Wondering how to become a social worker and what the requirements are? This guide covers everything you need to know, from the steps on becoming a social worker to the requirements for licensure. You’ll learn what education and training are required, and how long the process to become a social worker takes. At Pacific Oaks College, we offer online social work programs, including our Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees
What is a social worker?
Social workers are professionals who provide assistance and care for vulnerable individuals and communities. As a social worker, you may work in schools, organizations, mental health clinics, or other public or private agencies, depending on your specialty.
According to the National Association of Social Workers, a social worker is a person who works to improve human living standards and meet people’s fundamental and complex needs while focusing on the vulnerable, poor, and oppressed.
Social workers can work in administrative capacities such as policymaking and implementation and provide diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Areas within the field of social work include clinical and nonclinical social work.
How do you become a licensed social worker?
No matter the field or capacity you’d like to practice in, you must complete a few necessary steps before obtaining a license to practice.
Step 1: Complete a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW)
To practice social work, you must begin by completing at least a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a related field. This foundational education will equip you with the basic knowledge and skills to succeed in the field.
A BSW degree, such as the Online Bachelor of Social Work at Pacific Oaks College, will cover social work practice, human behavior, social welfare policy, case management, and more.
Step 2: Pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW)
To become eligible for certain licensure or clinical practice roles, aspiring social workers must also complete a master’s or another higher-level degree in social work. A specialized graduate degree in social work builds on your knowledge and prepares you for more advanced roles in the field.
Obtaining an MSW prepares students to contribute more to the social work profession through research, improved leadership skills, and specialized topics. For example, the Online Master of Social Work program offered at Pacific Oaks College develops leaders in the social work field through a social justice and transformation lens. The MSW program also offers further specialization in areas such as end-of-life care and disaster, trauma, and crisis intervention.
Step 3: Complete fieldwork requirements
Before becoming licensed and entering advanced social work roles, it is required that graduates complete a certain number of practice hours in the field. This could include an internship or supervised practice.
In some cases, a social work undergraduate or graduate degree program will include practice hours in the curriculum. Most social work certifying bodies will require applicants to have received a certain amount of practice hours before becoming licensed. Regardless, achieving hands-on experience in the field with clients and communities is invaluable in the path to becoming a social worker.
At Pacific Oaks, while our MSW is offered online, our social work program prepares students to pursue clinical licensure in the state of California. The requirements differ by state, but California requires a total of 3,000 supervised hours spread out over a minimum of 104 weeks. As part of the Pacific Oaks’ MSW curriculum, students are required to complete a minimum of 900 supervised hours.
Step 4: Apply for and obtain state licensure
After completing your social work degree and practice requirements, you can apply for official licensure to practice social work. These licensure requirements will likely vary depending on the state you intend to practice in and the level of practice you wish to pursue.
For example, social work licenses in California are issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are looking to pursue clinical social work, California requires you to obtain LCSW licensure. Learn more about LCSW requirements in California here.
Social Work Certification Options:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW): An entry-level licensure title, LSWs are certified to practice social work at a base level. This includes research, case management, and client intake—but not clinical treatment. LSW licensure often does not require additional graduate education outside of a bachelor’s degree.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): This license permits social workers to practice in a clinical setting and provide diagnoses and treatment to clients. Requirements often include completion of a master’s in social work and demonstrated field experience under supervision.
Step 5: Maintain licensure and pursue continuing education
In order to renew your social work license, you must meet a certain amount of continuing education hours or credits. Continuing education allows social workers to stay on top of changes in the field and specialize in social work practice areas to better serve their diverse communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Social Worker
How long does it take to become a social worker?
Becoming a licensed social worker will take four to six years on average, depending on the licensure and degree you intend to pursue. Your journey could include a four-year undergraduate degree, an MSW program, practical experience, and examinations.
Pacific Oaks College’s Online Bachelor of Social Work program prepares students to enact change through an advanced career in social work.
What is the difference between an LCSW and an LSW?
A Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is an entry-level certification, typically achievable after earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a more advanced certification, allowing one to practice in a clinical setting. LCSW is typically achievable after earning a Master of Social Work (MSW).
How much money do social workers make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers make, on average, $61,330 a year.
Learn more about Pacific Oaks College Social Work programs
If you would like to learn more about the online social work programs available at Pacific Oaks, fill out the form below to request more information, or you can apply today through our application portal.
