How to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

While there are some social work jobs open to candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) is an educational requirement for many positions. BSW program graduates can go on to work as community organizers, case managers, probation officers, and more. The four-year degree program, which combines coursework and fieldwork, provides students with an understanding of social work values, ethics and policies. But if you’re aiming for clinical social worker licensure, a BSW isn’t necessarily required. You will be required to obtain at least a master’s in the field.

Like BSW programs, CSWE-accredited master’s in social work (MSW) programs include a number of required core courses. Once those core courses are completed, students have the opportunity to select courses that focus on a specialty area of their choosing. If you want to work as an LCSW, some MSW specialization tracks you can consider are behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse, and clinical social work. MSW programs can also prepare students to work in management positions within the field.

You can pursue a master’s in social work (MSW) program online or on-campus. There are also online LCSW programs to consider. Some universities offer hybrid versions of the degree as well. It all depends on your personal commitments and learning style.

When looking for the best MSW program for you, carefully review admissions requirements as well as course offerings and descriptions. Make sure your program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

If you already have a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, there are master’s programs designed for students just like you, that allow you to build on the knowledge and skills acquired during your undergraduate education. These programs are called advanced standing MSW programs.

There are other advanced social work degrees available to professionals in the field such as a Ph.D. in social work and a Doctor of Social Work, but neither of these degrees are required for clinical social work licensure. They involve heavy research and prepare graduates to work in leadership roles.

All future LCSWs must complete additional hours of post-MSW clinical hours to meet licensure requirements in their state. Experience requirements may vary by state, but often include diagnoses, assessments and treatments, face-to-face individual and group therapy, client advocacy, consultation, evaluation, and research. Be sure to check with your intended to practice state’s social work licensure requirements.

After earning a master’s degree in social work, passing the applicable social work exam from the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB), and meeting any additional state requirements for social work licensure, graduates are then able to obtain a LCSW license in their state. Licensure for LCSWs typically requires two years of supervised experience after earning your master’s. Depending on your state, a clinical exam may be required as well.