a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. However, suppose the job description above is the work that calls to you. In that case, you’re a perfect candidate to become a clinical social worker through one of the many clinical social work programs available nationwide.
What is Clinical Social Work?
A clinical social worker is a specialist who is able to provide direct counseling and treatment to clients facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health crises.
To practice as a clinical social worker, you must become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Without this credential, you are not allowed to provide treatments, including psychotherapy and other forms of intervention.
Working in a clinical setting, LCSWs provide much-needed psychological support to clients who seek their help, using talk therapy and other methods to address behavioral problems, unpack the cause of emotional distress, and identify underlying mental health issues. They consider all factors that can affect cognitive and emotional well-being, as well as social development, with a focus on cultural contexts. With the proper education and experience gained through accredited clinical social work programs, these professionals can determine the most effective treatment path for each client.
Social work is a broad field that can include any aspect of a community’s social environment. As a licensed clinical social worker, you can become part of the preventive force that seeks out solutions related to the environment and the individual. The primary focus of clinical social work is on the psycho-social and behavioral components that affect an individual’s ability to lead an everyday life. As a clinical social worker graduating from a quality clinical social work program, you can be an essential part of the life-improvement process for people in need.
Accredited Master’s in Clinical Social Work Degree Programs
Along your path to educational and professional success, there are many guidelines you must follow to achieve the proper result. As with most clinical positions, licensed clinical social workers are required to obtain appropriate licensure. You can test for licensure after completing your MSW degree program from accredited clinical social work programs. States require licensure before working with individuals in the public.
When selecting your MSW program, it’s critical to find a school that is properly accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
This will ensure that you can obtain the desired licensing and qualify for top social work clinician jobs once you enter the field. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the leading accreditation agency for educational programs in social work, maintaining rigorous Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) that ensure programs meet professional competency requirements. As you research different clinical social work programs and licensure requirements, you may see this organization mentioned several times. The CSWE’s accreditation of an educational program in social work helps ensure that you are getting your money’s worth through your chosen program.
These programs can be found as Online Master of Social Work degrees, and in traditional settings, providing reliable curricula that have been reviewed by the proper accreditation agencies. For a comprehensive list of options, you can also search Master of Social Work Programs by state.
Clinical Social Work Program Comparison Guide
When choosing among clinical social work programs, it’s important to compare key factors that will impact your education and career prospects. Below is a comparison of top CSWE-accredited programs offering clinical tracks:
| University | Program Type | Credit Hours | Clinical Field Hours | Format Options | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | MSW Clinical Track | 61 (37 Advanced) | 900+ | 100% Online | 2-3 years |
| Florida State University | MSW Clinical Concentration | 61 (39 Advanced) | 1,000+ | Online & Hybrid | 2-4 years |
| University of Houston | MSW Clinical Practice | 54 (38 Advanced) | 920+ | Online, Campus | 1-3 years |
What Does It Mean To Be a Clinical Social Worker?
Clinical social workers specialize in a wide variety of issues, supporting diverse populations. Graduates from clinical social work programs may provide treatment to individuals, groups, couples, or families. Depending on whether you seek a specialty in treating different groups, you might have a highly diverse set of clients to work with.
Professionals in clinical social work can find employment in a variety of organizations. The most common are state organizations that provide services to children, families, and older people. Other options include healthcare services, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and even the school system.
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work?
Some students enter their clinical social work programs with a strong sense of what specific type of clinical practice they would like to pursue in their social work career. In contrast, others discover the path most suited to them through the fieldwork opportunities provided by their universities.
Whatever your situation is, if you would like to provide guidance in a clinical setting, the social work field is likely to offer a role that suits your interests and abilities.
The career paths listed below are the four largest branches of clinical social work. As you will see, some responsibilities of these roles overlap, but each is dedicated to a particular set of needs and concerns, drawing upon specific skill sets. As you read these descriptions, consider your areas of strength and which environments are most suited to your abilities.
Social Services Career
At the state level, numerous agencies have a common objective of providing protection and assistance to vulnerable populations. Two of the most well-known departments at the state level are the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Adult Protection Services (APS). Working for children’s services can mean intervening when a child is a victim of neglect, abuse, or abandonment. As a social worker in social services, you can expect to have a close relationship with the children you serve, providing advocacy for them in court settings, referring them to suitable foster homes, and assisting them in accessing the medical, dental, and mental health services they deserve.
Adult protection services provide similar services to older adults who are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their caregivers. Social workers in this field assist individuals in finding suitable living arrangements, nursing facilities, and healthcare-related services that meet their needs for at-home care or home health nursing. Graduates from clinical social work programs are well-prepared for these challenging but rewarding roles.
Mental Health Career
People diagnosed with mental health disorders may require the help of social workers for their treatment planning, follow-up care, and therapeutic services. Social workers in the mental health field help their clients determine the most effective treatment options, identify community resources that can support their recovery, and refer them to therapeutic agencies for specialized care.
For people unable to make their own financial and treatment decisions due to their mental state, social workers can advocate for proper treatment at a legal level. Social workers trained through clinical social work programs can sometimes take over responsibility for people with varying mental health conditions, allowing them to make decisions regarding their clients’ mental health and well-being.
Healthcare Social Work
In the healthcare field, there are numerous confusing terms and conditions that patients are often not equipped to comprehend. Healthcare social work professionals are employed within the medical field, often in hospitals, to provide counseling to patients diagnosed with complex or serious iillnessesand ddiseases These professionals help patients come to terms with their conditions, provide advice during the treatment planning process, help patients when dealing with insurance companies, and provide referrals to organizations within the community that can assist patients with leading everyday lives.
Social workers in this field can be invaluable to individuals suffering from complex and sometimes chronic health conditions. If you have an interest in this field through clinical social work programs, you could be a crucial part of the recovery process for patients with diverse illnesses within your area.
Educational Social Work
In schools across the country, school-aged children deal with social issues such as bullying, cybercrime, and educational pressure from their families. Combining these different issues can make it very difficult for a child to focus on their school work and excel to their full potential.
Social workers employed within the educational field provide interviews and counseling to students from the beginning of school age until graduation. Some colleges and universities also employ social workers to help students navigate the stresses of transitioning into adulthood and the associated pressures.
Social workers may provide mental health counseling to students working through personal circumstances, college counseling to high school students looking to pursue a college degree, and even intervention services for students succumbing to peer pressure regarding drugs or alcohol. This is an advantageous field popular among graduates of clinical social work programs.
Clinical Social Worker Salary Range and Job Growth (2024 Data)
As the list above makes clear, numerous fields employ clinical social workers. Different sectors offer different salary ranges for clinical social workers. According to 2024 BLS data, here are the current salary ranges for clinical social workers by specialty:
| Specialization | Median Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Top Paying States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,940 | $38,530 | $98,700 | CA, CT, DC |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse | $53,540 | $33,990 | $89,920 | AK, NJ, CT |
| Child, Family & School | $53,800 | $34,140 | $84,880 | DC, CT, RI |
Although the BLS does not specifically measure LCSW and MSW salaries, the ability to perform advanced clinical work typically brings professionals into the higher end of these salary ranges. Licensed clinical social workers in private practice often exceed these ranges significantly.
The job growth expectancy for social workers remains strong across specialties, as their services will always be greatly needed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an overall projected job growth rate of 7% through 2032, with some specialties, such as healthcare social workers, projected to grow even faster at 9%, exceeding the average growth rate for other professions.
LCSW Programs and Licensing Requirements
There are many MSW programs with clinical concentrations. Consider viewing the Online MSW Programs page or searching for Master of Social Work Programs by state for a complete list.
In this day and age, many schools offer partially or fully-remote options, as well as the choice between full-time and part-time schedules.
Below are several top CSWE-approved online clinical social work programs in the country:
Boise State University – Online MSW
Boise State University currently offers two options to students interested in pursuing the LCSW distinction. The first track is designed for generalist MSW students and consists of a 661-credit-hour requirement. For students who have already obtained a BSW, this university also offers an advanced standing track that only requires 37 credit hours for graduation. Both programs can be completed entirely online through this popular university.
Florida State University – Online MSW
Florida State University is another well-known institution that offers a fully online, CSWE-accredited degree program in social work. There are two programs available for students at this school: one for students with a bachelor’s degree from other disciplines and another for BSW graduates. The generalist degree program requires students to complete 61 credit hours, and the advanced track requires 39 credit hours.
The University of Houston – Online MSW
Like other schools offering online MSW programs, the University of Houston provides both an advanced track and a standard track for its MSW programs. The advanced track at this university is designed for learners who have completed BSW programs before entering. It requires 38 credit hours to complete and can be finished in as little as 1 year. Students can approach the standard track from any previous bachelor’s program and require 54 credit hours for graduation. This program can take around 2 years to complete at full-time enrollment.
Sample Clinical Social Work Coursework with Descriptions
Once students elect to pursue the clinical social work track within their MSW program, they share core coursework materials before branching off into their specific subfield. Below are examples of classes nearly every clinical social worker will take while in their master’s program:
Advanced Issues in Human Diversity
As social work professionals, students must understand the importance of considering diversity in their work. This course equips students with the knowledge and experience necessary to work proactively, avoiding categorization, assumptions, and stereotyping when providing services to the people they support. Students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of remaining neutral when providing services to all individuals, regardless of their background.
Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Disorders
Since most social work graduates will work in fields related to individual mental health, this course helps students gain a better understanding of biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic tests, and treatment planning for people suffering from complex mental disorders. Students are taught to work from an unbiased perspective to provide the best care for their patients.
Social Dimensions of Human Behavior
This course helps students understand the role of society in shaping human behavior. Socioeconomics and culture can be huge determinants of behavior from a sociological standpoint. The effects of racism, ethnic bias, gender discrimination, and class stigmatization are also discussed throughout this course.
Social Welfare Policy
To provide the public with the best quality of service, social work students must understand the United States’ social welfare policy from a practitioner’s standpoint. This course helps students learn to identify policy problems and promote change through the legislative system. Laws and regulations surrounding social welfare applications are also discussed in detail.
Social Work Practice
This course outlines the skills and requirements of social work professionals in the field of social work. Communication techniques, interview strategies, assessments, and supervision are taught within this course, which helps connect social work students with their responsibilities in the field.
Clinical Field Education
Field education is a cornerstone of clinical social work programs. Students complete 900+ hours of supervised clinical practice in settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, or private practices. This hands-on experience enables students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop clinical skills, and establish professional networks that are essential for their future careers.
Social Work Licensure
In addition to the board examination, most states require that students also successfully pass a state jurisprudence (law) test about the rules and regulations within that particular state. The law examinations are given to all clinical professionals seeking licensure through the state and are not specific to one group.
How Do You Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
There are multiple steps to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Here’s the typical pathway:
- Earn Your MSW Degree: Complete a Master’s in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program with a clinical concentration
- Complete Field Education: Accumulate 900+ hours of supervised field placement during your MSW program
- Pass the ASWB Exam: Take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical examination, which tests competency in clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy techniques required for independent practice
- Complete Supervised Experience: Most states require 2-3 years (3,000-4,000 hours) of supervised clinical social work experience
- Apply for State Licensure: Submit your application with documentation to your state licensing board
- Maintain Your License: Complete continuing education requirements (typically 20-40 hours every 2 years)
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you’re qualified to pursue a social work master’s. To learn more about the variety of MSW program offerings available to you, explore our comprehensive guides on Master of Social Work programs.
Clinical Social Work Programs FAQs
Can LCSWs practice independently?
Yes, this is one of the most significant benefits of getting your clinical licensure. One can only start an independent practice as a clinician if they are a certified LCSW. This enables greater autonomy, higher earning potential, and the opportunity to specialize in areas of personal interest.
Can I pursue my LCSW license directly after completing my MSW program?
Yes, and this is an option many students choose to pursue, though it is not required. Since obtaining an LCSW requires an MSW, and since the subsequent requirement is a sizable amount of supervised clinical work experience (typically 3,000-4,000 hours), many students decide to approach the process systematically so they can become a practicing clinician as soon as possible.
Do LCSWs make more money than those who hold an MSW?
Yes, licensed clinical social workers typically earn 20-30% more than MSW holders without clinical licensure. LCSWs are eligible for top-ranking positions not available to those who only hold MSWs, including private practice opportunities, clinical supervisor roles, and specialized therapy positions.
How long does it take to complete clinical social work programs?
Traditional MSW programs with clinical concentrations typically require 2 years of full-time study or 3-4 years of part-time study. Students with a BSW can often complete advanced standing programs in 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. After graduation, add 2-3 years for the supervised experience required for LCSW licensure.
What’s the difference between clinical and macro social work?
Clinical social work focuses on direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, providing therapy and mental health services. Macro social work focuses on systems-level change, including policy development, community organizing, and program administration. Many clinical social work programs offer both tracks, allowing students to choose their specialization.
Are online clinical social work programs as respected as campus programs?
Yes, as long as the program is CSWE-accredited, online MSW degrees are equally respected by employers and licensing boards. Online programs must meet the same rigorous standards as campus programs, including field education requirements. Many top universities now offer fully online clinical social work programs with the same faculty and curriculum as their on-campus counterparts.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, and Child, Family, and School Social Workers reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
