Connecticut Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in CT
Written by Genevieve Carlton | Edited by Victoria Hudgeons
Updated July 2024
Connecticut is a great place to become a social worker. The state’s social workers report average salaries of over $70,000 with strong projected job growth. But becoming a Connecticut social worker requires more than a degree. You’ll also need to meet the state’s licensure requirements, which can take years.
What are the LCSW requirements in Connecticut? How much do social workers earn? Our guide walks through what you need to know as a prospective Connecticut social worker.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Connecticut Social Work Licensing Requirements
In Connecticut, you’ll need a master’s in social work (MSW) from an accredited social work program to earn your license. The Connecticut State Department of Public Health licenses social workers and provides resources on applying for an initial license and renewing your license.
Connecticut offers two social work licenses: a master’s level social worker credential for MSW graduates completing their post-MSW supervised hours and a licensed clinical social worker credential.
Master’s Level Social Worker
The master’s level social worker license allows MSW graduates to hold a state-issued license while completing the LCSW requirements in Connecticut. MSW students can take the master’s level exam in their final semester. This license requires a $125 application fee. Social workers must meet continuing education requirements annually to maintain their credential.
Connecticut licensure requirements for MSW include:
- Master’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB master exam (requirement currently suspended until January 1, 2026)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed clinical social workers have a broader scope of practice and can engage in independent practice. The licensed clinical social worker credential requires 3,000 hours of post-MSW social work experience, with the option to substitute three years of licensed work experience in another state for the work experience requirement.
Connecticut licensure requirements for LCSW include:
- Master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- Documentation of 3,000 post-master’s social work experience hours and at least 100 hours of supervision by an LCSW
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in Connecticut
Connecticut offers reciprocity for licensed social workers from out-of-state. However, applicants must have a minimum of four years of licensed experience, and their license must be in good standing.
Out-of-state social workers must provide verification of every state license they’ve held, including expired licenses. They must also submit an online application. These applicants do not need to provide MSW transcripts, exam scores, or verification of their training if they provide proof of a valid out-of-state license with four years or more of licensed work experience.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in Connecticut
Connecticut social workers must renew their license annually. In order to meet renewal requirements, social workers must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education each year.
Continuing education must be related to social work practice and can include courses, workshops, or conferences approved by the Association of Social Work Boards or the National Association of Social Workers. Social workers must limit asynchronous online continuing education to no more than ten hours.
In addition, social workers must complete training focused on cultural competency, the mental health of veterans, suicide prevention, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
BSW Programs Available in Connecticut
- Central Connecticut State University — New Britain (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $642 per credit in state (part time), $659 per credit out of state (part time), $6,525 per semester in state (full time), $8,275 per semester out of state (full time)
- Eastern Connecticut State University — Willimantic (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $6,998 per year in state (full time), $10,498 per year out of state (full time)
- Fairfield University — Fairfield (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $885 per credit hour, $57,450 per year
- Sacred Heart University — Fairfield (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $24,080 per semester
- Southern Connecticut State University — New Haven (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $3,499 per semester in state, $10,469 per semester out of state
- University of Connecticut — Hartford (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $19,512 per year in state, $41,424 per year out of state
- University of Saint Joseph — West Hartford (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $23,489 per term
- Western Connecticut State University — Danbury (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $3,499 per semester in state, $5,249 per semester out of state
MSW Programs Available in Connecticut
- Fairfield University — Fairfield (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $910 per credit hour
- Quinnipiac University — North Haven (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Health, Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $24,930 per year
- Sacred Heart University — Fairfield (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $840 per creidt hour
- Southern Connecticut State University — New Haven (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $4,358 per semester in state, $11,223 per semester out of state
- University of Connecticut — Hartford (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Individuals, Groups, and Families Practice; Community Organizing; Policy Practice
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $880 per credit hour
- University of Saint Joseph — West Hartford (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Community Development and Social Systems
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $1,109 per credit hour
Connecticut Social Worker Career and Salary Information
How much can you expect to earn by pursuing a social worker career in Connecticut? The state’s social workers report an average annual salary between $70,000 and $80,000, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Connecticut social workers also benefit from strong demand. According to Projections Central, healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse social workers will see over 9% job growth from 2022 to 2032, while child, family, and school social workers will see over 8% job growth.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $70,200 | $33.75 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $79,360 | $38.16 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $77,930 | $37.46 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $72,710 | $34.96 |
Social Work Associations in Connecticut
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Connecticut Chapter: The NASW helps members with licensing exam preparation, provides continuing education resources, and advocates issues important to social workers in Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in Connecticut?
Connecticut social workers specialize in several areas, including as child and family social workers, mental health social workers, healthcare social workers, school social workers, and substance abuse social workers. These careers require a master’s in social work plus a state-issued license.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in Connecticut?
You’ll need to hold a master’s in social work and pass a national licensure exam to become a licensed social worker in Connecticut. The state offers a master’s level social work license to meet experience requirements to become a licensed clinical social worker.
How much do social workers in Connecticut make?
Social workers in Connecticut report average annual salaries ranging from $70,000 to $80,000, depending on their specialization. Salaries also vary by location and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides additional information on social worker salaries.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Connecticut?
It takes several years to become a social worker in Connecticut. All social workers need a master’s degree to earn their license, and the LCSW requirements in Connecticut include at least 3,000 hours of work experience.
