What Degree Do You Need to Become a Social Worker?
Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
Written by: Jennifer Cuellar | Edited by: Diana Zaremba | Last Updated: April 2024
If you’re drawn to a profession that allows you to make a difference in people’s lives, social work might just be your calling. Social workers play a crucial role in helping individuals, groups, and families manage and overcome life’s challenges.
But what degree do you need to become a social worker? Learn about the various degree paths for aspiring social workers, including accreditation and licensing requirements, to help you decide if a degree in social work is the right decision for you.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Social Worker?
We’ll start with the obvious question: Do you need a master’s degree to become a social worker, or is a bachelor’s degree enough? For many roles that you might associate with this field — particularly roles that can diagnose and treat patients — yes, you will need a master’s degree and clinical hours to get the proper social work license.
With that said, there are roles within the social work field — such as working in advocacy or social aid — where a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient. You’ll want to check your state board’s requirements for the social work roles you have in mind, as requirements vary by state.
Degree Paths for Aspiring Social Workers
As you begin your journey to becoming a social worker, you’ll find multiple educational paths available. Social work degrees vary from associate to doctoral degrees, each offering unique opportunities and preparing you for various roles within the field.
Associate’s Degree in Social Work
An associate degree in social work is an introductory step into the social services field. This two-year degree combines courses in human services and sociology and provides you with foundational knowledge in social work. You’ll learn topics including case management, criminal justice, advocacy, social problems, community resources, and psychology.
An associate’s degree not only paves the way for advanced education in social work but can also open doors to entry-level social service jobs that don’t require licensure. These roles can include community outreach, case management assistance, and school aid. However, check your state’s requirements, as some roles require more advanced degrees and licenses.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)
A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) provides a comprehensive foundation for entering the profession. As a BSW student, you’ll explore various broad topics, such as human behavior, social justice, psychology, addiction, and social welfare policies.
An accredited BSW program often requires hours of supervised field experience, allowing you to apply academic lessons in real-world scenarios, gain practical skills, and develop a foundation for your work.
This degree prepares you for non-clinical roles in case management and administration, sometimes under the supervision of a master’s level social worker. You can pursue roles as a licensed baccalaureate social worker, case manager, or probation officer. However, check your state for specific requirements. Some states require a master’s degree to become a licensed social worker.
Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
A master’s degree in social work (MSW) offers additional opportunities by qualifying you for advanced practice social work in various settings and roles. An MSW degree opens up specialized roles in healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) requires many clinical hours and additional tests. LCSWs can provide clinical services for their clients, including diagnosing and treating conditions.
Doctorate Degree in Social Work
A doctorate degree in social work is the highest level of educational attainment in this field. These programs prepare students for advanced research, supervision, and policy analysis. Doctorate holders can teach at the university level or pursue high-level management positions.
A doctorate is ideal for those who wish to contribute to the field through research, shape social work education, or influence social policy at a high level.
Importance of Accreditation in Social Work Programs
Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of a social work program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits social work programs in the U.S., ensuring they meet educational and industry standards. This accreditation is often a requirement for licensure in social work.
Licensing and Certification for Social Workers
To practice as a social worker, you typically need to obtain a state license, which involves completing a social work degree, passing your state-specific licensing requirements and exams, and obtaining a certain amount of fieldwork hours in most states. Fieldwork hours vary but can add up to 3,000 hours for clinical-level social work. Check your state’s requirements for more specifics.
Is a Degree in Social Work the Right Path for You?
Deciding whether to pursue a social work degree involves carefully considering several factors. Understand your state’s specific educational and training requirements, your career ambitions, and whether or not the specialties in social work align with these ambitions.
Understanding job outlook, salary expectations, and potential work environments can help your decision-making process. Reflect on whether you’re interested in macro, mezzo, or micro levels of social work, which can help you narrow down which degree to pursue.
