Learn How to Become a Social Worker
Earn a Degree That Opens the Door to Providing the Vital Support and Services Underserved Communities Need
MSW Online
Traditional or Advanced Standing MSW
MSW Online
MSW (Regular & Advanced Standing), DSW
BSW, MSW, DSW & PhD
MSW Online
MSW
Online Advanced Standing MSW
MSW – Standard & Advance Standing
BSW
BSW & MSW various concentrations
BSW
MSW
What it Takes to Become a Social Worker at a Glance
Earn Your Degree
BSW (4 yrs) or MSW (1–2 yrs), depending on your starting point
Complete Field Placement
400 hrs (BSW) or 900 hrs (MSW) of supervised practice
Get Licensed in Your State
Pass your ASWB exam and meet your state’s requirements
Job Growth Projected Through 2034
Faster than the national average, with the healthcare social work specialty growing even faster at approximately 10%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs
A Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited MSW program is the national standard required for licensure in all 50 states.
To Complete an MSW
BSW graduates can finish in as little as one year through advanced standing. Non-BSW applicants typically take two years.
Each has its own licensing rules
Licensure titles and requirements vary significantly. Always verify your state’s specific requirements before enrolling.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Social Worker?
The degree you need depends on the type of social work you want to do. Entry-level roles often require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Clinical practice, therapy, and independent licensure generally require a Master of Social Work (MSW). Here is how the two paths compare.
| Degree | Duration | What It Qualifies You For | Licensing Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSW Bachelor of Social Work |
4 years | Case management, community outreach, social services, school support roles, child welfare (under supervision) | LBSW in select states. Not eligible for clinical or independent licensure. |
| MSW Master of Social Work |
2 years (or 1 year Advanced Standing) | Clinical practice, therapy, healthcare social work, school social work, independent and supervisory roles | LMSW (generalist), LCSW or LICSW (clinical, after supervised experience) |
| DSW / PhD Doctoral Degrees |
3–5 years beyond the MSW | Research, teaching, program leadership, policy development, executive administration | LCSW eligibility carried forward from MSW. Doctoral degrees do not replace licensure. |
Your Path Based on Where You Are Now
Not everyone starts from the same place. Here is what the path looks like based on your current education level.
What Makes a Social Work Program Worth Your Time and Tuition?
Not all social work programs are equal, and the gap between a program that positions you well and one that leaves you underprepared shows up fast once you are in the field. The programs featured here are evaluated against the criteria that matter most for your career, not just enrollment numbers or name recognition.
CSWE Accreditation
The non-negotiable standard. CSWE accreditation is required for licensure eligibility in all 50 states at both the BSW and MSW levels. Verify it is active for the specific program and degree level you are considering, not just for the institution as a whole.
BSW Programs That Build Your Foundation
Strong BSW programs integrate field education early, offer clear pathways to advanced-standing MSW programs, and prepare graduates for the day-to-day realities of generalist practice in agencies, schools, and social services.
MSW Programs Designed Around Your Life
The best MSW programs offer part-time and online enrollment options for working adults, meaningful clinical or macro concentrations, and field placement support that works regardless of where you live.
Doctoral Programs for Leaders and Researchers
Practice-focused DSW programs serve experienced professionals moving into organizational leadership. Research-focused PhD programs develop the next generation of scholars. Both require an MSW and offer structured paths to significant career impact.
Online Options That Hold Up
Accredited online programs provide the same ASWB exam eligibility and licensure pathway as campus programs. What separates strong online programs is their field placement infrastructure, quality of advising, and track record of graduates moving into licensed practice.
Outcomes You Can Evaluate
Programs confident in their quality share graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, and employment data. A program that cannot or will not share outcome data when asked directly is a yellow flag worth noting before you commit.
CSWE-Accredited Social Work Programs
Compare featured BSW, MSW, and doctoral programs from accredited universities, evaluated for quality, flexibility, and career outcomes.
PROS
CSWE-accredited MSW available on campus and fully online Two concentrations: Advanced Clinical Practice and Advanced Integrated Practice Advanced Standing track available in all formats for BSW graduates — completable in as few as 24 months online No GRE required for the online MSW 900+ hours of guaranteed field placement experience Dedicated coursework for social workers serving military personnel and veterans 2025 first-time ASWB exam pass rate of 84.1% — above both New York State and national averagesCONS
The online MSW is offered in a part-time format only The traditional MSW has a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0
PROS
Ranked in the top 15 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2024) CSWE-accredited MSW available online and at three Colorado campus locations Online Advanced Standing MSW completable in as few as 12 months Customizable Advanced Social Work Practice concentration with multiple specialization pathways Online pathways in Mental Health and Trauma as well as Health Equity and Wellness Access to 2500+ internship sites across 48 states through GSSW's field placement network No minimum work experience required for online program admissionCONS
The full 81-credit online MSW is a longer and more demanding program compared to some alternatives A preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended
PROS
CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW available fully online and on campus across multiple Arizona locations ASU's School of Social Work is ranked #25 by U.S. News & World Report MSW offers Advanced Generalist and Advanced Direct Practice concentrations Advanced Standing MSW available for BSW graduates completable in approximately one year at 39 credits 960 hours of field practicum across two internship sites for the standard MSW Faculty includes seven Fellows of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare Program serves more than 2000 students annually with strong student support infrastructureCONS
Online MSW students are responsible for securing their own field placement sites with guidance from ASU staff 240 hours of social service volunteer or work experience required before applying for students with no prior social work backgroundCan You Become a Social Worker Through an Online Program?
Yes. Over 100 CSWE-accredited online BSW and MSW programs now offer the same licensure eligibility as campus programs. Online graduates sit for the same ASWB exams and hold the same license as on-campus graduates. The credential itself does not indicate how the degree was earned.
What Online Programs Offer
- Asynchronous coursework around your schedule
- Part-time tracks for working adults
- The same CSWE-accredited curriculum as on-campus programs
- Local field placement arranged near where you live
- Full ASWB exam eligibility and licensure pathway
- Multiple start dates per year at many programs
What to Confirm Before You Enroll
- CSWE accreditation is active for the specific program (not just the school)
- The program can arrange or support field placement in your area
- Part-time enrollment is available if you are working
- No GRE is required, or that you meet the GRE requirements
- Tuition and total program cost, not just per-credit rate
- Any required on-campus or synchronous sessions
How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker?
The timeline depends on your starting point and the license level you are working toward. Here are realistic estimates for the most common paths.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A CSWE-accredited BSW is the best starting point for future MSW students. Non-social-work bachelor’s degrees are also accepted by most MSW programs, though without advanced standing eligibility.
Complete Your MSW Program
Advanced standing students (with a CSWE BSW) typically finish in 12 months. Traditional students complete a two-year, 60-credit program. Part-time options extend this to 3–4 years while allowing you to work.
Complete Field Placement Hours
All accredited programs require supervised field hours: a minimum of 400 hours for BSW students and 900 hours for MSW students. Field placement is arranged through your program and usually happens in the final year of study.
Apply for Your Initial License
Most states offer a generalist license (such as LMSW) to MSW graduates who pass the master’s-level ASWB exam. This license allows you to practice under supervision while you accumulate clinical hours.
Earn Your Clinical License (LCSW or Equivalent)
Clinical licensure requires supervised post-MSW experience, typically 2–3 years and roughly 2,000–4,000 hours, depending on your state, followed by the clinical-level ASWB exam. Requirements vary significantly by state. This is the license needed for independent practice and therapy.
What to Expect From Field Placement
Field education is a required component of every CSWE-accredited social work program. It is where classroom knowledge becomes supervised practice. Every student, including online students, must complete field hours before graduating.
BSW Field Requirements
A minimum of 400 supervised hours, typically completed in the final year of study. Placement sites include schools, community agencies, hospitals, and social services organizations near where you live.
MSW Field Requirements
A minimum of 900 supervised hours across two field placements, typically 450 hours each. MSW students complete a foundation-year placement and a concentration-year placement aligned with their specialization.
For Online Students
Online programs arrange field placements locally. Most programs have field coordinators who help identify approved sites in your area. You complete the hours in your community while taking coursework remotely.
Common Placement Settings
Hospitals and healthcare systems, schools and school districts, mental health agencies, child welfare offices, substance abuse treatment programs, community health centers, and government social services.
What You Do During Placement
Work directly with clients under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Conduct assessments, develop service plans, facilitate groups, attend team meetings, and apply the theories and skills learned in coursework.
How Placement Affects Your Timeline
Field placement runs concurrently with coursework in most programs. Confirm early how many days per week placement requires, as many sites expect two to three days per week during your placement semester.
Ready to compare programs? The featured social work programs above are evaluated for CSWE accreditation, concentration options, and flexibility for working professionals.
Understanding Social Work Licensure: A State-by-State Reality
Licensure is how states protect the public by ensuring social workers meet minimum competency standards. Every state has its own licensing board, license titles, and requirements. What qualifies you to practice independently in one state may differ in another.
| Common License Type | Degree Required | General Purpose | State Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| LBSW Licensed Bachelor Social Worker |
CSWE-accredited BSW | Entry-level practice in non-clinical settings under supervision | Not available in all states. Check your state board. |
| LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker |
CSWE-accredited MSW | Generalist practice, case management, administrative roles. Not for independent clinical practice. | Most states. Titles vary (LSW, LASW, etc.). |
| LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker |
MSW + supervised clinical hours (typically 2,000–4,000 hrs depending on state) + clinical ASWB exam | Independent clinical practice, therapy, diagnosis, and private practice | Most states. Some states use LICSW or LISW instead. |
| LICSW / LISW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker |
MSW + supervised hours + exam (requirements similar to LCSW) | Independent clinical practice in states that use this title instead of LCSW | Select states (e.g., Massachusetts, Minnesota, Washington, D.C.) |
For current requirements in your state, visit your state licensing board directly. Requirements change, and the information above reflects general patterns, not legal guidance.
Generalist Social Work vs. Clinical Social Work: What’s the Difference?
One of the most important decisions in your social work education is whether you are working toward generalist practice or clinical licensure. These are different career tracks with different degree requirements and different day-to-day roles.
Generalist Practice
- Case management, coordination, advocacy, and community work
- Entry level: BSW or MSW generalist concentration
- Settings include child welfare, schools (non-clinical), housing agencies, and government social services
- Licensure at the LBSW or LMSW level in most states
- Does not require the supervised post-degree clinical hours
Clinical Practice
- Therapy, mental health counseling, diagnosis, and treatment planning
- Requires an MSW with a clinical or direct practice concentration
- Settings include mental health agencies, hospitals, private practice, and substance abuse treatment
- Requires LCSW or equivalent, which means post-MSW supervised hours (typically 2–3 years)
- Enables independent practice and, in many states, the ability to bill insurance
If you are uncertain which path fits you, most MSW programs offer both concentrations. Choose your concentration based on where you see yourself practicing, not just on what interests you academically.
This page covers the degree-path overview and general licensure tiers. Looking for state-specific license rules or social work career paths? Use the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to become a social worker?
The degree you need depends on the type of social work you want to do and your state’s requirements. Many entry-level positions require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. To become a licensed clinical social worker and provide therapy or practice independently, you will need a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program plus supervised post-degree experience. Some states allow limited non-clinical practice with a BSW and a baccalaureate-level license. Always verify your state’s specific requirements with your state licensing board.
Do I need a BSW first, or can I go straight into an MSW?
You do not need a BSW to enter most MSW programs. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in any field can apply to traditional two-year MSW programs. However, if you do have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you qualify for advanced standing, which allows you to complete your MSW in approximately one year rather than two. Advanced standing is only available to graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs.
Can you become a social worker through an online program?
Yes. CSWE-accredited online BSW and MSW programs provide the same licensure eligibility as campus programs. Graduates of accredited online programs sit for the same ASWB exams and hold the same licenses. Online programs still require field placement hours, which are typically completed locally near where you live. Make sure to confirm that any program you consider holds active CSWE accreditation at the program level, not just at the institutional level.
How long does it take to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)?
Plan for approximately four years for a bachelor’s degree (or a degree in another field), one to two years for an MSW, and two to three years of supervised clinical experience after graduation. Total time from starting college to LCSW licensure typically ranges from 7 to 10 years. However, advanced-standing MSW programs and prior bachelor’s degrees in any field can reduce the educational portion of this timeline.
What are the steps after earning your social work degree?
After graduating from a CSWE-accredited MSW program, most social workers apply for an initial generalist license (such as the LMSW) by passing the master’s-level ASWB examination and meeting their state’s application requirements. This license allows supervised practice while you accumulate the clinical hours needed for a higher-level license. After completing your required supervised hours and passing the clinical-level ASWB exam, you can apply for your clinical license (LCSW or equivalent) and, in most states, begin independent practice.
What field placement or practicum requirements should I expect?
CSWE-accredited programs require a minimum of 400 supervised field hours for BSW students and 900 supervised field hours for MSW students. These hours are completed at approved agency sites under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Online students complete field placement locally through their program’s field coordinator. Most programs schedule placement during the final year of study, often requiring two to three days per week at your placement site. Confirm placement requirements and your program’s local placement support before enrolling.
Find the Right Social Work Program for You
Compare CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs, including online and advanced standing options, and take the next step on your social work pathway today.
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