Georgia Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in GA

Written by Nalea J. Ko
Last Updated: May 2023

While many states license social workers at the associate or bachelor’s level, Georgia is one of only nine states in the U.S. that requires a minimum of a master’s in social work (MSW) or doctorate in social work to become licensed.

Each state has its own rules for licensing social workers. The Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists issues two types of licenses for social workers.

Here, you can explore the Georgia social work license requirements, licensing requirements in Georgia, BSW and MSW programs in the state, and salaries available once you graduate.

In This Article

Education Required to Become a Social Worker in Georgia

In Georgia, you can become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or a licensed master social worker (LMSW). Both licenses require that you complete an MSW degree that maintains Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. However, these steps only apply to licensed social workers.

Opportunities await even if you hold a bachelor’s in social work degree (BSW). Under the supervision of a licensed social worker, you can practice in the state of Georgia after obtaining an accredited BSW. You need an MSW to get licensed.

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in Georgia

Georgia’s Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists recognizes licensed clinical social workers and licensed master social workers. Both licenses require an MSW degree and post-master’s supervised experience.

To apply, you must complete an application with the Secretary of State and adhere to specific requirements as outlined below.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

To become a licensed master social worker, you need to complete a CSWE-accredited master of social work degree with the required practicum. Then you must also meet Georgia social work license requirements that include:

• At least two years of experience. There are no specified hours of work experience per the Georgia Board.
• Passing the master’s ASWB exam. You will need to submit scores.
• Signing and notarizing all forms in the application
• Transcripts from a CSWE-accredited MSW program
• Two references from teachers or supervisors
• Completing a background consent form
• Submitting the initial licensure application fee of $110 and your online or printed application
• Waiting 25 days for processing time

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

If you want to become a licensed clinical social worker, you need to complete a CSWE-accredited master’s degree. The Georgia Society for Clinical Social Workers recommends that you become a licensed master social worker prior to becoming an LCSW. However, you can directly apply for LCSW licensure by following these steps:

• Complete 3,000 supervised hours and 120 direct contact hours over 36 months.
• Apply and pass the ASWB clinical exam or apply for license by exam waiver, if you have previously passed the exam.
• Sign all forms of the application. Notarize forms, if applicable.
• Complete the directed experience and supervision verification forms.
• Get transcripts from your CSWE-accredited MSW program.
• Two references, preferably from teachers or supervisors.
• Undergo a background check.
• Submit the initial licensure application fee of $110 and your online or printed application.
• Wait for up to 25 days during the processing time.

Learn more about the differences between an LMSW and an LCSW.

Social Work License Reciprocity in Georgia

Georgia does not offer a social work license reciprocity or license by endorsement. You can apply for a license by exam waiver if you have passed the ASWB clinical or master’s exam and hold a license in another state. Then, simply transfer your scores to the Georgia Board.

In some states, a license by endorsement or reciprocity agreement allows social workers to use their current license and work in another state. Out-of-state applicants must complete the same signed and notarized application as new applicants.

Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information

All social workers licensed in Georgia share a September 30 expiration date. Both the LMSW and LCSW expire every two years. You have a renewal period during the month of October, during even-numbered years. If you miss this deadline, you need to reinstate your license. You can renew online through the Georgia Online Licensing site for a nonrefundable renewal fee of $100. Late renewals are $150.

The Georgia Board requires at least 35 continuing education hours within the two-year renewal period.

BSW Programs Available in Georgia

• Albany State University — Albany, GA (On Campus)
  • Available Concentrations: Family and child welfare; Social work with families
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $169 per credit hour
• Augusta University — Augusta, GA (On Campus)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $230 per credit hour in state, $742 per credit hour out of state
• Clark Atlanta University — Atlanta, GA (On Campus)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $23,484 per year
• Dalton State College — Dalton, GA (On Campus)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $106 per credit hour in state, $395 per credit hour out of state
• Fort Valley State University — Fort Valley, GA (On Campus)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $169 per credit hour, $616 per credit hour out of state
• Georgia State University — Atlanta, GA (On Campus, Online
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $4,474 per semester in state, $13,993 per semester out of state
• Middle Georgia State University — Macon, GA (On Campus, Online)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $131 per credit hour in state, $353 per credit hour out of state
• Point University — West Point, GA (On Campus, Online)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $410 per credit hour
• Savannah State University — Savannah, GA (On Campus)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $169 per credit hour in state, $616 per credit hour out of state
• Thomas University — Thomasville, GA (On Campus, Online)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $475 per credit hour
• University of Georgia — Athens, GA (On Campus)
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $2,909 per semester in state (six hours of less), $8,555 per semester out of state (six hours of less)

MSW Programs Available in Georgia

• Albany State University — Albany, GA (On Campus)
  • Available Concentrations: Children and families
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evenings
  • 2023 Tuition: $191 per credit hour in state, $762 per credit hour out of state
• Clark Atlanta University — Atlanta, GA (On Campus)
  • Available Concentrations: Child and family and health; Mental health
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
  • 2023 Tuition: $951 per credit hour
• Georgia State University — Atlanta, GA (On Campus, Online)
  • Available Concentrations: Community partnerships
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
  • 2023 Tuition: $4,776 per semester in state, $15,108 per semester out of state
• Kennesaw State University — Marietta, GA (On Campus)
  • Available Concentrations: Children, youth, and families, clinical or direct practice
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time
  • 2023 Tuition: $296 per credit hour in state, $1,066 per credit hour out of state
• Savannah State University — Savannah, GA (On Campus)
  • Available Concentrations: Clinical practice; Social administration practice
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Advanced Standing
  • 2023 Tuition: $196 per credit hour in state, $726 per credit hour out of state
• University of Georgia — Athens and Atlanta, GA (On Campus, Online)
  • Available Concentrations: Micro practice; Macro practice integrated practice
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
  • 2023 Tuition: $2,909 per six hours or less in state, $8,555 per six hours or less out of state
• Valdosta State University — Valdosta, GA (On Campus, Online)
  • Available Concentrations: Advanced generalist
  • Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends and Evening
  • 2023 Tuition: $254 per credit hour in state, $915 per credit hour out of state

Georgia Social Worker Jobs and Salary Information

Georgia employs roughly 12,130 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This includes child, family, and school social workers; healthcare social workers; mental health and substance abuse social workers; postsecondary social work teachers; and the category “social workers, all other.”

Employment for social workers is expected to increase from 2020-2030 by a rate of 7.6%-25.8%. Jobs for mental health and substance abuse social workers are expected to outpace other fields at a rate of 25.8%. Healthcare social workers and child, family, and school social workers should see an increase at a rate of 18-19%, respectively. What you get paid as a social worker in Georgia depends on your specialty.

• Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary: $56,750
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $48,200
• Healthcare Social Workers: $54,710
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $46,720
• Social Workers, All Other: $75,270

Learn more about social worker salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a social worker in Georgia?

Before you can work as a social worker, you need to first complete a BSW program, which takes at least four years. Then you must get an MSW, a process that requires 2-3 years of study.

After earning your MSW, you need to complete 2-3 years of work experience. The specific work requirements depend on the license.

How much does it cost to become a social worker in Georgia?

Tuition costs vary by school and degree in Georgia. For instance, Dalton State College offers a per credit tuition rate of $106 for its undergraduate degrees. Clark Atlanta University costs $664-$978 per credit hour for a BSW degree.

For MSW programs, Albany State University charges $191 per credit hour, and Clark Atlanta University costs $951 per credit hour.

What is the difference between LMSW and LCSW in Georgia?

An LMSW license is considered a stepping stone to an LCSW license — the most advanced license in Georgia. To become an LCSW, you need 120 hours of supervised work experience over 36 months. Half of the required work hours must be with individuals and the other half with groups.

Are social workers in demand in Georgia?

Yes. All social workers are in demand in Georgia, but especially mental health and substance abuse social workers; healthcare social workers; and child, family, and school social workers.

From 2020-2030, Georgia is expected to add 700 child, family, and school social workers and 410 healthcare social workers. State employers will also add about 130 mental health and substance abuse social workers during that time.