Do you need a master’s to become a social worker?
You may already know that social work requires empathy, kindness, and a strong desire to implement change in your community. You may not know, however, that there are several ways to become a social worker — and you don't always need to earn a master's degree. What degree do you need to become a social worker? Read on to learn about the different types of social workers and their requirements.
What degree do you need to become a social worker?
To become a social worker, you will need at least a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, depending on the available licensure in the state you wish to practice.
A bachelor's in social work (BSW) degree is necessary for entry-level social work roles. Some states offer licensure at the bachelor's level for positions like case management or community outreach. A master's in social work (MSW) degree is typically required for advanced practice roles, such as clinical social work or counseling. While an MSW is not always mandatory, it significantly broadens career opportunities and allows for independent practice in many states.
The type of social work you pursue depends on your interests, background, and professional goals. While social worker levels, titles, and licensing requirements vary from state to state, the distinctions are roughly as follows:
- Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW)
- Description: A baccalaureate social worker typically works in mental health, senior care, or residential treatment settings. They qualify for entry-level roles that don't include program management, supervisory, or clinical social work.
- Education requirements: BSW
- Licensed master social worker (LMSW)
- Description: State classification varies, but a master social worker is usually defined as someone with an MSW and LMSW certification. Master social workers are generalists who can work in various settings at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. They cannot work as mental health counselors unless supervised by a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed psychologist (LP).
- Education requirements: MSW
- Licensed clinical social worker
- Description: Clinical social workers are qualified to work in most social work roles at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels — however, they are most likely to work in clinical or supervisory roles. Clinical social workers can diagnose and treat mental health conditions but cannot prescribe medications. They can also practice independently.
- Education requirements: MSW or higher
What can you do with a master's in social work?
Earning your MSW can open doors to various opportunities in the social work field. This degree enables you to advance beyond entry-level social work and make a more direct impact on your community. Examples of roles to explore with your MSW include:
- Child welfare specialist
- Mental health case manager
- Criminal justice social worker
- Hospice social worker
- Public policy analyst
- Grant writer
- Licensed master social worker (requires additional licensing)
- Licensed clinical social worker (requires additional licensing)
You can earn an LMSW or LCSW certification as an MSW program graduate. You may also consider earning a license in mental health counseling, clinical forensic social work, or child psychology, to name a few.
Master's degree in social work: Average salaries
Salaries for MSW program graduates depend on several factors, including your location, employer, role, and professional experience. However, licensed master social workers and clinical social workers generally earn more than baccalaureate and entry-level social workers due to their more demanding education and training requirements.
For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), child, family, and school social workers made a median annual salary of $58,570 in 2024. Healthcare social workers, who typically have their MSW and a license, made an average of $68,090 in the same year, per the BLS.
Steps to earn a master's in social work
1. Earn a bachelor's degree in social work
Earning a bachelor's degree in social work can provide valuable insight into core social work concepts, theories, and history. You don't need a BSW to apply for most MSW programs, but a BSW accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may qualify you for advanced standing MSW programs that can be completed within one year.
MSW candidates with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field typically qualify for traditional MSW programs, as long as other admission requirements are met.
2. Browse master's in social work programs
As you prepare to apply for MSW programs, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is an in-person or online MSW program worth it for me?
- How much am I willing to spend on my MSW, and what financial aid options do I qualify for?
- What program tracks does my desired institution offer? Do I qualify for an advanced standing or traditional track?
- What specialization should I choose (if applicable)?
- What type of program works best for my schedule: Full or part time?
3. Complete your coursework
Once you've been accepted into your MSW program, you'll complete coursework according to your program's set schedule. Remember that MSW programs require you to complete supervised fieldwork in your community before you graduate. Depending on your chosen program, you may have to complete 450–1,200 practicum hours.
4. Graduate and apply for licensure
After you've graduated from a CSWE-accredited MSW program, you will be able to apply for social work licensure. Research the type of social work license that suits your career goals, then submit an application through your state's social work board. Most applicants must pass a background check and pay an application fee.
Then, you'll need to take and pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. Finally, certain types of licensure (such as the LCSW) require you to complete post-graduate supervised hours before you can practice independently.